Customer Reviews

Night of the Comet

5 star:		(70)
4 star:		(55)
3 star:		(23)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It's the end of the world, and whats a girl to do? Well if you're Regina and Julie, two cute Valley girls, when you aren't fighting the disintegrating zombies that are the remains of humanity, you are hitting the closest Mall and picking out some sassy outfits. (Best line in the movie, when the younger sister asks the older which outfit she should take and the sister responds, "That one, it'll stay in style longer")

The movie starts off with a space scene and captions that explain a huge coment is going to be making a close approach to earth. It will put on an amazing light show....one that hadn't been seen in over 60 million years, about the time the dinosaurs disappeard. Then it goes on to say, some people noticed this coincidence "Then shows a bunch of people in white lab coats sealing themselved in behinde a massive underground door" then states "But most didn't" and flashes to wild crowds dressed up in their finest 80's party clothes screaming and waving signs that say "We Love the Comet"

Needless to say this movie does NOT take itself seriously and is all the better for it. Staring some of the same actors from the classic dark comedies "Eating Raul" and "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills" this movie is a lightweight, goofy, comic gem well worth seeing!

Now, I'll be upfront. I love "Night of the Comet." It's a movie that intrigued me 20 years ago, and I still get much pleasure from watching it today. I suspect that it is also a movie that will generate many 5 star reviews from those eager to embrace its nostalgic charms. But let's be honest, too. 20 years ago, this was a solid B-movie lark with no pretensions--that's why it was discovered and beloved (largely with the advance of cable TV). As an enjoyable romp, it hit all the right marks as a popcorn movie--but it was never great art. Those who loved it then will likely still find much to appreciate. I am, however, going to be cautious in my appraisal for modern audiences checking this out for the first time. I still think many will get a kick out of it, but it might be a film best approached with modest expectations.

Set in the near future, "Night of the Comet" follows a couple of sisters in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. In the aftermath of a comet's orbit, earth's citizens have largely been reduced to red dust. There are few survivors (those shielded by steel, in some way). Others, who were partially exposed, roam the city having taken on the countenance of flesh eating zombies. Tough minded Reg, played by Catherine Mary Stewart, and her cheerleader sister, Kelli Maroney, aren't pushovers, though. Using a natural survival instinct, an aptitude for weapons, Valley Girl sensibilities, and a love of shopping--these two are a force to be reckoned with. Robert Beltran joins them as a trucker and potential love interest. It seems that an underground facility of scientists has also survived (led by the sublime Mary Woronov of "Eating Raoul" fame). Arguing about whether or not to round up others who made it, their motives may be suspect. What follows is a campy adventure with loads of 80s music, plenty of gunplay, wisecracking teens, and a solid plot, too.

As I said initially, "Night" totally succeeds due to its lack of pretension and its better-than-average setup. It appeals to a teen demographic, features resilient and strong female characters, plays solidly as comedy as well as sci-fi. It's just fun. There are faults, to be sure--to make the city look desolate, there are almost no cars parked, or on the streets, anywhere. Not like the Los Angeles I know--but somehow, even that appealed to my sense of camp.

I am giving "Night" only 3 stars. Again, this is so newcomers will approach the movie not thinking this is the "best movie ever." I don't want to oversell it, it must be discovered and appreciated on its own merit. I love it, though, and hopefully you will too. Remember, though, it's a product of its time--not the glossy production you might expect today. KGHarris, 01/07.

First saw this film on one of the movie cable channels in the late '80s and immediately fell in love with it. The movie is completely without pretense, and the cast members all turn in memorable performances. The movie is just fun, fun, fun, with a minimal amount of `Hollywood' gore but plenty of thrills. If you like your sci-fi a little more down to earth, you'll like "Night Of The Comet." Three thoughts in closing: 1) That's not Cyndi Lauper singing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," but it sounds pretty close, 2) My favorite quote: `I'm not crazy, I just don't give a f---!' 3) I'd like the movie even if my initials weren't DMK--fans of the film will know what I'm talking about.

I love this movie, I wish that they would have made a sequel
part two. This is a great movie-Im a member of columbia house
but they dont have it either. Come on with the dvd.

This is a fantastic movie for its time. It tends to keep you on your toes for the most part with some comedy that blends in with it. It's such a great movie to watch. It's about time they produce the DVD format!!

This would have to be one of my alltime favourite movies and has deservedly become a Cult SciFi Classic over the years. It concerns the passing of a comet over the Los Angeles area turning most of it's residents into red dust. The absolutely beautiful Catherine Mary Stewart plays Regina , one of the survivors . Together with her sister they try to adjust to this lonely new world. This movie has zombies, mad scientists and teenagers who still want to go out and have a good time. I would ask Catherine to marry me but alas she is already wed.This movie is a gem!!!

I'm in complete agreement with most of the other reviewers. Please release this movie soooooooonnnnn on DVD! I have fond memories of this movie, and the soundtrack,"which I don't think was ever released". Hey maybe that can be an extra bonus, releasing the soundtrack with the DVD as well! To all fans awaiting this movies' release on DVD, I'm right there with you. Let's keep our fingers crossed for this one!
M. Eucalyptus B.

I can't believe this movie isn't out on DVD yet!! I first saw this when I was (ahem) a bit younger, and really liked it. It's one of those movies you can watch again and again, and still find it entertaining.

I too remember when I was scared by some of the zombie scenes, and have watched it again on my VHS recorded from TV movie, as an adult. I think it's great!

BRING IT TO DVD PLEASE!!!! I like the idea of having the soundtrack included with the DVD, I would TOTALLY buy it!

This is one of the great small budget movies from the early 80's. Fun to watch with good acting (Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney are great) as well as great directing (Thom Eberhardt). Pure enjoyment from start to finsh.

Please, please, please release it on DVD soon (add all the extras as possible.)

I first saw this movie 23 yrs ago when I was 27 yrs old. I'm now an old man of 50, and you'd think I'd have matured some by now; but I still love watching this movie. It brings back memories of the 80s, which I loved. I bet I've watched the really poor LP-speed "budget-label" worn-out VHS tape I bought in the early 90s a dozen times over the years. I'd waited for it to come out on DVD for so long that I was beginning to wonder if it was lost for good.

It's intentionally cheesy. It's funny. It's satirical of this genre. It's entertaining, and the whole "Valley Girl" thing is so 80s.

Now if we could just get more 80s "classics" like Galaxy of Terror, The Legend of Billie Jean, Night of the Creeps and Flash Gordon released on DVD, the world would be a more enjoyable place.