Customer Reviews

Spaced Invaders [VHS]

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

On my first viewing of Spaced Invaders I made a tragic mistake: I took it seriously. When renting it later just for the heck of it I realized that it's supposed to be just as goofy and unbelievable as it is. It's not just a funny movie; it's a forgotten classic. The first time you see it you're likely to be distracted by the sappy ET-style friendship between Arianna Richards and a cute little robot-thing, but make no mistake: This movie is not just another Mac & Me.

The story: The Martian Empire is attacking Arcturus under the command of enforcer drones whose inflexibility turns the entire fleet into cannon fodder; a civilian asteroid patrol with five loony Martians and a drone of their own picks up what they think is a cry for help from the embattled citizens of Earth. What they don't know is that the little town of Big Bean is merely broadcasting "War of the Worlds" on Halloween night, so their efforts to join up with the invasion force after a crash landing get them mixed up with a bunch of trick-or-treaters, a costumed mob of gun-toting rednecks, a farmer obsessed with getting pictures for the tabloids, a new Sheriff out of his depth, and their own enforcer drone.

The dialogue in this film is sharp and wittily delivered, set amongst small but incredibly humorous moments that could be missed the first time through but reward second and third viewings trmendously. Little things from a dog changing film in a camera offscreen to the "Duck!" scene make the movie special, and crazy elements like Vern "Zorro" Pillsbury, turned from zero to hero via a Martian robot slave transformation, keep things nutty. Brian the duck is a show-stealer who actually does remind us at times of Daffy--right down to the accent--while old man Wrenchmuller and his trusty dog Jim try to deal with the Martians in their barn like any cartoon character would: with mousetraps and dynamite.

Forget that it's silly to have five Martians voiced as celebrity parodies--it's supposed to be silly. Sit back and watch it with your family this Halloween, and remember not to put tab A into slot B when you assemble your world domination kit. As for me, I can't wait for this one to hit DVD.

Like the great classic Bugs Bunny cartoons, this movie has humor at different levels. I just introduced this to my 10 year old daughter and 11 year old son. Both enjoyed the movie - busting out laughing quite a few times... and my daughter is not much of a sci-fi fan. The movie kept me laughing despite having seen a few times... the adult-level humor (that is, humor that adults will get simply because of greater life experiences, not baudy or R-rated to be found here) keeps the movie equally enjoyable for adults. For example of the adult level humor, the Martian voices are based on characters of different movies/actors. The Martian pilot, Blaznee, has the voice and mannerisms of Jack Nicholson; the scientist, that of Peter Seller's Dr. Strangelove. The special effects are surprisingly good for this film. The lack of top 10 actors actually works in the movie's favor and the actors/actresses play their part well - in fact I would say the producers picked out actors and their skills for the roles' needs over box-office draw power (an excellent example is Wayne Alexander's "Vern" character). I had to write this review... the kids are playing this for the 3rd time in 4 days over dinner right now. Good for a rainy day or a late night weekend there's-nothing-on-and-I'm-bored movie.

"Spaced Invaders" is a priceless comedy! I first saw it when I was 7 and 13 years later it still keeps me in stitches. This has got to be the funniest portrayal of alien invasion ever, with "Men In Black" and "Mars Attacks" being a close second and third. Sure the concepts that the aliens speak English and can breathe unaided on Earth WOULD be farfetched if you think of this movie as strictly sci-fi, but it's princiapally a COMEDY!! Accept that and everything else falls into place. The sight gags, jokes, performances, and even special effects are stupendous! My favorite unspoken joke is Blaznee's (the Pilot) sporting of an LA Lakers t-shirt (apparently Mars gets pretty good reception of Earth cable stations like ESPN.) :-P [Sidenote: Whoever it was that said this movie was too scary for kids was either being a smart@$$, recalling a different movie, possesses no spine whatsoever, or severely needs their head examined.]

P.S. For all that own this movie, just for fun try counting all the times Lt. Digiwig says "Come back/Prepare to die Earth scum!"

Totally funny. This movie appeals to both adults and kids. Many of the jokes adults will get, but kids will not. But on the other hand, the other jokes the kids will love...and the adults wish they could laugh at without the kids in the room. If you want the story line, read another review, If you want fun, get this movie. The martian characters bring life to the movie, as well as a few of the town folk characters. The one liners that pop up will get ya. The visual gags are also great. I will admit I had to see the movie three times to get all the visual gags since they appear so quickly. Enough said.

I was really excited when they announced the release of Spaced Invaders on DVD. I preordered it and got it soon after release. I have seen the movie many times but on my first viewing of the DVD last night was sorely dissappointed that it was the cleaned up over dubbed (badly and not even thoroughly)version. This seems to be a TV verson albeit widescreen. If you want the real thing then don't buy this! If you have never seen the movie then it is ok. I still laughed even though I was in mid dissappointment.

So says young Kathy Hoxly (played by Arianna Richards) and that about sums it up. A five-martian crew on asteroid patrol intercepts a halloween radio broadcast of Orson Wells'"War of the Worlds" and, thinking it's the real thing, decide to hit the Earth, which they do, literally. Between slapstick sight gags, some slick comic dialogue and some truly unique trick-or-treating, this Sci-Fi spoof hits on all cylinders, or whatever they call them in that space thingamajig. Royal Dano is excellent as Mr Wrenchmuller, who thinks his pictures of the invading Martians are just the ticket to save his failing farm. Unfortunately, its hard to tell who's the brains of the team, Mr Wrenchmuller or his dog "Jim".

The Martian crew, led by Captain Bipto and his sidekick "Ferndroid", bumble their way through the invasion, pursued by the irate inhabitants of the town of Big Bean and an equally irate "enforcer drone" who's out to see that they succeed or die trying (or is that frying?). The action moves at a hectic clip, accompanied by the frequent commentary of cynical Navigator/Pilot Blazney.

A bewildering display of alien technology is displayed, or at least referred to, including heat rays, donuts of destruction, fried megaspazz redundancy piles, bruised boo-boos and a loveable polypropelene droidlet called "Shortstuff", all accompanied by the frantic war cry "Prepare to die, Earth scum!"

The wildly disparate plot elements come together for a clever, multi-tiered ending that is both comical and emotionally satisfying.

Two suggestions: Don't eat before watching this movie, and leave yourself plenty of rug to roll around on.

I have rented this several times, and just can not get enough of it. The Martins all have their own unique personality. I love the "Jack Nicolson" and the "German Scientist" Martins.

Good special effects, and the story line is cute how a lone group of Martins try to land on earth and conquer earth. But it is not as easy as it seems.

I wish this movie would be available again for purchase here, I'd buy it in a snap.

Yes, lots of good one-liners in this movie.

Very nice blend of comedy and midgets( almost as good as "Tiny Town"), cute lines..."Let's flame these bozos, they''re too stupid to live!" and "How can they not know we're Martians, we're little green men with antenni?", but all things considered, Leonard Maltin ( only 2 *'s) don't know s--t! It really has to be seen to be appreciated, same with "A Boy and His Dog", and "Dark Star", two more that are unique.

I sort of grew up with this movie. I love the way they incorporate all the inside jokes that adults can get, yet make it fun for the kids too. Plus, it helped me understand the new "War of the Worlds" movie since I never saw the original, read the book, or listened to it on radio. This movie is full of cute fun, laughs, sentiment, and life lessons. A great family video.

It all started with Orson Wells. When these five little aliens come to earth, instead of making havoc, they make a lot of laughs. This movie is grade A, when it comes to needing a comedy to put you in a good mood after a long day or hard night. Shenanigans are a plenty in this film and they never cease to happen. Five little aliens come to earth looking for a war but they find Big Bean, Illinois in the middle of a night of Halloween festivities. Team them up with a little girl who has just moved here and let them take over a couple of minds and act as little kids in alien costumes and you have one wild movie. I would recommend to anyone to buy this to always have in their collection. It is a must have.