threexfive

First, this is not a comedy. It's clear that the filmmakers were sincere in making this movie and tried to recreate a movie with the feel of a 1950's sci-fi, including the same kind of humor (for the most part). Sure, a comment that Edsels would be around forever, but there's not even a whole lot of that.

This film was made for people who enjoy watching the monster movies made 50 years ago. This has it all; small town in the desert, unusual goings-on in the hills; teenagers that adults won't believe; even the local scientist. It's an homage in the finest tradition.

As such, if you can't stand watching old '50's sci-fi, then don't bother with this. But if you catch yourself at the video store looking for some forgotten red-scare flying saucer thriller, or if your copy of This Island Earth is in regular viewing rotation, then Alien Trespass is intended for you, and you should see it.

If you've read the other reviews of this movie, then you already know most of the storyline. What "The Green Slime" really is is lots of fun. Groovy '60's mod clothes, Japanese monsters and miniature sets, way out dance celebration scene, all great stuff. And if you pay enough attention to the big picture, you can't help but think that this influenced "Alien"; people trapped in space, with killer creatures that can't easily be killed. It's just that "Alien" had a better budget and better writers.

I was lucky enough to see this on the big screen, being as that there is only one print in the US. But it would be fun to rent it some rainy weekend afternoon, with plenty of popcorn and the kids.

One thing lacking in The Land Unknown is no one gets eaten by a dinosaur. Sure, there's a couple of close calls, but for the most part, everyone seems to stay intact. I really wanted to see someone get eaten. Oh, well. What we do get to see is three guys and a woman stuck in a tropical pit 3,000 feet below Antarctica, trying to survive long enough to repair their helicopter and leave. Since it's really hot down there, they start shedding clothing pretty quick, but only to the point that's acceptable in a 1957 general release movie. They also find a guy who's been down there for 10 years (and not wearing much, either), and although he has trouble remembering his name, he has no trouble remembering what the woman is for, willing to supply the part they need to fix the copter if he gets his way with the woman. Well, these being more galant times, and because the Commander of the team has the hots for the gal, the offer is refused, so there's sort of a stand-off. I've a feeling if this movie were made today with the same goals in mind, we'd see a whole lot more skin, and someone would have had their way with the woman. And maybe someone would've gotten eaten.

The dinos in The Land Unknown are kind of cheesy. The pterodactyl you never get a good look at. There's a fight scene between two gila monsters that you're suppose to imagine are really big. The T-rex looks like a paper-mache costume with some very uncomfortable guy in it. The underwater creature, whatever it's suppose to be, is a stick puppet.

Overall, I'm not real sure what the point of the movie is, except a chance to see some dinos in action and see some actors and an actress show off what they can of their bodies in 1957. If this is the kind of movie you like (and I do), then you'll enjoy this.