Hyper Sapien: People from Another Star

If you remember Talia Shire from the Rocky franchise or from The Godfather, you might be surprised that she has been very active as an executive producer, including this early effort in science fiction romance. Its also Keenan Wynn's last film and reminds viewers that he was a capable actor. This is a watchable movie, interspersed with pieces of plot that go nowhere (why is there a U. S. Senator wedged into the story and why is there an alleged assassination plot against her?) and an animatronic alien creature named Kirby who is both a plot device and comic relief. The editing choices also are peculiar and the other acting performances are mediocre. Still, its pleasant and, in the end, mildly suspenseful.

In this family friendly sci-fi movie an alien race, who look like humans, have set up a base on the dark side of the moon. Two alien girls stow away on a trip to Earth and decide to stay on the planet. They plan to prove to their elders that mankind is mature enough to be able to handle extra-terrestrial contact. They end up in the American mid-west and are soon in contact with some locals; meanwhile the captain of their ship pursues them.

This gentle natured yarn is difficult to entirely dislike. To give it a hard time would be akin to kicking a puppy. You would feel ashamed and always regret it. I would only be being honest if I said that it's not exactly great though. It has a Saturday late morning feeling to it, which is not a bad thing exactly but it never really goes anywhere too interesting either. The story boils down to a romantic sub-plot. You know that old chestnut - human boy meets alien girl. The characterisation is actually pretty decent which does help things a bit. While the petrol drinking, three-eyed and limbed alien pet is quite an impressive bit of special effects work all things considered. The plot-line overall never gets particularly exciting but it's charming to a certain extent.

The one thing that did amaze me a little bit though was when I was watching it I thought to myself that the little gap-toothed girl looked exactly like a child version of the ice queen surgeon from the British hospital TV drama Holby City. To my utter amazement I discovered later on that this was indeed the very same person, Rosie Marcel. It sure proves that old saying that little girls can grow up in very interesting ways

I bought this on laser disc years ago, and it has always been a favorite of mine. Many friends who watched it with me agreed. Anyone with just one romantic bone in their body will enjoy the girl boy interplay, especially if you like science fiction (as I do). The unusual pet they bring with them adds greatly to the story. The two 'alien' girls are cute, the effects are quite good and Keenan Wynn, in his 174th movie, his last role, plays a very likeable and understanding, openminded grandfather. I found it to be great fun and when I realized today that someone really tried to badmouth it badly, thought I had to give that a counter. It is not a cerebral piece, but most movies aren't. I am happy that I found it because I have never seen any advertising for it, which I found somewhat surprising. Also, it is something that kids can enjoy with its wholesomeness.

Now, I can happily say that I did NOT rent this movie. This horrible film was on a Sci-Fi channel late one night, and I laughed so hard for so long watching it!

The acting is bad. The special effects are real bad. The hair is the worst. The girls' hair changes colour every scene ("due to the Earth's sun"), it's bigger than Dolly Parton's hair on a bad hair day after she's been in the wind for 36 hours; and their father/spaceguy leader who's looking for them could very well be the newest "before" picture in a Grecian 5 commercial.

This movie is sick - there's no other way to put it. Rent it simply for a good laugh.

The film is not all that bad but it's really geared for the kids to much for me to really enjoy and not like and not as good as E.T. but it is somewhat enjoyable. If you have kids and like Sci-Fi (or your kids do) then this is an entertaining family film.

The film movie had it's moments of being okay (from adult perspective) and I'm sure if I watched this one as a kid I would have liked it. Actually I'm surprised I've never seen this one before but then again I was 14 in 1986 and this film is geared for a younger than 10 years old audience I believe.

I would recommend this movie for a family styled Sci-Fi movie night/day. I'm sure the kids would enjoy it with that 3-eyed, 3-legged monster thingy running around who's about as annoying as Jar-Jar Binks.

4/10