Alien Trespass

Aien Tresspass is in my opinion a genuine horror movie: not only does it belong to the tradition of horror films in the broad sense of the term but it is a modern recreation of a genre that is pure horror cinema: films meant to scare the audience. This is particularly true of the American films of the 50s that came into existence within context of the Cold War and the possibility of a nuclear war. The ideological confrontation between two "alien" worlds was simply transposed in a S-F kind of setting. This is the innocent homage to that outmoded genre that this film is modestly offering us, succeeding, at any rate, in lighting it up with a delicious vintage flair. I absolutely recommend it.

For a moment I thought I was really back in my teen-age 1957, the big-finned cars, the flouncy dresses, the sci-fi saturated drive-ins. Okay, I'm nostalgic, but it really is a good flick, well acted, produced and written; plus, entertaining all the way through. So how will space-ranger Urp defeat the man-eating Ghota whose flying saucer has crashed into the North American desert. Good thing Urp borrows Dr. Lewis's body if not his hormones. At the same time, the village towns-people have to overcome their disbelief in alien space craft and shape-shifting monsters. What with all those vulnerable blonde cuties, I was really worried.

There are touches of satirical humor trading on 50's sci-fi, but the flick's too well rounded to qualify as just a spoof. In many ways, however, it does suggest a version of 1951's The Day The Earth Stood Still, from the latter's metal clad Gort to Klaatu's cosmic police force. However that may be, I was grabbed by that suburban house and its grassy yard sitting alone and in the middle of the immense desert, like a surrealist illusion. Actually, it's likely meant to show Lewis and wife's middle-class status among the town's backwoods types. And how about the parallel theatre scene with the panicked audience from 57's The Blob. It's an imaginative touch tying in with both AT's plot and the time period. Sure, the movie's gangly monsters are on the silly looking side, at least before they reduce you to goo. Still, it's an imaginative and well-done sci-fi, and a tribute to its 50's predecessors.

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 are looking for a sci-fi that doesn't rely on big name actors to suck you into the theater, doesn't have endless explosions and car chases, doesn't rush into the story without developing characters, and doesn't have any men in black, then "Alien Trespass" is for you. It kind of reminds me of the retro zombie movie, "Fido", with it's flawless attention to 50s period detail. It is what it is, and if you grew up on a steady diet of 1950s sci-fi, you will appreciate the film. If on the other hand you are addicted to c.g.i. extravaganzas, this is not going to be a pleasant viewing experience at all. If minimalist 50s entertainment is to your liking, I recommend "Alien Trespass". Sometimes less is best. - MERK

i enjoyed this spoof of 1950's alien movies and the 1950's era in general.there are certainly some amusing moments and a few laugh out loud scenes,but i wouldn't call this an hysterically funny film.and maybe it isn't supposed to be.but there a couple of truly inspired sequences that work very effectively.including the opening sequence many of the gags are telegraphed a mile a way.with two nudges,a couple of winks and a nod.the movie knows what it is,and doesn't try to be any thing else.it's no classic,by any means,but you could certainly do a lot worse with your time.just don't expect too much,any you won't be disappointed.for me,Alien Trespass is a 6/10