Objectif Terrienne

The 90-minute flick amounts to a goofy interplanetary love match that takes time for its lovers to jump the species gap. One thing about the flick-- the schtick flies so fast nothing dawdles, except maybe the steady stream of whirlwind activity itself. Too bad the on-rush is more like overdoing gags without let-up. So in that sense, the one-note pacing does get tiresome. Nonetheless, some gags are amusing, especially Julie Brown's genuinely comedic talent. Too bad we don't see more of her. Davis too does well in the central role that's also a fairly straight one, with plenty of attractive close-ups. However, the cast's other principals, with the fun exception of Carrey, are mainly dramatic (Wayans & Goldblum), not comedic, performers. Thus their mission is mainly to stand around amidst the swirl of activity. Anyway, the LA area color photography is good, along with plenty of skin and innuendo. So I'm thinking the 90-minutes is mainly for guys who aren't too particular. Too bad the director (Temple) didn't know how to shape the comedic scenes because the premise itself is an imaginative one.

I didn't think much of this film when I first saw it but since then I have watched it a number of times and, in the words of Beetlejuice, "it keeps getting funnier every single time!" I work at a busy video store and I'll often put this film on when I'm working Saturday night. It's always popular with customers who enjoy watching it as they browse, comment on how young Jim Carrey looks, and ask "What on earth is this?" as they get to the checkout counter. That's because its such a great looking film. The vibrant color palette with its bright primaries and 80s rehash of 1950s aesthetics is inspired production design. The film really has aged incredibly well and looks better today than when it was first released. Were it released today it could easily take its place beside any of the recent musical comedies that have come out in the last ten years.

I'm not sure, but I think this is a better candidate for a midnight dressup singalong than "Rocky Horror." But I suppose corsets are more fun for the wearer than very skimpy bikinis.

It hardly matters if the folks who made it intended us to take elements of it seriously. Its ours when we watch it and can take these things on any terms we desire. If you are like me, and take "Barbarella" not seriously, but as something important, you will do the same here.

Its not quite in the category I follow of filmmakers directing their lover, but its close, as we know these two are lovers in real life.

It asks a lot of the viewer, to believe the story, what with the props and costumes. But its precisely the same degree the characters on the screen are asked to believe about each other and the nature of love. Somehow it makes it easy to think about romance.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

Before three aliens accidentally land into Valerie (Geena Davis)'s pool, she is a manicurist in The Valley, California, and is about to marry a doctor, Ted (Charles Rocket), who has always been unfaithful to her. Now the arrival of the three extra-terrestrials will change Valerie's life forever.

As a sci-fi comedy, some occasional singing scenes make this film also fit the category of musical. Although this is not exactly a profound story, it is light-hearted, colorful, energetic and successfully made for the purpose of entertainment.

The whole film is a hilarious party, if you're in the mood to relax, to lay back and to kick off your shoes without wanting to explore some serious issue, then you'll have a grand time watching this. The scene Valerie "destroys" about everything in her house after she sees her fiance with another woman was skillfully filmed and acted in a very funny and original way, while Valerie sings "I've lost my faith in you".

As Valerie, Geena Davis beautifully portrayed this cheerful, optimistic, lively and strong woman. Jeff Goldblum played Mac, a charming, maturer, steadier alien while his fellow travelers Wiploc and Zeebo (played by Jim Carrey and Damon Wayens respectively) are wackier and more fun-loving. All the characters in this movie are likeable and the film itself is just as interesting.

It's cute.... it's bouncy.... it's fluff.... but it's mindless entertainment for a few hours.... See it!

Plus side:

Geena Davis is perfect as the quirky female lead.... Just enough of a ditz to be believable.... and yet strong enough, too...

Jeff Goldblum - well, he's kind of typical in this role... Like W. Shatner, Jeff has a particular way of speaking.... and this film shows it... But his acting was good and he was semi believable as a lovable alien... And, he was kind of hunky in that scene....

Jim Carrey & Damon Wayons - these 2 guys are 90% funny 90% of the time... they were classic on 'IN LIVING COLOR' and both have gone on to have decent careers in the years since.... The woodie on the freeway is hilarious!

Julie Brown - no other big-boobed-blonde could have EVER pulled this off! And, her songs from the film - 'Cuz I'm a Blonde, I Like 'em Big and Stupid - are just the best ... I don't have to work I just have to jiggle.....

While the story line may be cheesey and seem like a leftover that sat a bit too long, it's cute fluff and worth a view...