Mars Attacks!

I went into this with 0 expectations. I was laughing through the entire thing. Really great parody of alien invasion films and hilarious dialogue throughout. Just a really well done film overall.

Much derided at the time for it's shallowness and the way the stars seem to be having too good a time, this has aged better than the disaster movies that came out at the time. Especially now, with the way governments are failing us with the virus, a satire feels much more honest than any film showing people in a better light. Having said that, for a full blown satire, it is never quite funny or witty enough, and relies too much on stars undermining their own image.

Always been a Tim Burton fan was hooked after his directing of "Batman"(89) and "Batman Returns"(92) and this entry from 1996 "Mars Attack" even though not his greatest is a carefree and fun little watch. As if your a fan of Burton's and like old comics and sci- fi then this wacky homage is enjoyable as from up above all across the galaxy call them aliens, Martians, or little green men these guys have invaded earth from the angry red hot Mars planet! These creatures also are about mean business as they are armed with gun rays that fry any human in their path. The special effects are pretty decent for 1996 and the humor and writing was funny and spot on. The Slim like green brain Martians have even outsmarted the U. S. federal government(2 out of 3 branches of the government are working for us and that ain't bad!). The acting and cast chemistry is top notch with all pros and all stars with Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox, Martin Short, Tom Jones, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown and an eye candy treat with Sarah Jessica Parker(before her "Sex and the City" days) as a sexy colored bra wearing news reporter and interviewer. And last but not least the great and all time best Jack Nicholson as you guessed it the President of the United States! Overall funny watch and carefree feel good sci-fi comedy that doesn't take things or it's self to serious. Still a view for any Burton fan as the all star cast help make the film a watch too.

This is one of these movies you absolutely like or absolutely dislike. I liked it, sure. It's such a sarcastic view of America: its people, its government, its army, its television, its culture, everything and everyone falls under Tim Burton's incredible axe. Many talented stars gather for an incredible script. It is unbelievably funny, absurd and full of contradictions and nuttiness. It's like a mixture of Star Wars, Animaniacs and the Clockwork Orange. For sure, you will like it a lot and believe it is the best movie you have ever seen or you won't understand a thing and feel disappointed. If you like Jim Carrey or Brad Pitt, please go and choose another movie.

This film takes the p*ss out of pretty much everything, is very whacky, absurd and - depending on your sense of humour - extremely funny. Don't watch if you take yourself or humankind too seriously. Quite unique, with wonderful B-movie vibe and stellar cast. Anarchic and biting wit throughout. Watch out for the nuke blow-back scene which is one of the funniest things I've ever seen on screen. Improves with repeated viewings. Recommended.