They Came from the Ether

They tried to replicate a 50s or 60s B-movie. Not much of an effort. Stale acting, predictable script.

But, if you like cheesy movies, thus will satisfy that urge to escape the Hollywood blockbusters and have a good laugh.

This is an ultra-low budget film, but the plot is entertaining. It's partly a send-up of 1950s sci-fi films, and partly a tribute to them.

The script is very talky and full of exposition to cover the fact that there's little budget for special effects (although they do sprinkle a few lo-fi ones throughout), but that dialogue is very over-the-top. "Where are you going?" "I told you I'm with Roland now." "Roland? Ha! I squashed that peasant like a bug!"

The acting is... OK, it's not good. But it's good enough for what you're getting. Look, this is a "so bad it's good" kind of deal. But it embraces it. Don't get me wrong: It doesn't try to be wink-wink cheesy by sprinkling a bunch of knowingly stupid jokes in the mix. No, it just goes all-in with the 1950s mad-science-alien-invasion tropes, and sincerely does it's best with the cheap sets, cheap costumes, cheap acting, and cheap dialogue.

If that's your jam, this is a worthwhile diversion.