MARS ATTACKS! 1996
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1997 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) for a failed Martian takeover
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Short, Jim Brown, Pam Grier, Michael J. Fox, Danny DeVito, Lukas Haas, Sylvia Sidney, Rod Steiger, Paul Winfield, Natalie Portman, Tom Jones, Joe Don Baker Director: Tim Burton. Screenplay: Jonathan Gems
"The Look" is probably the most distinguishing feature of any Tim Burton movie. There is no exception with this finished product of alien carnage. "Mars Attacks" carries a unique feel which is the handy-mark of Burton's direction - everything from the decor of the pock-a-dot interview chairs, to the shadows behind the president's curtains, and the very interesting "paisely" wallpaper at the old folk's home (eye-catching).
There isn't much to reveal about the plot which isn't already encapsulated by the title of this movie. These Martians haven't come to share philosophical discourses on the origins of the universe. There's a big name cast which is too numerous to mention, but briefly, Pierce Brosnan and Sarah Jessica Parker learn the concepts of intellectual stimulation when decapitated. Two thumbs up for Martian-Human experimentation. Those who get fried by Martian lasers are "con man" Danny Devito, "My hair looks good" reporter Michael J. Fox, the American Congress, a dove and lots of humans. The President of The US of A, Jack Nicholson, gets impaled by a Martian "conquerors" flag and pole. The president's wife, Glen Close, is squished beneath her favourite chandlers; but happy to say "New Ager" Annette Bening and Tom Jones escape safely to some hidden caves in Bali. Such is Martian Justice.
Not hilariously funny, but quietly amusing. Unfortunately there isn't any aerial "Martian flying saucer - human jet fighter" dog fight's which made ID4 interesting. The humans are too easily squelched by the dazzling Martian laser-works display, and the Martians are too easily defeated by the crooning sound of 50's music.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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