Based on the popular trading card series, Mars Attacks! is Tim Burton’s wildest film yet. Known for tackling dark and morbid subjects with his signature style, Burton takes on the absurd world of comic sci-fi in this hilarious flick.
This film is far from boring and is actually quite enjoyable. It may not be the most intellectually stimulating or life-changing, but sometimes it’s perfectly fine to sit back and enjoy a silly film for what it is. There’s nothing wrong with a little superficial fun every now and then.
How to Download Mars Attacks!
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you want to see more films directed by Tim Burton, you need to check out Wednesday, Frankenweenie, Dumbo, or Corpse Bride.
The Movie Review
When Martians make their presence known on Earth, opinions are divided on how to approach them. Some advocate for peace, while others argue for defense.
Unfortunately, a misunderstanding lead to a massacre during the initial meeting, causing the camp advocating for war to seem justified. However, the Martian ambassador apologizes and is granted an audience with the joint houses of the US government.
But just as tensions are beginning to ease, the Martians use this opportunity to wipe out America’s leaders in a single attack. The world is thrown into a state of war as security is heightened, but it becomes clear that the Martians are only interested in destruction and death, using their advanced technology to wreak havoc with a cruel sense of humor.
Mars Attacks! is pure chaos and absurdity. The film follows the Martians as they wreak havoc on Earth, while the human characters are all exaggerated caricatures.
This isn’t a film that should be taken too seriously, as it revels in its over-the-top and silly nature. However, this works to the film’s advantage as it perfectly captures the spirit of the genre.
There were moments that had me laughing out loud and others that had me fully immersed in the comical world and characters. While there were certainly some flaws, the film’s delightful moments more than made up for them.
The Characters
In terms of performances, the ensemble cast shines, with Jack Nicholson stealing the show in his dual roles as the paranoid President and the greedy Las Vegas developer. Martin Short is hilarious as the sleazy press secretary, Annette Bening is superb as the deranged woman, Sarah Jessica Parker brings fire to the role of the feisty TV star, and Pierce Brosnan effectively portrays the science expert.
The acting and cast chemistry in Mars Attacks! is superb, featuring a star-studded cast including Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox, Martin Short, Tom Jones, Natalie Portman, and Jim Brown. Sarah Jessica Parker adds an extra touch of glamour to the film.
The Visuals
The CGI effects in this film are a mix of good and questionable. While the spaceships have held up well over time, other effects, such as the green slime on the walls, do not look as convincing. However, the intentionally fake and tacky aesthetic, achieved through the use of rich, bright colors, contributes to the comic-book feel of the film.
Despite some dated effects, the film can still be enjoyed for its entertainment value, even 20 years after its release.
The Music
Though it’s safe to say that this is the only Tim Burton film where the soundtrack did not add to the aesthetic.
The soundtrack here is basically background noise, just white noise while these whacky characters are getting up to randomized nonsense. In almost every other Burton film, you can easily tell when the music is elevating a scene, creating a mood, or something else entirely. Here, it’s just playing in the background almost constantly, at least until your brain learns to shut it out.
Verdict
This film pays tribute to the sci-fi classics of the 50s and 60s, with a playful twist on the beloved genre. The alien designs, inspired by the obscure Mars Attacks trading cards, add a nostalgically kitschy touch. While the plot and dialogue may be predictable, that’s all part of the fun.
Despite negative reviews, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the film’s light-hearted and entertaining take on the sci-fi genre and it ended up getting a pretty good rating from me.
