Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Alien-invasion satire for older tweens and up.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mars Attacks!
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie features a blend of dark humor and over-the-top violence, it ultimately delivers a hilarious and entertaining parody of sci-fi tropes and alien invasion films. Many appreciate the star-studded cast and Tim Burton's unique style, although it is considered too intense for younger viewers due to its graphic content and adult themes.
- violent humor
- dark comedy
- strong cast
- intense scenes
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MARS ATTACKS! begins with a fleet of Martian flying saucers encircling Earth. While a blustery general (Rod Steiger) warns the self-aggrandizing US president (Jack Nicholson) not to trust the grotesque little aliens, a scientist (Pierce Brosnan) assures that creatures so intelligent could not possibly mean us any harm. The Earth's nations try to give the creatures a friendly welcome, to no avail. The Martians actually are sadistic varmints who enjoy faking out the humans with peace overtures, then opening fire with grisly death weapons. Eventually the Martians overrun Washington D.C. and declare victory, but their triumph is short-lived. Young Richie (Lukas Haas is trying to save his beloved grandmother from the Martians when he accidentally discovers that the old lady's favorite record -- Slim Whitman yodeling "Indian Love Call" -- makes the Martians' brains explode. If Richie can spread the news quickly enough, humankind may be saved.
Is It Any Good?
Director Tim Burton's dark sense of humor makes Mars Attacks! a must for the sort of young viewer who would rather read Famous Monsters of Filmland than Sports Illustrated. Remember "Sid," the twisted neighbor boy from Toy Story who liked to torture his playthings? This is his sort of alien-invasion film. Adults can enjoy it too, if they don't mind the subversive tone. But with an all-star cast and too many subplots, the movie threatens to turn into a collection of sketch-bits rather than a coherent whole.
Though the Martians are doubtlessly the villains here, you do get a sneaky anti-establishment message -- that the extraterrestrial holocaust will have a positive side effect of exterminating corrupt and worthless authority figures while sparing the cool kids and the few adults who listen to them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between this movie and Independence Day, and ask kids which one they enjoyed more, and why.
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 12, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : June 4, 2004
- Cast : Glenn Close , Jack Nicholson , Lukas Haas , Natalie Portman , Pierce Brosnan , Sarah Jessica Parker
- Director : Tim Burton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : fantasy violence, sexual themes
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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