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Alien Trespass (PG, 2009)

common sense media says

Retro-style sci-fi action spoof tries hard but doesn't work.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this spoof was made as a loving tribute to '50s B-movie sci-fi -- and, as such, has the same squeaky-clean feel and mild peril of those films. There's some sci-fi violence, but since it's being perpetrated by a guy in a rubber suit, it's hard to be too alarmed when men, women, and children are dissolved into goo. Expect a fair amount of pipe smoking (accurate for the era) and some kissing and ogling.

Positive messages: Recreating the style of a '50s sci-fi B movie, the film does have a gentle message about not judging those who are different -- in this case, an alien lawman -- without getting to know them. Departing from '50s standards, the main female character is resourceful rather than weak or passive.
Violence: Mostly fairly stylized sci-fi violence; for example, a monster attacks with tentacles, dissolving its victims into brown, foamy goo. Some scuffling and ray gun blasts directed at monsters. A policeman shoots the hero in the shoulder.
Sex: Some kissing; some flirty talk between a husband and wife while she's wearing a nighdress. Teens make out but stop to talk about "going all the way"; their dalliance is interrupted by a crashing spaceship. When alien lawman Urp inhabits Dr. Lewis' body, there's some confusion, as Urp is attracted to a woman who's not Dr. Lewis' wife. But it's played as chaste romantic slapstick with some smooching.
Language: Aside from the occasional "hell," minimal.
Consumerism: Some mentions of brands like Coke, Rolaids, and Edsel.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Extensive pipe smoking (accurate to the period the movie is set in); a character is presented as a hard-liquor drunk.
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More on Alien Trespass

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the look, feel, and themes of '50s sci-fi. What did many of those movies have in common? How do they compare to today's sci-fi movies? Is it just the effects that have gotten more sophisticated, or have other things changed, too? Why?

  • Families can also discuss whether the '50s B movies idealized the era they were filmed in. Was everything really that squeaky clean? How do you think today's society will be portrayed in movies down the line?

What's the story?

What's the story?

After an opening sequence explains that audiences are about to see a "lost" '50s sci-fi movie, ALIEN TRESPASS begins in the desert town of Mesa, where astronomer Ted Lewis (Eric McCormack) is watching a meteor shower. When one strikes, Dr. Lewis rushes out to see -- but instead of a meteor, he finds a space craft. Turns out the crash freed a hungry hideous creature called the Ghota, so the ship's captain, Urp, seizes control of Ted's body to stop the hungry horror before all of Earth is destroyed. Meanwhile, Mesa's cops and citizens can't believe Dr. Lewis' crazy-talk -- but will they before it's too late?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While Monsters vs. Aliens simply borrows a few '50s sci-fi ideas, the much lower-budget Alien Trespass dives in whole hog -- from the score to the creature to the wooden acting, raising the question of why you'd try so hard to pay tribute to a fairly shoddy type of filmmaking.

Certainly, the affection of everyone involved is obvious on screen; McCormack brings zip and vim to his dual role, while the other cast members seem to know exactly what kind of movie they're in. But Alien Trespass plays like a curious mix of nostalgia and parody, without any real reason to watch it or care. If you were to stumble across this shabby, slapdash spoof on TV on a rainy afternoon, you might be diverted, but seeing it in a theater is a far less exciting prospect.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Roadside Attractions
Director: R.W. Goodwin
Cast: Dan Lauria, Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird
Genre: Science Fiction
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: April 3, 2009
DVD release: August 11, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: sci-fi action and brief historical smoking.
This review was written by James Rocchi
 
 

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MovieLover4Lyfe
adult
10
 
Silly spoof movie, only watch it if your really bored.
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kid, 12 years old
17
 
well good should be RATED R
iffy for 11???what?ok for kids
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teen, 14 years old
17
 
well good should be RATED R
iffy for 11???what?ok for kids
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kid, 11 years old
17
 
well good should be RATED R
iffy for 11???what?ok for kids
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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