Running a mere 42 minutes, James Gunn's "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" has a simple premise. The alien characters Mantis (Pom Klemetieff) and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) have noticed that their friend, the human Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), has been sullen of late. As aliens, they have little knowledge of Earth customs, but have put together that on Star-Lord's home planet they are about to engage in an oblique local holiday called Christmas. Mantis and Drax know that giving gifts is a central part of the holiday, and they elect to go to Earth in secret to acquire the ultimate present: Kevin Bacon (Kevin Bacon). Evidently, Star-Lord, who was kidnapped from Earth as a boy in the 1980s, has spoken at length about Bacon and his talents, and Mantis and Drax think nothing of kidnapping the actor and putting him in a box as a favor to their friend.
- 11/26/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians", the cult classic, 1964 science fiction comedy feature directed by Nicholas Webster, ranking as one of the worst films ever made, includes the debut of actress Pia Zadora as 'Girmar', one of the 'Martian' children:
"...Martians 'Momar' and 'Kimar' are worried their children 'Girmar' and 'Bomar' are watching too much Earth TV, including an interview with 'Santa Claus' in his workshop at Earth's North Pole.
"Ancient 800-year-old Martian sage 'Chochem' advises that because the children of Mars need their own 'Santa Claus', they agree to abduct one from Earth and bring him back to Mars..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...Martians 'Momar' and 'Kimar' are worried their children 'Girmar' and 'Bomar' are watching too much Earth TV, including an interview with 'Santa Claus' in his workshop at Earth's North Pole.
"Ancient 800-year-old Martian sage 'Chochem' advises that because the children of Mars need their own 'Santa Claus', they agree to abduct one from Earth and bring him back to Mars..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 12/25/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The RiffTrax gang will be back in theaters this December, thanks to Fathom Events. Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy will be putting poor Dropo through the wringer once again as they rebroadcast their 2013 riff on the Mystery Science Theater 3000 favorite Santa Claus Conquers The Martians. In an A.V. Club exclusive podcast, the trio reminisce about Nicholas Webster’s 1964 sci-fi comedy—one of the lamest Santa Claus movies not featuring Dudley Moore—and discuss working with “Weird” Al Yankovic and getting into the Christmas spirit in the chilly climate of San Diego.
Listening to the podcast, it would appear that the trio is simply always on, making each other chuckle incessantly. In addition to Santa Claus, Fathom Events will be also be presenting 2009’s Christmas Shorts-stravaganza, in which Nelson, Corbett, and Murphy are joined by “Weird” Al. The shorts collection will also include Parade ...
Listening to the podcast, it would appear that the trio is simply always on, making each other chuckle incessantly. In addition to Santa Claus, Fathom Events will be also be presenting 2009’s Christmas Shorts-stravaganza, in which Nelson, Corbett, and Murphy are joined by “Weird” Al. The shorts collection will also include Parade ...
- 11/23/2016
- by Mike Vanderbilt
- avclub.com
With all the good press big budget films get today, We sometimes forget that out there in the cinematic shadows lay some of the worst movies ever laid to film. Today we take you on a voyage into a world of shoddy production value and atrocious acting. Welcome to the… Ten Worst (and undoubtedly Strangest) Movies Ever Made!
*Summaries Courtesy of IMDb*
10. Plan 9 from Outer Space
Premiered: 1958
Directed By: Edward D. Wood Jr.
Summary: Aliens resurrect dead humans as zombies and vampires to stop human kind from creating the Solaranite (a sort of sun-driven bomb).
9. Troll 2
Premiered: 1990
Directed By: Claudio Fragasso
Summary: A young child is terrified to discover that a planned family trip is to be haunted by vile plant-eating monsters out of his worst nightmare.
8. Santa Claus
Premiered: 1959
Directed By: Rene Cardona
Summary: With the aid of Merlin, Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of...
*Summaries Courtesy of IMDb*
10. Plan 9 from Outer Space
Premiered: 1958
Directed By: Edward D. Wood Jr.
Summary: Aliens resurrect dead humans as zombies and vampires to stop human kind from creating the Solaranite (a sort of sun-driven bomb).
9. Troll 2
Premiered: 1990
Directed By: Claudio Fragasso
Summary: A young child is terrified to discover that a planned family trip is to be haunted by vile plant-eating monsters out of his worst nightmare.
8. Santa Claus
Premiered: 1959
Directed By: Rene Cardona
Summary: With the aid of Merlin, Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of...
- 4/29/2014
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
A Planet Fury-approved selection of notable genre releases for October.
Cinderella (1950) Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Blu-ray and DVD Available Now
The Walt Disney classic finally makes it high definition debut. Though it was made over half a century ago, Cinderella remains a timeless work of animation. Part of its lasting appeal can be attributed to the amazing concept art of Mary Blair, whose gorgeous backgrounds and unique color palettes help to define its iconic visual style. Though she was only credited with color and styling, her influence in the look and feel of the finished product cannot be denied. Another aspect that is often overlooked is the lovely vocal contribution by actress Ilene Woods. She brings a measured confidence to the beloved heroine and her singing voice is as gorgeous as the animation.
Special Features:
• Tangled Ever After Animated Short
• Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fantasyland...
Cinderella (1950) Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Blu-ray and DVD Available Now
The Walt Disney classic finally makes it high definition debut. Though it was made over half a century ago, Cinderella remains a timeless work of animation. Part of its lasting appeal can be attributed to the amazing concept art of Mary Blair, whose gorgeous backgrounds and unique color palettes help to define its iconic visual style. Though she was only credited with color and styling, her influence in the look and feel of the finished product cannot be denied. Another aspect that is often overlooked is the lovely vocal contribution by actress Ilene Woods. She brings a measured confidence to the beloved heroine and her singing voice is as gorgeous as the animation.
Special Features:
• Tangled Ever After Animated Short
• Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fantasyland...
- 10/19/2012
- by Bradley Harding
- Planet Fury
Festive flop Santa Claus Conquers The Martians has topped a new poll to find the worst Christmas movie ever made.
Movie website Fandango.com teamed up with WENN to find the ultimate holiday turkey and the 1964 Nicholas Webster film was the clear 'winner'.
In fact the film, which picked up 23 per cent of the total vote, was always out in front - ahead of Christmas non-crackers like Silent Night, Deadly Night and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Jingle All The Way.
The poll launched on 1 December and more than 3,000 film fans voted. Here are the results:
1. Santa Claus Conquers The Martians
2. Silent Night, Deadly Night
3. Jingle All The Way
4. Jack Frost
5. Santa With Muscles
6. Ernest Saves Christmas
7. Home Alone 3
8. Deck The Halls
9. Surviving Christmas
10. Christmas With The Kranks.
Movie website Fandango.com teamed up with WENN to find the ultimate holiday turkey and the 1964 Nicholas Webster film was the clear 'winner'.
In fact the film, which picked up 23 per cent of the total vote, was always out in front - ahead of Christmas non-crackers like Silent Night, Deadly Night and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Jingle All The Way.
The poll launched on 1 December and more than 3,000 film fans voted. Here are the results:
1. Santa Claus Conquers The Martians
2. Silent Night, Deadly Night
3. Jingle All The Way
4. Jack Frost
5. Santa With Muscles
6. Ernest Saves Christmas
7. Home Alone 3
8. Deck The Halls
9. Surviving Christmas
10. Christmas With The Kranks.
- 12/16/2011
- WENN
A dreadful far-fetched festive caper from 1964 is on course to top the first WENN/Fandango.com Worst Christmas Movie Ever Made poll in the week it's set to be re-released in the U.S.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is regarded by many critics as the jingle bomb of Christmas flops, and it appears film fans agree.
Thousands of moviegoers have responded to the poll on website Fandango.com and 21 per cent have picked director Nicholas Webster's so-bad-it's-good film, which cost a mere $20,000 (£12,500) to make - and it shows.
Ironically, the film, which opened in just 100 theatres almost 50 years ago, is set to open in more than 200 select cinemas across the U.S. beginning this weekend.
With a week to go before the poll closes, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians leads with three per cent more than festive horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night, while Michael Keaton's Jack Frost comes in third with 12 per cent of the vote.
Also making the top five: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Jingle All The Way and Hulk Hogan's Santa With Muscles.
The final results of the poll will be revealed by WENN next week.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is regarded by many critics as the jingle bomb of Christmas flops, and it appears film fans agree.
Thousands of moviegoers have responded to the poll on website Fandango.com and 21 per cent have picked director Nicholas Webster's so-bad-it's-good film, which cost a mere $20,000 (£12,500) to make - and it shows.
Ironically, the film, which opened in just 100 theatres almost 50 years ago, is set to open in more than 200 select cinemas across the U.S. beginning this weekend.
With a week to go before the poll closes, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians leads with three per cent more than festive horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night, while Michael Keaton's Jack Frost comes in third with 12 per cent of the vote.
Also making the top five: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Jingle All The Way and Hulk Hogan's Santa With Muscles.
The final results of the poll will be revealed by WENN next week.
- 12/9/2011
- WENN
Theatrically re-releasing popular films from the past is a trend that seems to be on the rise. Ghostbusters got another theatrical run this past October. Star Wars and Titanic will be returning to theaters in 3D next year. So why not Santa Claus Conquers the Martians?
Holland Releasing is behind what is being billed as Santa’s Cool Holiday Festival, or as I feel compelled to call it, “The First Annual Public Domain Christmas Kitsch Filmstravaganza!”
You’ll see a pair of vintage Technicolor Fleischer Brothers Christmas cartoons.
You’ll see rare holiday shorts featuring Howdy Doody, Ozzie & Harriet, and ventriloquist Shari Lewis with her puppet Lambchop.
You’ll see a series of old “Greetings from Theater Management” trailers.
Most importantly, you’ll see a digitally restored print of the all-time bad movie holiday classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians directed by Nicholas Webster. The producers are promising that Pia Zadora...
Holland Releasing is behind what is being billed as Santa’s Cool Holiday Festival, or as I feel compelled to call it, “The First Annual Public Domain Christmas Kitsch Filmstravaganza!”
You’ll see a pair of vintage Technicolor Fleischer Brothers Christmas cartoons.
You’ll see rare holiday shorts featuring Howdy Doody, Ozzie & Harriet, and ventriloquist Shari Lewis with her puppet Lambchop.
You’ll see a series of old “Greetings from Theater Management” trailers.
Most importantly, you’ll see a digitally restored print of the all-time bad movie holiday classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians directed by Nicholas Webster. The producers are promising that Pia Zadora...
- 11/21/2011
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
Alan Alda in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator William Hurt: Oscar Veterans 2005 Alan Alda Alan Alda, nominated as Best Supporting Actor for Martin Scorsese's The Aviator. He lost to Morgan Freeman in Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby. That was Alda's first nomination. Best known for the long-running 1970s television series M*A*S*H, Alda has appeared in more than 30 motion pictures since his 1963 debut in Nicholas Webster's Gone Are the Days! Among his credits are Herbert Ross' California Suite (1978), Robert Mulligan's Same Time Next Year, Jerry Schatzberg's The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979), Alda's own Four Seasons (1981), and Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989).
- 2/18/2011
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
With all the good press big budget films get today, We sometimes forget that out there in the cinematic shadows lay some of the worst movies ever laid to film. Today, B3K takes you on a voyage into a world of shoddy production value and atrocious acting. Welcome to… The Top Ten Worst Movies Ever Made.
*Summaries Courtesy of IMDb*
10. Plan 9 from Outer Space
Premiered: 1958
Directed By: Edward D. Wood Jr.
Summary: Aliens resurrect dead humans as zombies and vampires to stop human kind from creating the Solaranite (a sort of sun-driven bomb).
9. Troll 2
Premiered: 1990
Directed By: Claudio Fragasso
Summary: A young child is terrified to discover that a planned family trip is to be haunted by vile plant-eating monsters out of his worst nightmare.
8. Santa Claus
Premiered: 1959
Directed By: Rene Cardona
Summary: With the aid of Merlin, Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of the devil Pitch to ruin Christmas.
*Summaries Courtesy of IMDb*
10. Plan 9 from Outer Space
Premiered: 1958
Directed By: Edward D. Wood Jr.
Summary: Aliens resurrect dead humans as zombies and vampires to stop human kind from creating the Solaranite (a sort of sun-driven bomb).
9. Troll 2
Premiered: 1990
Directed By: Claudio Fragasso
Summary: A young child is terrified to discover that a planned family trip is to be haunted by vile plant-eating monsters out of his worst nightmare.
8. Santa Claus
Premiered: 1959
Directed By: Rene Cardona
Summary: With the aid of Merlin, Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of the devil Pitch to ruin Christmas.
- 12/20/2010
- by Aaron M.K.
- Nerdly
Christmas Movie Recommendations: Black Christmas, Santa Claus Conquers The Martians, Mr. Skeffington
Bette Davis, at 3 a.m. in Vincent Sherman's Mr. Skeffington Forget Judy Garland and Van Johnson (and Spring Byington and three-year-old Liza Minnelli) in Robert Z. Leonard's In the Good Old Summertime. Forget Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum in Don Hartman's Holiday Affair. Forget June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rossano Brazzi in Mervyn LeRoy's Little Women. It's too late to watch any of those Turner Classic Movies Christmas presentations, anyhow. My first TCM Christmas recommendation kicks off at 11 p.m. Pt: Olivia Hussey (Romeo and Juliet), Margot Kidder (Superman), and Keir Dullea (2001: A Space Odyssey) star in Black Christmas (1974), in which "a deranged killer terrorizes the women staying in a sorority house over Christmas." Bob Clark, best known for Porky's and the Jack Lemmon drama Tribute, directed. At 12:45 a.m., TCM offers another Christmas flick for the whole family: Nicholas Webster's Santa Claus Conquers the Martians...
- 12/18/2010
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Filed under: Columns, Cinematical
Welcome to Adventures in B-Movie Land, the monthly column where I take a look at some of the strangest, cheapest and worst films ever made ... and explore why you have to see them. Look for new entries on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Motion Picture:
'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), directed by Nicholas Webster
Also Known As...
There don't seem to be any alternate titles for this extraordinary motion picture. When your title is 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' you don't need any stinkin' alternate titles.
Featuring the Talented...
John Call as Santa Claus, Leonard Hicks, Bill McCutcheon and Pia Zadora as the Martians he conquers and Victor Stiles and Donna Conforti as the two annoying kids along for the ride. Oh, and Gene Lindsey as the Worst. Polar Bear. Ever.
What Is It?
A science fiction family movie comprised entirely of cardboard,...
Welcome to Adventures in B-Movie Land, the monthly column where I take a look at some of the strangest, cheapest and worst films ever made ... and explore why you have to see them. Look for new entries on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Motion Picture:
'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), directed by Nicholas Webster
Also Known As...
There don't seem to be any alternate titles for this extraordinary motion picture. When your title is 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' you don't need any stinkin' alternate titles.
Featuring the Talented...
John Call as Santa Claus, Leonard Hicks, Bill McCutcheon and Pia Zadora as the Martians he conquers and Victor Stiles and Donna Conforti as the two annoying kids along for the ride. Oh, and Gene Lindsey as the Worst. Polar Bear. Ever.
What Is It?
A science fiction family movie comprised entirely of cardboard,...
- 12/15/2010
- by Jacob Hall
- Moviefone
Filed under: Columns, Cinematical
Welcome to Adventures in B-Movie Land, the monthly column where I take a look at some of the strangest, cheapest and worst films ever made ... and explore why you have to see them. Look for new entries on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Motion Picture:
'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), directed by Nicholas Webster
Also Known As...
There don't seem to be any alternate titles for this extraordinary motion picture. When your title is 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' you don't need any stinkin' alternate titles.
Featuring the Talented...
John Call as Santa Claus, Leonard Hicks, Bill McCutcheon and Pia Zadora as the Martians he conquers and Victor Stiles and Donna Conforti as the two annoying kids along for the ride. Oh, and Gene Lindsey as the Worst. Polar Bear. Ever.
What Is It?
A science fiction family movie comprised entirely of cardboard,...
Welcome to Adventures in B-Movie Land, the monthly column where I take a look at some of the strangest, cheapest and worst films ever made ... and explore why you have to see them. Look for new entries on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Motion Picture:
'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), directed by Nicholas Webster
Also Known As...
There don't seem to be any alternate titles for this extraordinary motion picture. When your title is 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,' you don't need any stinkin' alternate titles.
Featuring the Talented...
John Call as Santa Claus, Leonard Hicks, Bill McCutcheon and Pia Zadora as the Martians he conquers and Victor Stiles and Donna Conforti as the two annoying kids along for the ride. Oh, and Gene Lindsey as the Worst. Polar Bear. Ever.
What Is It?
A science fiction family movie comprised entirely of cardboard,...
- 12/15/2010
- by Jacob Hall
- Cinematical
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