From B movie perennials Charles Band ("Trancers") and John Hayes ("Grave of the Vampire") comes this noticeably cheap and only moderately amusing effort, written by Frank Ray Perilli ("Laserblast"). Sir Christopher Lee has dual roles, principally that of Zindar, an alien leader who's impersonated a priest (and whose associates are impersonating nuns). While natural disasters plague other parts of the Earth, an intrepid communications expert, Professor Andrew Boran (Kirk Scott), ends up discovering Zindars' plans and lair, accompanied by his wife Sylvia (Sue Lyon).
B cinema enthusiasts will surely WANT to enjoy this one more than they likely will. Sir Christopher is always good value, but even his effortlessly authoritative presence can do little to enliven the presentation. Producer Band and director Hayes do what they can with limited funding, but the movie is dull and uneventful for too much of its running time, with not enough suspense. The action picks up somewhat in the second half, but this story never really hits a stride. Some people may be fairly entertained by the level of cheese on display, in any event. Hayes was also the editor, and makes a cameo as the helpful driver on the highway. Andrew Belling composed the decent music score
Scott, who reminded this viewer (somewhat) of Christopher George, is an incredible stiff, and his character is an insipid "hero". Lyon, of "Lolita" fame, is lovely, but not much of an actress. Dean Jagger offers some fun as Borans' boss, but Lew Ayres and Macdonald Carey are utterly wasted in small roles. It's basically up to Lee to do all of the heavy lifting.
Viewers may enjoy the ending.
Five out of 10.
B cinema enthusiasts will surely WANT to enjoy this one more than they likely will. Sir Christopher is always good value, but even his effortlessly authoritative presence can do little to enliven the presentation. Producer Band and director Hayes do what they can with limited funding, but the movie is dull and uneventful for too much of its running time, with not enough suspense. The action picks up somewhat in the second half, but this story never really hits a stride. Some people may be fairly entertained by the level of cheese on display, in any event. Hayes was also the editor, and makes a cameo as the helpful driver on the highway. Andrew Belling composed the decent music score
Scott, who reminded this viewer (somewhat) of Christopher George, is an incredible stiff, and his character is an insipid "hero". Lyon, of "Lolita" fame, is lovely, but not much of an actress. Dean Jagger offers some fun as Borans' boss, but Lew Ayres and Macdonald Carey are utterly wasted in small roles. It's basically up to Lee to do all of the heavy lifting.
Viewers may enjoy the ending.
Five out of 10.