Always been a Tim Burton fan was hooked after his directing of "Batman"(89) and "Batman Returns"(92) and this entry from 1996 "Mars Attack" even though not his greatest is a carefree and fun little watch. As if your a fan of Burton's and like old comics and sci- fi then this wacky homage is enjoyable as from up above all across the galaxy call them aliens, Martians, or little green men these guys have invaded earth from the angry red hot Mars planet! These creatures also are about mean business as they are armed with gun rays that fry any human in their path. The special effects are pretty decent for 1996 and the humor and writing was funny and spot on. The Slim like green brain Martians have even outsmarted the U. S. federal government(2 out of 3 branches of the government are working for us and that ain't bad!). The acting and cast chemistry is top notch with all pros and all stars with Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox, Martin Short, Tom Jones, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown and an eye candy treat with Sarah Jessica Parker(before her "Sex and the City" days) as a sexy colored bra wearing news reporter and interviewer. And last but not least the great and all time best Jack Nicholson as you guessed it the President of the United States! Overall funny watch and carefree feel good sci-fi comedy that doesn't take things or it's self to serious. Still a view for any Burton fan as the all star cast help make the film a watch too.
449 Reviews
Surprisingly, a real treat -- a genuine loving parody
crystallogic1 August 2018
I first saw this movie when I was sixteen or so, not long after it came out on video. I feel sure the people who rented it only did so because of the "A-list" actors. I don't think they really "got it" and, at the time, I'm not sure I did either.
over the years since then an interesting thing happened: I ended up watching this about four more times, twice when it just happened to be on and twice (the most recent times) through personal choice. It's safe to say that the damn thing just grew on me like insidious Martian mould. In 1996, I was really into science fiction, but more the "literary" stuff than silly old movies. I was a bit pompous about it all, in fact, so while I did kind of get a kick out of the movie the first time, mostly I just thought, "well, that's pretty silly, and surprisingly -- old-school!" and never really gave it much more consideration. With each subsequent viewing though, my immersion in old SF televisual classics and so-called b-movies had grown greater and certain things about this movie started to make a kind of ghastly, irreverent sense. I choose to just forget about the film being based on some old trading card series; I don't know anything about them, and maybe I'm missing out on something, but I think mars Attacks! works very well regardless as a kind of send-up of very serious and grave 50s and 60s low-budget SF "schlockfests".
The funny thing is, I like a lot of those old movies, and I like them unreservedly. I don't find the form to be automatically "cheesy", too talky, too earnest, or anything like that. And I'm not a huge fan of parody for its own sake. usually, in fact, it leaves me cold at best, and a bit angry at worst, as peoples' hard work and dedication is lamppooned for a new generation with little sense of taste or respect. It's easy to be really contemptuous about mars Attacks!, and I think that was part of my initial impulse. I just didn't see the point in putting an "a-list" cast and director to work on what was essentially a copy of a plot from a 1950s B movie. Jack Nicholson's salary from this film alone might have financed two of those pictures!
But then I thought about it a bit more. 1996 was the year Independence Day came out, too, after all. And what was this movie, this ridiculous blockbuster with the at-the-time state-of-the-art special effects and jumped-up movie stars, but a retread of 1956's Earth VS. the Flying Saucers? In fact, what were a lot of these big blockbuster movies but more expensive takes on what guys like Roger Corman, Val Guest and, yes, Ed Wood, had already done? Were they better just because they had a whole lot of money spent on them? NO!
So, mars Attacks! is different because it's bald-faced about it, and that's really the extent of the parody. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The actors here know they're in a silly movie, and they're allowed to have fun. Nobody's expected to pretend this movie is anything other than what it is: a total unrepentent blast from the past.
Sure, the ending is completely retarded. But it's ok as it's totally in keeping with the form! I like the build-up a lot. I enjoy the ridiculous stereotype characters, especially Ron Stiger's screaming red-in-the-face, practically foaming-at-the-mouth warmonger general. Jack nicholson as US President is so grave and sincere, it's hilarious; bang-up job from him, too. And there are so many adorable little cameos, gags and tributes. The music is nothing but loud warbly electronics done on an old synthesiser and it's the kind of thing that's both a terrific call-back to films of yore and something to annoy bothersome houseguests with. Tim Burton and Danny Elfman seem to have this relationship of trust going consistently, and I'm glad they went with this score instead of the normal bombastic stuff from sci-fi blockbusters of the 90s and beyond. About the gags, there are just too many to list, and a lot of them are over so quick you could easily miss them. This makes the movie have a nice re-play value, though, and is probably why I was always tempted to re-watch it even when my initial judgment was "kind of bad!".
I haven't even talked about the aliens. They're ridiculous and awesome. I love their perpetually pissed-off duck-quack talking. They seem to have a sense of humour even though they're hell-bent on killing everyone. And I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the IMDB reviewer who said this, but I just love the notion (which I just came across the other day here after watching again) that the martians set out to destroy everything "uncool" about humanity. I never thought of it like that before, and I think he might be on to something!
I also have to respect that even though Tim Burton got together a whole bunch of top-bill actors, everyone was not only (presumably) on board with the project, but most of them agreed to get killed off in sudden and undignified ways. I don't think anyone's acting chops were exactly stretched making this movie, but I hope everyone had a good time and enjoyed their cameos and generic parts and laughed along when they were dispatched. This is a rare beast for sure: a self-aware and slightly smug 1990s movie that still managed to win me over and put several big grins on my face. Try it!
over the years since then an interesting thing happened: I ended up watching this about four more times, twice when it just happened to be on and twice (the most recent times) through personal choice. It's safe to say that the damn thing just grew on me like insidious Martian mould. In 1996, I was really into science fiction, but more the "literary" stuff than silly old movies. I was a bit pompous about it all, in fact, so while I did kind of get a kick out of the movie the first time, mostly I just thought, "well, that's pretty silly, and surprisingly -- old-school!" and never really gave it much more consideration. With each subsequent viewing though, my immersion in old SF televisual classics and so-called b-movies had grown greater and certain things about this movie started to make a kind of ghastly, irreverent sense. I choose to just forget about the film being based on some old trading card series; I don't know anything about them, and maybe I'm missing out on something, but I think mars Attacks! works very well regardless as a kind of send-up of very serious and grave 50s and 60s low-budget SF "schlockfests".
The funny thing is, I like a lot of those old movies, and I like them unreservedly. I don't find the form to be automatically "cheesy", too talky, too earnest, or anything like that. And I'm not a huge fan of parody for its own sake. usually, in fact, it leaves me cold at best, and a bit angry at worst, as peoples' hard work and dedication is lamppooned for a new generation with little sense of taste or respect. It's easy to be really contemptuous about mars Attacks!, and I think that was part of my initial impulse. I just didn't see the point in putting an "a-list" cast and director to work on what was essentially a copy of a plot from a 1950s B movie. Jack Nicholson's salary from this film alone might have financed two of those pictures!
But then I thought about it a bit more. 1996 was the year Independence Day came out, too, after all. And what was this movie, this ridiculous blockbuster with the at-the-time state-of-the-art special effects and jumped-up movie stars, but a retread of 1956's Earth VS. the Flying Saucers? In fact, what were a lot of these big blockbuster movies but more expensive takes on what guys like Roger Corman, Val Guest and, yes, Ed Wood, had already done? Were they better just because they had a whole lot of money spent on them? NO!
So, mars Attacks! is different because it's bald-faced about it, and that's really the extent of the parody. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The actors here know they're in a silly movie, and they're allowed to have fun. Nobody's expected to pretend this movie is anything other than what it is: a total unrepentent blast from the past.
Sure, the ending is completely retarded. But it's ok as it's totally in keeping with the form! I like the build-up a lot. I enjoy the ridiculous stereotype characters, especially Ron Stiger's screaming red-in-the-face, practically foaming-at-the-mouth warmonger general. Jack nicholson as US President is so grave and sincere, it's hilarious; bang-up job from him, too. And there are so many adorable little cameos, gags and tributes. The music is nothing but loud warbly electronics done on an old synthesiser and it's the kind of thing that's both a terrific call-back to films of yore and something to annoy bothersome houseguests with. Tim Burton and Danny Elfman seem to have this relationship of trust going consistently, and I'm glad they went with this score instead of the normal bombastic stuff from sci-fi blockbusters of the 90s and beyond. About the gags, there are just too many to list, and a lot of them are over so quick you could easily miss them. This makes the movie have a nice re-play value, though, and is probably why I was always tempted to re-watch it even when my initial judgment was "kind of bad!".
I haven't even talked about the aliens. They're ridiculous and awesome. I love their perpetually pissed-off duck-quack talking. They seem to have a sense of humour even though they're hell-bent on killing everyone. And I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the IMDB reviewer who said this, but I just love the notion (which I just came across the other day here after watching again) that the martians set out to destroy everything "uncool" about humanity. I never thought of it like that before, and I think he might be on to something!
I also have to respect that even though Tim Burton got together a whole bunch of top-bill actors, everyone was not only (presumably) on board with the project, but most of them agreed to get killed off in sudden and undignified ways. I don't think anyone's acting chops were exactly stretched making this movie, but I hope everyone had a good time and enjoyed their cameos and generic parts and laughed along when they were dispatched. This is a rare beast for sure: a self-aware and slightly smug 1990s movie that still managed to win me over and put several big grins on my face. Try it!
Very enjoyable sci-fi spoof
bob the moo22 February 2002
When Martians make contact with earth opinion is split into two camps between seeking peace or preparing for defence. When the inital meeting is turned into a massacre by a misunderstanding surrounding the dove of peace, the camp seeking war seem to have the stronger case. However the Martian Ambassator apologises and is allowed to meet before the joint houses in the US. However when the Martians use this as an way to wipe out America's leaders in one move. Security is stepped up and the world is put on a war footing, however the martians seem only interesting in destruction and death and deliver both with a wickedly cruel sense of humour.
We all know that Tim Burton and sci-fi blockbuster movies don't always deliver the goods (planet of the apes anyone?). This was released in the same summer as Independence Day and ID came off much, much better. That was mainly because ID gave the people what they wanted - they wanted a little comedy, lots of fancy FX and explosions, nothing different that would cause them to think in any way, and the good guys (the Americans) must win and save the earth! Burton gave them most of that, but it was just too different!
What we have here is a ID style story but it is infused with Burton's manic vision. This takes away from the blockbuster appeal of the average ID, but it makes it a much funnier, wierder experience. Some of it doesn't work, Nicholson's multirole performance is nowhere near the standard of Peter Sellers in Dr Strangelove (which he clearly aspires to) and some of the cameos are forced and silly. However all the stuff with the aliens works really well because it is so OTT and it knows it - Burton just lets his vision run wild. In place of ID destruction of the white house, we have the aliens knocking down the Easter Island statues like 10 pin bowling etc. Where ID took itself very seriously, Mars Attacks plays like a spoof of the 1950's sci-fi and comes off much better for it.
As for the ending - of course it's absurd! Yes it's a bit of a leap to imagine that the aliens would be defeated in this way, but it doesn't matter because it's all tongue in cheek. It is no more stupid than ID which sees the aliens destroyed by Goldblum and Smith flying a spaceship (Smith flies it because he's seen one before - the scientists who have been studying it aren't allowed, even though they know how it works), into the core of the mothership, downloading a computer virus from Windows 98 onto the alien system and clearing off! Both endings are dumb, but at least Mars Attacks doesn't try to cover it up.
There are so many actors here that to try and say who does well and who doesn't would take ages. So here we good. Good -Nicholson (as the president), Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, MJ Fox, Steiger, Pam Grier, Lukas Haas, Jim Brown and Lisa Marie. Bad - Glenn Close, De Vito, Short and a pointless "oh look it's...." cameo from Tom Jones. The actors given screen time are good but stars wheeled out for novelty value are a bit wasted generally.
Overall this may not be to everyone's tastes. When it come out everyone seemed to expect another ID style film. However Burton's mad vision and comic touches make this a very enjoyable spoof.
We all know that Tim Burton and sci-fi blockbuster movies don't always deliver the goods (planet of the apes anyone?). This was released in the same summer as Independence Day and ID came off much, much better. That was mainly because ID gave the people what they wanted - they wanted a little comedy, lots of fancy FX and explosions, nothing different that would cause them to think in any way, and the good guys (the Americans) must win and save the earth! Burton gave them most of that, but it was just too different!
What we have here is a ID style story but it is infused with Burton's manic vision. This takes away from the blockbuster appeal of the average ID, but it makes it a much funnier, wierder experience. Some of it doesn't work, Nicholson's multirole performance is nowhere near the standard of Peter Sellers in Dr Strangelove (which he clearly aspires to) and some of the cameos are forced and silly. However all the stuff with the aliens works really well because it is so OTT and it knows it - Burton just lets his vision run wild. In place of ID destruction of the white house, we have the aliens knocking down the Easter Island statues like 10 pin bowling etc. Where ID took itself very seriously, Mars Attacks plays like a spoof of the 1950's sci-fi and comes off much better for it.
As for the ending - of course it's absurd! Yes it's a bit of a leap to imagine that the aliens would be defeated in this way, but it doesn't matter because it's all tongue in cheek. It is no more stupid than ID which sees the aliens destroyed by Goldblum and Smith flying a spaceship (Smith flies it because he's seen one before - the scientists who have been studying it aren't allowed, even though they know how it works), into the core of the mothership, downloading a computer virus from Windows 98 onto the alien system and clearing off! Both endings are dumb, but at least Mars Attacks doesn't try to cover it up.
There are so many actors here that to try and say who does well and who doesn't would take ages. So here we good. Good -Nicholson (as the president), Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, MJ Fox, Steiger, Pam Grier, Lukas Haas, Jim Brown and Lisa Marie. Bad - Glenn Close, De Vito, Short and a pointless "oh look it's...." cameo from Tom Jones. The actors given screen time are good but stars wheeled out for novelty value are a bit wasted generally.
Overall this may not be to everyone's tastes. When it come out everyone seemed to expect another ID style film. However Burton's mad vision and comic touches make this a very enjoyable spoof.
"Can we do interviews?"
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews30 January 2010
If you have seen a Burton film before, you have an idea of what to expect. On the other hand, if you have not, it is a little difficult to determine if you will enjoy it or not. What I can say is that this is *not* mainstream or Hollywood. If anything, it mocks the traditions of such. This is tasteless, sick, twisted fun, spoofing and satirizing the army, politics, the media, religion, etc. It also contains homages to the campy sci-fi flicks of the 50's, though you really don't need to be particularly familiar with those to get into this(I'm not, and I laugh my head off). This was my second viewing, and the other time was at least half a decade ago, and yet I remembered nearly everything(and the humor still "worked" for me, in spite of me knowing the punchlines). That doesn't happen all that often. The comedy is *hilarious*(with some exceptions that miss the mark), with silly and goofy material, absurdity, brilliantly written dialog and absolutely *no* holding back. This has a magnificent cast(all of them clearly in on it, aware of what the final product would be) and the characters are distinguished and memorable, and all the archetypes are there. The acting is spot-on for nearly every performance; Tom Jones isn't entirely convincing, but it doesn't get to be terribly bothersome. This never stands still, there is a ton of energy in it, and the pacing is fast without being overwhelming. The special effects are good, if you can tell that CGI was relatively new at this point, and the integration between the FX and the live-action elements is reasonable at best. There is plenty of moderately violent and disturbing content, a little mild language and brief(not graphic) sexuality in this. I recommend it to anyone who can imagine that they'd like it. 7/10
Burton's Craziest Hour!
namashi_110 May 2015
Based on the cult trading card series of the same name, 'Mars Attacks!' is Tim Burton's Craziest Hour! The Legendary Filmmaker has churned out some of the most morbid/dark subjects with zeal before, but this comic sci-fi flick, has to be his most absurdest to date.
'Mars Attacks!' Synopsis: Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor.
'Mars Attacks!' is pure insanity. You see martians causing hell on earth, while the human characters are all caricatures. This isn't a film that should be taken seriously, mostly because, it itself knows how over-the-top & gleefully silly it is.
But, thats not a bad thing. 'Mars Attacks!' works tremendously well for the genre it follows. I laughed at places & I was engrossed by its comical characters. Yes, at times, I was like, is this happening for real? But Burton & co., give us some delicious moments to cover its flaws.
Jonathan Gems's Screenplay isn't full-proof, but it works nonetheless. Burton's Direction is over-the-top. Cinematography & Editing are average. Special Effects are ingeniously done. Make-Up is nicely done.
Performance-Wise: Of its ensemble cast, its Jack Nicholson, in dual roles, who takes the lead & is a joy to watch. The legend dons the role of the paranoid president well, but is a hoot as the greedy developer of Las Vegas. Martin Short as the sleazy press secretary, is in terrific form. Annette Bening, as the deranged women, is top-notch. Sarah Jessica Parker as the feisty TV star, is excellent. And Pierce Brosnan as a science expert, is highly effective.
On the whole, 'Mars Attacks!' may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it deserves a watch nonetheless for the versatility of Burton's vision.
'Mars Attacks!' Synopsis: Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor.
'Mars Attacks!' is pure insanity. You see martians causing hell on earth, while the human characters are all caricatures. This isn't a film that should be taken seriously, mostly because, it itself knows how over-the-top & gleefully silly it is.
But, thats not a bad thing. 'Mars Attacks!' works tremendously well for the genre it follows. I laughed at places & I was engrossed by its comical characters. Yes, at times, I was like, is this happening for real? But Burton & co., give us some delicious moments to cover its flaws.
Jonathan Gems's Screenplay isn't full-proof, but it works nonetheless. Burton's Direction is over-the-top. Cinematography & Editing are average. Special Effects are ingeniously done. Make-Up is nicely done.
Performance-Wise: Of its ensemble cast, its Jack Nicholson, in dual roles, who takes the lead & is a joy to watch. The legend dons the role of the paranoid president well, but is a hoot as the greedy developer of Las Vegas. Martin Short as the sleazy press secretary, is in terrific form. Annette Bening, as the deranged women, is top-notch. Sarah Jessica Parker as the feisty TV star, is excellent. And Pierce Brosnan as a science expert, is highly effective.
On the whole, 'Mars Attacks!' may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it deserves a watch nonetheless for the versatility of Burton's vision.
You Get it or You Don't; I don't
aramis-112-80488028 January 2023
A first rank cast apparently "gets" what goes on in this movie. I don't. Usually when people say "you get it or you don't," I get it. I love comedy that comes in by side doors. I've always seen the wackier side of things.
Perhaps because I was unfamiliar with the "Mars Attacks" trading cards and because I don't give a hang about alien invasion yarns, including by that fascist eugenics-supporter H. G. Wells, I simply don't care for this, either. And that mars (no pun) my appreciation for the humor.
But I refuse to admit any fault in myself in not "getting" this flick. Then again, it was my first brush with Tim Burton since "Pee Wee's Big Adventure," which I enjoyed. Perhaps in the mran time he's been able to indulge himself too much.
Frankly, I found long swathes of this gross.
Still, individual performances tickled my fancy. Michael J Fox was always good before his unfortunate disappearance. Pierce Brosnan fits into his part like a glove. His pipe is the best thing in the movie. But for the most part, however good the cast member, he, she or it doesn't find my funny bone. And I stuck with it to the bitter end.
If you like it, fine. But I'm never judgmental about people who don't "get" freaked-out comedies I love. Don't judge me for not liking this.
Perhaps because I was unfamiliar with the "Mars Attacks" trading cards and because I don't give a hang about alien invasion yarns, including by that fascist eugenics-supporter H. G. Wells, I simply don't care for this, either. And that mars (no pun) my appreciation for the humor.
But I refuse to admit any fault in myself in not "getting" this flick. Then again, it was my first brush with Tim Burton since "Pee Wee's Big Adventure," which I enjoyed. Perhaps in the mran time he's been able to indulge himself too much.
Frankly, I found long swathes of this gross.
Still, individual performances tickled my fancy. Michael J Fox was always good before his unfortunate disappearance. Pierce Brosnan fits into his part like a glove. His pipe is the best thing in the movie. But for the most part, however good the cast member, he, she or it doesn't find my funny bone. And I stuck with it to the bitter end.
If you like it, fine. But I'm never judgmental about people who don't "get" freaked-out comedies I love. Don't judge me for not liking this.
Misunderstood ???
Coventry7 January 2004
There's one guarantee in life : When you're reading 5 reviews on Mars Attacks, FOUR of them are negative ones! Why, I ask?? It's really hard for me to believe that all these movie-lovers fail to see the film like Tim Burton intended it. Mars Attacks! is a great film and - above all - a very effective parody. Burton takes the opportunity to spoof and laugh with almost every form of nowadays filth...Politics, religion, the army, television, greed in Las Vegas and God knows what else. Mars Attacks! is the purest form of cinema anarchy I've seen so far, and I really want to encourage you to see it again if you didn't like it the first time. Tim Burton is a genius. Practically all movies he did before ( and after ) Mars Attacks! prove that. Do you really believe that he would deliver a failure? Or do you think the entire brilliant cast would agree to starring in an inferior production?? They all acknowledged the genius of this movie...why can't the audience do the same?
Mars Attacks! is a very remarkable achievement for yet another reason. This very well might be only film that cost a fortune in order to look cheap! Burton probably wasted a huge budget to make the settings and the design look like they did in the typical 50's Science Fiction movies. Burton is a big fan of these movies and he saved neither money or trouble to make his satire look like those films. The direct tribute to Edward Wood in the opening credits is an obvious example of this as well, I think. Perhaps, this would be the only real thing you can accuse Tim Burton of...Mars Attacks! is a very personal project of his. I really doubt he worried much about the question whether Mars Attacks! would become a success or not. He told his tale and he clearly enjoyed doing so...Why wouldn't you enjoy watching it then?
Note: This review is dedicated to Mailen. A great regular user here on this site and I know for a fact that she adores this film as well...
Mars Attacks! is a very remarkable achievement for yet another reason. This very well might be only film that cost a fortune in order to look cheap! Burton probably wasted a huge budget to make the settings and the design look like they did in the typical 50's Science Fiction movies. Burton is a big fan of these movies and he saved neither money or trouble to make his satire look like those films. The direct tribute to Edward Wood in the opening credits is an obvious example of this as well, I think. Perhaps, this would be the only real thing you can accuse Tim Burton of...Mars Attacks! is a very personal project of his. I really doubt he worried much about the question whether Mars Attacks! would become a success or not. He told his tale and he clearly enjoyed doing so...Why wouldn't you enjoy watching it then?
Note: This review is dedicated to Mailen. A great regular user here on this site and I know for a fact that she adores this film as well...
Too Silly
Theo Robertson21 July 2002
MARS ATTACKS! gets off to a good start with a massive barbecue followed by a really good title sequence that will leave you thinking this is going to be a classic SF comedy but don`t allow yourself to be fooled because after the opening credits we are introduced very clumsily to the characters , a retard president and family , Bimbo newsreader , Vegas wiseguy , burned out boxer ,naive scientist , redneck trailer trash , warmonger etc all of whom are camp stereotypes and most of them are superflous to the very thin plot, there`s just far too many people in this film , and all of them are completely stupid beyond belief
I`m also irritated by the fact MARS ATTACKS claims to be a homage to all those 1950s B movies but has decided to be set in a sort of comic book present day where Leon Spinks , Buster Douglas , Tom Jones and Colin Powell exist . If you`re going to do a homage to 50s films shouldn`t you set it in the 1950s ? Most of the cars and fashions resemble those of that era but other parts are contempary which is silly and unexplained, but silliness dominates this film , people never act as you would expect them to and get ready for the most stupid cop out ending ever seen in a sci fi film
MARS ATTACKS ! does have a couple of good points . As I said the opening credits are good as are the humans getting exterminated SFX though this becomes over used long before the end of the film . The most successful aspect of the film is the Martians themselves who are very very well designed and memorable , but when you stop to consider that the only other memorable thing is the sheer silliness of the film maybe I`m not saying much , and the bad does outweigh the good
I`m also irritated by the fact MARS ATTACKS claims to be a homage to all those 1950s B movies but has decided to be set in a sort of comic book present day where Leon Spinks , Buster Douglas , Tom Jones and Colin Powell exist . If you`re going to do a homage to 50s films shouldn`t you set it in the 1950s ? Most of the cars and fashions resemble those of that era but other parts are contempary which is silly and unexplained, but silliness dominates this film , people never act as you would expect them to and get ready for the most stupid cop out ending ever seen in a sci fi film
MARS ATTACKS ! does have a couple of good points . As I said the opening credits are good as are the humans getting exterminated SFX though this becomes over used long before the end of the film . The most successful aspect of the film is the Martians themselves who are very very well designed and memorable , but when you stop to consider that the only other memorable thing is the sheer silliness of the film maybe I`m not saying much , and the bad does outweigh the good
A guilty pleasure that grows on you
rbsjrx30 January 2005
When I first saw this in the theater with my granddaughter, we both found to be pretty lame and disappointing, but not without some wit to it. Since then, it's been on the cable channels multiple times, and I always find myself watching it again. I really hate to admit it, but this thing has really grown on me - so much so that I finally bought the DVD.
When I first saw it, I wouldn't have given it more than a 4 out of 10, but after repeated viewings, I now give it a 9. I can't really say why, and I certainly can't justify it in any rational sense, but it all just works for me. The wry wit, the blatant social and political commentary, I find it all immensely satisfying.
My confession's over, I'll do my penance. But I have to also say that my granddaughter's opinion of it has never wavered. She considers this movie as evidence of my incipient senility...
When I first saw it, I wouldn't have given it more than a 4 out of 10, but after repeated viewings, I now give it a 9. I can't really say why, and I certainly can't justify it in any rational sense, but it all just works for me. The wry wit, the blatant social and political commentary, I find it all immensely satisfying.
My confession's over, I'll do my penance. But I have to also say that my granddaughter's opinion of it has never wavered. She considers this movie as evidence of my incipient senility...
"1941" - The CGI Version
slokes9 February 2005
It's often said of a film that it's not as good as the book it is based upon. Here's a movie not as good as the bubble-gum cards it was based upon.
Way back in the 1960s when director Tim Burton was a boy, Topps Chewing Gum put out these cards depicting a cartoonish Martian invasion of Earth, based loosely on "War Of The Worlds." Explosions, death, fire, monsters, and a glint of goonish humor, it was all a growing boy could want. Years later, his career as Hollywood's most visionary director underway, Burton decided to make a film celebrating those cards.
"Mars Attacks!" is a hodgepodge of loosely-knit moments with a cast that is way too large to support its slender thread of a story. It's supposed to be thrilling and funny, but it's neither. Instead, you have a succession of blind-alley bits with name actors embarrassing themselves, including Jack Nicholson twice as the president and as a gambler.
Pointlessness rules. "Do Martians have two sexes, like we do?" asks an androgynous reporter at a press conference. Rod Steiger as a general is shrunk and stepped on. Boy scouts are squashed by the Washington Monument when the Martians knock it down. Tom Jones is singing "It's Not Unusual" on stage when he is suddenly joined by a trio of Martians.
These are set up as punchlines, but there's nothing to punch here but piffle. There's some uniqueness to the Martians themselves, presented in early computer graphic imagery to resemble the day-glo plastic look of the bubble-gum-card Martians of Burton's youth. Jim Brown and Pam Grier offer some humor and sympathy as separated parents trying to save themselves and their two sons, and you wish they were around longer.
Everything else, especially a pathetic subplot involving a grievously sick-looking Sylvia Sidney and a puberty-challenged Lukas Haas who discover the Martians' Achilles heel, seems to have been pulled from Stephen King's wastebasket. What was Danny DeVito's purpose in the film? He has fifth billing, and maybe five lines, all of which sound improvised and not in a good way. Annette Bening is a New Age alcoholic who talks like Marilyn Monroe and runs from the invaders, the best performance but one sadly undernourished by dramatic or comic purpose.
Watching this film, I thought of "1941," another comedy spectacle that puts glitz over humor. Except this time there's not even a funny speech like Dan Aykroyd's "Was that Mickey Mouse I saw marching into Poland?" bit to latch onto, just a series of sloppy non sequiturs by actors paying Burton back for having once put them in better films. The script is lame, and like "1941" it's hard to imagine so many professional film people letting this one go through their hands without demanding a major rewrite. As with "1941," the idea is if you have a hot director with a unique visionary style, why not trust him to pull it all together?
"Mars Attacks!" is the answer. It's a sad little splat of a film, an early demonstration of CGI that also demonstrates how limited CGI as a tool can be. Burton is so much better when he lets the story dictate special effects, rather than the other way around.
Way back in the 1960s when director Tim Burton was a boy, Topps Chewing Gum put out these cards depicting a cartoonish Martian invasion of Earth, based loosely on "War Of The Worlds." Explosions, death, fire, monsters, and a glint of goonish humor, it was all a growing boy could want. Years later, his career as Hollywood's most visionary director underway, Burton decided to make a film celebrating those cards.
"Mars Attacks!" is a hodgepodge of loosely-knit moments with a cast that is way too large to support its slender thread of a story. It's supposed to be thrilling and funny, but it's neither. Instead, you have a succession of blind-alley bits with name actors embarrassing themselves, including Jack Nicholson twice as the president and as a gambler.
Pointlessness rules. "Do Martians have two sexes, like we do?" asks an androgynous reporter at a press conference. Rod Steiger as a general is shrunk and stepped on. Boy scouts are squashed by the Washington Monument when the Martians knock it down. Tom Jones is singing "It's Not Unusual" on stage when he is suddenly joined by a trio of Martians.
These are set up as punchlines, but there's nothing to punch here but piffle. There's some uniqueness to the Martians themselves, presented in early computer graphic imagery to resemble the day-glo plastic look of the bubble-gum-card Martians of Burton's youth. Jim Brown and Pam Grier offer some humor and sympathy as separated parents trying to save themselves and their two sons, and you wish they were around longer.
Everything else, especially a pathetic subplot involving a grievously sick-looking Sylvia Sidney and a puberty-challenged Lukas Haas who discover the Martians' Achilles heel, seems to have been pulled from Stephen King's wastebasket. What was Danny DeVito's purpose in the film? He has fifth billing, and maybe five lines, all of which sound improvised and not in a good way. Annette Bening is a New Age alcoholic who talks like Marilyn Monroe and runs from the invaders, the best performance but one sadly undernourished by dramatic or comic purpose.
Watching this film, I thought of "1941," another comedy spectacle that puts glitz over humor. Except this time there's not even a funny speech like Dan Aykroyd's "Was that Mickey Mouse I saw marching into Poland?" bit to latch onto, just a series of sloppy non sequiturs by actors paying Burton back for having once put them in better films. The script is lame, and like "1941" it's hard to imagine so many professional film people letting this one go through their hands without demanding a major rewrite. As with "1941," the idea is if you have a hot director with a unique visionary style, why not trust him to pull it all together?
"Mars Attacks!" is the answer. It's a sad little splat of a film, an early demonstration of CGI that also demonstrates how limited CGI as a tool can be. Burton is so much better when he lets the story dictate special effects, rather than the other way around.
Classic example of how aliens will invade earth one day 7\10
saadanathan11 July 2021
"Mars Attacks!" is another big hit by Tim Burton, the setting takes place on Earth, which is being invaded by Martians (or in other words: aliens).
The movie is another classic example of how humanity discovers a species of aliens and tries to communicate with them. Only to find out that the aliens have not come in peace. Unlike other movies which show the encounter with aliens, "Mars Attacks!" in particular laughs and makes fun of this sci - fi genre. It is made purposely so ridiculous, whacky and bizarre that it's main intension is just to laugh at humanity.
The audience know for sure that a real encounter with aliens will go down way more different than shown here, yet so personally I believe what we just saw on "Mars Attacks!" is a possible outcome.
The cast of actors is well wide and impressive: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close and many more.
Great movie and great casting, a good and funny screenplay, a really joyful film to watch all together.
The movie is another classic example of how humanity discovers a species of aliens and tries to communicate with them. Only to find out that the aliens have not come in peace. Unlike other movies which show the encounter with aliens, "Mars Attacks!" in particular laughs and makes fun of this sci - fi genre. It is made purposely so ridiculous, whacky and bizarre that it's main intension is just to laugh at humanity.
The audience know for sure that a real encounter with aliens will go down way more different than shown here, yet so personally I believe what we just saw on "Mars Attacks!" is a possible outcome.
The cast of actors is well wide and impressive: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close and many more.
Great movie and great casting, a good and funny screenplay, a really joyful film to watch all together.
A wonderful Burton Flick
FilmFanInTheHouse28 August 2007
Mars Attacks! (1996, Dir. Tim Burton)
It is a normal day for everyone, until the President of the United States. They are able to get in contact with the Martians, and arrange for a meeting behind them and us humans. But not everything goes to plan, and the Martians have other plans for Earth. Are they just misunderstood beings? or do they really want to destroy all of humanity.
When you see a film with Tim Burton's name on it, you know it's going to be something special. Mars Attacks! is nothing short of that. The story is there with enough action to keep you hooked. The action is top standard, even from Tom Jones. Jack Nicholson is just amazing in this playing two characters. The special effects are a mixed bag nowadays. Some of the effects still looked good such as the spaceships, but some CGI looked a bit dodgy, such as the green slime against the walls. This doesn't reduce the fun though, and you still have an enjoyable viewing experience, even after ten years.
"I'm not having that thing in my house." - First Lady (Glenn Close)
It is a normal day for everyone, until the President of the United States. They are able to get in contact with the Martians, and arrange for a meeting behind them and us humans. But not everything goes to plan, and the Martians have other plans for Earth. Are they just misunderstood beings? or do they really want to destroy all of humanity.
When you see a film with Tim Burton's name on it, you know it's going to be something special. Mars Attacks! is nothing short of that. The story is there with enough action to keep you hooked. The action is top standard, even from Tom Jones. Jack Nicholson is just amazing in this playing two characters. The special effects are a mixed bag nowadays. Some of the effects still looked good such as the spaceships, but some CGI looked a bit dodgy, such as the green slime against the walls. This doesn't reduce the fun though, and you still have an enjoyable viewing experience, even after ten years.
"I'm not having that thing in my house." - First Lady (Glenn Close)
Everyone gets to strut their stuff
bkoganbing25 July 2018
Mars Attacks is not a great film. It's all right, but sad to say some of the comedy
doesn't quite come off. But this is one of those films where if you were lucky
enough to get cast in it you got the opportunityto give out with some shtick or
overact outrageously. Jack Nicholson got to do it twice as he was cast in two
different roles, as president of the United States and as a Las Vegas operator.
Nicholson is served better presidentially. Can you imagine Jack Nicholson in that familiar nasal twang trying to reassure the nation even after the aliens have blown up Congress. It's what people remember best from the film.
Pierce Brosnan is cast as the ever calm scientist who knows his field will provide the answers. All that's left of him is sheer intellect.
My favorite is Martin Short who gets a Martian through White House security. He's Nicholson's press secretary and he sneaks a disguised Martian past White House security. Poor Short thinks he's getting a little something something and is he ever surprised.
I also Paul Winfield who is modeled on General Colin Powell as the emissary President Nicholson sends to greet the Martians on the Nevada desert where they've landed. He's got a nice running rivalry with Rod Steiger who is a general along the lines of Buck Turgidson from Dr. Strangelove.
The whole component doesn't quite gel. But lots of funny bits should keep the viewer interested.
Can you imagine the current president trying to reassure the public after an alien invasion. Not non-Americans, real aliens.
Nicholson is served better presidentially. Can you imagine Jack Nicholson in that familiar nasal twang trying to reassure the nation even after the aliens have blown up Congress. It's what people remember best from the film.
Pierce Brosnan is cast as the ever calm scientist who knows his field will provide the answers. All that's left of him is sheer intellect.
My favorite is Martin Short who gets a Martian through White House security. He's Nicholson's press secretary and he sneaks a disguised Martian past White House security. Poor Short thinks he's getting a little something something and is he ever surprised.
I also Paul Winfield who is modeled on General Colin Powell as the emissary President Nicholson sends to greet the Martians on the Nevada desert where they've landed. He's got a nice running rivalry with Rod Steiger who is a general along the lines of Buck Turgidson from Dr. Strangelove.
The whole component doesn't quite gel. But lots of funny bits should keep the viewer interested.
Can you imagine the current president trying to reassure the public after an alien invasion. Not non-Americans, real aliens.
Outstanding Entertainment; Burton's Most Underrated Film
ccthemovieman-129 November 2006
What a wild movie! I've begun to appreciate this more and more with multiple viewings. I think it's Tim Burton's most underrated film. Unlike many of his previous films, this seems pretty impartial when it comes to the satire: everyone gets it here, not just the usual Christians. Here, New Ange devotees and Liberal advisers and generals are also made to look stupid. This is probably one reason the national critics - who are overwhelming Left Wing - didn't like this movie. They weren't used to the same abuse some of us put up with all the time.
Politics aside, this is one funny movie. It's a combination of science fiction, drama and comedy. It's a parody of the 1950s flying saucer films except it has 1990s color and good special-effects. Burton was a fan of those corny '50s sci-fi films so he made his own!
The story quickly moves from one character to another, from the low-key President of the U.S. played by an unusually-reserved Jack Nicholson to the wacky New Ager Annette Benning to Martin Short with his goofy smile....well, there are so many characters here - most of them completely whacked - it's too many to mention. The diversity of these people and the subtle humor in which they are all presented is just as much fun to watch as the special-effects. The Martians are a real hoot. They have to be seen to be believed.
I didn't like all the characters but, most people won't either. For me, showing elderly people as senile (Sylvia Sidney's role) is mean-spirited; Rod Steiger has the stereotypical war-mongering General is getting tiresome and the obvious politically-correct role for Jim Brown also went overboard.
All in all, however, this is about as entertaining a film as I have ever found, nd one that gets more enjoyable with each viewing.....which is why I rate it so high.
Politics aside, this is one funny movie. It's a combination of science fiction, drama and comedy. It's a parody of the 1950s flying saucer films except it has 1990s color and good special-effects. Burton was a fan of those corny '50s sci-fi films so he made his own!
The story quickly moves from one character to another, from the low-key President of the U.S. played by an unusually-reserved Jack Nicholson to the wacky New Ager Annette Benning to Martin Short with his goofy smile....well, there are so many characters here - most of them completely whacked - it's too many to mention. The diversity of these people and the subtle humor in which they are all presented is just as much fun to watch as the special-effects. The Martians are a real hoot. They have to be seen to be believed.
I didn't like all the characters but, most people won't either. For me, showing elderly people as senile (Sylvia Sidney's role) is mean-spirited; Rod Steiger has the stereotypical war-mongering General is getting tiresome and the obvious politically-correct role for Jim Brown also went overboard.
All in all, however, this is about as entertaining a film as I have ever found, nd one that gets more enjoyable with each viewing.....which is why I rate it so high.
The best movie ever to be spawned by bubblegum cards!
bowmanblue28 May 2014
The trouble is... 'Mars Attacks' doesn't have a lot (if any!) competition for that title. In the mid nineties, when alien invasion fever was at its highest, someone proposed a film about cheesy 1950s-style Martians attacking Earth and 'Mars Attacks' was born.
The first thing you need to know about it is that it's an 'ensemble' piece, i.e. it has simply tonnes of A-list stars attached to the project. And, despite sounding impressive, that's kind of a downside. For none of them are really given enough screen time to get to know. There's absolutely no character development for any of them and, what's more, most of them are pretty objectionable anyway, leaving you cold when they finally get melted in a – visually-pleasing – array of colourful laser fire from out green, big-brained invaders. There are a couple of 'nicer' characters, but they're hardly in it enough for you to even remember their names. Many of the characters could have been removed completely and the story wouldn't have lost anything.
Jack Nicholson is undoubtedly the 'main' character, as he plays the President of America. However, despite his acting abilities, he doesn't really do much as the role. Perhaps that's why they gave him another role to play, but, as I said before, half the characters could have been easily gotten away with and Jack's second performance is one of these.
As for the story... well, there isn't really one. Mars does indeed attack, but not until about forty-five minutes into the movie. What you have is basically a 'sketch show' with many famous faces, all vying to 'out-horrible' each other.
However, despite the film's many flaws, it's kind of worth a watch... but only for the Martians. They're completely the stars of the film. They get all the best lines (not that any are actually spoken in English) and are a delight to watch. In fact, they're so good they only go and double how bad their human (and un-computer-generated) co-stars are in comparison.
If you think you can sit through a sketch-type alien invasion film with a few comedic moments (but not enough to really class the film as an out and out 'comedy') you should enjoy this. Even if it's just to watch Tom Jones thrash it out with an alien race (not that IS unusual!).
http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/
The first thing you need to know about it is that it's an 'ensemble' piece, i.e. it has simply tonnes of A-list stars attached to the project. And, despite sounding impressive, that's kind of a downside. For none of them are really given enough screen time to get to know. There's absolutely no character development for any of them and, what's more, most of them are pretty objectionable anyway, leaving you cold when they finally get melted in a – visually-pleasing – array of colourful laser fire from out green, big-brained invaders. There are a couple of 'nicer' characters, but they're hardly in it enough for you to even remember their names. Many of the characters could have been removed completely and the story wouldn't have lost anything.
Jack Nicholson is undoubtedly the 'main' character, as he plays the President of America. However, despite his acting abilities, he doesn't really do much as the role. Perhaps that's why they gave him another role to play, but, as I said before, half the characters could have been easily gotten away with and Jack's second performance is one of these.
As for the story... well, there isn't really one. Mars does indeed attack, but not until about forty-five minutes into the movie. What you have is basically a 'sketch show' with many famous faces, all vying to 'out-horrible' each other.
However, despite the film's many flaws, it's kind of worth a watch... but only for the Martians. They're completely the stars of the film. They get all the best lines (not that any are actually spoken in English) and are a delight to watch. In fact, they're so good they only go and double how bad their human (and un-computer-generated) co-stars are in comparison.
If you think you can sit through a sketch-type alien invasion film with a few comedic moments (but not enough to really class the film as an out and out 'comedy') you should enjoy this. Even if it's just to watch Tom Jones thrash it out with an alien race (not that IS unusual!).
http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/
This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.
jamesonwhite110 February 2021
A Hilarious Tribute To Alien Invasion B Movies with Burton Flavor
KalKenobi8320 September 2016
Watched Mars Attacks! Featuring Jack Nicholson(Batman) as President James Dale/ Art Land , Glenn Close(Hamlet) as First Lady Marsha Dale , Pierce Brosnan(Goldeneye 007 ) as Professor Donald Kessler ,Danny DeVito(Batman Returns) as Rude Gambler,Annette Bening(Richard III) as Barbara Land ,Martin Short(Father Of The Bride II) as Press Secretary Jerry Ross, Sarah Jessica Parker(The Substance Of Fire) as Nathalie Lake, Michael J.Fox(Back To The Future) as Jason Stone, Rod Steiger(Shiloh) as General Decker, Lukas Haas(The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles) as Richie Norris,Natalie Portman(Leon The Professional) as Taffy Dale, Jim Brown(L.A. Heat) as Bryon Williams, Sylvia Sydney(Used People) as Florence Norris , Pam Grier(Jackie Brown) as Louise Williams, Jack Black(The X-Files) as Billy-Glenn Norris and Tom Jones as Himself . The film is interesting and one of my favorite Burton films with 1950's B Sci-Fi Flavor as well Burtons Own spin also very Hilarious Also A Parody of Independence as well also enjoyed the heavy handed cast as well . Amazing Score By Danny Elfman( Ed Wood), Costume Design By Coleen Atwood(That Thing You Do!) ,Cinematography By Peter Suschitzsky (Krull) ,Screenplay by Jonathan Gems(White Mischief) , Direction By Tim Burton(Beetlejuice) A Hilarious Tribute To Alien Invasion B Movies with Burton Flavor 7/10
Amazing actors stuck playing ignorant yokels...
moonspinner5531 July 2002
After a first contact meeting in the Nevada desert between the U.S. President's science aides and the Ambassador of Mars doesn't go well, the President and his advisers suddenly find Earth at war with the intergalactic creatures. Rarely has a modern movie collected such an eclectic group of actors in one place. This is, of course, a testimony to the reputation of director Tim Burton, but Burton doesn't set up a very appealing showcase for his amazing cast. We're primed to laugh at who they are (their personas) rather than who they're playing (a bunch of idiots). Martian invasion movies from the 1950s were supposed to be scary but were instead funny and maybe a little campy--this one wants to be funny, but is instead condescending and mean-spirited. Usually, Burton's strengths as a filmmaker (eccentric bits of whimsy and character interaction) save the day; with "Mars Attacks!", he's coasting on shtick (pitched far too high) and relying on caricature-driven mayhem to carry the plot (concocted by screenwriter Jonathan Gems) and the players (willing stars, by the way, who were probably hoping for a slam-dunk). It doesn't work. Even the cartoon-derived violence is heavy-handed. NO STARS from ****
Has aged well
edgeofreality18 July 2020
Much derided at the time for it's shallowness and the way the stars seem to be having too good a time, this has aged better than the disaster movies that came out at the time. Especially now, with the way governments are failing us with the virus, a satire feels much more honest than any film showing people in a better light. Having said that, for a full blown satire, it is never quite funny or witty enough, and relies too much on stars undermining their own image.
Great spoof, no matter how silly it gets
KnightsofNi1131 August 2011
I you're a sci-fi fan you might like this film, you might not. If you're a Tim Burton fan you might like this film, or you might not. I you're a fan of mixed genre films you might like this film, you might not. Personally, I really liked this wacky little flick. Mars Attacks! is a spoof of 1950's sci-fi movies, poking fun at all their cheese and cliché. It centers around a variety of characters spread out amongst the USA and how they all react and cope with a martian invasion. There's nothing in this film to take seriously and, for what it's worth, I found it to be hilarious and a ridiculous amount of fun, no matter how stupid it can be.
Mars Attacks! is, in a way, genius. It is the kind of movie that is designed in such a way that you can't critique it. You can dislike it, or even hate it, but you can't necessarily critique it on any specific element. The reason being is that it spoofs a genre and a time period for that genre, so anything that is cheesy, silly, or stupid can be accredited to the film's spoofing. If a character does something irrational and idiotic, it is spoofing the way characters were in so many of those cheesy 50's flicks. If something totally bizarre and unbelievable happens in the plot, blame it on the genre the film is spoofing. This kind of manipulations practically falls under the category of film treachery, but I have to give the film credit for finding a loophole around any and all imperfections.
And as far as imperfections go, Mars Attacks! has a lot of them. It is a ridiculous, absurd, unrealistic, and plot hole ridden film. Half of it makes no sense and the other half we just sort of have to go with. But the brilliant thing is, that's all part of the fun. This film isn't made to take seriously, and neither is it made to be criticized and scrutinized. It is meant to be enjoyed and only aims to be silly and entertaining. Some will see it as an uncreative way to force us to enjoy this movie, I see it as an opportunity to have a great time and numerous laughs.
Another thing I have to give Mars Attacks! plenty of props for is production value. The film rounds up an all star cast of characters with everyone from Danny DeVito to Jack Black. It is also just a large scale flick with lots of great actions sequences with plenty of explosions and giant collapsing buildings. The martians themselves are completely CGI. They look cool to me but I'm unsure if the CGI would be considered good or bad for 1996. I would have to go back and compare it to other special effects of the 90's. The film may looks cheesy but, once again, that just goes back to the fact that everything about this film is cheesy because that is what it is spoofing. But when you think about it, a good amount of money and construction went into making this film as exciting and big budget cheesy as possible, and for that I have to commend it.
Mars Attacks! isn't what you would call a high quality film, but that doesn't stop it from being pretty damn fun. I couldn't stop myself from laughing at the cheesiness, the irony, and the satire that is littered throughout this film. I see this is a great use of satire, and it is a spoof film that I can actually stand to watch, and that's saying a lot considering my alternatives would be Epic Movie or Vampires Suck. Mars Attacks! accomplishes what it sets out to do, and so I had a really great time with it.
Mars Attacks! is, in a way, genius. It is the kind of movie that is designed in such a way that you can't critique it. You can dislike it, or even hate it, but you can't necessarily critique it on any specific element. The reason being is that it spoofs a genre and a time period for that genre, so anything that is cheesy, silly, or stupid can be accredited to the film's spoofing. If a character does something irrational and idiotic, it is spoofing the way characters were in so many of those cheesy 50's flicks. If something totally bizarre and unbelievable happens in the plot, blame it on the genre the film is spoofing. This kind of manipulations practically falls under the category of film treachery, but I have to give the film credit for finding a loophole around any and all imperfections.
And as far as imperfections go, Mars Attacks! has a lot of them. It is a ridiculous, absurd, unrealistic, and plot hole ridden film. Half of it makes no sense and the other half we just sort of have to go with. But the brilliant thing is, that's all part of the fun. This film isn't made to take seriously, and neither is it made to be criticized and scrutinized. It is meant to be enjoyed and only aims to be silly and entertaining. Some will see it as an uncreative way to force us to enjoy this movie, I see it as an opportunity to have a great time and numerous laughs.
Another thing I have to give Mars Attacks! plenty of props for is production value. The film rounds up an all star cast of characters with everyone from Danny DeVito to Jack Black. It is also just a large scale flick with lots of great actions sequences with plenty of explosions and giant collapsing buildings. The martians themselves are completely CGI. They look cool to me but I'm unsure if the CGI would be considered good or bad for 1996. I would have to go back and compare it to other special effects of the 90's. The film may looks cheesy but, once again, that just goes back to the fact that everything about this film is cheesy because that is what it is spoofing. But when you think about it, a good amount of money and construction went into making this film as exciting and big budget cheesy as possible, and for that I have to commend it.
Mars Attacks! isn't what you would call a high quality film, but that doesn't stop it from being pretty damn fun. I couldn't stop myself from laughing at the cheesiness, the irony, and the satire that is littered throughout this film. I see this is a great use of satire, and it is a spoof film that I can actually stand to watch, and that's saying a lot considering my alternatives would be Epic Movie or Vampires Suck. Mars Attacks! accomplishes what it sets out to do, and so I had a really great time with it.
Guilty pleasure
MJB78422 May 2018
Does Not Hold Up Over Time, It Seems
gavin69424 June 2012
The Earth is invaded by Martians with irresistible weapons and a cruel sense of humor.
I first saw this film as a teenager in the movie theater, back in the 1990s. And I liked it, I found it to be another triumphant win for Tim Burton, one of his better films. And then I went fifteen years without seeing it...
Watching it again, in 2012 as a man in my 30s, I was just not impressed. The animation seemed dated, the movie was not as funny as it could have or should have been. It was nice to see an early, thin Jack Black. But really, now, I have to say in retrospect that this might have been the film that started Burton's steady decline... because other than "Big Fish" and "Sweeney Todd", what has he done since that was worth my time?
I know some people see this as a misunderstood film. And maybe it is. I understand the camp, the cheese, the 1950s throwback feeling. And I appreciate the inclusion of Tom Jones. But, I just cannot see this on par with Burton's earlier work. Roger Ebert says, "A movie like this should be a lot better, or a lot worse." And that is exactly my issue with it -- the movie is too good to be bad and too bad to be good.
I first saw this film as a teenager in the movie theater, back in the 1990s. And I liked it, I found it to be another triumphant win for Tim Burton, one of his better films. And then I went fifteen years without seeing it...
Watching it again, in 2012 as a man in my 30s, I was just not impressed. The animation seemed dated, the movie was not as funny as it could have or should have been. It was nice to see an early, thin Jack Black. But really, now, I have to say in retrospect that this might have been the film that started Burton's steady decline... because other than "Big Fish" and "Sweeney Todd", what has he done since that was worth my time?
I know some people see this as a misunderstood film. And maybe it is. I understand the camp, the cheese, the 1950s throwback feeling. And I appreciate the inclusion of Tom Jones. But, I just cannot see this on par with Burton's earlier work. Roger Ebert says, "A movie like this should be a lot better, or a lot worse." And that is exactly my issue with it -- the movie is too good to be bad and too bad to be good.
Ugh!
Boyo-222 December 1998
No one likes and respects Tim Burton more than I do, but I draw the line at this movie. I understand what it was supposed to have been, but it didn't do it. See "Invaders from Mars" or "Strange Invaders" for the same story done correctly. I do thank him for giving Sylvia Sidney another job, tho. And anyone who puts Tom Jones and Jim Brown in his movie cannot be all bad!
We Come in Peace!
claudio_carvalho28 August 2006
When the USA satellites photograph many flying saucers coming to Earth, the American President James Dale has a meeting with his advisors. He is convinced by Professor Donald Kessler (Pierce Brosnan) that Martians would be a developed culture and therefore peaceful by nature, in spite of the warnings of General Decker (Rod Steiger). The authorities, some civilians and the press prepare a welcome committee for the aliens, but they realize that Mars is actually attacking Earth.
"Mars Attack!" is one of the most hilarious and entertaining movie of Tim Burton. Using a parody to the sci-fi of the 50's and like a shotgun, he criticizes the politicians and their greed to be popular; the arrogance and lack of humility of some intellectuals; the lack of sensibility of the army; the lack of ethics in the press; the shallow behavior of the first lady; and some silly cults. In the other side, he highlights the importance of friendship, loyalty and love. I particularly like very much the characters of Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan and Rod Steiger in the cast that is actually a constellation. Unfortunately Jack Black dies in the very beginning, because his character was also very funny. This movie is one of my favorite cult-movies, and a great homage to Ed Wood ("Plan 9 from Outer Space"). My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Marte Ataca!" ("Mars Attacks!")
"Mars Attack!" is one of the most hilarious and entertaining movie of Tim Burton. Using a parody to the sci-fi of the 50's and like a shotgun, he criticizes the politicians and their greed to be popular; the arrogance and lack of humility of some intellectuals; the lack of sensibility of the army; the lack of ethics in the press; the shallow behavior of the first lady; and some silly cults. In the other side, he highlights the importance of friendship, loyalty and love. I particularly like very much the characters of Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan and Rod Steiger in the cast that is actually a constellation. Unfortunately Jack Black dies in the very beginning, because his character was also very funny. This movie is one of my favorite cult-movies, and a great homage to Ed Wood ("Plan 9 from Outer Space"). My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Marte Ataca!" ("Mars Attacks!")
Solid comedy, cool aliens
funkyfry25 October 2002
Cool comedy takes the best comedy cast since the heyday of 70s road films and pits them against bubble-headed aliens out to conquer earth. Some memorable comedy moments help the film pass through its less funny periods. Pretty amazing, gory effects. Nicholson turns in a great double performance; Fox also fills in an early bit but falls prey to the aliens fairly early on. Portman shows off her trite character acting as the President's daughter. Contains some very funny commentary on American society in the best 50s monster tradition of the true at heart surviving over the weak, uninspired empire.
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