When a movie isn't very good, it just isn't very good. When you rate a film higher than it should be rated because a) it was made by your friends, b) it was done on a really low budget, c) it was made in a country where they usually don't make movies, d) gosh, they really tried hard, etc. then you're not being honest. "It's good for what it is" doesn't make it good. This movie isn't very good. Yes, the cinematography, at times, is the best part of this film. Some of the CGI is passable. One or two actors were OK, at times. Sadly the majority of this film comes off as amateurish and juvenile. The acting is high-school drama-ish. The script feels like it was written by a teenager. It's derivative of so many other films, in particular, "I am No. 4." The music isn't terrible, but it's placed inappropriately throughout the film. And the pacing, the timing, the editing... it's laborious.The romances were entirely unnecessary, and the film shifts focus so many times that it's hard to know what it's about. I think the film was hurt most by a lack of a consistent production design. It's all over the place and lacks continuity in look and feel. I think, as a project, it's a good first attempt by young film-makers, but it fails to stand up with serious, professional productions. If you take the time to watch it, (I saw it for free on Netflix) be prepared and don't expect much.
87 Reviews
Endless Exposition Spouted by Amateur Actors
allen-roulston16 October 2017
From time to time, there will be a special effect spectacle, linked together by characters in unlikely situations explaining the story line via stilted dialogue. Scenes are cut together oddly, such as characters being pursued in a crowded city at night, then we suddenly see them in broad day light in a rural setting. The cast perform like people collected at random and given dialogue to recite a moment before the single take used to capture the scene. There were a couple of quality props, but over all the production communicated a lack of budget. I felt I had to give it a 2 out of 10 because the images were in focus and the sound quality was good. There was nothing compelling about the story. None of the characters were developed to the point where anyone would care about them. Hopefully everyone was paid well to create this mess of a movie.
A Lesson In 'How Not Too'....
lewilewis199721 March 2017
Gets 2 stars for good camera work & locations.0 stars for anything else. Here's how the film got made;
"Money"?"Yeh, some". "Script"?, "Well, almost, still working on the dialogue", "We also had to steal some ideas, heard of 'I Am Number 4' Boss"?
"Locations booked"? "Yeh, did a sweet deal with the tourist board, got some belters, bru"!
"CGI"? "Got some degree students from Jo'burg Uni', they're using it for their degree show, so working for free"!
"Actors"? "There's a problem, boss. We've spent most of the money, and we still need a catering truck...." "So"?! "We're using the local high school Am-dram club, seem like pretty nice kids". "But can they act"?! "Wellllll.......not as such, boss, but they're enthusiastic, and free".
If Edward J Wood Jr had made films in South Africa, this is how they'd be. The upside is that E.J.Wood Jr created a whole new sub level of B movies that have earned a dedicated (if small) following. Maybe this will be seen as the same in 40 or 50 years time? A possible campus cult classic, but don't hold your breath. May even be the cause of a new sub level, like 'Z Movie' perhaps?
"Money"?"Yeh, some". "Script"?, "Well, almost, still working on the dialogue", "We also had to steal some ideas, heard of 'I Am Number 4' Boss"?
"Locations booked"? "Yeh, did a sweet deal with the tourist board, got some belters, bru"!
"CGI"? "Got some degree students from Jo'burg Uni', they're using it for their degree show, so working for free"!
"Actors"? "There's a problem, boss. We've spent most of the money, and we still need a catering truck...." "So"?! "We're using the local high school Am-dram club, seem like pretty nice kids". "But can they act"?! "Wellllll.......not as such, boss, but they're enthusiastic, and free".
If Edward J Wood Jr had made films in South Africa, this is how they'd be. The upside is that E.J.Wood Jr created a whole new sub level of B movies that have earned a dedicated (if small) following. Maybe this will be seen as the same in 40 or 50 years time? A possible campus cult classic, but don't hold your breath. May even be the cause of a new sub level, like 'Z Movie' perhaps?
Thought this was going to be an Asylum opus...
tcplotts2 September 2017
Since Netflix continues to try and camouflage its "bad movie" stash (by getting rid of star ratings), it's hard to know what you're wading into. Anyway, I figured this was an Asylum rip off of something. Lo and behold, I ran into something much, much worse.
I raised the white flag at about 18 minutes, which I thought was pretty sporting of me.
This is the worst movie I've seen this year. By quite a bit. This will appeal to a small subset of "so bad it's good" viewers, so if you appreciate low skill and even lower budget, this might not be too bad. The script has some howlers in it. The "actors"....hahahahaha.
Let this one go by and watch Battlefield Earth instead if you have to watch a crappy Sci-Fi film. That one's more fun.
I raised the white flag at about 18 minutes, which I thought was pretty sporting of me.
This is the worst movie I've seen this year. By quite a bit. This will appeal to a small subset of "so bad it's good" viewers, so if you appreciate low skill and even lower budget, this might not be too bad. The script has some howlers in it. The "actors"....hahahahaha.
Let this one go by and watch Battlefield Earth instead if you have to watch a crappy Sci-Fi film. That one's more fun.
An Hour Forty I wish I could get back...
OldDrummer5519 February 2018
Every once in a while you run into a "B Budget" movie that is soooooooo bad, it's actually kind of good, in a weird cult following way. Evil Alien Conquerors comes to mind... so bad, Tori Spelling played "Jan" but wasn't even credited... Taking Earth doesn't even reach this category. I don't know who had the rich, South African Daddy bank rolling this steaming turd...
Alien invasion
jdevans-7459322 August 2017
So i watch this on Netflix it has a 4.5 star rating I think to myself it could be an unheard of jewel so with some doritoes and a coke i sit down prepared to be entertained.The acting in this movie is so bad across the board I hope most of these actors (LOL) have changed their identitys.what a complete and utter waste of time and money I hope they acted for free the premise of this movie is so dumb that Aliens who can travel through space would have to round up every human being until they find this duffus like a needle in a haystack.Someone at Netflix who rated this turd needs to be flogged until they beg for their life as they robbed me of an hour and 45 minutes of my life I will never get back.Right now my Doritoes are threatening to come back and punish me for my foolishness.
Aliens wants to blow up earth because they are looking for one boy...
jp-176-83870919 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I don't do reviews... and even then, I don't like to give bad reviews - everybody deserves a chance, right? The scenery is awesome, the cinematography is OK.... but that is where it stops.
Whoever funded this movie... It is BADLY written and BADLY acted. The story line is BAD. All over BAD BAD BAD! I hope you ask for a refund! I sat through it because I was giving it the benefit of the doubt (until about 2 minutes in), then I continued sitting through it just because it is South African and I am loyal.
I am never going to get those 140 minutes of my life back!
Whoever funded this movie... It is BADLY written and BADLY acted. The story line is BAD. All over BAD BAD BAD! I hope you ask for a refund! I sat through it because I was giving it the benefit of the doubt (until about 2 minutes in), then I continued sitting through it just because it is South African and I am loyal.
I am never going to get those 140 minutes of my life back!
Bad movie overall
c7010074417 August 2017
This is one of the most awful movies I have watched.. The scenario is badly written and acting is very very bad. I think that this film is lacking a lot of emotions especially considering that chaos is everywhere because of the invasion.I was fully disappointed overall. But regarding the cost of the movie, I consider it like a not so bad amateur film.
Wow - I didn't know a movie could be this bad
briandraiger23 March 2017
I don't even have the words to describe how bad this movie is. It's like if "god-awfully horrible" and "threwup in my mouth a little" got together and had a child... but a child that had radiation poisoning, dipped in acid, and struck by lightening. And its not that its just that bad.. but it goes on and on for an hour and 40 minutes. I see that most of the cast isn't giving their name - that's probably a good idea. Now they just need to hide for a few years and hope no one sees this movie and recognizes them.
Just awful
ruth-jennings213 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
CONTAINS SMALL SPOILER Hubby brought the DVD because the cover looked good with an alien/robot thing advancing towards you on the picture and quotes saying "Doesnt skimp out on the effects" "A wild ride that everyone will enjoy" "Complex visual effects". What a load of smeg!
The acting was just awful. It's like the actors hadnt learnt their script and they were reading it as they were acting. Very un- natural. I'm not just talking a few actors but ALL.
The "special effects" were so CGI they were laughable. Not realistic at all.
They make-up was terrible. The baddies (aliens) had black panda eyes to distinguish them from being human.
We watched about 20 minutes hoping it would get better. Don't WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS FILM.
The acting was just awful. It's like the actors hadnt learnt their script and they were reading it as they were acting. Very un- natural. I'm not just talking a few actors but ALL.
The "special effects" were so CGI they were laughable. Not realistic at all.
They make-up was terrible. The baddies (aliens) had black panda eyes to distinguish them from being human.
We watched about 20 minutes hoping it would get better. Don't WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS FILM.
Amazing! Must see any 15 minutes of this masterpiece!
infnt27 August 2017
It is so awful, that is entertaining to watch. Bad marketing through. Could've been a comedy if actors had fun with how bad they are at acting. The script is primitive, but camera shows pretty views though out of focus. I can not believe netflix bought It! I had 10 mins of fun right after I picked up my jaw from the floor 😁
what most overlook
scratchmb4 August 2017
The major thing I believe that most people do not take into consideration is that this film is out of South Africa, and we really do not see a whole lot of science fiction/fantasy genre from this country, so with all due respect for international film makers, this is for the sake of American viewers is a foreign film.
Since I have a fondness for diverse foreign film making, I have to take such perspectives into considerations. Face it, a lot of American film watchers are not particularly fond of Australian films, and I fail to see why. They often have some of the best scores, soundtracks, and cinematography in the industry. They are just not accustom to their cultural spin on things and their unique sense of humor.
I found Taking Earth quite bold and a remarkable change considering what has come out of the South Africa film industry before. It was well played out, told its story, and provided an entertainment value.
Since I have a fondness for diverse foreign film making, I have to take such perspectives into considerations. Face it, a lot of American film watchers are not particularly fond of Australian films, and I fail to see why. They often have some of the best scores, soundtracks, and cinematography in the industry. They are just not accustom to their cultural spin on things and their unique sense of humor.
I found Taking Earth quite bold and a remarkable change considering what has come out of the South Africa film industry before. It was well played out, told its story, and provided an entertainment value.
bad, but still... (with some sort of spoiler)
werbedreck11 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Totally agree with the reviews before, this movie is flawed on so many levels, and yet, like the other guys, I watched it to the end. And that alone makes it worth 5 stars for me. Usually I stop immediately watching when the thought "this is bad" pops up in my head, but here i kept watching. Extra star for some OK action, even a bit of OK humor and the cgi wasn't that good but it didn't make me cringe either. All of this strategically well placed in the first half of the movie that carried me until the end in expectation of more - but that didn't come. Instead, the overall dialogue went from bad to omg, story completely collapsed and this tentative gay thing the two male characters had going was quite distracting, because I don't think it was supposed to look gay. Probably the result of the generally not so great acting (being polite here).
Anyway, when I make it to the end it usually means it was entertaining of sorts and this is true for Taking Earth. Obviously they had a very limited budget and that excuses a lot, but not everything. Would I recommend it? Hmm, it made a lasting impression on me and led to my first review here, so yes, if you like Sci-fi go ahead and watch and learn.
Anyway, when I make it to the end it usually means it was entertaining of sorts and this is true for Taking Earth. Obviously they had a very limited budget and that excuses a lot, but not everything. Would I recommend it? Hmm, it made a lasting impression on me and led to my first review here, so yes, if you like Sci-fi go ahead and watch and learn.
Terrible!
aem-313 August 2017
Not "so bad it's funny", not "so bad it's good". Not even the right kind of bad for MST3K. It's just terrible script, acting, makeup, etc. The director should be kicked out of the guild. The actors should be banned from SAG-AFTRA. The only people involved that probably pulled their weight are the camera operators, foleys, caterers, and location scouts. Poor casting deserves criticism but the performances and signing off on the script falls on the director. WTF were they thinking?
A lesson on bad Film making
McArthur16 August 2017
This Movie is so bad, that I felt I had to comment. This Film should be used as a tool for Film teachers, to teach students that even if you have a good crew, good special effects, a reasonable story and a half decent script, if the Director does a poor job of managing Actors, Script, and direction, you can end up with a big pile of stable droppings. The dialogue seems bad in this film, but that could be in the way these Actors deliver it. At the start of this movie, it seems like almost every actor in this film, got up one morning and decided to try their hand at acting, because this is very unlikely, the blame must be placed firmly on the shoulders of the Director. This Director manages to get stilted, wooden performances out of the entire ensemble. The story is at times, hard to follow due to the stiff performances. Aliens and Humans alike, are all portrayed a bit off center, so it is hard to separate friend from foe.
All in all, a 1 star rating for this Film, I found it surprising that Netflix were offering this film to it's customers.
All in all, a 1 star rating for this Film, I found it surprising that Netflix were offering this film to it's customers.
I love bad movies! Cheesy, schlocky, silly-stupid bad movies.
cfmillr10 September 2017
And I had to turn this off, it is SO un-watchable. It's an interesting premise. Aliens have taken control of the Earth. So, what happens next? How so we resist? Well, I don't know how this was answered in 'Taking Earth', because I had to bail out after about a half hour or so. Just couldn't take it any more. Now, to be fair, maybe I couldn't do any better at making a movie. I'm not a director or producer. But I'm pretty sure I could do as well. So could my Labrador Retriever.
It's like watching a bunch of teenagers with money not know what to do with it.
laddseanna1 September 2017
Ran across this while browsing Netflix...as one does. There are a lot of bad movies out there, this is not Killer Mermaid bad, but it's pretty close.
When you watch this film it'll be as though you're watching a badly dubbed Chinese flick from the 70's. The acting is atrocious, under- acted AND over- acted, it was as though the actors didn't know the language they where speaking at all. The cinematography is bland. There's awkward, badly done humor at very inappropriate times. The dialogue in general is lackluster.
The special effects are nice but stand out against the flat lighting, making them the brightest thing...which is usually a good thing...right? But not in this case. The camera that was used could have worked if there had been better lighting and maybe some more even color correcting done. The concept was good but was wasted.
Now to the positive. It is very difficult to create a feature film, especially when (judging only by the quality) it seems this is a group of people who didn't really know exactly what they where doing (I hope). Yet they all came together and created something. That's pretty darn cool and should be congratulated.
In 10 years this will be a film you'll not want anyone to remember because you'll have created things that are so much better. I look forward to that because, even though this is very bad, there is promise in the production team. Hopefully for the actors too, if they get a ton more acting lessons...they really, really need them...
All that being said I'll end with this:
Congratulations to all who put time and effort...and money into this. You have a completed project! Now go make better things!
And to everyone else, don't watch this one. Wait till their next thing comes out, it'll be better, hopefully.
When you watch this film it'll be as though you're watching a badly dubbed Chinese flick from the 70's. The acting is atrocious, under- acted AND over- acted, it was as though the actors didn't know the language they where speaking at all. The cinematography is bland. There's awkward, badly done humor at very inappropriate times. The dialogue in general is lackluster.
The special effects are nice but stand out against the flat lighting, making them the brightest thing...which is usually a good thing...right? But not in this case. The camera that was used could have worked if there had been better lighting and maybe some more even color correcting done. The concept was good but was wasted.
Now to the positive. It is very difficult to create a feature film, especially when (judging only by the quality) it seems this is a group of people who didn't really know exactly what they where doing (I hope). Yet they all came together and created something. That's pretty darn cool and should be congratulated.
In 10 years this will be a film you'll not want anyone to remember because you'll have created things that are so much better. I look forward to that because, even though this is very bad, there is promise in the production team. Hopefully for the actors too, if they get a ton more acting lessons...they really, really need them...
All that being said I'll end with this:
Congratulations to all who put time and effort...and money into this. You have a completed project! Now go make better things!
And to everyone else, don't watch this one. Wait till their next thing comes out, it'll be better, hopefully.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
nick-753-7994586 May 2017
Acting is appalling throughout, can't believe I made it the whole way through. Its not acting its just a bunch of people saying a bunch of lines. The script is very disjointed full of exposition all the way through, doesn't allow for any real character development, so feel no connection with any of them.
On the positive, someone is clearly pretty good with a drone, and the D.O.P. is trying hard, probably too hard, shots become a little clichéd.
CGI is good particularly the robots not sure why they didn't feature more at the start, possibly added later to try and add production value.
I want my money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the positive, someone is clearly pretty good with a drone, and the D.O.P. is trying hard, probably too hard, shots become a little clichéd.
CGI is good particularly the robots not sure why they didn't feature more at the start, possibly added later to try and add production value.
I want my money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're not from here
nogodnomasters22 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Aliens attack Earth and threaten to destroy it unless they can find and take back Cameron (Marco Torlage) not quite an Earth teen. He is traveling the South African countryside (the part that has only white people) with another teen David (Ronan Quarmby). David is looking for his girlfriend Sarah, while Cameron is searching for his mum Ellen (Barbara Harrison) who is not really his mum. In this film "the force" is called "the pure light" and can only be used when looking like you are deadly constipated, trying to live.
Growing up in an era of men in rubber masks and pans on a string, I find all CG looking kinda good. However the soundtrack had a faux made-for-TV element to it and the acting were kids who got kicked out of high school drama. The dialogue, except for maybe that one F-word, was all for children. Alien Garabon (Brad Richards) had a fancy for Porsche and caffeine. I always believed in my heart that Starbucks and German automotive engineering would be our contribution to the Federation Galaxy...if not, then Internet porn.
And PLOT SPOILER- maybe. A character "dies" at the end and has one of the worst dragged out death scenes I have ever seen, making spoof death scenes look real...you know the ones where the actor grabs their chest and staggers across the set knocking over furniture, making a second pass, finally going to the ground, kicking their legs up in the air a few times, and then has some final remarks before they do it all one more time. Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but I was screaming, "Die already!" The script was dreadful.
Written, directed, produced, and edited by Grant Humphreys. First attempt.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
Growing up in an era of men in rubber masks and pans on a string, I find all CG looking kinda good. However the soundtrack had a faux made-for-TV element to it and the acting were kids who got kicked out of high school drama. The dialogue, except for maybe that one F-word, was all for children. Alien Garabon (Brad Richards) had a fancy for Porsche and caffeine. I always believed in my heart that Starbucks and German automotive engineering would be our contribution to the Federation Galaxy...if not, then Internet porn.
And PLOT SPOILER- maybe. A character "dies" at the end and has one of the worst dragged out death scenes I have ever seen, making spoof death scenes look real...you know the ones where the actor grabs their chest and staggers across the set knocking over furniture, making a second pass, finally going to the ground, kicking their legs up in the air a few times, and then has some final remarks before they do it all one more time. Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but I was screaming, "Die already!" The script was dreadful.
Written, directed, produced, and edited by Grant Humphreys. First attempt.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
one of the worst sci-fi films ever
abwetman-1-81732820 August 2017
This is will soon be on Science mystery 3000. The actors and actress are more wooden than an oak tree. The editing makes a mess for any story I can only think the Netflix buyer had this thing thrown in with some other better films. Just please don't watch you will lose brain cells. IFyou must get stoned as the scenery and landscape of i think SA. good luck
Under 14's Scifi
ant36au20 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
While managing to get through this South African offering I wanted so badly to stop watching but didn't,I sill wish I had. The acting was truly awful and the story line and dialog I'm sure was written by a fifth grader for an English project and then found by someone else in the garbage.I get the feeling that even a bored 13 year old on a wet Sunday afternoon watching the Disney channel would turn this off. The only thing that kept me watching,honestly,was the stunning scenery of South Africa,truly beautiful and awe inspiring. Do your soul a favour and skip this complete mess of a movie.
For a $250,000 movie it's well done.
marchgerald9 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If you want Spielberg this is not it. If you enjoy science fiction from a fan this it. Good script,editing and surprisingly good acting. One camera filming with 35mm camera and it's still well filmed. This movie costed less to make than big movies pay for transportation. I've watched movies with $$25,000,000 budget that you couldn't watch for five minutes.
Great South African Film
bevsmit-2484523 June 2017
As a friend of the producers, I know what went into this film. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I congratulate them for the final product! They made this film with hardly any money. As a previous review mentions I felt I would like to correct some things. There was never a catering truck
Food was organized daily by what was closest to the location, or snacks were packed if they were far from any mall. I know this because I was an extra in the background on a few occasions. There was no support from tourism! These guys worked day and night to find the best locations they could. They searched high and low for the composer and collaborated over skype, I think the end result is amazing. Well done my friends, I am proud of your film it makes me proud to be a South African.
Great for the budget
hjohnson-4988123 June 2017
IMDb lists the budget as 250 000 USD. If so, they've done a lot with little. On a second watch I started counting VFX shots and lost count into hundreds. The effects are good for budget.
Story was good, seems they have cut the film down as there are some strange plot jumps.
The two younger actors were good hero characters. I liked Garabon he was bad ass!
My girlfriend cried at the end, went a bit long for me near the end, but finished strong. I enjoyed it.
Story was good, seems they have cut the film down as there are some strange plot jumps.
The two younger actors were good hero characters. I liked Garabon he was bad ass!
My girlfriend cried at the end, went a bit long for me near the end, but finished strong. I enjoyed it.
aggravating acting
That_1_guy21 March 2017
The acting is so bad just watching it leaves a sour/agitated feeling in the pit of your stomach.
It has a cool intro and the plot summary show potential, but I just couldn't handle the acting.
My advice is watch it online if you really want to see for your self don't pay money to see this you likely wont last five minutes.
It has a cool intro and the plot summary show potential, but I just couldn't handle the acting.
My advice is watch it online if you really want to see for your self don't pay money to see this you likely wont last five minutes.
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