One can only imagine how difficult it is to make an homage
to 50s genre movies. The filmmaker
has to expect modern sensibilities to creep into the story, yet must be kept in
check lest the script becomes little more than cliché comparisons to the
past. And walking the fine line
between poking fun and delving into outright mockery can become problematic.
Atomic Brain Invasion
manages, for the most part, to sidestep these pitfalls. Part of the reason is director Richard
Griffin and co-writer Guy Benoit seemed more concerned with crafting a fun
alien invasion film, rather than just delivering a film set in the 50s. And thanks to their efforts, the film
is one fans of the genre, and the casual viewer, will enjoy.
Uh-huh. Elvis says you have to watch this film.
Despite the simple title, the plot is a bit more complicated
than expected. After a brief
introduction to our main cast, an alien canister full of nefarious slime lands
on Earth. The hapless victims
exposed to this goo shed their heads and become evil brain aliens, though the
effect isn’t as graphic as you might expect. However, to create a horde of Brain Invaders, the beings
puke neon colored slime into the mouth of their victims. Yea, that’s a bit gross, but just go
with it.
Meanwhile, the film’s high-school nerd heroes find a
spacecraft containing a trio of aliens demanding to be taken to “the
King.” And, surprise, Elvis is
performing in the area, so all these aliens want is to see the King of Rock and
Roll. But the evil aliens want to
take Elvis to their home world, so our heroes must protect him while unraveling
a government conspiracy concerning a “hidden” nuclear test site.
Yea, no one will notice that
Toss in a greaser hoodlum with an origami fascination and an
alcoholic Scotsman (is there any other in such movies?) who might be the victim
of an alien abduction, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. But the film works, thanks to the goofy
script that is more a sweet kiss on the cheek to movies of the past, rather
than a harsh slap to the face.
But for this film to work, you have to accept that it occurs
on an alternate Earth where equality is more advanced than present day America. The film’s hero, Sherrman (David
Lavaliee Jr.), is an African-American and the fact that he’s in love with the
lily-white Betty (Sarah Nicklin) is never questioned by his friends. The only racial slur, mentioned by the
greaser hoodlum, is pretty tame compared to the words used back in the 50s. Oh, and we have an Asian American
student that is thought of fondly by most of the men in town, which would feel
out of place for a movie from the era.
I mention this point because one scene during the final act. And while it’s hard not to appreciate
what the filmmakers are saying, the scene stops the film’s momentum and feels
like it drags out too long. Yet,
the script kick backs into high gear soon after, thanks to a couple of sudden
revelations concerning the Brain Invaders.
Yea, they aren't as smart as they look
And these sudden plot twists work, thanks to a crafty script
that sets up everything earlier in the film. You might not catch every bit upon your first viewing, but
it makes a second viewing enjoyable, and I suspect you will want to see this
one again.
The cast is terrific, playing up the campiness of the script
without turning their performance into a mockery of past genre films. Lavaliee and Nicklin are perfect as
high school students thrust into the roles of heroes, and their moments of
hysteria are quite believable. Sherman’s friends (played by Daniel Lee White and
Colin Carlton) are fun to watch, as is Michael Reed, Sherman’s antagonist and
his rival for Betty’s affections.
And David Erin Wilson’s performance as General Bedfellow is better than
one would expect for the character.
He keeps the General from becoming an outright parody of the military
characters from the 50s, which one would expect from a modern film playing off
50s stereotypes.
As for the Brain Invaders, the creature effects look great
for the budget (and yes, you have to take that into consideration), thanks to
some skillful staging. And though
the aliens might seem a bit goofy, their behavior makes sense as the film progresses
and allows the audience to believe a group of teenagers could thwart this alien
invasion. That might seem like a
strange statement, but wait for the siege on the diner and you’ll get the
point.
Nope, this has nothing to do with how the siege goes, but the end results are pretty funny.
If you love 50s alien invasion movies, you’ll enjoy Alien Brain Invasion. And if you’re not familiar with those
older films, it doesn’t matter.
The filmmakers capture the spirit of the genre better than most modern
homage films, while allowing you to laugh at the troupes of the genre. It’s a rare balancing act and the
filmmakers pull it off, delivering a loving tribute that only pokes fun at a
bygone genre, rather than outright mocking it.
My only complaint is the DVD has a rather generic cover, rather than the comic book style cover I used to open my review. Had that artwork been included, the DVD would be perfect. But don't let that very minor quibble keep you from watching or, better yet, buying this film. It's terrific fun and a great movie to share with friends. Don't pass it up.
