Mars Attacks!

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Michael J. Fox, Danny DeVito, Jack Black, Natalie Portman, Martin Short, Sarah Jessica Parker, Pam Prier, Jim Brown, Christina Applegate
Directed by: Tim Burton
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Action, Science Fiction
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: The Earth is shocked when aliens from Mars invade the planet. The President (Jack Nicholson) struggles with how to react to the invasion.

Review:

Tim: This is really a stupid movie. Director Tim Burton assembles an impressive, expansive all-star cast. Then, he gives them all too little to do. The collective talent of the cast is completely wasted in this misguided effort.

I want to spend a few minutes on the cast. Jack Nicholson is fairly decent as the President of the United States. He has more to do than most of the cast. Glenn Close is wasted as the First Lady. Annette Bening is mostly just annoying. I liked Pierce Brosnan when he stayed realistic, but he strayed into the ridiculous far too much. The rest of the cast are likewise disappointing.

Mars Attacks! doesn't work because it is not believable or realistic at all. The whole movie is a silly spoof of movies like Independence Day. However, the movie doesn't work on so many levels. It is not funny in the least. The film isn't particularly entertaining, and there is not a single character to care about or take a rooting interest in. This is not a good movie.

This movie ends in a predictably ridiculous fashion. One of the highlights of the film involve the consistent deaths of most of the cast. These are at least somewhat humorous to watch. In the end, this is a silly, meaningless movie that is better left forgotten. I didn't particularly enjoy it, and I doubt too many people will.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Independence Day, Planet of the Apes, Big Fish, Ed Wood