Review of Forbidden Planet (1956) by Dustin P — 16 Apr 2015

This film seems to have been a big influence on later films & TV. It's got transporters, phasers, people in space uniforms, and some other elements that would become common on sci-fi films and TV shows. *cough* STAR TREK *cough*.

The special effects were quite impressive for the time. The music was really memorable as well. I think part of the reason the music resonated with me so much, is that I realized it was featured in the 1978 movie Halloween (one of my favorites). It was playing on the TV when Tommy & Lindsey are watching and Tommy looks out the window to see Michael Myers carrying a dead body. Also one of the tracks sounded eerily similar to the music on The Shining (another favorite) when Jack goes into Room 237.

However, despite all those good things, I have to admit that the film was kind of boring. I'm sure back then it was really exciting, but watching it now - not so much. The ending is a big letdown after it seemed to just start getting exciting.

It's an important film that inspired future work and deserves recognition for that. It may not hold up in terms of story, but in almost all other aspects, it was very ahead of its time. I'm actually surprised that it hasn't been remade a bunch of times. If you're into the history of films and/or sci fi, watch it. Otherwise, it's not something I'd recommend to a casual movie watcher.