Review of Mad Monster Party? (1967) by James B — 08 May 2011

"Mad Monster Party?" is proof that if you can make very nice, charming 1/2 hour TV specials, you may not be prepared to make a movie. You know a movie is bad, when the best thing you have to say about it was Phyllis Diller was pretty good in it.

The songs were outright bad to acceptable at best. There were no honestly funny gags in the whole piece. The pacing was intolerably slow, with lots of scenes that do nothing to drive the narrative. Plus, there is a whole creepy plot line about a robotic secretary (implied lover) who makes Christina Hendricks look like twiggy (curve wise). More than a little disturbing for a children's film.

There is literally a scene where the robotic secretary (Francesca) fights with Phyllis Diller's character (Bride of the Monster) while they are both in their underwear. Plus, Francesca falls for the 'hero' of the picture only after he slaps her. Not the most enlightened picture to say the least.

It seems like at times they want a sort of mad cap sense of humor alla original "Casino Royal", but the jokes and bits just don't come off well.

I guess there are some nice bits of stop motion animation in it, but that is the only reason I'd recommend it to anyone. Only recommended to hardcore fans of stop motion animation, or to creepy guys who have a thing for Christina Hendricks, but think she isn't curvy enough.