Review of Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957) by Tom G — 13 Aug 2009

PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE is a admirably bad effort in science fiction filmmaking, but a admirably silly unintential effort in science fiction parody. Edward Wood wrote, produced, directed, and edited his "masterpiece." Widely considered to be the worst film ever made, it's easy to see why some claim that. Splinteringly wooden dialgue, amateur acting, a nonsensical plot, and a muddled attempt at preaching the dangers of atomic warfare. It plays like a dumbed down version of THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, minus the moving commentary and solid special effects; plus the run-through of Bela Legosi, Vampira, and Tor Johnson like a greatest hits collection of horror stars (even though most of the time they're walking around staring blankly).

The film's flimsy story has not much to it, but here it is. Aliens have come to Earth, and the humans think the worst of it. They try their best to take out the saucers, but their missles won't do. What the aliens do, originally coming in peace, is to fight fire with fire by...resurrecting corpses out of California's San Fernando Valley and mind-control the people of the Earth! Pure cheese of a premise. A plane pilot and his wife, a detective and policemen, and space people are involved in the schmorgasbord of it all.

Edward Wood has a way to use his inane and elementary dialogue to sound normal, by giving his actors room to smile. This makes the tolerability of the film easy, easier to swallow. Giving the actors room for fun also adds to the fun of the film. The fun is notable for its cult funs, who have found its appeal in this fashion. Not to mention seeing horror icons Legosi, Vampira, and Tor Johnson in the same film. On the other hand, their charisma is what carries away most of the film. The moments in between are slip-shod with the dialogue and cardboard acting.

PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE is not made to be taken seriously, because Edward Wood was not a serious filmmaker. He had a vision he wanted to share with the world, and he did just that. A production that's lazy in execution, but high in cheesy fun. All in all, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE is a admirably bad effort in science fiction filmmaking, but a admirably silly unintential effort in science fiction parody. Be ready for more Critiques and Opinions on Every Game and Movie I Can Get My Hands On!