Review of The Alien Factor (1978) by Jason D — 28 Feb 2010

We freak out when a gorilla escapes from the zoo and threatens those of us near the Reptile House. This movie paints the idea of a trio of aliens lined up for an outer space zoo escaping in Baltimore as something as exciting as changing your oil or changing your oil during an eclipse.

Maybe folks in Baltimore know more than I do (very much possible). Whatever the case, we've got furry-Chewbacca-stilt-man, Medieval Times-insect-tape dude and claymation-see-through-lizard-thing running around and people end up getting murdered before a wandering stranger literally shows up at the mayor's home and convinces everyone he can save the day.

Most people would hear this concept and say "that sounds stupid," and they would be correct. Then when they are treated to some of the worst editing on display and about five scenes of people literally wandering the same few hills in a forest (with snow that magically seems to melt and come back literally every few seconds) hoping to build dramatic tension (I think.

.. maybe they were trying to get their exercise routine filmed before "The Alien Factor 30-Minute Workout" hit the streets), it becomes clear this is not a film for anyone with a low threshold for pain.

Even if it was just a straight up silent film with folks running around and watching men in fuzzy suits stalk the town, it would be bad. But nothing can prepare you for the "acting" and the musical number.

Oh... the musical number. I don't dare spoil that one but I will say it ended up being the most entertaining six minutes of a film that was shot in about a total of seven different places with 15 different people, none of whom could act (but bless the mayor's heart because he honestly believes this is going to be his big break).

I make it sound unwatchable (and for the most part, it is) but this is a definite guilty pleasure that reaches that magical level of "so bad, it is wonderful" that most other films fail to reach.