Alien Trespass

Rating

Director

R.W. Goodwin

Screenplay

James Swift, Steven P. Fisher

Length

90 min.

Starring

Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird, Robert Patrick, Jody Thompson, Dan Lauria, Aaron Brooks, Sarah Smyth, Andrew Dunbar, Sage Brocklebank

MPAA Rating

PG for sci-fi action and brief historical smoking

Review

There are many varieties of cheese in the world and many of them smell atrocious, but can be delectable when savored. Alien Trespass has one of those heady, cheesy aromas that doesn’t appeal to everyone, but when you step in and try a piece, you might find out you actually enjoy it.

When watching this film on DVD, a short intro can be played featuring Eric McCormack explaining his father’s “film”, the feature you’re about to see. Whether this was on the initial theatrical run or not, but I encourage you to start with this intro as it helps establish just what kind of film you’re about to watch. It will remove any expectation you have of the film being much more than a limited parody of the alien invasion genre.

Set in the 1950s, an era of poodle skirts, letter jackets and malteds, a small town is beset by aliens who have invaded the Mojave desert in an effort to consume humans, a needed nutrient. Ted Lewis (Eric McCormack) is a local scientist who goes to investigate the strange, glowing crash site and ends up possessed by an alien guardian hoping to save the human race.

There are plenty of colorful characters set in a colorful world reminiscent of the post-black-and-white world of Pleasantville. And, for the most part, this film is heavily built on that perfect vision of small town America depicted in numerous television shows of the era. The recreation is quite superb even if done with tongue squarely in cheek.

As the film rolls, you will be struck by just how many homages the film pays to classic science fiction films like The Day the Earth Stood Still, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Blob. And when you discover the aliens’ one weakness, you’ll be snickering to yourself in a way that Signs didn’t want you to.

As director R.W. Goodwin’s first big screen effort, it’s not surprising that the film feels a little uneven. But his experience in the genre with television series The X-Files, for which he directed a number of episodes, has made for at least an entertaining premiere feature. It’s also the first feature for screenwriters James Swift and Steven P. Fisher. But, they make it quite clear that this is intended to be a humorous film, free of social commentary and cheesy to the limit (which is the reason I suggest you watch the “modern” introduction to the film).

The performances are looser than you might expect. It’s quite clear that the cast, including McCormack, Jenni Baird, Robert Patrick, Jody Thompson, Dan Lauria, are delighting themselves in their ‘50s stereotypes, which helps the audience play right along and establish a mood the kind of which most films in this genre have trouble accomplishing.

It isn’t a great film. Even the makers know this much. But it is a fun film. Alien Trespass is an entertaining diversion to help you escape from the realities of the world while enjoying a humorous pastiche of the alien invasion category.

Review Written

December 2, 2009