Extraterrestre

Don't you love it when a film can actually sneak up on you and surprise you, genuinely, and reveal itself to be something what is advertised ?In this case, how many alien invasion movies have we had in the past couple of years? The past couple of months even? Nacho Vigalondo's follow-up to his cult-sensation Timecrimes (sadly unseen by me) is a film that is nominally about a spaceship hovers over Madrid. Will it be an action movie, a thriller, something icky or something inquisitive (or all of the above,like in. Prometheus)?

As it turns out, the alien invasion is somewhat of a cover, though not entirely, for what is really one of those often returned to tropes that I love when done right in films— an infidelity drama that spirals out of control. In this case, the film opens on a one-night-stand couple, Julio (Villagran) and Julia (Jenner, ho-ho), who awake a little disorientated, not sure what happened the previous and then notice the streets outside are abandoned and a giant spaceship in the sky. There is also a noisy neighbor, Angel (Areces) and the arrival a short time later of Julia's boyfriend, Carlos (Carlos Cimas), who is a genuinely nice and clueless guy.

The first mistake Julio makes is to let slip to Angel about what happened the night before. After this, the spiral starts: how to not have Angel reveal the truth to Carlos, which involves Julio convincing Carlos that Angel is "one of them," the invading aliens. In what skates the line (like in a lot of the film) between comedy and actual suspense, Julio and Carlos bind and gag Angel (in one of those scenes where none of the characters are sure what to do, but have set the pieces in motion and have to follow them through).

The paranoia continues with Carlos reaching out to confront other "extraterrestrials" that have landed. But this, in turn, leads to more sex between Julio and Julia while Carlos roams the streets. Lies spur on more lies. And then more craziness. And Angel returns. And why should I keep going on? The fun in Extraterrestrial is seeing what these characters will do when someone withholds information that should be trivial in the scope of, say, possible imminent doom.

I've seen the film described in a couple of reviews as a romantic comedy, and it could be to an extent. But for me, its effectiveness is more as a kind of noir-ish story of a couple who shouldn't be lovers but are, and the comedy comes from their surprises and stumbles. However, the plot with Carlos isn't so funny as he becomes a sort of one-man crusader against the invasion that isn't really happening (or is it?).

Vigalondo leads the audience in different directions as to where the story might go, but far from being confused, I was totally engaged. He has a solid sense of direction (how he tracks in and out of rooms at certain moments is psychologically satisfying, and has a touch of Hitchcock to it), and just when you think something might finally give with the Julio/Julia's conflict—to tell or not to tell the truth—the movie takes another turn altogether. And yet there is still some ambiguity (maybe) by the end of it all as to what is really going on, who may or may not be an alien in human disguise.

Among the 2012 summer, overloaded with extraterrestrials and upteenth special effects, Vigalondo made a real sleeper, with unpredictable characters, wonderful performances, and a story that unfolds with real surprise and dramatic/comic consequences.

This was quite a good film, I enjoyed it for what it was. A low budget film using a sci-fi template to tell another story. There are only about 4 or 5 actors in the film, meaning its much like a play, with most of the film taking place inside of an apartment.

There were some interesting characters in this, with some funny moments and I liked all of the actors, especially the main two. The plot moved along well and surprised me a little. Most importantly, I was never bored.

I must also mention that I became aware of this film from watching the director Nacho Vigalondo's other film Timecrimes, which I enjoyed even more so. He is a good writer/director and very original. (I must seek out his next film: Open Windows next.)

Overall Opinion: Good low budget film, certainly worth a watch, and make sure to seek out Timecrimes also.

This film uses the appearance of a flying saucer in the sky as a MacGuffin to move along a plot about relationship and infidelity. A still image of the saucer above a building is the extent of the effects in this film and also pretty much the extent of the issue of any real extra terrestrials. In an attempt to cover the aforementioned infidelity, the two main characters create lies that are detrimental to one of the colorful side characters. People over-react to situations and generally create that indie film quirky mayhem we are familiar with that is outside of actual reality. There are many questions that remain unanswered because the film is only focused on this little group of four people and their relationship issues. Ms. Jenner is a pleasure to watch if only because she is so darned pretty. The ending leaves one a bit unsatisfied.

The Woody Allen of Science Fiction -as the critic/director Jason Reitman writes- brings us another amazing film titled ¨Extraterrestrial¨ . Everyone knows what to do if one morning the sky would be absolutely full of UFOs : run as fast as you can . The picture deal with an amusing situation : what would happen if the saucer invasion started while you are in the flat of the girl of your dreams ? . As Julio (Julian Villagran , recently Goya winner for his acting in Grupo 7) didn't remember go home with her , as Julia (Michelle Jenner , a successful young actress who has recently starred Isabel La Catolica) didn't mention her boyfriend named Carlos (Raul Cimas) and the neighbor named Angel (Carlos Areces , Eloy De La Iglesia's usual) has gone crazy . But none of them expected the Alien invasion . Meanwhile , TV communicates : Please stay calm and remain in your homes .

The picture relatively succeeds because of the thriller , humor , plot twists , suspense , as well as a twisted written script delving into the starring paranoia in such extreme situation . There is a science-fiction premise doesn't have to dominate a story's narrative. Instead it can serve as an interesting backdrop that casts familiar characters in a new light and gives alternative motivations for what would be otherwise commonplace events . Despite low budget the movie manages to be intelligent , intriguing but also a little bit boring . Following a similar vein in Nacho Vigalondo's Time crimes (2006) , in this recent film titled Extraterrestre (2011) , examines the fallout of a one-night stand in the context of an alien invasion . The same kind of lies are told and the same rash decisions made to cover up the infidelity , but the paranoia of potential aliens among them heightens every emotion and lends comedy to some situations where there'd be none . The final result is an offbeat dramedy that's captivating , in spite of not being all that fun or especially thought-provoking . The good thing about this film is that the director made it on a shoestring budget only having to do a few sets , yet the movie works on many levels but is constantly reconfigured . Casting is frankly well , giving fine performances , though little known with exception of Michelle Jenner and Julian Villagran . Thrilling and suspenseful musical score by Jorge Magaz . Colorful and appropriate cinematography by Jon Dominguez .

This motion picture relatively cheap was tautly written and directed by Nacho Vigalondo in his second movie , his first was the international hit titled ¨Time crimes¨ with Karra Errejalde . Nacho is a good young filmmaker , a little prolific director because he is usually writer for television and shorts filmmaker , he has only realized two films and nowadays is in post-production of ¨Open windows¨ with Elijah Wood and Sasha Grey . ¨Extraterrestrial¨ is without a doubt a weird , mysterious and comedy film to be liked for Science-Fiction and suspense fans , turning out to be one of the most original Spanish movies of the last years , though pretty inferior its predecessor ¨Time crimes¨. Rating : 5'5 . Acceptable and passable .

Yes, I really enjoyed this..."whatchamacallit" comedy? Black humor…?Fake sci-fi as the background to a forbidden love story…? Because that's what it is, without all the romance, but with all the cheating caused after one night stand. I wasn't disappointed at all, even though the ending weakened for a couple of minutes. To be honest it gave me some smiles, a laugh and a satisfied grin on my face after the final credits.

Unfortunately for those waiting for E.T and fireworks… well, change the channel! But if you are a guy that had given up on the girl of your dreams to do what is right, or if you are the girl, who wanted the "other" guy, well this movie is for you.

This is one of those occasions when I am more than "happy" because I speak and understand perfect Spanish even if it is from Spain, because the movie is fun to watch after you discard the expectations for little green Martians.

The movie is not slow, it just elaborates the proper scenario for the situations and circumstances, it's a story of the absurdities of a particular situation on the first two days of what could have been the antithesis of "Independence Day" (1996).

The acting is really good: a little flat for "Carlos" (Raúl Cimas) still, acceptable, and "Angel" (Carlos Areces) does a good obnoxious and insufferable neighbor, Julián Villagrán ("Julio") does a very believable role(I only wish not have seen his nudity!) and finally, I am looking forward to see more of ("Julia") Michelle Jenner's acting work! So, thumbs up to this one, just remember no "E.T" in it, just a couple of explosions.