They Came from Beyond Space

Extremely Underrated and Unfairly Criticized by quick Haters that consider this an Easy Target for Ridicule and let loose. Truth is the Movie is comparatively Slick, and has Gorgeous Colorful Sets. The Director Freddie Francis makes Every Shot Count.

There are Clever Angles and the Interesting Things going on. May be Inexpensive but is Impressive Nonetheless. The Look of the Film, especially the Interiors Remind of Mario Bava, extremely Sweetened. It has a Rich Sheen and is so Glossy it almost Slides Off the Screen.

The Story is a Familiar One leading to an awfully Saccharine and Disappointing Ending, but again, the Sets are a Wow. The Costumes and Props used throughout are sometimes Silly, Yes, but Not Without a Certain Goofy Charm. The Fight Scenes, and there are a Few, seem Out of Place but are Stunt Worthy and Visceral.

The Movie's biggest and Glaring Downer is the Terrible Music and is the Kind of Thing that Elevators made Famous and is a Square Version of Trendy Hip.

Overall, Recommended for Fans of Eye Candy and a Love for Big Ideas on a Small Budget and some Pros Behind the Camera that Make it all Work.

I think both the '50s and '60s were a golden age for Sci-Fi films and after Roswell, it seemed everyone was having a try at 'alien invasion' films. Okay, this film isn't going to set the World alight with its plot, acting, music, or anything else but it's still a delightful watch for fans of the genre, either as a nostalgic look back at Sixties Britain, or for those interested in the history of such films. Incidentally, being a big fan of TV and film from that time, probably as I grew up with it, I kept recognising classic sound effects, many of which probably also 'served' in other movies and ITC TV series of the time.

Throughout the mid 60s and early 70s Amicus Productions churned out a series of wonderful little horror anthologies including my favorite, TALES FROM THE CRYPT.

But, before launching into the more-profitable horror genre, where low-budgets were more easily forgiven, Amicus produced some full-length features, including THEY CAME FROM BEYOND SPACE.

However, the music is overbearing; and, distracting. The acting is good; but, not outstanding. The special effects are okay, some even good. The launch of the moon rocket even looked plausible. And, who dressed these people anyway?

Well, that's the bad; but, the good is the sets are quite striking. The cinematography, as with other Amicus Products, was beautiful. And, I thought the plot moved along nicely.

However, the reason for my comment is the number of films and stories that this movie seems to have inspired (based on the book The Gods Hate Kansas, so not sure if it's the book or this film that's the inspiration).

Some think that Stephen King may have been inspired by this one. My thinking is that perhaps even the new series "V" may have been inspired by this. Especially the creepy comment by the security officer that the work would result in "saving" the planet, or all mankind. And, WHAT do they need all the bodies for -- both V and these moon creatures?!?

Amicus really defined the horror anthology genre for me. But it is good to see they had a fairly decent feature film before launching those. Next up: THE DEADLY BEES!

They Came from Beyond Space (1967)

* 1/2 (out of 4)

Amicus production has some meteors crashing in a field but when scientist goes to crack into them, an alien race starts taking over their minds. Soon everyone is under the spell of the aliens but thankfully one man (Robert Hutton) has some steel in his head, which keeps him from being infected. I love a lot of Amicus movies and I've often enjoyed their films more than their rival Hammer but there's not too much love that can be shown to this movie, which is pretty to look at but deadly dull in terms of entertainment. The biggest problem is that it appears Francis, usually a top-notch director, falls asleep at the wheel because the movie has a deadly slow pace that doesn't help anything. To make matters worse is the screenplay, which is full of one dialogue scene after another and nothing being said is all that intelligent. The movie moves way too slow to begin with so adding all this dialogue isn't going to help matters. Hutton sleepwalks through his role but to his credit he doesn't have much to work with. Jennifer Jayne isn't that memorable and Michael Gough appears bored out of his mind. The "Swingin' 60's" certainly lends its hand to the visuals of the film, which are quite colorful and nice to look at. The sets aren't that bad either but this doesn't save an otherwise boring film.

OK look ...this is not a studio blockbuster, or classic in the sci-fi genre by any stretch of the imagination. But this movie has an interesting plot, moves along very quickly, has a fun musical score and the acting isn't terrible. I wasn't expecting much when I put it on, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it is. There are a million worse ways to spend an hour and a half of your life. Ignore the negative reviews and give it a chance.