Deep Space

Maverick detectives Ian McLemore (Charles Napier) and Jerry Merris (Ron Glass) find a routine investigation of the death of two teenagers takes a twist when they discover the killer is some kind of mutant alien thingy created by the U.S. Government. Naturally, whatever they do pisses off Capt. Robertson (Bo Svenson, proving he really isn't Napier in real life) and interferes with McLemore's plans on bedding young police woman Carla Sandbourn (Ann Turkel). Just kidding, he has mad bag piping skills that get her to take her clothes off (really!). This low-rent ALIEN rip-off from Fred Olen Ray works mostly due to the lead performance by Napier. He is genuinely funny and totally game for the crazy stuff he is asked to do (chasing mini-aliens around L.A.; chainsawing the monster in the finale). And the aforementioned seduction by bagpipe is truly something you've never seen before. Ray skimps on the gore and nudity (odd for him) but does deliver a nice gooey monster (which apparently comes with its own strobe light). Julie Newmar pops up for a few scenes as a psychic who is always calling McLemore with tips on where the alien is. Nice way to cover your holes, Fred.

Obvious "Alien" rip off, "Deep Space" is a lighthearted monster on the loose romp, which is notable for it's fun casting. Charles Napier, who is almost always playing the bad guy, truly surprises here with his excellent wise cracking cop performance. True, the story is familiar, but the script is secondary to the funny dialog. One highlight for sure is a seduction by bagpipes scene that is not to be missed, with Ann Turkel even providing a wee bit of skin. Even the monster itself creates chuckles, with it's "Silly String" tentacles lassoing victims into it's very "Alien" like jaws. For those who appreciate low budget winners, "Deep Space" will not disappoint. Anyone expecting a terrifying space alien is advised to look elsewhere. - MERK

Fred Olen Ray's "Deep Space" is an obvious "Alien" ripoff. And a fun one at that! When a top-secret military experiment crash-lands and the monster inside goes around killing people, a pair of wisecracking cops (Charles Napier and Ron Glass) take it upon themselves to stop the thing. Totally predictable movie, but it's one that you gotta love. I should note that this flick doesn't contain very many of the things that teenage boys like in horror flicks, but otherwise it's got what you might expect. Basically a series of clichés, but it's a pretty enjoyable flick. Also starring Ann Turkel, Bo Svenson, and even Julie Newmar in a supporting role!* Fred Olen Ray also directed "Teenage Exorcist" and "Evil Toons" (a cross between "The Exorcist" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit").

PS: If you recognize Charles Napier, it's probably because Jonathan Demme frequently casts him, notably as the security guard in "The Silence of the Lambs". He also appeared as the leader of the country-western band in "The Blues Brothers".

*Newmar had previously appeared in the horror flick "Evils of the Night" with Tina Louise. Yes, it was Catwoman meets Ginger Grant.

A cut-rate imitation of "Alien" that has an air of sloppiness about it (the script could have been written over a weekend probably), but delivers the goods in the end with some good buzzsaw action and lots of slime. Problem is, it's STILL not particularly better than any other of the dozens of "Alien" ripoffs that are floating around.....(**)

Any movie with Julie Newmar in it is at least worth one watch. She only has a bit part here in an Alien rip-off with a police procedural main plot. Charles Napier & Bo Svenson also star in this movie. Tough cop cliches and Alien cliches are mixed together (one scene from Alien is almost stolen intact) for a time-wasting romp. You might not remember it tomorrow, but it wastes 80 minutes in a not too bad way. One problem that is hopefully fixed with a blu-ray release is how absolutely dark some of the scenes are. I know this was a cheap movie & some of the effects are hidden with some darkness, but this is way over the top. You might even give it another point if you're able to see what is going on for the whole run time. As far as Alien rip-offs go, this one wan't too bad, and the story moved at a fast pace.