They Came from the Ether

They tried to replicate a 50s or 60s B-movie. Not much of an effort. Stale acting, predictable script.

But, if you like cheesy movies, thus will satisfy that urge to escape the Hollywood blockbusters and have a good laugh.

This is an ultra-low budget film, but the plot is entertaining. It's partly a send-up of 1950s sci-fi films, and partly a tribute to them.

The script is very talky and full of exposition to cover the fact that there's little budget for special effects (although they do sprinkle a few lo-fi ones throughout), but that dialogue is very over-the-top. "Where are you going?" "I told you I'm with Roland now." "Roland? Ha! I squashed that peasant like a bug!"

The acting is... OK, it's not good. But it's good enough for what you're getting. Look, this is a "so bad it's good" kind of deal. But it embraces it. Don't get me wrong: It doesn't try to be wink-wink cheesy by sprinkling a bunch of knowingly stupid jokes in the mix. No, it just goes all-in with the 1950s mad-science-alien-invasion tropes, and sincerely does it's best with the cheap sets, cheap costumes, cheap acting, and cheap dialogue.

If that's your jam, this is a worthwhile diversion.

If you remember the plot of Super 8, where the kids were making a zombie movie; then you will realize that they were making academy award winning material compared to this. From the repetitive bird calls every time they are outdoors, to the lack of any talent, writing ability, or artistic integrity, this movie, like the vacuums the main character sells, sucks. Watch for a laugh.