Wednesday, May 10, 2006

War in Space – 1977

Evidently, in Japan this is considered a classic. Outside that it’s a lot more “epic” than the usual Toho fare, I don’t get the magic. It looks like your standard Star Wars ripoff, with a great orchestral score.

That’s not to say that it totally sucks. Any movie with a horned Wookie with a curved axe that absorbs laser shots is good by me. It certainly seems to have a much bigger budget that their usual Godzilla-type fare. And the flying, armored Wenibago is cool. And who doesn’t love a space ship that has a revolver that fires lasers or missiles.

Unfortunately, the ending makes precious little sense. I think I may have missed something with the captain and explosives that destroy the universe. I mean, that’s a big explosion, but the universe seems relatively untouched.

There are some nice extras (which is kinda unusual for Toho discs, since they can’t have a commentary). There is a nice interview with the Head of Special Effects, Teruyoshi Nakano. Although it’s subtitled also, there’s some really good info about how they did some affects back in the days before CGI. It’s amazing what they could do in so short a time.

Three beers out of five

Star Crystal – 1986

And here we have a cheap Aliens rip off. This movie makes precious little sense as well. First, everyone is killed except a few who escape, but everyone who escapes is obnoxious, and I wished they’d stayed in the station to die.

And not a one of the women ever get naked. What the hell kind of B-Space flick is this where none of the women get naked?

And the one really bitchy woman truly transforms once everyone else is slaughtered. Funny how the computer guy isn’t such an ass when he’s your only protection. And then, suddenly the movie flip-flops and instead of Aliens, we’re doing E.T.

And remember the 80’s? Remember how sucky the music was? Well, if you don’t, the soundtrack of this movie will certainly remind you. Try not to give in to the overwhelming urge to jab a pointed stick in your ears.

Two beers out of five