Invaders from Mars: 80's Remake

Following the success of Poltergeist in 1982, director Tobe Hooper struck a three-picture deal with Cannon films, releasing Lifeforce in 1985, then Invaders from Mars in 1986. A remake of the classic 1953 sci-fi film of the same name, Invaders from Mars didn't make much of an impact at the box office, but has since gained a following that films of this nature tend to do, and has recently been released on Blu-ray.

David Gardner is an average kid who loves his family and lives in an average rural town. One night he is awakened by a loud noise outside and goes to the window to see a gigantic spaceship descending into the valley behind his house. His parents go to investigate, and they end up having their bodies taken over by an alien force. Soon David discovers that many people that he once trusted are alien pawns. The school nurse is the one adult he can find that hasn't been affected, and they go to the military, who utilize the duo's help in infiltrating the alien ship. A battle is waged between humans and the aliens with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

Invaders from Mars was neither a hit nor did it fare well with critics. It seemed to fall into the category of many an 80's film that is perceived as not for children, when it is actually geared more for the younger set. Those who revisit the film or see it for the first time may have an appreciation for the practical sets and effects, and the nostalgia for the 80's. Yes, the film is cheesy, but it is fun to watch, even though the threat of the aliens is hard to take seriously.

Most of the performances in Invaders from Mars are so perfectly over the top that they actually help give the film it's goofy tone. The actors know what type of move they're making, and they give it their all. Louise Fletcher as David's teacher and James Karen as the general are standouts. Hunter Carson as the main character is actually the weakest link within the cast, as he doesn't seem to take his role seriously and actually seems bored in some scenes.

Invaders from Mars is more fun than scary, and is a feast for 80's nostalgia fiends. It offers a crash course in practical effects and sets, and although I haven't seen the original, it seems to honor what came before it. Recommended for genre fans, especially Shout! Factory' s great Blu-ray release that boast a few very nice features that give insight into the fun that went in to the making of the film.