This week the theme is Alien Movies. I have to go all comedy here because so many of them give me the heebie jeebies. I still have not seen most of the film Alien or any of the others-really freaks me out and I find them disturbing. If you wish to check out what other movies have been chosen, head on over to Wandering Through the Shelves, the host of this weekly series.
1. COCOON-1985
I saw this movie when it first came out and loved everything about it. It is a gentle comedy that speaks highly of the elderly and with respect. In fact, when I think about it, respect permeates through this whole film. The main stars are all elderly...except for Wilfred Brimley who was only 51 when he made this film but passes for an easy 75. I would want to stay away from the Quaker oats if that's what it did to him. There are 4 couples, 3 are married a long time and one is happily single but hooks up with all the ladies including the leggy Gwen Verdon. 3 of the men routinely walk over to a nearby estate to swim and one day, they see these weird egg like things in the water. They pay no mind and continue to swim but soon these spunky elders notice a spring in their step and begin to feel younger. They soon meet the people who have brought these egg things up from the ocean floor and decide to help each other out. It is funny, sweet, intelligent and moving. Worth a look.
2. MARS ATTACKS-1996
Oh...let's talk goofy. I never thought I would say this but it was fun watching Slim Whitman and Sylvia Sydney save the day. There is an actual all star cast for this film which is about these freaky martians that land on Earth seeming to want to be friends. We extend our hand in peace and then we watch as they vaporize most people in their path. Yes, they take Sarah Jessica Parker's head and place it on her dog's body and vice versa but that still doesn't stop her from falling in love with the head of Pierce Brosnan when they are in the spaceship. Nope-I couldn't make this up. Tom Jones is in this flick along with Jack Nicholson who plays several roles including the President. Once you have seen these martians in little green speedos you know you are in for a wild ride.
3. GALAXY QUEST-1999
Whoever loves Star Trek (or not, but that doesn't exist), should love this heartfelt send up to the franchise. Stars of their once famous TV show, are now spending all their time at these conventions where they are to sign autographs, repeat certain sayings over and over again and smile to their fans. The former lead star ends up drunk and discouraged before he is taken on a wild trip into the galaxy by aliens who are trying to stay alive and away from the evil general that looks like he would make a nice purse. When the star returns, he tells his cast mates about his journey and, of course, they don't believe him....until they are taken up to the ship as well. Now the ship is based on their ship from the TV show and the aliens do not know what it means to lie. They believe the show to be a historical document and feel really bad about Gilligan and all the castaways. Believe it or not, it is up to these sad sack of actors to save the alien race from my future purse. Alan Rickman nails it as a former Shakespearean actor who never takes off his make up and Tony Shalhoub is perfect as the guy who is not phased at all by the aliens, the general or being turned on by a big squid (see the movie).
What would be your choices?
Three fun ones indeed. Cocoon 2 though, that was an awful piece of crap. Only recent alien one that pops in was Paul, that was a fun one. Then of course Aliens and Independence day and Stargate, more the show than movie though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the 2nd film...Cocoon although I heard it wasn't as good
DeleteThat's right, everyone should love Star Trek! And thus, Galaxy Quest, because it was one awesome movie.
ReplyDeleteAliens is the best alien film ever and still one of my all time favorite movies.
And agree with Pat - Stargate the show was far better than the movie.
Star Trek is the best and I love Galaxy Quest's homage to ST. I never watched the TV show but have seen the film Stargate....it was ok
DeleteI love Cocoon, I thought it was such fun. At my age, I would love to be able to swim with them in their pool. Would you have left with the aliens, I think I would. I haven't seen the other two movies though. I would like Galaxy Quest I think.
ReplyDeleteI would go with the Aliens for sure! I think you would enjoy Galaxy Quest
DeleteGalaxy Quest is great. Mars Attacks is nice, stupid fun as well. Cocoon it's been years since I've seen. I remember watching that when I was a kid. I think this is the first time I've actually seen all three of your picks! lol
ReplyDeleteHahahaaa! Yippee! Mars Attacks is stupid but so much fun
DeleteHi, dear Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI have seen Cocoon and Mars Attacks. Cocoon was filmed at locations around the greater Tampa-St. Pete area where I lived and worked at the time. I worked in TV news and our station ran stories about the film's production and interviews with the distinguished cast.
Jack Nicholson for President sounds like a great idea. I can almost imagine what he would say in his campaign speeches: "You know, this used to be a helluva good country. I can't understand what's gone wrong with it." "They're not scared of you. They're scared of what you represent to 'em." "What you represent to them is freedom." "I mean, it's real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace. Of course, don't ever tell anybody that they're not free, 'cause then they're gonna get real busy killin' and maimin' to prove to you that they are. Oh, yeah, they're gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em." "It makes 'em dangerous."
Tony Shalhoub is one of my favorite actors and your review has me interested in seeing the send-up Galaxy Quest.
Thanks, dear Birgit!
If you like Tony Shalhoob then you will really enjoy Galaxy Quest. I'm surprised you haven't seen it yet actually.
DeleteGlad to see Galaxy Quest getting some love, today. Excellent movie. Strange that I've never seen the other two considering I remember my mom watching Cocoon several times and I'm a Tim Burton apologist. At least with Cocoon, I've seen enough bits and pieces to feel like I've watched the whole thing. I just never bothered with Mars Attaks for whatever reason. Have to change that.
ReplyDeleteCocoon is such a nice movie and Mars Attacks is..not...hahahahaaa it's stupid but I find it funny. Hope you see it one day
DeleteTerrific choices! Of the three Galaxy Quest is easily my favorite. It retains a just enough of a serious edge to keep the story tight but everyone embraces the jolly spirit of the overall film Sigourney Weaver is a hoot and such perfect casting considering her long association with the Alien franchise. Cocoon is a gentle fable. I'm not sure I'd give Don Ameche the Oscar for his work in it but as career awards go he was deserving. Mars Attacks! wore out its welcome before it ended but for a while it was fun.
ReplyDeleteI also went with lighter goofier stuff for the week.
I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958)-After his buddies give him a bachelor party handsome young hunk Bill (Tom Tryon) heads home but stops when he thinks he’s hit something in the road and is suddenly engulfed by a heavy gray fog. Next day prospective bride Marge (Gloria Talbott) frets when Bill is late to the wedding until he shows up and faster than you can say Jack Robinson she’s “MARRIED TO A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!” Pulpy 50’s sci-fi follows their story as it slowly dawns on Marge that there is an alien race who are seeking a way toward reclamation of their species. Leading man Tryon eventually abandoned acting for a very successful writing career (The Dark Secret of Harvest Home, The Other etc.)
I Come in Peace (1990)-A gang of drug traffickers known as the "White Boys” cause havoc when they make off with a cache of heroin from a federal building followed by a strange spate of deaths where the victims bear a puncture mark on their foreheads. Hard-nosed cop Jack Caine (Dolph Lundgren) and FBI agent Arwood Smith (Brian Benben) follow bizarre clues looking for an answer. B movie actioner whose tagline “Good cop. Bad alien. Big trouble.” pretty much says it all.
They Live (1988)-Drifter John Nada (Rowdy Roddy Piper) finds a pair of sunglasses that when worn shows the world as it truly is. How it truly is happens to be a place where the billboards and all media carry subliminal messages such as “No Imagination” and “Stay Asleep” and the people in authority are actually aliens hidden behind a mask of normalcy who are keeping the masses subdued. Directed with a sardonic tone by John Carpenter.
Honorable Mention-Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)-Playing into both the public’s fascination and fear of space exploration and outer space in the 50’s this low budget sci-fier is both earnest and reactionary. Flying saucers, looking like exact replicas from My Favorite Martian, start blasting the hell out of a military base when their signal is misinterpreted. Once the mistake is revealed and against government orders a lone scientist tries to straighten out the muddle. Finding out the aliens intentions it’s then a race to find a defense before the human race is enslaved! Cheesy but if you like this kind of thing it could be fun.
I am late in replying but I always look forward to your comments. I have seen I married an Alien long time ago and would love to see it again. I haven't seen the other films but always wanted to see Earth vs the Flying Saucers
DeleteI enjoyed Galaxy Quest, but not as much as most people did. Cocoon was a lot of fun. Never saw Mars Attacks.
ReplyDeleteOh I love Galaxy quest. I have no idea whether you'll like Mars Attacks or not...it is silly
DeleteMy brother keeps telling me I need to watch Mars Attacks, but I haven't yet. Goofy comedy is usually "miss" with me, but this could be the exception.
ReplyDeleteOh....if you are not one for goofy then I would be surprised if you will like this film because it is Goofy! silly! I am not sure what other words to use.
DeleteSaw Galaxy Quest and Cocoon, enjoyed them both. I still to this day enjoy watching the first Men In Black movie. They should have stopped after that one though.
ReplyDeleteBetty
I agree with you about Men in Black. They should have stopped.
DeleteOh you've got some really silly , fun picks here, I like it!
ReplyDeleteI had to go silly
DeleteOh no...Cocoon gave me nightmares. I don't really like alien movies. (With a few as an exception.) After I saw a couple as a kid, I've been traumatized ever since.
ReplyDeleteOh wow....Cocoon?? Yes...maybe Mars Attacks would be better just because it is just so silly but it still may not be the best
DeleteI am afraid I haven't watched any of those movies, I will now find them to watch. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOK, I can say I loved Cocoon, after at first not being sure that I would. (I don't usually care for the Sci-Fi genre). This one was so well done, very heartwarming, lots of wonderful older actors in it as well. Opie did a great job with this one!! Haven't seen the other 2 you mention. TFS
ReplyDeleteCocoon is wonderful and Ron Howard did a great job with this film. If you ever saw Star Trek then you may enjoy Galaxy Quest because it is a fun homage.
DeleteGalaxy Quest was brilliant. And I loved that Sigourney Weaver was in it after her serious role in all the Alien films.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Sigouney Weaver in this because she always made such serious films or was the straight person even in Ghostbusters
DeleteClose Encounters of the Third Kind is a good one.
ReplyDeleteClose Encounters is an excellent one
DeleteI've seen Cocoon, but not the other two.
ReplyDeleteAliens coming to Earth isn't a priority in my movie watching. But I've seen the first Independence Day - decent, not much point in seeing it again though.
Independence Day was beyond stupid and I wanted Vivica A Fox to get vaporized since she was just so dumb.
DeleteI only know Cocoon - and I agree with you - it was a delightful film from start to finish.
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
This film was very heartfelt and sweet
DeleteNever saw Mars Attacks. I've seen bits of Galaxy Quest. Of course I've seen Cocoon.
ReplyDeleteSomeone else already mentioned They Live. 2nd time I've seen that on a blog today. Which is funny, as it is rather obscure. Worth a look.
I have not seen They Live but others have picked this for this week. I love Cocoon
DeleteI remember Cocoon. It's been a long, long time since I've seen it. Mars Attacks is a classic. It makes me laugh whenever I see it. Some great actors in there - people you'd never expect to see in that genre.
ReplyDeleteI know! I never thought I would see Sylvia Sydney in this film, Glenn Close or Jack Nicholson...I found this film quite funny
DeleteOh, I forgot all about Cocoon! That was a sweet movie. I haven't seen Mars Attacks but always meant to. Maybe this time I will finally watch it.
ReplyDeleteIf you like silly fun and a whole bunch of stars, then see Mars Attacks
DeleteI haven't seen any of these but now I feel like I should watch Galaxy Quest.
ReplyDeleteGalaxy Quest is a classic!
DeleteFor some reason I was disturbed by Mars Attacks! so I never finished watching it. I think it got to the point where they killed Jack Black but I just remember being terrified hehehe
ReplyDeleteThose aliens are butt ugly especially in their speedos but I love that Slim Whitman saves the day
DeleteBirgit, good movie review. I very well remember Cocoon. Really cute movie. The second one I don't know and the 3rd we plan to watch. It seems we bought that from iTunes and it's definitely on Netflix. So, we'll get around to seeing it one way or the other. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeletecocoon is so sweet and respectful. I love Galaxy Quest and Mars Attacks is just silly and fun
DeleteI need new glasses. I read "Allen movies" and I thought, Woody Allen. hahaha. Have yet to see Cocoons, don't know what I'm waiting for. I enjoyed the other two movies you mentioned, the second one the most because of Rickman and Shaloub. Alien movies give me the heebee jeebies too, so the funnier, the better.
ReplyDeleteThey do the same with me so I always prefer comedic take. I think you would really enjoy Cocoon and hope you see it. I think it may be right up your alley
DeleteCocoon was really good. But I think Aliens (1986) will always be my favorite :)
ReplyDeleteToo scared to watch Alien...when that thing pops out of John Hurt's stomach, I freak and have to turn it off. I am a real chicken s&@!
DeleteI LOVED 'Mars Attacks!' When I was on the ship, there was a period of time when we all spoke to each other in Martian speak. I can't do it justice, but it was a lot of "Ack! Ack, ack, ack!!"
ReplyDeleteYes!!! I actually will call my brother and just say this or vice versa
DeleteAck. Ack, ack, ack.
DeleteAck. Ack, ack, ack.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCocoon was a great film!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your long weekend, my friend.
I am! Cocoon is such a wonderful film
DeleteI've heard of all of these, AND heard great things about them, but seen none. I suck. I especially want to see Galaxy Quest. I heard they were actually in the works of making a second one, when Alan Rickman's untimely death happened and officially canceled it. What a bummer.
ReplyDeleteOh wow...that is a bummer! I would have seen the 2nd film but it would not be the same without Rickman. Now go see Galaxy Quest
DeleteI loved Cocoon, but I haven't seen the others. I will have to see Galaxy Quest if only to watch Alan Rickman. He was good no matter what part he played.
ReplyDeleteI actually think you will enjoy Galaxy Quest...hope you see it
DeleteWow! Sounds like Mars Attack had a full cast!
ReplyDeleteIt did..er...does have a full cast and it's amazing how many were in this film and I think it's a hoot
DeleteExcellent choices, all three! I have been reminded of Cocoon a lot recently, after not giving it much thought at all for 20+ years.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty cool that you are seeing this film everywhere. It's a film that should get more love now
DeleteI want to see Sarah JP's head on a dog's body. That sounds hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI'm partial to giggling—Mars Attacks and Galaxy Quest are definite favorites of mine!
ReplyDeleteI can't decide if I'd like Galaxy Quest or not......
ReplyDeleteLove that you went campy here! Mars Attacks is so much fun, and that cast!
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since we saw Cacoon but we loved that movie. I'm going to try and find it to watch again.
ReplyDeletesounds good movie hope one enjoys it alot
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday, Birgit:)
ReplyDeleteI loved Cocoon and am getting to the age where I wish something like that would be possible. ☺ Galaxy Quest was fun too and I'm a huge Tim Allen fan. Don't remember Mars Attacks but the name sounds familiar. When it comes to movies about aliens, E.T. is a huge favourite, as well as the Star Trek franchise, old and new.
ReplyDeleteI seldom watch alien movies so no surprise that I haven't seen these 3 yet. Thanks for the list though. I might check these out for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI saw Cocoon back when I was in high school. I was recently thinking that I should watch it again because the details are a little fuzzy. I haven't seen the rest of these- yet. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
First, let me say. Sorry I've been away for most of May, I'm still trying to catch up. Aliens immediately caught my attention. Yes, I have seen the Alien film. I hate the foul language in it, but outside of that I enjoy it. But when it come to comedy. Sign me up! I have not seen Cocoon, but the other two are my favourites! It's been awhile since I've seen Galaxy Quest, but I don't own it on DVD and I really need to. I love that film. Mars Attacks! Is one of my favourite films ever. Yes, an all star cast. I love it because you never quite know who is going to 'buy the farm'. Jack Black, Michael J Fox & Natalie Portman are a few more featured.
ReplyDeleteI few more alien films I'd add are Independence Day. Not so terrifying as Alien or Aliens and I love Will Smith. Speaking of Will Smith, Men in Black would also be on my list.