Movie Review: ‘Alien Planet’

Review by Hunter Miele

Writer and director Alan Maxson doesn’t shy away from gore in his new feature sci-fi film “Alien Planet”. Those seeking a hearty dose of nostalgia will revel in the campy, 80’s style of the film.

For a crowd-funded project, “Alien Planet’s” special effects, puppetry and make-up are extremely impressive. Nowadays, most effects are produced via computer-generated imagery, which means that sci-fi films of today have lost that classic aesthetic that only props and puppets can achieve. “Alien Planet” gives us a much-needed fun (and violent) glimpse back in time.

“Alien Planet’s” plot is centered around a classic, intergalactic battle between good and evil. Two rivaling alien species are competing for resources- specifically water. One species has control over a vial of rejuvenation liquid that, when only a few measly drops are added to the soil, produces enough water for the species to survive. If they use too much, however, everything on the desert planet will come back to life, including some gnarly monsters that will wipe out the intelligent alien race in an instant.

After one of the species exhausted all of its water, they’re on the hunt for the coveted vial of rejuvenation liquid. Lock (Alexandra Bokova), the hero of the story, is sent on an epic adventure to retrieve the vial and protect it from the evil alien race, as well as to resurrect her husband who perished at the hands of the enemy. After establishing a bond with a member of the rival race, the two of them, along with a little alien creature in the form of a well-made puppet, are on a journey against all odds to save their species.

“Alien Planet” was a crowd-funded project, and therefore had a low budget, but this didn’t stop the film’s makers from producing some pretty stellar special effects and make-up. The effects of the film are what make it a worthwhile watch. It’s evident that the majority of the budget went towards producing these effects, puppets and make-up over putting it into the script and actors. The story is too complex for a movie that’s meant to be fun, nostalgic and gorey. Much of the backstory is established via dialogue alone, and this makes for some pretty boring scenes. One scene in particular in which two characters are chained up in a room, talking and arguing, lasted for about 23 minutes, which is a good portion of an 80 minute film. But despite the long scenes of awkward dialogue, the film’s most impressive feature- its special effects- are what make it worth the watch. With terrifying monsters and a creative set, “Alien Planet” is a fun, gorey adventure.