Bloodtype Online

    Dr. Russell Marvin and his wife are heading back to the rocket project that he runs for the government when they encounter a mysterious flying saucer.  After the craft flies away they continue onto the base to continue with the project, code named Operation Skyhook.  Not long after launching the latest rocket in the series the general in charge, and the father of Dr. Marvin’s new wife shows up to let him know that all of the rockets that they have fired into space have been destroyed.  Before they can launch another rocket the aliens attack and destroy the Skyhook military base and kill everyone except for Dr. Marvin, his wife, and the general who they kidnap.  Eventually it becomes clear that the aliens intend on taking over the Earth and the only person that can stop them is Dr. Marvin!  But can he perfect his fantastic new sonic weapon in time?   

    This is another of the great films from the 50s that “stars” some wonderful stop motion effect works by the great Ray Harryhausen.  But this time instead of a fantastic creature we get flying saucers wreaking havoc and destroying familiar landmarks.  The effects work just as well as the other Harryhausen films that I’ve seen, but this movie does lack something.  There is something great about the fantastic creatures that Harryhausen created with his stop motion that really grab me.  While it isn’t his fault or comment on the obvious talent or effort put into the movie the saucers just don’t do it for me.  Of course in spite of that it is fun to see the saucers crash into miniatures of the landmarks in Washington.  These effects look just as good as previous efforts to destroy San Francisco and Rome.  Now the set used for the interior of the saucer is pretty damn cool looking.  Unfortunately the design of the alien space suits isn’t.  They didn’t even take the time to put enough joints in the costume, which makes the aliens movie stiffly.  You do get to see one of the aliens with the helmet removed, and that looks nifty.  So overall I would have to say that the movie delivers some decent effects.   

    The human stars of the movie are made up of “B” actors and they do a decent job with a good script.  The movie is a bit slow at times while they try and develop the characters.  Of course in spite of making an effort to develop characters they all fall into the usual categories.  Still there are enough moments in this movie that are genuinely creepy to keep an audience interested.  When the aliens need information they just remove it from a persons brain and copy it to their computer memory banks.  And when you really make them mad they will just toss you out of their spaceship while it is still flying!   

    Bottom line here is that this is another classic Sci-fi movie from the 50s.  If you are a fan of flying saucers invading the Earth then you will love this one.  I know that I found it to be really enjoyable and highly recommend it.   

Rating - ***1/2

-John "El Juan" Shatzer