I was really looking forward to this movie because it seemed like a cool sci-fi spoof with a great cast. Even better, I noticed that "Mars Attacks!" was being shown on cable in a late-nite time slot -- the best time for watching a flick like this.
However, my pleasure quickly turned to pain as I actually began watching the movie -- it started out slow and unfunny and did not deviate from that course one iota. I'll say one thing in favor of "Mars Attacks!" -- it is consistent. Nothing works on any level at any time; it doesn't work as a spoof, parody, comedy, satire, etc.. etc... And it is boring, incredibly boring... and when something does happen, it is boring.
I think the main problem with "Mars Attacks!" is that Tim Burton tried too hard and too seriously to make a funny little spoof movie when he is not a director of funny little spoof movies. Burton's successes are with stories that are a little weird, like Edward Scissorhands or Batman (to which he added a dark visionary element). He's not really a comedy director and "Mars Attacks!" really needed a lighter touch to make the material work. Don't waste your time with this, you will only be disappointed as the movie promises so much and delivers so very little.
However, my pleasure quickly turned to pain as I actually began watching the movie -- it started out slow and unfunny and did not deviate from that course one iota. I'll say one thing in favor of "Mars Attacks!" -- it is consistent. Nothing works on any level at any time; it doesn't work as a spoof, parody, comedy, satire, etc.. etc... And it is boring, incredibly boring... and when something does happen, it is boring.
I think the main problem with "Mars Attacks!" is that Tim Burton tried too hard and too seriously to make a funny little spoof movie when he is not a director of funny little spoof movies. Burton's successes are with stories that are a little weird, like Edward Scissorhands or Batman (to which he added a dark visionary element). He's not really a comedy director and "Mars Attacks!" really needed a lighter touch to make the material work. Don't waste your time with this, you will only be disappointed as the movie promises so much and delivers so very little.