Review of Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) by Stefán Birgir S — 26 Jun 2010

Now this is an iconic flick, and by most standards a very bad one. The existence of the Tim Burton Ed Wood film, gives it a nostalgic feel - by proxy it becomes more tolerable and almost heart warming (since we know, or have been lead to believe, how Ed Wood just really wanted to make a great movie).

It's not a horrible film. Sure the plot is idiotic, the narration beyond stupid, effects inane... acting, direction... all can be described by a synonym or stupid.

But, as stated, there is something about it. The performances are so genuine, it's almost like they didn't have a clue that none of them could act. Bela, who is in a few scenes before he is replaced (well, he died) is fragile and withered. His swan song, a scene where he stops to smell the flowers could have been something - at least a little emotional - but in a pure Woodian fashion, narration explains to us how we are supposed to feel. Making it ridiculous.

Narration hides lazy writing, but in this case, I think Wood just really wanted us to "get it". Maybe a part of him knew how bad and inane his script was and realised that the narration was his only change. I am pretty sure though that he just thought it was fantastic having Criswell there.

In conclusion, not the worst film ever but comes close. The soundtrack is also pretty good.