Klaatu Barada Nikto

505

2/5

This can be considered one of the most important science fictions ever of the cinema. A film that mixes fun with content and owns a timeless message.

The first good alien movie--years before E.T. Michael Rennie shines with nobility, and is hands down by favorite visitor from outer space.

I respect the film a lot -- Wise makes strong use of light and shadow, and of course Rennie is excellent as Klaatu -- but it's just so campy and unintentionally hilarious. That might be a reflection of its time (doctors smoking cigarettes), but it's still funny. I saw it in the theatre with friends and we couldn't help but riff on it where appropriate (Klaatu: "One day Bobby I'll tell you about a train that doesn't need tracks." [whistle BTTF theme]). The kid playing Bobby is an absolute riot.

One of the few great genuine science fiction movies.

a great analogy for... nothing, really. If you think this is a Cold War protest, watch this piece of crap again. It is not.

I know that this is supposed to have high camp value or just be good for what it is. I guess it's a more expensive production than most sci-fi stuff of its day. It's just so daft I was completely unable to suspend disbelief, overlook the cheesiness or appreciate it as superior to others of its kin. It didn't impress me on any level.

Acknowledging that you need to be prepared to roll with fifties sci-fi flicks, accepting the cheesy with the insightful, the original film version is terrifically entertaining. The film proceeds with its topical immersion in the subtext of cold war suspicion and duplicity. Wise builds the film expertly, and Michael Rennie's performance as Klaatu, the interstellar traveler dispatching a stern, benevolent warning, is a tiny marvel of charming oddity.

Holds up remarkably well because it isn't effects driven and it has a message that remains just as relevant, if not moreso, nowadays. It is by no means perfect - in particular the kid is really annoying (though Michael Rennie as Klaatu is awesome). Still though it is a hugely enjoyable movie.

The idea that an alien threat would either unite us or destroy us is very compelling and this film shows a questionable representation of that idea. Klaatu barada nikto.

25/6/09, nice for its time, and klaatu barada nikto to all of you.

Just great. So much style, with a great score, and fun concepts. Supurb.