Mars Attacks!

1996 Comedy

This quirky science fiction comedy is a characteristic feature by iconoclastic director Tim Burton, known to moviegoers for Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The storyline affectionately harkens back to the deadpan sincerity of such '50s and '60s science-fiction films as The Day the Earth Stood Still and War of the Worlds. Flying saucers have been reliably seen over the capitals of the world, and the whole world awaits with bated breath to see what will transpire. Among those waiting is the President of the United States (Jack Nicholson), who is assured by his science advisor (Pierce Brosnan) that the coming aliens are utterly peaceful. This advice is hotly contested by the military (led by Rod Steiger), who advices the President to annihilate them. When the aliens land, they are seen to be green, garish, and very cheerful. But appearances prove deceiving when the "friendly" aliens abruptly disintegrate the entire U.S. Congress. Hollywood notables appear in vast quantities in roles (and sub-plots) of all sizes in this zany feature. more..

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan,Danny DeVito

Reviews

  • In its nothing's-quite-at-stake way, Mars Attacks! has Tim Burton's flaked-out spirit -- it makes you feel like a very knowing 8-year-old, seeing through the artifice yet believing in it at the same time.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    19 January 2013

  • Mars Attacks! has the look and feel of a schlocky 1950s science-fiction movie, and if it's not as bad as a Wood film, that's not a plus: A movie like this should be a lot better, or a lot worse.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    19 January 2013

  • This messy science fiction comedy blows most of its inspired moments because of its mean-spirited, deafening siege mentality, which turns rich promise into a tiresome parade of half-baked skits. Hilarity never seemed so tedious.

    Peter Stack - The San Francisco Chronicle

    19 January 2013

  • The result can be viewed as an uproarious satire of science fiction in the "Independence Day" mold, or as a rehash of "Gremlins" without the novelty of the original.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    19 January 2013

  • Not as much fun as it should be. Few of its numerous actors make a lasting impression and Burton's heart and soul is not in the humor but (remember the "Batman Returns" backlash) in deadpan postmodern horrors, of which this film has a few.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Music

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1997)

  • Feature Film

    Art Directors Guild (1997)

     
  • Location Professional of the Year - Features

    California on Location Awards (1995)

  • Most Promising Actress

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (1997)

     
  • Best Dramatic Presentation

    Hugo Awards (1997)