ROCKETSHIP X-M (1950) * They throw you early, impressing you with their expertise by presenting a pretty good guess as to how Apollo XI's Saturn V rocket would be able to reach the moon. Yeah, it's a little bit shaky how the astronauts are gabbing with the press with ten minutes to lift-off but government was more open with the media then, or people thought that it was. But in no time at all there's a problem with the fuel, everyone takes a nap, and they're suddenly at Mars. Well, there should be a little excitement in all of that, shouldn't there? Then, as if things could get any dumber-they're not shooting for farce or satire-the martians don't even have antennae or plaited cone noses or anything. Mars has never been presented as so dull and dreary, at least without extensive scientific explanation, of which here there is none. Just when you think that it can't possibly get any duller, just when you wonder who's in a less enviable position, the astronauts lost in space or yourself watching, they try and tape on an abhorrent romance between Lloyd Bridges and Osa Massen. It's like watching imbeciles imitate nerds at a water cooler, except that it evokes no feelings of sympathy. None of it does.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!