Alien Conspiracy Unravels in Centerville

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MOVIE REVIEW
Strange Invaders
–

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1983, 2024 Imprint Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Michael Laughlin
Writer(s): Bill Condon, Michael Laughlin, Walter Halsey Davis
Cast: Paul Le Mat, Nancy Allen, Diana Scarwid, Michael Lerner, Louise Fletcher, Wallace Shawn, Fiona Lewis, Kenneth Tobey, June Lockhart, Charles Lane, Joel Cohen, Dan Shor
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.viavision.com.au, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: STRANGE INVADERS delivers a charming nod to 50s sci-fi with an 80s twist, thanks to Michael Laughlin's direction and Bill Condon's dynamic screenplay. It's a fun ride through time, but it plays it safe with some familiar tropes.

Diving into STRANGE INVADERS, viewers are transported into the mysterious town of Centerville, Illinois, a place seemingly captured in the 1950s. Here, Columbia University professor Charles Bigelow, portrayed by Paul Le Mat, finds himself embroiled in an unsettling alien conspiracy. The disappearance of his ex-wife Margaret, just after her mother's funeral, kickstarts his eerie journey into a town where time stands still and dark secrets lurk.

Nancy Allen stars as Betty Walker, a journalist who shifts from skeptic to co-conspirator as the alien saga unfolds. Her dynamic with Charles adds intrigue to the narrative as they delve into Centerville's mysteries, working to shield his daughter from a looming alien threat. This central plot thickens the suspense, drawing viewers deeper into the film's compellingly eerie ambiance. Allen and Le Mat anchor the movie with solid performances. At the same time, Louise Fletcher and cameo appearances by June Lockhart and Kenneth Tobey enrich the connection to sci-fi's golden age, enhancing the film’s retro feel.

STRANGE INVADERS impresses with its technical prowess, particularly given its budget constraints, original production in the 80s, and tight production schedule. The special effects are a highlight, crafting alien encounters and transformation scenes with creativity and technical skill that maintain the film's suspenseful edge. These effects captivate and testify to the ingenuity possible, even with limited resources.

However, the film doesn't shy away from indulging in the genre's more predictable elements, at times leaning heavily on well-trodden sci-fi tropes. While occasionally detracting from the narrative’s originality, these moments are balanced by the movie’s brisk pacing and engaging plot twists that keep the audience engaged and the storyline progressing smoothly.

As an entry in the 1980s science fiction scene, STRANGE INVADERS may not reach the iconic status of some other titles from the period. However, it certainly stands out as a solid and engaging piece that reflects the creative spirit of its era. It's an affectionate homage that blends traditional themes with a few playful twists.

For those who enjoy a slice of nostalgia with their suspense, STRANGE INVADERS is a satisfying mix of mystery and old-school charm. It offers a glimpse of the past through a contemporary lens, providing a movie-going experience that's both enjoyable and familiar. The film invites viewers to reminisce while enjoying the intrigue of a well-crafted alien invasion story, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone who appreciates the enduring appeal of sci-fi cinema.

Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
Audio Commentary by co-writer/producer/director Michael Laughlin and co-writer Bill Condon
NEW Strange Films: The Unfinished Trilogy – video essay by film historian Jarret Gahan (2024)
Isolated Score by composer John Addison
Audio LPCM 2.0 Mono
Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Optional English HOH Subtitles
Limited Edition slipcase with unique artwork

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[photo courtesy of IMPRINT, VIA VISION]

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