*Mars Attacks!* feels like an intense rush—bright, chaotic, and something you won’t soon forget. It's a film that **ventures into territory few filmmakers would attempt**, combining the style of 1950s low-budget sci-fi movies with sharp satire, all presented with a peculiar, unsettling enthusiasm that is distinctly Tim Burton’s own. From its large cast portraying simple characters to its wonderfully crude aliens whos…

Tim Burton’s parody of science fiction films from the nineteen fifties features a remarkable ensemble cast. The film, completed in 1996 and released later that year, drew inspiration from the Mars Attacks trading cards of the sixties for its alien characters. It felt like Mad magazine's take on "Independence Day," which had been released about five and a half months earlier; Burton claimed he was unaware of that m…

This movie’s reliance on black humor makes it a challenging watch for many. Because very few people appreciate black humor, this film, which is saturated with it from start to finish, suffered the consequences and became something of a disappointment. I think that even now, it's one of the less celebrated films in Tim Burton’s career, especially considering he’s directed movies that were much worse. The story u…

It's enjoyable enough to revisit, but I struggle to wholeheartedly suggest it. The film’s appeal comes from its flaws; it’s hard to say whether that’s intentional or not, perhaps as an attempt at satire. Otherwise, it feels like stepping into a time capsule, showcasing a long list of appearances by actors who were well-known during the mid-1990s, many playing minor roles. I felt that most of the performers I appre…