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Neglected Tim Burton Movie Criminally Underrated

mars attacks movie

Tim Burton’s unique style has captivated audiences for decades. His films blend dark humor, spooky themes, and heart in a way few others can match.

 

While many of his movies are well-known classics, some gems remain hidden in plain sight.

 

One such underrated film is Mars Attacks! This 1996 alien invasion comedy didn’t get much love when it first came out. But it’s packed with Burton’s signature weirdness and a star-studded cast.

 

For fans of Burton’s zany side, it’s definitely worth another look.

 

Burton’s Wackiest Alien Romp

 

Mars Attacks! showcases Tim Burton’s silly side in full force. This alien invasion flick takes a different path from typical sci-fi blockbusters. It’s packed with laughs and absurdity from start to finish.

 

The movie pokes fun at how humans might react to visitors from space. At first, people think the Martians are friendly. But things quickly go south. Soon enough, nukes are flying and Washington D.C. is in chaos.

 

Burton fills the story with a cast of clueless characters. From dim-witted politicians to clueless citizens, nobody seems up to the task of saving Earth. Their bumbling attempts to deal with the alien threat lead to even more mayhem.

 

The film’s over-the-top style sets it apart from serious alien movies. It embraces its goofy premise and runs with it. The result is a wild ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

 

• Silly alien designs

• Wacky human reactions

• Satirical look at society

• Lots of slapstick humor

 

Mars Attacks! lets Burton cut loose and have fun. It’s a zany take on alien invasions that stands out from the crowd.

 

Jack Nicholson’s Dual Roles Shine

 

Jack Nicholson steals the show in Mars Attacks! with his two distinct performances. As the U.S. president, he brings gravitas to the role of a leader facing an alien threat. His other character, Art Land, is a Las Vegas casino owner who lets Nicholson go all out.

But Nicholson isn’t the only star in this movie. The cast is packed with big names:

  • Glenn Close
  • Michael J. Fox
  • Annette Bening
  • Martin Short
  • Sarah Jessica Parker
  • Jim Brown
  • Danny DeVito
  • Pierce Brosnan
  • Jack Black (in an early role)

This star-studded lineup fits perfectly with the movie’s over-the-top style. Each actor brings their A-game, creating a fun and wacky ensemble.

 

The mix of comedy and sci-fi allows these talented performers to cut loose. They play off each other well, adding to the film’s zany energy. It’s rare to see so many famous faces in one movie, especially in such an offbeat project.

 

The Magic of Hands-On Movie Magic

 

Tim Burton’s earlier films shine with their use of practical effects. These real-world tricks bring a special charm to his work.

One movie that stands out is Mars Attacks! It uses stop-motion for its aliens, giving them a unique look.

 

The aliens in Mars Attacks! seem to pop right out of Burton’s imagination. They move in a jerky, fun way that fits the movie’s style perfectly.

 

This old-school approach gives the film a cool retro feel.

 

• Stop-motion aliens
• Handcrafted creatures
• Old-school movie magic

 

The team behind these effects were masters of their craft. Their hard work shows in every frame.

 

Even today, the movie looks great because of these practical effects.

 

Burton’s choice to use real props and models instead of computer graphics paid off. It gives Mars Attacks! a timeless quality that many newer films lack.

 

Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.