Folks, I never presume to tell my readers what to like ... but I'll always tell you something about what makes being a true genre fan unique.
What better occasion than the 47th anniversary of a pure cinematic stinker like Laserblast could there be to point out that ours is the only fandom that consistently celebrates the good, the bad, and the irreplacably ugly?
Released on this day back in 1978 (in the United States of America), Laserblast was directed by Michael Rae from a story by Franne Schacht and Frank Ray Perilli. This immortal schlockfest starred Kim Milford, Cheryl Smith, Gianni Russo, Ron Masak, Dennis Burkley, Barry Cutler, Mike Bobenko, Eddie Deezen, Keenan Wynn, Roddy McDowall, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all the fuss was about:
"Alien creatures kill a mutated alien creature in the California desert. Its remains, and the high-tech laser gun and power source accidentally left behind, are found by an ostracized teenager. However, the power source causes the teenager to mutate too, and he goes on a murderous rampage."
By all accounts, Laserblast is one of filmdom's -- ahem -- worst productions or -- at the very least -- it's certainly highly respected as a bad film despite whatever goodness may somehow seep in between the frames. How bad? Well, it presently retains a 2.9 (out of 10.0) on IMDB.com's scale, a rating system many dismiss as being 'too kind.'
While I've nothing to say myself about the motion picture (saw it long ago on home video), I'm going to happily paste what Google.com's A.I. interface says about it for posterity's sake. You'll find it below, and I think it's very telling.
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
What better occasion than the 47th anniversary of a pure cinematic stinker like Laserblast could there be to point out that ours is the only fandom that consistently celebrates the good, the bad, and the irreplacably ugly?
Released on this day back in 1978 (in the United States of America), Laserblast was directed by Michael Rae from a story by Franne Schacht and Frank Ray Perilli. This immortal schlockfest starred Kim Milford, Cheryl Smith, Gianni Russo, Ron Masak, Dennis Burkley, Barry Cutler, Mike Bobenko, Eddie Deezen, Keenan Wynn, Roddy McDowall, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all the fuss was about:
"Alien creatures kill a mutated alien creature in the California desert. Its remains, and the high-tech laser gun and power source accidentally left behind, are found by an ostracized teenager. However, the power source causes the teenager to mutate too, and he goes on a murderous rampage."
By all accounts, Laserblast is one of filmdom's -- ahem -- worst productions or -- at the very least -- it's certainly highly respected as a bad film despite whatever goodness may somehow seep in between the frames. How bad? Well, it presently retains a 2.9 (out of 10.0) on IMDB.com's scale, a rating system many dismiss as being 'too kind.'
While I've nothing to say myself about the motion picture (saw it long ago on home video), I'm going to happily paste what Google.com's A.I. interface says about it for posterity's sake. You'll find it below, and I think it's very telling.
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
Question:
"What Makes 1978's laserblast a notable film?"
From Google.com:
"Laserblast" is often considered a "good film" primarily because of its status as a cult classic "so bad it's good" movie, with its incredibly low budget special effects, nonsensical plot, and cheesy acting providing unintentional comedic value, making it highly entertaining for audiences looking for a campy, ridiculous viewing experience; particularly when watched with a group and critiqued for its flaws.
Key points about "Laserblast":
However, it's important to note that:
"Laserblast" is often considered a "good film" primarily because of its status as a cult classic "so bad it's good" movie, with its incredibly low budget special effects, nonsensical plot, and cheesy acting providing unintentional comedic value, making it highly entertaining for audiences looking for a campy, ridiculous viewing experience; particularly when watched with a group and critiqued for its flaws.
Key points about "Laserblast":
- Intentional badness:
The movie's poor production quality, including the obvious fake aliens and special effects, are so over-the-top that they become unintentionally hilarious. - Nostalgic appeal:
For many viewers, "Laserblast" evokes a sense of nostalgia for cheesy, low-budget sci-fi movies from the 70s, making it a fun throwback. - Mystery Science Theater 3000:
The film gained further notoriety after being featured on the cult classic show "Mystery Science Theater 3000," where its absurdity was further highlighted through comedic commentary.
However, it's important to note that:
- Critically panned:
Most professional critics consider "Laserblast" to be a very poorly made film with no redeeming qualities beyond its campy entertainment value. - Not for everyone:
If you are looking for a well-acted, coherent sci-fi movie with a strong plot, "Laserblast" is not the film for you.
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