Rating: 
Summary: Some Kind of Strange Masterpiece
Review: Tom Graeff's "Teenagers From Outer Space" is some kind of strange, perhaps accidental masterpiece. How did such a low-budget effort,using unknown (mostly untalented) actors wind up being so entertaining?One big reason for this movie's 'success' is its pulp sci-fi look and feel. Watching it is like reading a 1950s sci-fi comic book, or like reading a sci-fi short story from the same period. The pulp look derives from the costumes and choice of locations used, as well as that of the monster "Gargan". A pulp feel results from the fast pace (actually rare in the sci-fi B-movie genre), some surprising violence, and the earnest, if inept, acting style. A few scenes betray Tom Graeff's directorial talent: the laser gun attacks at the gas station, and especially, the unexpectedly effective car chase. These may frustrate some viewers; they suggest how much "better" the film might have been. But for some, they are balanced by the wonderfully comatose performance of the lead actor and the ludicrous spectacle of the "Gargan". The DVD issue of "Teenagers From Outer Space" deserves a top recommendation. The film transfer is clear and rather impressive, the sound more than adequate. Inside the colorful keepcase there is a really informative essay. Another big plus is the collection of original trailers for other films in the B-Sci-Fi genre, most of which are in fine shape and--in some cases--are more interesting than the films themselves. Included here is, fortunately, the rarely seen trailer for "Teenagers From Outer Space": the wondrous film that includes NO teenage actors, but will entertain generations to come.
Rating: 
Summary: Better treated as a MST 3K episode
Review: While this movie can stand on its own, it simply begs for a Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment, and it got one. I believe this was the funniest MST-3K'd movie ever, I mean eye-squirting funny. The voice-over for Grandpa alone is worth the price. You'd perhaps be better served finding this one on the MST-3K collections that are also coming out on DVD.
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