Watch the Skies (2025)

After another extended absence, I decided it was time to give the blog some updated material. With October ending, I have seen plenty of fun movies over the past month and figured it would be a great time to jump back in with Watch the Skies (2025) on Amazon Prime. 

Plot: A rebellious teenager who believes her missing father was abducted by aliens joins forces with a quirky UFO club of endearing misfits. They embark on a high-stakes adventure that defies the law and challenges the very fabric of reality.

This Swedish entry was a fun watch that brought back the 80s Spielberg vibes that made Sci-Fi mainstream and enjoyable. The storyline is interesting and the characters work within what is a rather vanilla and basic premise. While there are truly no major effects or aliens, the story and performances drive what is more of a drama with extraterrestrial and comedic overtones (with some time travel thrown in). The dunning was noticeable in spots, which did detract a little, but it was much better than a lot of the dubbed movies that make their way to the streaming services. In the end, this one made for a relaxing and fun afternoon watch. Check it out. 

Alien Code (2018)

I was on X earlier today talking to some people about the recent drone flap and one of them brought up this film. I hadn’t watched it in a while and honestly, was surprised I hadn’t reviewed it. This is the 2018 Sci-Fi thriller with some time travel thrown in, Alien Code. 

Plot: After deciphering a message found in a satellite, brilliant cryptographer Alex Jacobs finds himself being stalked by government agents and otherworldly beings.

I remember watching this one a while back and was impressed. Watching it again today, I saw the same thing, a minimalistic Sci-Fi flick that is better than one would expect. This movie has great pace, editing, an interesting storyline and a great script that created some tremendous characters. And the performances brought it to life perfectly. Yes, there were a few head scratching moments, but those are easily overlooked in this gem. Not to mention, the Men in Black parts are amazing. In the end, if you are looking for a solid Sci-Fi flick, give this one a shot. It is well worth watching.

Dark Breed (1996)

After finishing my physical therapy this morning, I just wanted to relax and recover. Having someone attempt to stretch scar tissue really isn’t a fun experience. To assist in this endeavor, I went to Tubi to find something Sci-Fi related and decided on 1996s Dark Breed. 

Plot: Six astronauts are infected by an alien organism.

More of a cheesy action flick than horror movie , Dark Breed, offers a ton of explosions and is a low budget conglomeration of multiple Sci-Fi stories wrapped in one package. The acting is ok and there is a ton of stunt work that makes it fun, but lost in all the explosions and craziness is not much of a coherent story and it lacks teeth to be anything more than an outlandish action film. In the end, this is not really a Sci-Fi film. Yes, there are alien/infection overtones, but those are lost in the execution. I do not recommend this one for Sci-Fi fans at all. 

Village of the Damned (1995)

After spending most of the day working around the house decorating for the holidays, I decided to kick back and check out a movie I hadn’t watched in quite a while. That movie is the 1995 John Carpenter remake of Village of the Damned.

Plot: A small town's women give birth to unfriendly alien children posing as humans.

I remember watching this one when it first came out and I was rather disappointed. Now, decades later, I still don’t think that it is great, but it was better than I remembered. This was a fun B-Movie type viewing experience that had an interesting premise, a couple creepy scenes and a solid cast. Honestly, it was a nostalgic trip just watching it. 

Yes, it is uneven, some of it extremely cheesy and it makes little to no sense, but it is fun. In the end, this is one of Carpenter’s weakest entries and a movie that sits in a niche and should be viewed with that in mind. 

UFO History: December 3, 2024 (Alien Invasion)

I know that yesterday, I changed up the Disclosure Project on UFO Sighting history and it looks like I am going to do it today. At least, a little. I am selecting today, December 3, 2024. Why? Because of the Alien Invasion that was predicted. 

As a person that loves conspiracies and apocalyptic predictions, I did mark this (#alieninvasion) on my calendar. Who wouldn’t? Not sure what I am talking about, well here is a backstory. 

All the way back in 1997, a man named Clif High created a program, Web Bot, to help predict future events by tracking keywords on the internet. It monitors internet chatter, including articles, blogs, forums, and more to help determine what would happen. Originally used for insight on the stock market, the Web Bot predicted something a lot darker in 2009.

Back in 2009, the Web Bot found and tracked information that projected a potential visible confrontation between UFOs fighting other UFOs or jets. But how did he come up with December 3, 2024 as the day that this battle between humans and aliens would start? Well, that is quite funny, actually. 

When discussing this prediction, which was called “39 days to melee,” High stated that there would be a sign or temporal marker” that would kickoff the countdown. And what was that? None other than the interview between Joe Rogan and President-elect Donald Trump. Now think of it, back in 2009, who would have imagined that Rogan and Trump would have been on the world’s largest podcast leading up to an election? In 2009, probably no one. 

But on October 25, not only did Rogan and Trump break the internet, they kicked off a countdown that ended today. 

As I type this here in Hampton Roads, there have been no credible sightings for me to report, but in scanning social media, there have been some today (not more than usual), and I will keep monitoring. Unfortunately, I fear that this Web Bot prediction will fall flat like the Mayan Calendar or other apocalyptic prediction. 

That’s OK though, I will mark myself safe and start preparing for the next extinction event. I’m sure it won’t be long before Yellowstone rumbles again. And who knows, maybe I’ll dive back into Nostradamus or the Simpsons. After all, the Simpsons did predict the Hunter Biden pardon. 

Alien Abduction: Travis Walton (2022)

Something strange is harrowing to me.  Ever since going through regression hypnosis I have found myself struggling with motivation.  I almost feel like I'm at some type of crossroads, but indie what that is.  With that,  I have found some time for some movies and relaxation. Unfortunately,  most new horror is so cookie cutter,  so once in a while I did into some documentaries,  like this one Alien Abduction: Travis Walton.

Plot: In 1975, six men in Arizona witnessed their crewmate's abduction by UFO. The Travis Walton story became an international sensation and ripped apart a small town. Four decades later, shocking new evidence reveals the true story behind Fire in the Sky.

From the first time I heard this story,  I have Brynn fascinated.  Not to mention,  Fire in the Sky was a tremendous movie and extremely eye opening.  This documentary was more of the same.  A combibation of reenactments, interviews, and details, this explore the reality of this events through the eyes of this involved and demonstrates how much society has changed in the years since the abduction in 1975. The quality of the filmmaking was top notch providing the details in a way that wasn't boring keeping a solid flow throughout.  One downfall was not the fault of the filmmakers, but that of the streaming service,  who didn't sync their commercials with the intended breaks, something that is becoming more and more common in streaming. The interviews were intense and believable, and some of the details pointed out in the physical evidence was extremely interesting.  Most of all,  it was fact based and believable. While some may still not believe in aliens and adductions, there is no doubt that something nefarious happened that day and it wasn't a hoax. If you are into alien abduction cases and haven't seen this,  even if you are familiar with the story,  give this one a shot. 

Starship Invasions (1977)

After a stretch of modern movie with mixed results, I was in the mood for some classic Sci-Fi  schlock. While searching,  I found it with this 70s Alien Invasion film tradition none other than Sir Christopher Lee. It is the 1977 entry,  Starship Invasions. 

Plot: An advance team from a dying, far-off civilization seeks a new world to conquer and inhabit -- Earth.

With a cast featuring Christopher Lee and Robert Vaugh, how could this one go so wrong? Sure, it's not terrible,  but it's not really good either.  In fact,  it's perfect mindless 70s aliens themed schlock. The concept is interesting and there are some good visuals and effects (along with some bad ones). However,  this low budget film suffers mightily from low energy.  Other than Lee and Vaugh, the unrecognizable cat is just blah,  and that almost dooms this from the start. Truly,  the performances drag down what could have potentionally been somewhat memorable. Instead,  what is left is a late-night horror Host special that isn't really worth watching unless you are looking for a mindless alien themed flick for background fodder.

No One Will Save You (2023)

As 2023 came to an end,  it was quite refreshing to look m back m and see that I have finally gone back and started working on here again.  Having recovered from my transplant and still attempting to break out of this writers block,  I see it as a step in the right direction. The first movie for 2024 was quite a surprise,  the 2023 alien invasion flick No One Will Save You. 

Plot - Brynn finds solace within the walls of the home where she grew up until she's awakened one night by strange noises from unearthly intruders.

Who knew a movie with next to no dialog would be so interesting and entertaining? Have seen the cover on Hulu, i decided to take the chance and what i found was something i didn't expect,  a unique approach to a Sci-fi/horror thriller. Yes,  it did have did have some flaws,  but overall it was gripping entry. Kaitlyn Dever was amazing and plays the character perfectly aided by only actions and emotions.  The atmosphere is good,  cinematography works,  and the feel of the movie works all around.  Sure,  the backstory is lost for the most part and the aliens have maybe too many looks, abilities, and inconsistencies,  but those are minor flaws and can easily be overlooked. If you are looking for an intriguing alien invasion flick,  this one is for you.  Check it out!

Island Zero (2018)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday (if you partake in the holiday). It was definitely quiet here,  allowing for some relaxation. Today was busy cleaning,  something that definitely needed done. While I haven't finished,  I have taken an extended break to catch a movie.  My selection was the 2018 entry Island Zero.

Plot: Inhabitants of a fishing island find themselves cut off from the outside world after the ferry suddenly stops coming. When dead bodies turn up along the water's edge, the survivors must find out who, or what, is killing them.

There are times when I randomly pick a movie that I find something that I didn't expect and that was exactly what happened tonight.  I knew nothing about this one and I found it extremely entertaining. I loved the storyline and felt that the potential here made it worth watching.  The performances were solid,  the idea interesting,  the atmosphere was in tune with the story,  and it was a refreshing Creature Feature.  Unfortunately,  there were some flaws that were apparent and will definitely turn some people off. However,  for me,  these are easily overlooked because of the budgetary constraints that I'm sure existed with this indie film.  Yes,  the effects were lacking and there were some choppy moments that didn't allow the movie the reach its true potential,  but even with those, the quality  was much better that a lot of indie horror. In the end,  this is an underrated film and one that is easily streamed.  If you are looking for a Creature Feature,  give it a shot.  

TMZ Presents: UFOs The Pentagon Proof (2021)

Next week at this time,  I'll be prepping for my UFO event with Enigma Labs at the ocean front. I'm stoked.  Ever since my first sighting in the 70s as I child,  I have known that UFOs exist.  While I have no idea what they are and have changed opinions over time,  I know they exist.  A fact that I am excited to see take on a mainstream life ìn this crazy 2023. Hopefully,  more information confines to trickle out.  Being in that mood,  I decided to watch TMZs show, TMZ Tresents: UFOs The Pentagon Proof (2021).

Plot: Analyzing the U.S. government's official response to UFO conversations from an investigative standpoint; interviews with key players; new footage of UFOs from the deck of a USS naval ship.

I am not a huge fan of TMZ, but I will admit that they do a great job at providing some solid information and in their investigation shows,  they make it worth watching.  This one is the same,  detailing the available information on this polarizing topic.  From 2021, this documentary dives into the Pentagon and the half-assed way they documented these important sightings as well as the way they worked to cover it up.  With some of the interviews, they pointed out facts that are easily verifiable to any one that wants to dive info these reports for themselves.  Shot with a myriad of interviews, they talk with both witnesses, experts,  and government representatives that all point out different information on the topic.  Thus,  giving different perspectives.  What I really appriciated was the fact that they covered the topic without an agenda, and allowed the different people they were talking to present their story without an agenda. The different members of TMZ asked pointed but not leading questions,  allowing them to answer open and honestly.  In the end,  this was both informative and entertaining. If you haven't watched it,  check it out. 

Circle (2015)

It's been a busy few weeks as I prepared for Monster Fest 19 this Saturday. Fortunately,  things have been slowing down,  which has allowed me time to watch a bunch of stuff as I did into the heat of Spooky Season. First one I watched was the 2015 Netflix entry is Circle.

Plot: Held captive and faced with their imminent executions, fifty strangers are forced to choose the one person among them who deserves to live.

I had put this one off for a long time.  Now,  i have to ask myself why.  While this one is not perfect,  it is an interesting and strange trip into a weird world of unknown.  Personally,  i found this one very entertaining and worth watching.  Yes,  there is a ton of dialog and some head-scratching moments,  but there is a lot to like.  The storyline works and creates an array of characters that you could love or hate.  The cinematography is pretty good,  and the overall feel is solid.  Unfortunately,  it does lack tension, probably because of the shorter run time,  but it is a great way to open this wonderful time of the year.  This will not be for everyone,  it is one that can easily be streamed and be more than background entertainment. 

UFO: The Truth About Flying Saucers (1956)

This weather here in Virginia Beach has been miserable with it feeling more like I live in Florida than Virginia. But,  even with the weather,  it has not been a terrible week. I did get to see both The Empire Strikes Back and Asteroid City at the NARO and catch some other movie.  Something weird did happen on my last selection though,  I chose a 2018 movie called UFO and what strange was a 1956 documentary/movie called UFO: The Truth About Flying Saucers.

Plot: Interviews and documentary footage combine with the fictional story of an air-force pilot who encounters aliens.

Considering the age of this docudrama, this is an amazingly informative movie. Using actual Military documents and footage with a somewhat fictional story to help navigate the material was a great way to put forth the matter-of-fact approach to the material is refreshing.  This is especially true when comparing it to the documentaries that have overtaken every streaming service on the subject matter. As a researcher, it is really interesting that there are still many similarities between the different decades when it comes to the subject matter. In fact, in many ways, it may be a more accurate capsule of the UFO topic. Yes, is does move slowly and doesnt have the flair of the modern UFO documentary, but it is likely more realistic acting as a real news piece unlike the feeling and interpretation driven approach that litters every  documentary today. This one definitely presented the material and presented the material in a way that allows the viewer to make their own decision on what they believe instead of attempting to steer a narrative. This may not be for everyone, but any serious UFO buff should love it. I did and totally recommend it.

Significant Other (2022)

It looks like the forecasted rains are finally about to set in,  which will definitely make for a wet holiday period. At least,  I have a ton of things to watch and the home toy business to run. After cutting the backyard today, I settled in and decided on the 2022 entry Significant Other on Paramount+.

Plot: While on a remote backpacking trip through the Pacific Northwest, a young couple sense they may not be alone. As things take a dark turn, they find there is no one to trust -- not even each other.

I went into this movie blind, not knowing anything about it and I am glad I did. Yes, this film is definitely different from the common horror flims being pushed out and that is a good thing. For those looking for the typical tropes and jump scares, this one isn't for you.  But, even without a high body count, this one packs a punch featuring a tremendous atmosphere, anawesome soundtrack, and enough suspense to keep you engaged (it even had an unexpected twist). Sure the storyline is a bit compact and and things sem to spiral rapidly, but with a reletively short runtime, it is an easy any interesting journey. In the end, this one will definitely not be for every one, but is you love atmospheric and tension filled horror, this one is for you.

Destination Inner Space (1966)

I was pretty excited last night as I stood one of the Ringmaster's Originals, the line of prints I created to salvage old comic book art from randomly destroyed vintage comics.  To me, preserving this art is important and something that isn't that hard to accomplish. While debating with myself about what piece should be next,  I kicked back with a classic creature feature from the 1960s, Destination Inner Space. 

Plot: A group of scientists working in a deep-sea research station discovers a strange craft of extraterrestrial origin.

Let me start by saying that if you don't enjoy classic B-grade creature feature schlock, this one isn't for you.  If you do,  then you should get a kick out of this one.  Yes,  it has low-grade effects,  probably a lower budget,  and some (I'm sure) unintentional laughs,  but those things add to the campy feel of the entire film.   And, of course, that is all before I get to the overstuffed Sci-Fi bass that stands as one of the more unique aliens from that era of film.  In the end,  if you want to suspend belief and drift into a bygone era of fun mindless creature features, this one is definitely for you.  This has all the campy elements and much more.  

Split Second (1992)

It was busy around my shop yesterday with 3 online sales on top of the two packages that I had to send out. Fortunately, I have the time to focus on that on days when that happens. So far today has been quieter, allowing me to start rebuilding the workshop after neglecting it during my transplant hiatus. Once I finished yesterday, I decided to dive into the world of Rutger Hauer with the 1992 flick Split Second.

Plot: In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.

I love Rutger Hauer movies and it is still hard to fathom that he is no longer with us. Onereason that i have always enjoyed his films is that he always seems to enjoy the project he was working on. This movie again shows that side of him. While this is clearly a B-Movie and far from a classic like like Blade Runner, he played his character perfectly. This is a lower budget film that has definitely built a solid cult following with a dark gloomy post-apocalyptic atmosphere, an interesting storyline, and decent scripting. Sure, this one will never boast great effects, truly believable moments, or being a cinematic masterpiece. But, if you enjoy fun, low budget, not bad but misunderstood movies and can appreciate schlocky Sci-Fi, this movie is for you.

 

Immanence (2022)

Yesterday was a long day. If started with an emergency trip to the VA pharmacy for a needed prescription and she'd with a trip to see the classic Blade Runner at a local theater.  In between, I did watch some TV and a movie.  That movie was the 2022 flick,  Immanence.

Plot: Radio astronomers discover a mysterious signal in the deep sea that could be contact with extraterrestrials. After several terrifying manifestations threaten their beliefs, the team must fight to survive the ultiImmanent.

When this one started,  I had hope. Unfortunately,  after the initial sequences this movie deteriorates into simmering boring and teetering on unwatchable. The storyline and plot are a mess, pitting science/aliens against religion in a strange battle on a boat. The performances are alright, the scripting and dialog are all over, and the atmosphere and pace are barely noticeable. In the end,  this one seems like a bunch of friends got together and made a movie, which if that is the case, I applaud them. But, this one doesn't work and cannot even fall into the so bad it's good category. Stay away.

The Thing from Another World! (1951)

While the pickings were slim this weekend in the great vintage toy quest that I am working on and the weather was mostly miserable, I decided that I would spend some time catching up on many of the films I have watched in the past few months and have not reviewed. To get back in the swing of things, I decided that the 1951 classic The Thing from Another World would be my next film for review.

Plot/ Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!

This must be one of the best Sci-Fi films of the 1950s and a movie that I believe every fan of science fiction must see. In many ways, this film laid the foundation for everything we see in the genre today and as one would expect, it holds up quite well after all these years. Produced (and likely directed) by Howard Hawks, this film starts slow but rises beyond expectations featuring solid performances, an outstanding script with near perfect dialog, and a heavy atmosphere that does a great job at painting a picture of isolation.  Sure, the monster isn’t seen near enough and there is somewhat of a documentary feel, but those are easily overlooked in films entire body of work. In the end, if you have not seen this one, you are missing out. Find it and give it a shot, I highly recommend it.

They Came From Beyond Space (1967)

Low budget Sci-Fi movies are often hard to judge by their cases, and this one we exception. Full of the typical schlock expected in the genre, this one does feature some interesting aspects. What is it? It is the 1967 Sci-Fi flick They Came from Beyond Space. 

Plot/ Scientists investigating an unusual meteor shower in a rural field are possessed by an alien force bent on an ulterior purpose.

From Amicus Productions, this Sci-Fi gem spans the spectrum, from good to bad. Known mostly for their horror anthologies, this entry shows that the company was more than that. While it is not a great movie by any means, it is also nowhere near as bad as it could have been. This one has an entertaining and interesting storyline, some outstanding cinematography (as usual) and some decent performances (not great) and effects. Yes, the score is a touch annoying and the costuming is laughable, but those add to the schlock value after all these years. In the end, this may not be the best movie of the genre produced during this era, but it is also not the worst. If you are in the mood for some low budget Sci-Fi, find this one on Amazon and enjoy it, I am decently sure that it will be well worth your time.

The Visitor (1979)

After taking a break last night from watching any movies, I decided that today I would go back and review a movie that I caught earlier in the week. That movie is the 1979 horror/sci-fi entry The Visitor.

Plot/ The soul of a young girl with telekinetic powers becomes the prize in a fight between forces of God and the Devil.

I am a huge fan of surreal movies that make you think; especially ones that can border on confusing and this one fits that bill perfectly. An interesting storyline that seems to feed on more than a few classics, this movie has some elements that should appeal to any horror or sci-fi fan. For the most part, the performances are solid, the cinematography is interesting, and the overall tone and feel of the movie works. Unfortunately, the storyline and plot, while intriguing have so many confusing elements that it is hard to make sense out of (even if you are paying close attention) and the soundtrack feels completely out of touch with the overall tone of the movie. In the end, this one will definitely fall into the love/hate category and is extremely hard to totally describe in any way. My only recommendation is to see it for yourself (at least once) and make your own judgment. Personally, I enjoyed it, but then again, my tastes are much different than many horror/sci-fi fans out there.

The Thing (1982)

After treating myself to a musical with Sweeney Todd, I decided that I needed something with a little more realism and some horrific splatter scenes and gore. I finally settled on the 1982 John Carpenter classic, The Thing.

Plot/ A research facility in Antarctica comes across an alien force that can become anything it touches with 100% accuracy. The members must now find out who is human and who is not before it is too late.

I remember when this one came out because it was a fascinating watch. Having just seen ET and feeling bored, this one was what I expected in an alien flick. Looking back at it now, I appreciate it even more because of the effects. The practical effects in this movie are some of the best and definitely run laps around the majority of CGI crap that hits the screen today. Even better, everything holds up well even after all these years. The atmosphere is dark, heavy, and toxic, the cast and performances are solid, and the amount of paranoia created within the scripting was amazing. And, did I mention the gore and effects? Honestly, not only are they realistic, but also they fit perfectly with the tension built throughout the film. In the end, this may be one of the best films by John Carpenter and it should be revered in the same manner as Halloween, Prince of Darkness (Okay, one of my favorites) or The Fog. If you have not watched this one yet, you are missing one of the best horror films of the 1980s. Find it and check it out.