This movie appeared in my recommended section on Amazon quite recently. I remember seeing the cover in video rental shops as a kid but it being a PG certificate I always picked something else. How proud I was to have parents who let me watch the likes of 'Robocop' at a young age to help me develop into the functional, adorable human being I am now.
On seeing the cover of this movie after nearly three decades I though it's worth a go. You can't really beat a bit of 80s sci-fi. After nearly 90 mins of synth music, big hair, dodgy make up and wild and wonderful characters I'm glad I did. Loved every single minute of it. That's not to say this is a good movie.... it isn't but it's a hell of a lot of fun.
I assumed because of the title this film would take place in outer space, making the girl on the cover an alien. However, it takes place underground making her 'alien' to the folks who leave there. Misleading? Yeah, I think so but they have to sell the movie and space stuff sells, well it did in the 80s, we were all still on a high from Star Wars remember? So that can be forgiven. Unlike the lead character's voice, she speaks in a high pitch that sounds like Micky Mouse, this could work for a minor comic character in a movie but not the lead. Watch out, I'm sure at least once she forgets and uses her normal voice. Extra points for this, adds to the charm.
The basic plot is, a nerdy 80s teenage girl travels to an underground city to save her archaeologist father from evil underground folks. Not very original but who cares?? A then modern twist on 'Journey to the centre of the earth' with a female lead. This could have really sold on a big budget with a star of the time. However, thankfully for cult movie fans, this is campy 80s trash... At it's best destined for bargain bins and late night tv. It does look pretty cool, clearly low budget but without looking too fake. The sets look very post apocalyptic, no worse than the old 'Mad Max' movies. It works and adds loads to the film.
Ex-super model Kathy Ireland plays the lead. She's clearly mid-20's which all teenagers were in the 80's yeah? Voice aside she does an ok job.A silly film like this is perfect for a debut movie for anyone, especially for someone already famous for something other than acting. Miles above Cindy Crawford's performance in 'Fair Game' or Paris Hilton in..... Erm anything.
There's a fair bit of humour, not all of it works, in fact some is so off key and even clique' it makes it even better. A good example is when Ireland smashes her glasses and does a full Velma from scooby doo. Classic!!
This is considered a REALLY bad movie but if you want a fun, family friendly piece of 80s cheese you need to look no further.
Made by 'Cannon' films and from the director of 'Cyborg' and 'Nemises' we were never going to get an Oscar worthy feature here but what what we do get is another classic slice of 80s video heaven.
Track this movie down now, switch your brain off, get the popcorn and enjoy. At worst you'll laugh at it not with it.
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