Taken in the context of 1950s sci-fi pulp, this little flick is actually not that bad. It's suspenseful and entertaining.
The premise is standard 1950s subliminal anti-communism fare; aliens (Reds) plan to take over earth (USA) using a diabolical and disgusting plan (world domination)...in this case giant bugs they've bred deep inside the mountains will be released to gobble up earth's inhabitants. (This sounds familiar to the story line of THEM, also released in 1954).
But I liked the way the movie used a believable approach to the plot. A pilot/scientist is in a mysterious plane crash then wakes up with a memory loss and unexplainable chest scars (from surgery performed by the baddies while he was out). He starts experiences recurring nightmares wherein the bug eyed aliens appear. This is quite plausible and keeps up the film's suspense.
Peter Graves is a very convincing actor so whether he's playing a sergeant in an Oscar winning movie about a POW camp (Stalag 17), or running around in a sci-fi flick, he's still very good and lends credibility to whatever vehicle he's in.
While the movie's plot and ending are predictable, Killers from Space is fast paced escapism. Fun to watch on a Saturday night.
The premise is standard 1950s subliminal anti-communism fare; aliens (Reds) plan to take over earth (USA) using a diabolical and disgusting plan (world domination)...in this case giant bugs they've bred deep inside the mountains will be released to gobble up earth's inhabitants. (This sounds familiar to the story line of THEM, also released in 1954).
But I liked the way the movie used a believable approach to the plot. A pilot/scientist is in a mysterious plane crash then wakes up with a memory loss and unexplainable chest scars (from surgery performed by the baddies while he was out). He starts experiences recurring nightmares wherein the bug eyed aliens appear. This is quite plausible and keeps up the film's suspense.
Peter Graves is a very convincing actor so whether he's playing a sergeant in an Oscar winning movie about a POW camp (Stalag 17), or running around in a sci-fi flick, he's still very good and lends credibility to whatever vehicle he's in.
While the movie's plot and ending are predictable, Killers from Space is fast paced escapism. Fun to watch on a Saturday night.