Review by John Delia
The cool little indie Invasion Planet Earth has been released in North America on DVD, VOD and through digital cable providers. It’s a fun science fiction story that depicts a “new beginning†for the planet that has destroyed most of its population through a terrorist act and finds itself in the hands of aliens that hold the final key to life and death. The production as to explosions and space travel may look a little stark, uneven and not as incredible as movies like Star Wars, but are still viably entertaining to an audience. The directing, acting and script are very good and the presentation on your home televisions should make the experience enjoyable.
As a young boy Tom Dunn was always playing space cadet and calling himself Mr. Kaleidoscope. His father told him to always think big and follow your dreams no matter what it takes. Now a Doctor at the Livermore Care Centre in England, Tom (Simon Haycock) works to help people that are disturbed or who are trying to kick a drug habit. He has done well, but the board of directors of Livermore are not satisfied with the cost versus profit so they are closing the care center.
Upset at now being able to help and the loss of income has put him in a downward spiral. His wife Mandy Dunn (Lucy Drive), a school teacher has become pregnant and hope for the life he had envisioned is slowly fading away. Director and screenwriter Simon Cox takes the premise and brings some dimension to the film by adding an alien invasion that has showed up in the skies. Are they here to attack Earth or save the people from what the greed, power and faulty governments have created for their people? He doesn’t give everything away and leaves a lot for the viewer to imagine and accept as the film spools out to its explosive finale.
Taking it all in and forming your own takeaway seems to be what Cox wants of his viewers. Whether it’s the message or just the entertainment of seeing something other than the same old sci-fi fight and win concept. Sure there is a lot of chaos in Invasion Planet Earth, but that’s what makes the “action adventure†in any film like this one. But just like some of the better flicks of this nature, he adds a lot of heart and realization that one can rise above what has been stowed upon you.
BONUS FEATURES:
“The Making of Invasion Planet Earth†how Simon Cox gathered funds to make his low budget film by using social media, going to special events and movie conventions around the globe. I then goes on to show the physical filming and other ways to get the final video completed for viewing. This is a very good extra that not only explains some of the film, but shows budding filmmakers how to get the funds to make their dream a reality.
“Deleted Scenesâ€
“Director Commentary Track†with Writer/Director Simon Cox
Many of the movies that you have read about in my reviews have been low budget independent films were made by small company filmmakers. The movies in some cases were made on a shoestring and used every cent to bring their scripts to the big screen. Actors worked for the experience or just small wages, the crew was made up of newcomers who gathered around long time camera pros to learn the trade, and in most cases producers received very little return on their investment. It is the part of the movie business that has heart, vision and a good deal of drive to put their dream in front of an audience. Most of the product ends up in Film Festivals where they can show it to investors, distributors and an audience that will give it some social media to help it as well.
Invasion Planet Earth has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains Sci-fi violence, and some language. Older children who are not immature may be able view the film with an adult. The film’s Digital conveyors are Cable and leading digital providers Amazon, Fandango Now, AT&T, Comcast, DirecTV, and more)
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good little indie that coveys a plausible message. (2.5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Simon Haycock, Lucy Drive, Toyah Willcox, Sophie Anderson, Julie Hoult, Danny Steele and Ian Brooke
Directed and Written by: Simon Cox
Genre: Sci-fi, Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, Sci-fi violence, language
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Video Release Date: February 4, 2020
Original Theatrical Release Date: UK December 5, 2019
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Video: 16×9, Aspect Ratio 2.40:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Number of Discs: 1 disc
Distributed by: 4 Digital Media
Released on: DVD, VOD, Digital HD providers