Watch This Island Earth For Free

Truly Dreadful Film

Sorry, this movie sucks

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Still watchable after 62 years, despite the fact that it is a modest production, did not benefit from the huge sums of money invested in today's super productions. But, so modestly, the sets, costumes, very important for any sci-fi, are still valid. The aliens from Metaluna look convincing and original with their long forehead and white hair with the crest. Filmed, played and directed efficiently, without boring moments. Only those monsters, they look more funny than scary. And, except Dr. Ruth Adams(Faith Domergue's character), another terrestrial lady who has only one line and one extra-terrestrial lady, you will see only men, including terrestrials and extra-terrestrials. All three main actors, Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue and Rex Reason, also appeared in other SF films. The music, by 3 uncredited guys, one of them, the great future Henry Mancini. So, if you want to visit Metaluna, the dying planet, go for it! But, I'm warning you, it's not a very pleasant luxury trip.

This film is worthy of a higher rating. Apart from including some fine special effects of the times, "This Island Earth" has a good story and a good performance from Jeff Morrow. The acting from the younger leads wasn't so impressive, granted. Regardless, there is much to enjoy. The film includes a rather creepy alien villain! As a 7 year old, I was a bit spooked when I saw the alien for the first time. My late father and I enjoyed "This Island Earth" a few times as my dad was just about old enough to remember this film. The dialogue certainly isn't the worst I have ever heard by a long way. This film has a more intelligent screenplay than the average.

Maybe because I grew up in the fifty's and was always wondering when we might get " A-BOMBED" by the Russians that THIS ISLAND EARTH holds a special place in my heart and though I have watched it a hundred times I never grow tired of it. PURE ESCAPISM to be magically transported into the movie and travel thru space to Metaluna. The acting grows on you as does the special effects- great for their time- yes if one can just sit back and enjoy a film from a simpler time ,try NOT to nit pick it one just might really enjoy it!though the actors in the film. Have all passed away, this film for me lives forever in my heart and DVD player......StarGazer

Your opinion of this movie is going to depend greatly on your opinion of this genre, in general. If you are a new explorer to the histories of sci-fi who may like movies like ALIEN and you've heard that this movie had some influence on it and you're her to explore, then beware that you have to have some appreciation for the era of film that this movie comes from. There are laughable effects, bad acting and outlandish plots aplenty.There are those vehement defenders of movies like this who are seething at any condemnation of this movie. This is a science fiction film classic and should be treated with reverence. Yes, I understand that, too, but appreciating a Model T Ford doesn't mean I want to drive it to work each day. It's okay to admit that the modern viewer will find some parts of this movie to be amusing reminders of a simpler era.The plot centers around a scientist, who has a very high opinion of himself, played by an actor who I would guess had a similarly high opinion of himself in real life. One day he has a mysterious plane "accident" followed by the arrival of strange and unexplained mechanical parts. The man does what any scientist/ jet pilot/ genius would do and goes along for the ride. This leads to the creation of the world's largest television set, which only gets one channel. It's overgrown oompa loompas inviting our scientist hero into a plot to gather the world's brightest and create peace on earth. Naturally, our hero doesn't question this peaceful intent even when their giant boob tube is revealed to come equipped with death rays and a self- destruct mode.The scientist abandons his assistant in a dramatic goodbye scene to embark on a perilous journey to...Georgia. It's here where he encounters a former one night stand and the plot is exposed to be a lie. Of course, the real goal of the aliens is the same as every other movie from this era, to invade Earth. Eventually, we get to see their planet Metaluna, which is a devastated looking place full of hideous mutants. It is these final moments that, for me, are the real draw of this movie.I'm having a little bit of fun with the plot, but I'm also a fan of these films and expect to have a little fun with it. The first hour of the film could have used a little bit more work in the editing room as the pace slows at times. It's a plot typical of the 50s sci-fi shockers of this time, with elaborate and, sometimes, silly plot points. The acting, especially from our male lead, is very indicative of its' time. There are some decent effects shots for a a drive-in cheapie, though. The death rays still look pretty good and the chase scene in the station wagon looks better than a lot of movies from this same era can claim.The real draw, as stated, is that final act on Metaluna. This is a desolate planet, full of steaming holes, dark caves and ominous red lighting. Admittedly, it shows its' age some, but it still looks like a terrifying place that I don't want to visit all these years later. You can draw a line from this movie to something like PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES and, eventually, ALIEN. In the years to follow, the real star of this movie has become the mutants, a brilliant creature design, who's image has now become part of the iconic Universal Monsters lineup and is typically included in any toy line or marketing. The legs didn't work and they had to use pants for the monsters, but even with this limitation, these mutants may just be the first truly terrifying aliens ever put onto the screen. The brilliant blue colors and crab-like hands, with those bulbous heads and black eyes go even further towards establishing this movie's rightful place in movie lore and history.It's going to be a little slow for most viewers today, but if you're a fan of classic film, then this is well worth the time.