kibeteen

Long before flying saucer buffs were accusing the government of hiding the facts behind the Roswell UFO crash, this movie explored the possibility that military sightings were handled in a covert and serious way.

Presented in a straightforward, semi-documentary style, The Disappearance of Flight 412 is directed with economy and tight pacing. This is an absorbing and convincing TV movie [a rarity] that could be classified as science fiction or straight drama.

If you can find it playing somewhere on cable, don't miss it.

This is a remarkable adaptation of Henry James' Turn of the Screw. What makes this film effective isn't what you see or don't see, but what you almost see. The overall creepy tone of this psychological thriller is enhanced by outstanding performances by all the primary actors.

A bad historical romance movie, over time, is a bad historical romance movie. A bad mystery film, over time, is a bad mystery film. However, a bad science fiction film, over time, is a great comedy. The Angry Red Planet is one of the funniest.

The mood is set by the awkward cinematography and slam-bang editing. Character close-ups within a scene appear to have been filmed in different sets from the main action. This is best illustrated in some opening sequences in the conference room. Watch as the conference table appears to grow and shrink, relative to the actors, from close up to wide angle. Also, reaction shots linger a bit too long to be taken seriously.

On the plus side, stock footage of rocket launch facilities is handled quite well and lends, although briefly, a large budget feel to the film. Similarly, the unique magenta-biased film processing for scenes on the surface of Mars evokes a suitably eerie atmosphere.

But the acting and script is pure corn and good for lots of laughs.