In 7 words or less: Before the rise, there was the planet
What's it all About? It's pretty basic really. Three astronauts awake from deep hibernation to find they have crash landed on a planet populated by intelligent simians and cave dwelling neanderthal humans. Uh oh, role reversal ahoy! Here's the opening to whet your appetite.
Best bits? The ending is a classic, especially if you've not had it spoilt (In fact, there is a major plot hole that isn't touched on, seemingly in an attempt to avoid such a telegraphed ending although the main poster gives it away! With this in mind I used an alternative one). Also, for the time, the monkey suits are fantastic.
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| The Three Amigos |
Did it make you think thoughts? Firstly, why oh why do 60's and 70's sci-fi films feature jarring, whinny space noises that sound nothing like space noises? - not that I know what space noises sound like. Suffice to say I'm not a fan. Anyway, these pingy electronic xylophone screeches segue into a slow building traipse across desolate sandy mountains seemingly devoid of life. The slow pace was beginning to put me off but it did give Chuck time to launch into his shouty, crazy leader-of-the-gang, macho space yank routine which he caries off with aplomb. He may not convince as an astronaut, but if you need a man who exudes manliness from every pore, then he's your man. Just don't try to geld him. Ouch.
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| Gimme a kiss baby |
There are obviously some ropey bits - the bolted on love interest and the scene where they get the map out spring to mind - but overall it's a good romp that tries and, at times, succeeds in managing to shoehorn in a slice of social commentary relating to oppression, segregation and liberal thinking.
Would you watch it again? Good stuff here, yes.
Rating (out of 100%): I give this a 'take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape' 74%
