Alien Trespass

Alien Trespass is a 2009 science fiction comedic homage to 1950s-era alien invasion films. With its retro charm, the movie, directed by R.W. Goodwin, famous for his work on "The X-Files," evokes a delightful blend of classic sci-fi nostalgia and gentle humor. The cast includes familiar faces such as Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird, and Robert Patrick, offering an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of classic and modern TV.

In the movie, McCormack, best known for his role in "Will & Grace," plays two characters: A respected astronomer Dr. Ted Lewis and an alien entity named Urp, who temporarily possesses his body. Dr. Lewis leads a tranquil life in a small desert town until a mysterious object from outer space crashes onto his property. The unsuspecting Dr. Lewis is possessed by Urp, whose mission is to capture a dangerous alien predator called Ghota, capable of taking over the planet by replicating itself every six hours and is bent on creating havoc in the small town.

As the town is plunged into chaos due to this alien terror, Urp, inhabiting Dr. Lewis's body, joins forces with Tammy, a local waitress. Played by Jenni Baird, Tammy is a smart, resourceful woman who believes in Urp's mission and aids him in his fight against the monstrous creature. The duo's attempt to warn the town inhabitants and local authorities, including the chief of police played by Robert Patrick, known for his iconic role in 'Terminator 2,' results in a myriad of comical misunderstandings.

This small desert town, filled with colorful residents who are largely oblivious to the alien invasion before their eyes, becomes a battleground. In their struggle to save humanity, Urp and Tammy must cope with disbelieving townfolk and skeptical local law enforcement, leading to unexpected alliances, bold efforts, and more than a couple of humorous mishaps.

Alien Trespass authentically recreates the look and feel of 1950s-era science fiction films. The film is awash in pastel colors, wing-tipped come-what-may optimism, and looming, otherworldly threats, from strange luminous entities to grotesque alien monsters. Moreover, the filmmakers filled the movie with references and stylistic echoes of that bygone era, paying tribute to icons such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still," and "It Came from Outer Space."

McCormack's dual role is one of the film's highlights, showing his impressive acting range as he juggles the bewildered Dr. Ted and the emotionless, yet determined Urp. Jenni Baird is another standout, portraying a strong, independent woman with a dash of 50s retro charm. It's through her character Tammy that the film explores some of its feminist threads, subtly commenting on the era's gender roles and expectations.

Alien Trespass’s production design, special effects, and costumes skillfully renders the quintessential aesthetics of vintage sci-fi, from streamlined spaceships to menacing extraterrestrial creatures. The intentionally stylized visual effects, atmospheric cinematography, and era-specific score help to capture the throwback charm that permeates through the entire film.

However, Alien Trespass isn't just about recreating the look and feel of an era of films; it's about celebrating their themes and conventions. As such, the film combines humor, action, and even a dash of romance in a joyful mist of cinematic nostalgia. There's a human story at the movie's heart, touching on themes of courage, resourcefulness, and the power of unity in the face of an unthinkable threat.

Beyond its homage to classic science fiction, the film winks knowingly at some of its own absurdities, inviting viewers to laugh along with the unfolding storyline. From exaggerated performances to intentionally clichéd dialogue, from its elaborately geometric special effects to the concept of a town collectively failing to notice an alien invasion, the film remains highly entertaining for fans of both camp and classic cinema.

In the end, Alien Trespass is an affectionate pastiche homage to the 1950s sci-fi B-movies. It's powerfully evocative of an era where the dramatic narration, colorful backdrop, innocent characters, and physically implausible monsters were the order of the day. This film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates classic sci-fi and the beauty of 1950s Americana combined with a dash of humor.