Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold

Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold is a memorable and intense B-movie directed by Fred Olen Ray that was released in 1995. This energetic mixture of comedy, drama, and science fiction leverages the tropes of the classic 1950's "Attack Of" genre, adding a humorous and modern spin. The film is headlined by actress J.J. North, known for her roles in several independent films, and supported by talented actors Ted Monte and Raelyn Saalman.

North portrays the vivacious and ambitious Angel Grace, an aspiring model striving to become the Centerfold model of a popular men's magazine. Driven by her dreams and the alluring promises of glitzy fame and fortune, she sets out to earn the coveted position amidst fierce competition. The narrative of the film is largely centered on Angel's journey, carrying an undercurrent of societal commentary about the pressure and standards of physical beauty.

The plot of Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold takes a dramatic shift when Angel is offered a beauty enhancement serum by her unscrupulous manager, Bob (played by Ted Monte). As a struggling character with his interests vested in Angel’s success, Bob is a character viewers love to hate. He persuades Angel to take the serum to enhance her attractiveness and secure her the Centerfold spot, unknowing of its extreme side effects.

In an unexpected turn of events, the serum yields dramatic results – unbeknownst to Angel and Bob, it causes her to grow to a gigantic 60 feet tall. The special effects of the film cleverly bring to life the spectacle of her transformation, adding a comedic twist to her character's journey.

Raelyn Saalman joins the ensemble as a rival model, Inga, whose dedication to securing her own success leads her down various paths of sabotage. Inga, in an effort to grab the Centerfold spot herself, stumbles upon the growth serum. This establishes a conflict between the two models and sets the stage for some hilarious and nail-biting sequences.

While the film is categorized as a science fiction horror, it leans more on the side of a spoof, poking fun at the genre while also exploring themes such as ambition, rivalry, body-image issues, and corporate manipulation. The overall tone of Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold is lighthearted and humorous, filled with campy dialogue and over-the-top acting performances that are known in signature Fred Olen Ray style.

The unique concept of Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold was inspired by the 1958 cult classic, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, and is filled with pop-culture references and nods to the original movie. Much like its predecessor, this movie tells a woman-centred story layered with satire and social commentary, providing a springboard for engaging discourse on societal standards of beauty and the lengths some will go to achieve it.

Aesthetically, Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold portrays its mid-90s origin through costume, set design, and soundtrack, which adds an old-school charm to the viewing experience. The film combines elements of pastiche, parody, horror and comedy to deliver an enjoyable viewing experience which is both a fun throwback to ‘50s B-movies and a product of its own decade.

Despite its campy exterior, this movie isn't devoid of deeper meanings. Ray provides a satiric commentary on the obsession with physical beauty, the relentless pursuit of fame, and the underhanded dealings that often take place in the cutthroat world of modeling.

Overall, Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold is a colorful, quirky, and eclectic sci-fi comedy ride, generously peppered with satire and laughs. If you're a fan of B-movies or the films of Fred Olen Ray, this is a must-watch, a true gem filled with cheesy dialogue, hammy performances, and absurdly fun plot twists. It stands as a testimony of the unique character of Nineties B-movies ecosystem, offering entertainment with its absurdity and levity.