20 Million Miles to Earth (1957)

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Director: Nathan Juran

Writers: Robert Creighton Williams & Christopher Knopf, story by Charlott Knight, Ray Harryhausen (uncredited)

Stars: William Hopper, Joan Taylor, Frank Puglia, John Zaremba, Thomas Browne Henry, Tito Vuolo



American astronauts returning from Venus crash land off the coast of Italy, inadvertently releasing an alien life form that will grow into a giant monster. 



The main reason for watching this film is the stop-motion craftsmanship of Ray Harryhausen, which brings the creature to life. I fear that films like this may be losing their audience, if they haven't already.

 


The special effects don’t hold up well against today’s technology and the story is not crafted with an adult audience in mind.

 


Unfortunately, the kids probably find Harryhausen’s movies to look quaint and silly beside the CGI extravaganzas of today.

 


That leaves guys like me who love these films primarily for their nostalgic appeal. Oh well, for some of us this movie remains a lot of fun with the monster receiving more screen time than is usual in these movies.

















































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