Just saw it for the first time (in 2008). One of the other commentators called it the 'Star Wars' of its time. I think that is a fair comment, because each for its time had good effects, wooden acting, and a bare bones plot. 'This Island Earth' has a plot which has become one of the B movie standard plots, Aliens who, for some reason and despite the obvious advanced technology that enables them to arrange transportation to and from Earth, need technology from earth. Why such an advanced civilization requires it is barely logical, although TIE gives it a try. The acting is not first rate, the romantic relationship is juvenile, which is appropriate for the sci-fi of the 50's, but good movie writers did much better work even then. Science Fiction is a great field, created in the 19th century, nascent in the 30's, and blossoming with the advent of the nuclear age. Movie producers gave it short shrift until the 60's, but there are two outstanding American SciFis of the 50's: 'Forbidden Planet', and 'Day The Earth Stood Still'. These movies have good levels of acting, very good effects, a sense of humor, and some real ideas if not messages, without intruding on the plane fun of many of the scenes. These movies give us a standard to compare with other movies of the time. By the use of this standard, TIE weighs in as acceptable fare for the era, but not even close as imaginative story telling to FP or DTESS. Watch it for comparison, watch it if wasted, if you want the brain engaged, go for one of the traditional greats.
Review of This Island Earth
