Mars Attacks! (1996) FIRST TIME WATCHING * reaction & commentary * Millennial Movie Monday

[@shauntrek]

Fun fact, Jack Nicholson plays two roles in this because he was cast as the President and Tim Burton was told "you can't kill Jack Nicholson!" so he made him the other character so he could kill him twice.

[@Zodia195]

Hmmm, did they forget that Jack Nicholson characters have died in the past before this movie came out lol? *Points to the Shining, Witches of Eastwick, and Batman* I know he played villains in those movies, but my point still stands lol.

[@matthiasschulz3569]

I think the story I heard went like this: Burton sent Nicholson the script and asked if he were interested in playing a character. Nicholson replied that he wanted to play *all* of them. They settled for two roles.

[@bobbabai]

I didn't know this factoid. It's hilarious.

[@joeymartinez9854]

@@Zodia195 actually he's character didn't die in the witches of Eastwick since he shows up again on the TV's at the end when he tried to get his kid's attention

[@ringringbananarchy]

I was going to say this exact thing!

[@donwild50]

Byron was played by Jim Brown, who was one of the greatest football players in history before he retired and began to make movies. He played in westerns, spy movies, action movies...pretty much the whole range. Sadly he just passed away last month on May 18, 2023.

[@MrJDApgar]

The movie is called "Mars Attacks!" and Ashleigh was genuinely shocked, when Mars attacked LOL

[@adamlone5548]

🤣🤣🤣

[@STOCKHOLM07]

I was saying, "It's not called Mars Comes in Peace".

[@fenixdown22]

I can't believe you done this....

[@banonKING]

I thought the exact same thing! I'm like "It's in the title, what did you think would happen?!"

[@MrJDApgar]

@@STOCKHOLM07 “Mars Comes In Peace” NEEDS to be on a t-shirt! lol

[@ItsAVolcano]

The martian lady's costume was so tight she could barely move. The "walk" was achieved by putting her on a dolly and just having the actress sway while she was pulled along.

[@Sarah_Gravydog316]

oh wow

[@pg4594]

Incorrect. Lisa Marie did use a dolly. She spent months learning to do the glide naturally.

[@FlickFreaks]

Welp. With as thirsty as she was over Pierce Brosnan in this, no one tell her he’s James Bond. Otherwise there would be a drought in Tennessee.

[@awkwardashleigh]

......

[@only257]

@@awkwardashleigh saw this movie with a family member in 1997 i was 13 I saw it on tbs😊

[@MasterSkywalker91]

@@awkwardashleigh Please react to the James Bond movies!

[@mcgilj1]

Even in the bad bad one.. Brosnan is definitely MY Bond.. Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies are great.. The World is Not Enough was ok . But man... Die Another Day.. Whew.. That one was a bit rough.

[@MasterSkywalker91]

@@mcgilj1 Agreed. As a ‘90s kid, Brosnan was my Bond growing up.

[@ElizabethsDaddy2008]

The product this movie was based on was a series of collectible cards, back when they had collectible cards for just about everything. The cards were a parody/tribute to old SciFi movies and the movie definitely captured its spirit.

[@MrTuubster]

The burning cows was one of those cards.

[@terryemery4348]

And all of the cards were supremely violent and gross. Released in the early sixties, I believe their release was partially in response to the restrictions imposed by the comics code that was imposed in the mid-fifties.

[@cdhill17]

@@MrTuubster Destroying a Dog was one too.

[@davidbrewer8697]

I was 11 when the cards came out. Because of the graphic nature the cards they were banned at my school. and a PTA had a special meeting trying to get the parents to ban them as well. As any true American the ban made the cards very popular among kids.

[@Sarah_Gravydog316]

yes they were made by Topps great Gary Gerani & cards were huge then because there weren't a lot of toys & collectibles, so cards were how kids got TV shows & movie merch Gary wanted to make this movie, but make it as shocking as his cards were, so he is not a fan of this comedy version it broke his heart

[@rmhartman]

"I'm in a weird mood today" Then you came to the right movie.

[@marcevans6545]

The 90's was a great decade for movies. Lots of classics left. Glad you enjoyed this. :)

[@botz77]

"I don't know if this is a comedy, or an action adventure..." That's pretty much how we all felt after seeing it.

[@phousefilms]

Answer to that question: Yes.

[@mitrooper]

" That's pretty much how we all felt after seeing it." Speak for yourself. It was pretty clear what genre this movie belongs to... a sci-fi comedy or even parody. Remember, this was released in the same year as Independence Day, in 1996.

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

the answer is "yes, it is"

[@psyberian]

And are ok with it

[@garycoates4987]

Yes it is

[@regould221]

Trivia: The real-life implosion of the Landmark hotel in Las Vegas doubled as the destruction of a fictional hotel in Tim Burton's sci-fi comedy "Mars Attacks."

[@IanKayGee]

One of my favourite things about this movie was the language options on the DVD. Along with the usual English/Spanish/French etc... They also had an option for Martian, where everyone was dubbed over with "Ack Ack Ack!" The one thing I hate about streaming services is all the missing extras you used to get.

[@RetroClassic66]

Agreed, physical media forever!

[@MCMcommunications]

That's only a fakeout, though, not a full-length audio track (as the Thermian dub on GalaxyQuest is, for example). It plays a few ack-ack-acks [edit: that's on the audio menu, then the Martian selection has one line of robotic "English"] and then you have to return to the menu. At least that's how it is in Region 1. Is there another release that has what you describe? Also, Ashleigh, if you like young Martin Short, take your pick, but I recommend Innerspace (1987), which has a similar vibe and also groundbreaking effects for its day.

[@Hardbody217]

I second Innerspace. Martin Short is hilarious, Meg Ryan is at her perky, adorable peak, and Dennis Quaid could absolutely "hit it."

[@IanKayGee]

@@MCMcommunications I'm region 2. To be honest though, I owned the DVD but never tried that option. I 100% agree with you on Innerspace. Martin Short, Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan. And a fantastic early role for Robert Picardo as "The Cowboy."

[@MCMcommunications]

@@IanKayGee I might have to look into this, just in case, though anyone with that R2 disc is welcome to chime in with details. (It's certainly possible R1 left something out. The deluxe edition of Spaceballs had some fakeouts, but in R2/R4 there was an entire, if extremely lazily made, Dink commentary and subtitle track.)

[@DravenGal]

Ashleigh, you're quoting "The Princess Bride" AND "Dr. Strangelove" in the same movie. Your movie cred just went up 10 full points!

[@crappleindusuries]

This movie is peak Tim Burton. Once he got Jack Nicholson on board the rest of the big names were easy also the studio told Tim he couldn't kill Jack so he doubled down and killed him twice.

[@danielkelley2784]

I was just about to get on here and put that down myself I think it's one of the funniest things about the movie, but I like the movie overall myself

[@grife3000]

Big Fish, then Mars Attacks!, then the rest.

[@yackyyam]

This reminds me that she hasn't seen the Tim Burton Batman yet!

[@oaf-77]

​@@yackyyamand batman returns

[@beatmet2355]

He already killed Jack in Batman, so Tim does what he wants

[@Pengi_SMILES]

This is never mentioned as one of Tim Burtons best films but it's absolutely brilliant. From 1988 (Beetlejuice ) to 1999 (Sleepy Hollow) he directed nothing but bangers.

[@k.s.k.7721]

As a boomer, I recognized so many tropes from classic black & white alien invasion movies of the 50's and 60's. The mash-up of these elements, plus the wonderful cast makes this a fabulous entertainment. If you watch the 1953 version of War of the Worlds, Invaders from Mars, or Earth vs the Flying Saucers, you will see the elements that were woven together to create this hilarious homage to those Saturday afternoon matinee and drive-in films.

[@michaelwardle7633]

Earth vs the Flying Saucers is a classic

[@SamuelBlack84]

Plan 9 From Outer Space

[@KeoTower]

Great comment. Entertaining and insightful. 👍

[@HobGungan]

Wasn't there also a string of disaster films from that same time period (50s/60s) that were famous for having star-studded casts that dropped like flies during the proceedings?

[@salvadorcortes7024]

I understan its based on Cards from the 60's...

[@georgeclinton4524]

I still remember my dad laughing in the theater saying, "Hearing Slim Whitman makes their heads explode."

[@trogdortheburninator3621]

Slim Whitman is awesome. But an 8 hour drive keeping my infant calm playing I remember you on repeat damn near made my head explode

[@TheElliotPage]

@@trogdortheburninator3621 have you tried Baby Shark...?

[@fad23]

Remember the days when Ashleigh didn't like credits in front of the movie? This reaction was great!

[@allengator1914]

Yet she's still to young to even recognize Best Actor Oscar winner Rod Steiger in the movie.

[@fad23]

@@allengator1914 with only three years to catch up on the entirety of cinema, she's doing fine.

[@casademunkey7919]

This enthusiastic reaction was the shot in the arm I needed for my Monday, super appreciated and glad you loved it!

[@kellypedersen6590]

This was such a seamless integration of 50s drive-in movie camp and 90s sci-fi special effects, all filtered through a typical Gen X mean streak. I saw this in the theater the weekend it came out- it was nonstop cheering . . . usually for the Martians. :)

[@d3l3tes00n]

I find the martians very likable in this. They have a great sense of humor lol If only they did come in peace

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

As a Gen-Xer, I don't think we have a mean streak so much as a cynical side that simply knows some people deserve exactly what they get.

@@Bad_Wolf_Media Also, Tim Burton is definitely a Boomer, born in '58.

[@StreetHierarchy]

@ late boomer, early xer, same diff; they still be singing advertising jingles.

[@d3l3tes00n]

@@Bad_Wolf_Media I feel like that cynicism was then passed down to Millennials because we realized that those people aren't getting what they deserve lol

[@TraynArt]

I’m glad you liked this. This movie came out shortly after Independence Day and I think people were expecting something similar, despite the everythingness about the movie, and thus were disappointed. I guess people couldn’t handle a parody of alien invasion movies mere months after one of the biggest alien invasion movies of all time.

[@Redfern42]

Frankly, I like "Mars Attacks" better precisely because it satirizes the genre.

[@knoahbody69]

It was just after the Gulf War and everyone wanted to be USA! USA! USA! ID4 was schlock, but people liked it. LIke today, anyone that isn't in lockstep with them is an enemy.

[@KevyNova]

I love Mars Attacks and hated Independence Day.

[@Foxtrot-Uniform-CharlieKilo]

I like how the movie is called Mars Attacks and Ashleigh is surprised when the Martians went hostile and attacked.😂

[@ThreadBomb]

To be fair, the movie is called Mars Attacks, not Martians Attack, so logically it should be about the planet Mars attacking, not the inhabitants of Mars attacking.

[@Foxtrot-Uniform-CharlieKilo]

@@ThreadBomb thats the dumbest argument ive ever heard. by that logic when we see news headlines about "Russia invades Ukraine" we are meant to assume the land the country is on tore itself off the earth and is invading Ukraine like a f&^king Kaiju instead of the Russian military? ridiculous human being

[@zephyrus8]

I'd forgotten how thoroughly enjoyable this movie was. It accomplishes everything it sets out to do.

[@susanlawens3776]

Ashleigh! You get so many bonus points for all your movie references. And an extra 2,000 points for referencing "Dr. Strangelove". ("No fighting in the war room!", love it.) The actress who played the grandmother, Sylvia Sidney, this was her last movie. She was also Juno in "Beetlejuice" (which I love and you didn't care for, sad face.) This was not her last project, she was in a tv show, I think just one episode. Her very first movie (and she was uncreditied) was called "The Sorrows of Satan" in 1926. If you look her up she was quite the looker in her younger days. She had been in films from 1926 to 1999, and television., 73 years, wow! This movie is a crazy ride, even for Tim Burton.

[@les4767]

She was a booking travel agent for "Fantasy Island" the Malcolm McDowell version.

[@michaelmcfarland1716]

​@@les4767 loved that version. Gone too soon.

[@RLucas3000]

She played the first momma Carlson in WKRP, but how did Ashleigh not love Beetlejuice? Has she seen the day the earth stood still?

[@patrickmassonne1919]

The General with sunglasses is Rod Steiger. Fantastic, legendary, actor watch any movie he's in. He's worth it.

[@kellypedersen6590]

The grandson is Lukas Haas, who a decade earlier played an Amish boy in a great cop/ suspense movie w/ Harrsison Ford called "Witness".

[@waynezimmerman1950]

Lukas was also a different kind of witness in the 1988 film, Lady in White.

[@johnoliver6101]

About 60 or so years ago,the Topps company (trading cards) once put out a set called Mars Attacks featuring even more gruesome methods of mass destruction (imagine a gigantic motorized tractor device with cow catcher scoops collecting people into a huge wood chipper attachment). I had a complete set & one day in school the teacher caught me looking at them & made me tear them up & toss them into a trash basket.😊

[@jasonmiller3543]

I remember the first time I saw this. I was in the video rental store and this was playing on their TV. It was the scene where the Martians first meet everyone and the dove is released. I immediately went and picked up a copy. This is based on an old set of trading cards from way back in the day by Topps cards. It was just a fun collectible like Garbage Pail Kids where you'd get some cards, stickers, & piece of hard gum. So glad you enjoyed this!

[@michaelcooley4553]

The music which slays the Martians was Slim Whitman, who sold records over infomercials back in the 70's.

[@jasonmiller3543]

@@michaelcooley4553 Slim Whitman was also who Weird AL listened to on his journey to the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota

[@Lpace3]

Thank you. I felt I would have to tell the kids about the cards (and Garbage Pail Kids), but was glad to see someone else had done so.

[@deborahphillips500]

I was so glad to see folks turning to skeletons when zapped. That’s how the art in Topps original card set were until they were censored. The touch ups ruined it. Years later, the set had a limited edition release with the original art restored. That’s when I grabbed them. Great cards: Destroying a Dog, Burning Flesh, A Treat for the Tricked… This led to the movie and at least two follow up card sets.

[@SamuelBlack84]

The trading cards were stopped because one of them deducted a Martian killing a dog

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Sylvia Sidney who plays the grandma in this movie, was a big star in her day. She started acting in 1927 and went on to star in movies with Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Gary Cooper, Frederic March, George Raft, etc., etc. She was so beautiful in a really cute, doll-like way, but that never stopped her from playing no-no sense, ball-busting types. There's a movie from 1946 where she plays a congresswoman running for governor. Anyway, I just thought I'd point that out, since she gets a little glossed over next to so many more recent "big names."

[@susanliltz3875]

Grandma was played by:SYLVIA SIDNEY Very talented actress!! She was in “BEETLE JUICE “ too, she’s the one telling them about the afterlife and as she was smoking the cigarette the smoke was coming out of her neck!! Two Tim Burton movies , he must’ve liked her too!!

[@STNeish]

I loved her best in Christmas Vacation.

[@davidanderson1639]

Mars Attacks is Tim Burton’s homage to the B-Movies from the 40s & 50s. So many people didn’t get it when it opened in cinemas; where as I absolutely loved it & I still do.

[@fayesouthall6604]

I adore this film. I’m 100% unaware of Tim Burtons homage. It’s just funny.

[@davidanderson1639]

@@fayesouthall6604 Burton took inspiration not only from the actual Mars Attacks trading cards, but also from classic films such as The Day The Earth Stood Still, Earth Vs The Flying Saucers & Invasion of The Saucer-men…..all of which are well worth watching. Burton is also a huge fan of the late, great Ray Harryhausen (who I actually met back in 2002). Harryhausen’s work on Earth Vs The Flying Saucers; along with many other great films of the era, is still to this day absolutely incredible.

[@TheElliotPage]

@@davidanderson1639 I auditioned to be Taffy for this movie, as I am the biggest fan in the world of Topps cards (& OPC, my Canadian version LOL) but I was too young & they made this a comedy, while the cards are pure horror in response to the introduction of the Comics Code. Topps legend Gary Gerani wanted to make this a pure horror, like the cards, then Tim Burton got the rights to Mars Attacks & Dinosaurs Attacks, & was going to make Dinosaurs Attack, but... then Jurassic Park came out, so it was scrapped & this was made as a comedy. It broke Gary Gerani's heart that this became a comedy.

[@jbmopar1971]

The grandma was also in Beetlejuice. She was the case worker that was Beetlejuice mentor or partner something 👍

[@jessm.porthos]

I laughed waaayyy to hard at “Martin Short as an actual fetus!!!!” Lol

[@drdavid1963]

Finally, someone doing Thelma and Louise! Can't wait. You're gonna love it, Ash

[@drdavid1963]

@The_Ashleigh_Burton I'm an old timer. Don't know what that means

[@kbaylor123]

@@drdavid1963 I think that reply is from a fake bot account :/ and agreed, I’m really excited for the reaction!

[@keitholsen8787]

The part with Washington Monument was a direct reference to the 1950’s movie “Earth vs the Flying Saucers.” Loved this movie.

[@johnw8578]

Hopefully, she will react to some of the classic sci-fi movies of the 50s -- but she won't get the references in this movie.

[@kieronball8962]

For all of the Hollywood stars, it took a Welsh singing superstar named Tom Jones, to save the world! :)

[@richardrobbins387]

And Slim Whitman on vinyl.

[@jimbass1664]

"No fighting in the war room!" We're so proud of our Ashleigh.

[@Dirkus17]

Lisa Marie is so good in this. The way she moves. Arguably the best use of a model in a movie.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Another great reaction, Ashleigh. I love this film, it doesn't get the recognition which it deserves, it's got everything, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Comedy.

[@Masterfighterx]

Haven't seen this movie over well over a decade and never realised how many big actors are in it!

[@tsogobauggi8721]

26:59 "When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk." :)

[@CrimsonAngelWinges]

Man was right the inter movie only to drop the ball during his moment.

[@scottstevens7639]

There was no doubt in my mind that you would love this film. If I recall correctly, you did a reaction to “Beetlejuice” a while back. Don’t know if you recognized Sylvia Sidney (grandma). She played case worker Juno in “Beetlejuice”. Also, Lisa Marie, who played the alien in disguise with the impossible beehive, was Tim Burton’s girlfriend at the time. She played the part of Vampira in “Ed Wood” (the guy who directed “Plan 9”). That may be where you recognized her from. Fun fact: this came out around the same time as “Independence Day”, considered to be the more ‘serious’ alien invasion movie. I myself saw both when they were first released and loved them equally. BTW, Slim Whitman music has been known to cause human brains to explode as well 😂

[@brianvernon249]

The more you mention Jack, the more I want to just mumble “mmmm juicy fruit”

[@got2bjosh]

Now this is how you stay ahead of other reactors following algorithm trends. A classic, star-studded ensemble comedy. Shout out to everyone who has known about this movie since 1996. Other hit films featuring this cast: The American President (1995, Bening) The First Wives Club (1996, SJP) 101 Dalmatians (1996, Close) As Good As It Gets (1997, Nicholson) Jackie Brown (1997, Grier) High Fidelity (2000, Black) The Stepford Wives (2004, Close) The Kids Are All Right (2010, Bening).

[@tenjenk]

The hilarious detail about the ambassor is that when he takes off his cloak, he has a championship belt underneath.

[@greypossum1]

I really love it when Ashleigh really enjoys a movie we have been recommending for quite a while.

[@cchavezjr7]

I remember when the credits started at the beginning of the movie you actually started to hear "wow" and hear the shock from the whole theater as every big name kept coming up.

[@bobbabai]

And I think each of those names really came through in this movie.

[@cchavezjr7]

@@bobbabai Yup, hard to get such a large ensemble cast and still be able to give everyone something important to do and have them shine.

[@jzakary1]

So happy you love this movie!! This is one of those films me and my dad were crazy about, but no one else liked it. 🥰

[@awkwardashleigh]

how do you NOT like this movie? campy and fun

[@rmhartman]

This is one of those movies where the get the silliness and love it, or you just don't.

[@bratsmovies17]

How did you comment 1 day ago?

[@RealTechZen]

​​​@@awkwardashleigh Too much of Hollywood took itself too seriously in those days. Why would anybody want to be a "serious fan of the movies"? I have an older sister who spent YEARS claiming that any production that failed to make some significant social commentary was a "betrayal of the artform". She also criticized Renaissance Faires that allowed modern construction materials. Tiresome, very tiresome. Now she's an archeology volunteer at Mount Vernon. And yet I complain about the Blu Ray version of 'Casablanca' because they used computer interpolation to concoct a higher resolution image than was on the original film frames; it makes the backgrounds look like low budget CGI. 😮😢😂

[@jonnybb]

Just love the Martians running round killing people with a soundsystem going off; "Don't run, we are your friends!"

[@ElliotNesterman]

The bald general was played by the great Rod Steiger, one of America's finest actors. Four films of his you can't go wrong with are: _On the Waterfront_ (1954) also starring Marlon Brando, won eight Oscars, including Best Picture; _The Pawnbroker_ (1964) Steiger nominated for Best Actor; _In the Heat of the Night_ (1967) also starring Sidney Poitier, won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Steiger. _No Way to Treat a Lady_ (1968) also starring George Segal and Lee Remick, based on a novel by William Goldman.

[@kellifranklin9872]

I love Rod Steiger. He was actually the only terrifying character in the OG Amitiyville Horror movie. He portrayed the priest but he scared me to death!

[@flarrfan]

Excellent list! Pawnbroker is peak Steiger, IMO. Heat of the Night was a best picture winner, and they gave Steiger's drawling southern police chief the Oscar for Pawnbroker a few years late...And On the Waterfront is a top 20 all-time picture and a showcase for Brando's talent.

[@kellifranklin9872]

@@barbaralenihan7451 I’m so jealous of you! I swear my dream house my whole life has been that house. I’m not even kidding! I would love for Ash to watch the original. It’s deliciously creepy and scary!

[@user-mg5mv2tn8q]

Steiger was also the antagonist in Oklahoma (1955). Poor Jud is dead.

[@pencilnecked1579]

Steiger's silent scream in The Pawnbroker is haunting.

[@nikkinicol78]

Girl! Your reactions are golden. You freaking crack me up

[@Aazure_Skys]

When Ashleigh was going on about Pierce Bronston and his eyes etc I was thinking that if she ever does a series reaction she should do Remington Steel. She would now get so many of the movie references they use in the series besides the hots she has for him.

[@liamfitzgerald7217]

Or any of his James Bond movies. I'd recommend Goldeneye personally.

[@Lensmaster1]

Yes, Remington Steele

[@TravioliRavioli]

Not Pierce Bronston💀

[@McPh1741]

If I remember correctly, Stephanie Zimbalist was pretty easy on the eyes as well. I grew up watching Remington Steele along with many other 80s sitcoms. When I was in high school and heard the Pierce was going to play 007,I was like “Remington Steele is going to be James Bond!”

[@vivitaquerida]

That's where I fall in love with Pierce Brosnan.. I was 10 when we watch Remington Steele on tv, but he was so so so handsome...

[@whatakuriosgirl]

I love that this is called "Mars Attacks" and she was shocked when they started shooting 😂

[@furnacefighter]

Yeah, but this why we love Ashleigh. I’m still waiting for the sequel “Earth Attacks”!

[@randomlibra]

I saw this in the theater and was getting told to sush because I was laughing so hard. My grandmother was OBSESSED with Slim Whitman. This movie had me dying. That could be MY GMA!!!!! Still makes me laugh. People thought I was crazy.

[@eme.261]

Same. My peals of laughter began when Sarah and Pierce were flirting in the interview and then grew to lunatic type cackles when the dove got unexpectedly fried and never let up until I left the theater. I'm still shocked this movie wasn't beloved during its initial release.

[@johnw8578]

You would LOVE the Topps card set -- dark humor.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Brilliant film. 😂

[@donwild50]

Pierce Brosnan played James Bond in Golden Eye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. He was in the volcano movie Dante's Peak, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Dr. Fate in the recent Black Adam movie.

[@maximillianosaben]

This may well be my favorite Tim Burton movie. He absolutely nailed the sort of films he was paying homage too, down to the A-list cast in what would otherwise be a pulpy B-movie.

[@Oddworld2024]

I totally knew you’d love this movie. It’s so silly and doesn’t take it’s self serious. It really was a phenomenon in its time. So great. And the cast is just crazy. The entire thing was so good. I’d love a few remakes or sequels

[@kimmcsharry4256]

I haven't thought about this movie in a long time! It's definitely a classic! After my husband and I saw it, he spent about a year going around and randomly saying "Gak gak" imitating the aliens.

[@wolphintv]

Ashley: "I'm in a really weird mood today..." Me (thinking): " Well that's okay because this is a really weird movie. Like, even by Tim Burton movie standards, this is a weird one."

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

Nearly 12 minutes in before Ashleigh realized Jack Nicholson was playing two roles. I was wondering how long it would take.

[@girlyghoul]

Ashleigh: Is Grandma gonna make me cry? Me: Grandma's gonna save the day!

[@shainewhite2781]

YES!!! LOVE THIS MOVIE! Its a parody of Sci Fi movies as well, like Day The Earth Stood Still, Invaders From Mars, Forbidden Planet, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, Earth Vs The Flying Saucers, and many many more!

[@nielnielsen4822]

war of the worlds.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Plan 9 From Outer Space

[@kdpflush]

The actress who played the grandmother also played the owner of WKRP in the 1st episode of WKRP in Cincinnati

[@tejoe13]

Sylvia Sidney also played Juno in Beetlejuice.

[@JoeCool7835]

While the younger folks may know Glenn Close as Cruella DeVille in the 1st live-action 101 Dalmatians movie, she's most famous for her psychotic role in Fatal Attraction. Who's suddenly hungry for rabbit?

[@Vipre-]

Careful bro, that girl's a bunny boiler.

[@richardrobbins387]

Got me thinking that Ashleigh should watch "The World According to Garp" It just seems like her kind of film.

[@mwflanagan1]

“No fighting in the war room!” Nice callback, Ashleigh.

[@van8ryan]

Apparently, INDEPENDENCE DAY came out before this (the same year in fact; ID4 came out around July, MARS ATTACKS came out around Christmas). However, Burton wasn't aware it was being made at the time, but he was easy-going about it, saying, "Yeah, in retropect, we basically did a MAD Magazine spoof of INDEPENDENCE DAY"

[@roboticd]

My understanding at the time was that this had been shopped around for a while and Roland Emmerich saw it and kind of jacked the premise for ID, which is why some of the story beats are nearly identical.

[@nrrork]

If you like Jack Nicholson, I'd suggest you watch As Good As It Gets. No one does reactions to that, but it was this offbeat romcom that was a huge hit in the 90s, starred A-list celebrities, made a huge splash at the Oscars. Nicholson won his second Best Actor award, and I think Helen Hunt won for Best Actress or was at least nominated. I'm pretty sure she won an Oscar for SOMETHING, I can't imagine what other movie it'd be. (Edit: Yep, she won for this movie too)

[@GeminiWolfstarGaming]

I really second As Good As It Gets! Great movie! And I have a personal connection to the movie, as we had rented it to watch on my 14th birthday. God, that was 26 years ago now! I just made myself feel old!

[@girlyghoul]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH!!! It's not only packed with a super star cast willing to not take themselves too seriously, but it's also a love letter to low budget sci-fi B-movies of the 40's and 50's. My godson used to love to watch this when he was just little (he's 24 now!) and he laughed at all the over the top violence EXCEPT for the part where the martian lady bites off Martin Short's finger. Godson always called it his "Thumb" and when it would get to that part he'd hide his face in a pillow and say "I don't like the thumb part! Tell me when the thumb part over!" But this was in heavy rotation for the longest time. One thing I kind of love is, while it's not all that deep- there's a mini morality lesson hidden within. The folks who are cocky and think they know better than the martians die horrible deaths, while the people who are humble and concerned about the situation and others survive. Byron's foot stomping the martian skull as he finally makes it home to his family never fails to make me cheer! Plus his kids protecting the president with their video game shooting skills and their mom (Pam Greer!) getting applause for whooping them a new one when they skipped school. (One of those kids grew up and made a... "tape" with Kim Kardashian... but that's neither here nor there...)

[@KNK2116]

YES YES YESSSSS!!! I’ve always absolutely LOVED this wild, campy movie!! Such a fun, wild, & hilarious movie w/ such an incredible cast!! You can just tell that everyone was having the best time on set based on the fantastic chemistry between everyone!! I first saw this movie when I was like 10 or so & spent YEARS before I was able to watch it again but it made such an impact on the single viewing, that I remembered everything!! lol

[@alexius23]

In 1962 Topps Cards began creating Mars Attacks cards. You purchase a packet and got chewing gum & cards. It took a long time to get the entire arch of the story. You would trade duplicates with friends to fill out the entire collection. It was a popular kid thing to do. The lingering popularity eventually led to the fairly quirky film in the 90’s. Odd fact this movie came out the same summer as Independence Day. Over the years other Mars Attacks cards have been released.

[@billythealiensmiller]

Burton should do a film based on the gory Topps "Civil War". I can see it now. "Johnny Depp IS documentary director Ken Burns in Tim Burton's CIVIL WAR.". Depp, as Burns, narrates from a time viewing hologram and gets blood splattered every few seconds in a gore fest just like the Topps cards. Parents complained about those cards even though they were based on actual history unlike the "Mars Attacks" cards.

[@PaperbackWizard]

This movie is obviously mostly ripping off "Independence Day", but watching it, I got the feel that it was also taking a few shots at "The American President", which came out about a year or so before. Annette Benning and Michael J. Fox were both in TAP, with Michael J. Fox playing a character that Martin Short plays in "Mars Attacks!" If you haven't watched TAP, I recommend it. It's got an all-star cast, and it's more a romantic dramedy than a political movie, although politics do play a minor role (obviously). It's by Aaron Sorkin, the same man who did "A Few Good Men".

[@marcbloom7462]

Loved this movie since I was a kid. Great cast. I really love how down to earth Pam Grier is in this. You should watch Jackie Brown next.

[@reneescala7526]

Jackie Brown, YES!

[@Reggie2000]

That film sucked. Worst Terintino film.

[@markmaioli4]

Mars Attacks! is definitely in my top 5 Tim Burton movies. I could never figure out why it didn't do well when released. I think people just didn't get it, it's such a great send up of and homage to 50s sci-fi movies. FIVE STARS

[@robertgronewold3326]

Your general audience suffers to understand parody.

[@ThreadBomb]

@@robertgronewold3326 On the contrary, I'd say the problem is that the movie isn't very funny.

[@mikea1714]

Fun fact: The exterior shot of the nursing home was filmed in my city of Wichita, Kansas. It was a big deal until we found out that none of the stars or Tim Burton weren't coming to film that one shot.

[@awkwardashleigh]

BOOOOOOOO

[@88wildcat]

The donut shop was filmed in Burns, Kansas. A town of maybe 200 people probably 40 miles or so northeast of Wichita.

[@jacknapier8201]

Ok... judging by Ashley's reaction to Pierce Brosnan, we need her to start watching some James Bond movies

[@Fettman89]

An unexpected surprise, but a welcome one! This is in my top 10 movies for sure.I love how the martians are just trolls lol, Don't run, we are your friends, while blasting people with death rays lol

[@minnesotajones261]

How many other movies saved the world with the music of Slim Whitman?!? None but this!

[@danebono7667]

The actress who played Grandma Florence also played Juno, the caseworker in Beetlejuice.

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

I used to own a complete set of the ORIGINAL Mars Attacks trading cards from 1962.. My older brother passed them down to me. I passed them down to my son who is now in possession of them.

[@toddmcneil50]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! OK, happy sequence over. I'm so thrilled that you have found yet another campy classic. Makes fun of (in a good way) all of the 1950s sci-fi classics.

[@kiillabytez]

This is really, one of those movies that should get multiple awards across the board and SHOULD be in everyone's top 10, but for some reason, it just has something that makes it a chore to actually watch and enjoy.

[@sdhartley74]

I have been SO excited to see this reaction. I love this movie!

[@KenHin60]

This movie was definitely ahead of its time. I'm old enough to remember the Mars Attacks bubble gum cards. I loved them, but my parents thought they were weird and didn't get the joke. I loved the movie when it came out, but most people thought it was weird and didn't get the joke. Now we have an entire generation that gets the joke! I loved your reaction and ya'll give me hope for the future.

[@kellypedersen6590]

If you want to check other Dany DeVito movies from around this time, check out 1987's "Throw Momma From The Train" (with Billy Crystal) or 1986's "Ruthless People" (w/ Bette Midler).

[@edenschildren4238]

Ashleigh not realizing Jack Nicholson playing 2 roles was hilarious

[@marie-helenemartel7147]

The martians are inspired by an old set of collectible cards, that were pretty creepy to be honnest. The design of the martians in the film are quite good renditions of those cards. I love your reaction. Some people just don't like the mix of kitsh, and adventure and humour in this movie. I really like it. It's a question of personnal preferences I guess. Thanks for the reaction!

[@taun856]

I had those cards when I was a kid... Loved them!

[@patmolinie2529]

i believe they chose theese cards because first they wanted another cards game with dinosaurs... but another movie came first with dinosaurs, a little one named Jurassix something... So they changed for martians

[@johnw8578]

@@patmolinie2529 Topps card set Dinosaurs Attack! is an awesome card set that came out in the mid-80s. I always hoped they would do another movie adaptation to it.

[@rodentnolastname6612]

"like a giant hubcap" is a reference to Plan 9 from Outer Space as the flying saucers were literally hubcaps on wires 😀

[@Jordan-ln8bj]

This movie was a massive part of my childhood 😂 can't wait to see what you think of it 🙌 👽

[@biggienorm420]

I'm 36 and I still walk around the house yelling at everyone like one of the aliens...

[@robertstuart480]

Ashleigh, you are in the perfect mood for "Mars Attacks".

[@lillianetheelf8285]

I watched this in my astronomy class back in high school for pure laughs lol

[@johnw8578]

How cool is that?!

[@eme.261]

I watched this movie in a theater during its opening weekend. I was chucking from the very beginning, due to the unexpected dialogue and cast, but once the aliens unleashed on the dove, I screamed with laughter and continued to lose it the remainder of the movie. I was so shocked when it received so-so reviews. This is still a movie that makes me holler in hysterics almost 30 years later.

[@CalciumChief]

3:14 Of course it is, it's Burton's love letter to the stuff he grew up on - 50's monster/alien movies.

[@jamesmoyner7499]

But he doesn't do anything with it.

[@Antony_Oscar]

I've seen this movie so many times but I never realized that's Jack Black until watching this and seeing his name in the credits!! I'm not used to seeing him without hair 🤣

[@OpenMawProductions]

The tagline for this movie always makes me smirk. "Nice planet. We'll take it." The TOPPS cards this movie are based on are hardcore. They almost made a spiritual sequel called Dinosaurs Attack! But because of the popularity of Jurassic Park they shelved it.

[@OpenMawProductions]

My favorite part of this movie is that the Martians just came here to fuck with us and blow stuff up. They are complete asshole trolls. Also I think AB might be in her cycle or somethin'. She's at the man buffet watching this movie.

[@kp22kc]

Martian Girl was played by Lisa Marie (not Presley) who was engaged to Tim Burton at the time. Her walking and movements were all her own actions, nothing to help her look like she was kind of floating.

[@TTM9691]

This was a blast! Next week is Thelma & Louise???!!! Oh man, that is going to be a fantastic reaction!

[@wendywoodruff2871]

Costumes by Oscar winner Colleen Atwood. When she accepted her Oscar her dress was made of American Express cards linked together with metal loops. She's cool.

[@cpmahon]

Quote of the year "my ovaries are not ready for this film"!!! When I stop laughing I'll carry on watching the rest of the reaction. 😂

[@qwaurk985]

"I want to go to Tahoe." Immediate YT ad that starts with "can't go?" Timing is indeed everything.

[@daveweston5158]

Fun fact; the Topps company was a manufacturer of 'bubblegum cards' (trading cards) as far back as the 1940s (and even earlier). 'Mars Attacks!' was a line of original trading cards, not having any ties to any specific property. Many of the scenes in this movie were lifted directly from the cards.

[@gspendlove]

I bought a box of the 1994 expansion packs, which included reissues of all the original artwork from the 1962 set plus new artwork from artists like Keith Giffen and Zina Saunders. Some of those original '62 cards are worth quite a bit, fetching as much as $3500 on the collector's market if they're in mint condition.

[@duaneswab3420]

On opening night I was sitting in a crowded theater and the crowd cheered for the Martians throughout the film.