Battle in Outer Space (1959)

I know there are a lot of fans of these 1950s-1960s Japanese science fiction movies out there, and I am sure that they will find plenty to enjoy about this particular one. As for me, I find I like more the *idea* of enjoying these movies than I actually do. That's because I find a lot of them to be somewhat stiff and slow. But I admit that I found "Battle in Outer Space" somewhat more enjoyable than I expected. Most of the special effects aren't that bad for this period of science fiction motion picture cinema, with some impressive model work, sets, and other futuristic depictions of the far off future of 1965 :-) Even the shabbier special effects have a charm that you don't usually get with modern special effects. Also, some of the action sequences are directed with a little punch to them, generating some excitement.However, most of this action takes place in the last third or so of the movie. Up to that point, the movie suffers from that aforementioned problem of being stiff and slow, though I admit it isn't as severe as some other examples of the genre. There are also a few plot points that are either very unclear or not clear at all. (Though I see that the movie was slightly cut for American viewers, which might explain these murky details.) As I said, if you are a fan of these movies, you'll probably find "Battle in Outer Space" to be fun. If you are not a fan of the genre, or are still dipping your toe in the genre to see if you'd like it, you'd probably be better off watching something else.

Sequel(of sorts) to "The Mysterians" has a Japanese space station attacked and destroyed by aliens who use it as a bridgehead in their second attempt to conquer the Earth, which includes flying saucers decimating cities and causing widespread destruction. The United Nations mounts a counter-offensive to defeat these invaders, and save the civilized world before all is lost...Like its predecessor, there is lots of action and explosions, both in space and on land, but is also similarly silly and one-dimensional, both in story and characters, but children are unlikely to mind. Fine model work and F/X on display here, but ultimately forgettable.

"Battle in Outer Space" is another gem from Toho Studios. The film boasts some excellent (for 1959) special effects. The color print is stunning as well. The plot is similar to "The Mysterians" with aliens trying to take over mankind. In the end of course, earth triumphs over the aliens. The acting is decent, the dubbing is passable. The music score is done well. The real star of this film are the outer space scenes. I really enjoyed the spacecraft as well as the battle scenes. Toho Studios are more well known for their monster films (Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra)but these space films are just as good. If you get a chance, catch this as well as "The Mysterians".

This movie is a fight for Planet Earth, which is being invaded by munchkin-like aliens from the planet Matel. This film is one big and continuous battle between the humans and aliens, involving lots of flying saucers, rockets and laser guns. The scene where the humans and aliens battle in outer space is an inspiring work of special effects, which closely resemble a battle fought in "Star Wars." And, that particular movie didn't come to theaters in another 18 years! Though the special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya are good, the plot in this movie was not inspiring and even boring at times (especially the beginning scenes where the people blabber with one another on the planet invasion case and on the weapon inspections). The human characters weren't very remarkable. Jojiro Okami and Shinichi Sekizawa's story is interesting, but the plot just wasn't intriguing. The action scenes were the saving grace of the film.Overall, not one of the best and exciting of Toho's sci-fi movies.Grade D