Target Earth (1998 TV Movie) User Reviews (13)

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...

[vattenpojke · 3/10 · 5 August 2003]

4.3/10 is generous. My biggest problem with this movie is being able to predict scenes 20 minutes in the future. My young daughter and I watched it together, and at first I was ready to change the channel if it got too scary. She had the remote, however, and during commercials kept changing channels. She nearly feel asleep before the "climax", which occurred with about 30 seconds left in the movie. The last 10 minute set of commercials came on and then the wrap up: big plot hole here, but you'll have to watch it to find out.

As far as being nominated for B movie status, I would reserve that for movies that were intended to be good, but turned out to be turkeys. This one seemed destined for mediocrity from the start.

You've seen it before ...

[jamullian · 4/10 · 22 December 2002]

You've seen every single element of this movie before. Perhaps not in exactly the same order as presented here, but from the opening shot the plot is as predictable as the taste of a Big Mac. The only surprise is John C. McGinley (Scrubs) and Dabney Coleman as the inevitably corrupt Senator. There is even the little girl and her rag doll, the police captain, the main protagonist who is seen as a joke on the force, etc etc.

The script reads like a term paper. (First term).

Yet if you're willing to laugh at it (there's no opportunity to laugh with it), it comes across as a classic in its B-movie genre, instantly forgettable but watchable after 1am.

Good bad movie/ Okay regular movie (Watchable, Entertaining)

[DarkAngelX5453 · 5/10 · 5 May 2011]

Okay, not the greatest movie ever made, but it was alright. I've seen several bad movies, many that top this one by a mile...(seen Nim's Island...ugh!). However, I happen to enjoy bad movies (go Route 666, Lou Diamond Phillips:), so my tolerance may run higher than others.

I know some people said they liked the bad guy from scrubs, but, REALLY? I can't even look at his face without laughing! I see him, I think scrubs, so no way, he was not the highlight of the movie. For anyone wanting to see it, good luck, I don't think they play it anymore. I had to search on ebay for this thing, and I found a copy. In Germany. So I can't really attest to acting, since everything was voiced over (Macht schnell! Macht schnell!), which faintly reminded me of Die Hard (Polizei, Karl, polizei!). And yea, the plot is kinda cliché, but, then again...most are. I haven't seen but maybe two or three in my entire life that were originals or unpredictable.

Overall, you should only see this if these types of movies are your thing...its not as bad as some, buts its definitely not good. I'd rate it okay. But ENTERTAINING for sure. (especially in German)

Bad guy much more fun than our 'hero'

[james_ian_miller · 16 September 2002]

Aliens plan to take over the world, by gradually activating implants in people at various levels of society (inserted, as we all know, during the multitude of 3-day abductions that have been visited on America's Mid-West since the 1950's science fiction boom). One man, a police detective, can save the world, but is so dull that the alien invasion becomes a more and more attractive prospect as the film goes on.

The opening scene has the location typed out at the bottom-left of the screen, showing clearly its lineage from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" via the X-Files. Don't expect a moment of tension, except perhaps the decision on when to have your next cup of tea, but worth a watch if the alternative is ironing a shirt for the next morning. It is, however, slightly redeemed by the bald, stary-eyed, Hank Williams-loving baddie, who has the few lines in the film worth putting in something better.

Complete rubbish

[akuj · 1/10 · 4 April 2002]

I've seen many terrible tv-movies, but this one's probably the worst so far. I just cannot say one good thing about this movie; I'd rather watch tv-shop for two hours than this one again.

Should you still choose to watch it, remember you were warned.

Great cast, bad movie

[stewnami-62292 · 2/10 · 21 June 2019]

Wow. This movie just reinforced how a good cast cannot save a ridiculous story. Terrible writing and a cringe worthy plot makes this a must miss. I dare you to sit through this.

NOT as bad as suggested elsewhere

[raccanic · 7/10 · 15 February 2019]

For its humble scale and ambition this is a credible effort in storytelling and acting by some seasoned stars. The plot is reasonably gripping/tense at times and will hold your attention. CGI aliens or spaceships are eschewed in favour of 1950's tropes such as paranoia and brainwashing. Enjoyable!

Maybe NOT JUST Science-Fiction

[ceefoo · 8/10 · 10 January 2014]

Firstly, take no notice of the average IMDb user rating of 4.3/10. It just goes to show how utterly clueless some people are.

So much so that I could be forgiven for thinking that some of the voters are trying to deter people from watching the movie in case it prompts them to ask questions about shadow governments and social infiltration... Really? You may ask. If you think I'm a conspiracy theory nut-job, then at least consider this:

• Is it FEASABLE that we (humans) have been or are being visited by extra-terrestrial beings (i.e. aliens)?

• And if so, is it also entirely feasible that those aliens could and would infiltrate all sections of our society? We sure as hell would do it. So why not them?

The number of abduction cases is huge. Although I believe that many are hoaxes or people with mental health issues, if even a small percentage were real then that is a significant number that could prove decisive if elected a position of great power and influence.

This movie asks THAT question that most people find uncomfortable or inconceivable. Or they treat it as a joke. You may think this is just a silly science-fiction movie but in actuality it's not far off from a real-life scenario.

If you are one of those people that asks yourself: Are we alone in the universe? Are we ever going to see the UN-Photoshopped NASA images? Then you need to see this film.

If you only think about your own mundane, everyday life. And are only interested in when your favourite reality TV show is on next and the dull, meaningless conversation you are having on social media... Then still watch it. You might learn something!

its good

[boston_nala · 7/10 · 8 November 2006]

I don't know about what other people think but i happen to really like this movie it might not be any war of the world or men in black type of movie but contrary to the other comment that has been posted it does have a plot and it isn't a bad movie at all the character are well developed and the Little Girl in the movie is Amazing by the way she was able to portray the character and the fact that she was so young and hello Marcia Cross is in it and anyone who has ever seen desperate housewives agrees that she is wonderful and attractive... it is a movie worth seeing it might not be the greatest one out there but I wouldn't say don't see it...

P.S. Beside anytime you can see a sexy man playing an sexy Detctive you should see it...

far from worth watching (with blindfolds on)

[dezzz_m · 7 May 2004]

"Target Earth" is a catchy title for a movie, that's for sure. One may expect at least an average movie experience from the sound of it. Well, after reading other users' comments on this one, I got curious and gave it a try, thinking "it can't be that bad as they think!". Ooh yes, I assure you, it can. :( There are movies, B movies, and there certainly should be a category for movies like this: it could be called "the Z ones".

Why? Because it simply hasn't got any original ideas, characters, plot whatsoever. Yeah, the bad guy may be worth 5 minutes of watching, but a whole evening AND TV commercials? I don't think so.

A little like The X-Files

[Michi1 · 6/10 · 4 August 2001]

In Springfield strange things occur: Voice grade channels explode, an unknown, flying object appears and throws light beams on a house. On the next day Tammy disappears. She is found hours later by the policeman Sam in its garden. The six-year behaves very strangely.

Well Done

[invisiblefilms · 8/10 · 20 August 2022]

This is a fun ride that makes you think. It's great to see Marcia Cross in this and solid acting by Dabney Coleman, Chris Meloni, and John McGinley. Bring popcorn and sit back and enjoy the show.

Bad Science Fiction is better than no Science Fiction

[flugluftholgate · 24 November 2006]

Come on you lot, lighten up, its not that bad, reminds me of lots of old British Science Fiction, 'Dr. Who', 'Blakes Seven', 'UFO', etc... May be it should have had Jean Claude Van Damme as the hero? Perhaps 'Clarance Starling' or 'what's her face' from 'Mouldy and Scullery' should have been in it, I was disappointed when the 'baldy baddie' did not fall in to a 'vat of bubbling goo' (he reminded me of a football referee from the World Cup a few years ago...) May be that Hollywood star 'Bert Douglas' from 'Hero's of Telemark' should have been in it... But you have an obligatory abandoned factory/oil refinery making an appearance... Tell you what, look at this film in 20-30 years time and look at the cars and vans and come back here and tell me what you think, I like watch old 'Tee-Vee' programs (and programmes) and old films for the old motors... Go on watch it and enjoy it, Martin PS perhaps Gen. Hammond form 'Stargate' should have popped up....