The Lost Skeleton of Cadavara (2001)
Directed by: Larry Blamire
Premise: An homage to the Z-grade science fiction films of the 1950s. A scientist (Brian Howe) must joins forces with two space aliens (Andrew Parks, Susan McConnell) to stop the Lost Skeleton of Cadavara from taking over the world.
What Works: The filmmakers know what they are doing and capture everything about this genre of films from the cheesy special effects to the bad acting. It comes off as an homage to these films that is not a parody or a send up but almost a tribute to these pictures.
What Doesn’t: It is fairly useless to say this is a bad film because it is supposed to be that way. Sometimes the filmmakers slip up and appear deliberately funny.
DVD extras: Classic skeleton frolic cartoon , Cast and crew commentary, American Cinematheque Q&A session, featurette, blooper reel.
Bottom Line: If you love bad movies, or if you were a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, this is a film for you. Aspiring filmmakers will also get a kick out of this. If you cannot appreciate those 1950s sci-fi movies, then don’t bother with this.
Episode: #18 (September 12, 2004)