Movie Review: INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978)

Salutations my screechers, screamers, and scary dreamers,

Tonight’s tale of terror entitled “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” sees a sustenance surveyor, struggling scribe and spouse, scientist, and psychiatrist actively attempting to avoid assimilation as peripatetic pod people plan to poach the planet.

Recent remakes, revivals, and re-imaginings are rarely robust. Is “Invasions of the Body Snatchers” a regrettable and routine retread or a revolutionary resurrection?

While this is most definitely a remake it still manages to offer its own take while tipping its hat to what came before and fleshing out a little bit more. The use of a city as a main location is the first obvious alteration which helps to add to the feeling of dehumanization before the aliens begin their occupation. While a change like this adds a level of sophistication some of the original’s ideas do get lost in translation so those wanting to see the concepts in their full realization would do well to give both films their scrutinization.

This movie really breaks a lot of new ground when it comes to both music and sound. The resonance made by the pods or the alien’s screams are memorable enough to infect one’s darkest dreams and for those who still want something more, add to that an unforgettable score. Occasionally the sounds overpower the action which is my only point of dissatisfaction.

The special effects nearly steal the show from the creepy pods to the way the spores grow. They wisely used only practical effects to portray the way the extra-terrestrials infect. The visuals and sound are done so well that it often becomes hard to tell how much of the film is a clever cheat versus the parts that are actually concrete.

Story/Concept: 1
Direction/Style: 2
Scares: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Rewatchability: 2

TOTAL: 8/10

In summation, this picture is a good example of what it takes to be a truly classic remake.

Stick to the shadows my fine friends.