The Final Days of Planet Earth [Blu-ray]

Well, I'd definitely like to thank the Hallmark Channel for this small delight. Usually, one would have to tune into the SciFi Channel's original Saturday night movie for such an inept little alien film. But Hallmark wasn't content to let SciFi bask in all the bad science fiction glory, so we get the epic (almost 3 hour) "Final Days of Planet Earth."

Apparently as the Earth's days are numbered, logic becomes a less important commodity! In "Final Days," we're treated to a full-on invasion of bug people. These creatures look like preying mantis', and don't talk when in this form. They work and or threaten menacingly. However, they are also able to wear human skin--and when they're in this guise, they can blend in intelligently, productively and without detection. The only real giveaway is that they don't blink--so watch carefully!!! (I'm sorry, but even this rule is broken.)

Of course, they want to feed on what we humans have to offer! The head alien insects, former astronauts that flew on the same mission, have inexplicably all gotten jobs at City Hall. (For some reason, this unnamed city is quite a draw.) They're all in influential positions, as well--including Mayor's Assistant and Chief of Police! No one has yet to make this connection. Seems like someone might think it was coincidental, especially since the mission is well publicized--many characters can recall details of it from memory.

Well, now you're thinking--but what of the heroes? Who will save us? Don't fear--wait until you meet this bunch. You see, the aliens choose their victims by a great, unconventional method. If one of them sees you, and you're either on to something alien-esque or just plain annoying the bureaucrats--they give you a hand written invitation to a mysterious office in City Hall. Behind this nondescript office door, which no one notices, is a cavernous, industrial hallway and pressurized hatch. I won't spoil too much, but I might have found it strange when I opened this door for my appointment--though I'm no expert on City Hall.

We get an archeologist who has experienced a weird phenomenon on his dig, an exterminator whose too good at her job, an old man from a shelter whose noticed birds missing from the park, a crooked salesman who has bothered an unemployment officer, and a woman whose missing husband worked as a City Hall janitor. Don't worry if this sounds like a meager bunch--they are surprisingly well armed. Our archeologist carries and brandishes a gun for no conceivable reason, our exterminator loves her tazer, and the old man has a grenade (yes, I said it--a grenade). They need help, so they look for the lead astronaut from the space mission. He is being held and tortured in a top secret facility, but don't worry--the janitor's wife works with computers. So with 5 minutes in an Internet cafe and Google, they locate him, break him out and he joins the ragtag band.

This good astronaut is played by Campbell Scott, the acting legacy of George C. Scott and Colleen Dewhurst. Having worked with no less than Bertolucci and winning awards for films like "Big Night" and the woefully overlooked "Roger Dodger," one would like to think he saw some artistic merit in this film. "Final Days" also boasts the immense talents of Daryl Hannah and Gil Bellows as the other "name" talent.

I was amused by the silliness of this film, the absolute lack of logic or common sense. But when films are harmless entertainment and don't aspire to anything more--I'm usually nicer than when films are pretentious, self-important, or purposefully condescending. In that spirit, this baby gets a 2! Harmless enough for the kiddies, there is even a potential chuckle or two for you. KGHarris, 10/06.

although a made for cable film,this ones worth a look.A colony of Praying Mantis from another universe plan on using the human race for food.Seems that the insects home planet ran out of food they needed to survive.They use human skin to cover themselves to look like normal humans, are the top officials of city hall as they "prosses" humans to make a liquid they can suck up to nurish their body's.Sort of a insects from outer space establishing a "Star Bucks" serving a human liquified delights.

This is the kind of movie that if you have absolutely nothing better to do, watch it. Acting was less than stellar, video quality was not blu-ray worthy and the story was "been there, done that." I gave it 3 stars because it passed the time and made me want to know what happened next. I would not recommend purchasing this movie, however, its not a complete waste of time to watch.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 17 reviews  2.4 out of 5 stars