STORYLINE: Worried that their children have become obsessed with television shows from Earth which extol the virtues of Santa Claus, Martians begin an expedition to Earth to kidnap the one and only Santa Claus. While on Earth, they kidnap two lively children that lead the group of Martians to the North Pole and Santa Claus. The Martians then take Santa Claus and the two children back to Mars with them. Voldar, a particularly grumpy Martian, attempts to do away with the children and Santa Claus before they get to Mars, but their leader Lord Kimar stops him. When they arrive on Mars, Santa Claus, with the help of the two Earth children and a rather simple-minded Martian lackey, overcomes the Martians by bringing fun, happiness and Christmas cheer to the children of Mars. (IMDb)

     Not all holiday films are family friendly, or the nostalgic films of yesteryear. Nor are they the worn out sentimental Hallmark features, such as 2005’s The Christmas Blessing.  Some are fun cheesy movies (Santa with Muscles. 1995).  Others are bad cult movies, like 1964’s Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.

    Yes, I am writing about a film called Santa Claus Comquers the Martians.  Yes, there is a film called Santa Claus Conquers the Martian’s.  Yes, I recently sat down to rewatch the campy cult classic(?) from 1964.

  When I think of cult classic films, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) takes a jump to the left, and is at the front of that line.  Typically the term cult classics refers to films that are bad enough that they are fun to watch.  These are the films you sit back with your friends, open up some snacks, and enjoy yourselves as you make fun of the film.  Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001) and Sharknado (2013) both fall perfectly under that umbrella.

   Personally, I enjoyed having just that experience with Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.  That shared experience is what I love about the movies.  With features like this, it is a unique audience participation aspect, that is a wild ride to take.

  I am sure, when this film was being made, it was trying to be a good film.  That seriousness is what makes it so bad.  It’s a ridiculous concept for a story, that is taken way to seriously. Had it been done as a tongue and cheek, self aware feature film I am sure this would be a different kind of entry for this blog.

    Regardless, I had a blast rewatching, yes rewatching, this out classic with friends. I enjoyed making fun of the film, and in turn getting to hear their commentary, abd pass the time with them.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964) joins THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004), THE ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (1993), THE HOLIDAY (2006), CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1985), HOME ALONE (1990), ELF (2003) & MIRACLE ON 34th ST (1947) as part of my Retro Rewind holiday series.