Search - Mom and Dad Save the World on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 9/18/2022...

Sorry, just couldn't get into this one. Reminded me of the 3 Stooges.

STUPID AND SMART at the same time

Mojo Jojo | 06/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was another obscure movie that I was lucky enough to catch in theaters on its orignal release. I was drawn by the sheer goofiness of the title and the cast.

The concept is simple. Stupid Aliens vs Humans of Average Intelligence. The execution is what makes or breaks a movie, and this one is surpsingly well done. The sets and props are bizarre, intentionally so. This is a universe where even the blasters shoot squiggly lasers.

The writing is uproariously dumb but witty and sophisticated at the same time. I know lots of people think these qualities are mutually exclusive, but great comedy (even broad comedy) requires a deft touch to work. It's hard to explain, since this movie dwells so far in absurdity, but when the smarts are missing, it shows. Just check out pretty much any film by Shaun and Marlon Wayans for a painful example. And if you love the Wayans, don't bother with this film. There's not nearly enough fart jokes for you.

My biggest pleasure is finally seeing Jeffrey Jones in a starring part. He's a talented actor who otherwise plays strong supporting roles. You'll recognize him, even if you don't know his name.

Check it out and laugh at some inspired ridiculousness."

True Genius!

cycoe@aol.com | St. Petersburg, FL | 07/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I may be criticized for my rating, but this movie is truly a classic. I myself own it. Jon Lovitz is spectacular, and name another movie where someone shoots themself in the head because they chose "muttonchops" instead of a goatee. Highly entertaining ridiculous humor. A true visual and audio cornucopia of delight and stupidity! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys inane activity."

Deserves better

Wayne A. | Belfast, Northern Ireland | 08/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was supposed to be John Lovitz's breakout film and why it wasn't is anybody's guess. What you have here is a hilarious screwball comedy adaptation of Flash Gordon where suburban Mom and Dad are kidnapped and hauled to the alien planet...in their station wagon (a primitive form of SUV). Teri Garr and Jeff Jones as the "folks" give their usual great performances (really, neither has ever done anything less than a first rate job in any movie) and Lovitz is sensational as Emperor Todd. Plenty of good additional cast members and highly imaginative costumes and sets add to the entertainment.

The level of comedy is great. A favorite moment in this film (and a favorite film moment altogether) is when the family station wagon--zipping through space pulled by a magnetic beam--passes the planet Saturn and "mom" takes a Kodak photo of it using the flash. That's a joke that's subtler than it looks and this sort of slapstick/thoughtful (and plenty of satire) runs through the whole movie. It's dopey but it's smart dopey.

They've resurrected the brilliant, stunning, wondrous, amazing "Freaked!" from this era (Oh, don't we long for those good old days--late Eighties to late Nineties!) and the DVD of that should go right to the top of any comedy lover's want list. It's time to get this fun film back in circulation because we sure as heck need good laughs these days!"