The film is perhaps best known as the debut effort of director Peter Jackson. In the film we can see a lot of what would make up his later films, particularly those of his splatter film period. Though the story is dearly in need of more substance, the craft here is great. The special effects are inspired, and gloriously, often hilariously, over-the-top. Jackson is clearly working with a limited budget (he plays two different parts, along with writing, producing, making effects, doing make up, and directing the film) and out of that he comes up with some inventive ways for action, tension and humor (at some points disgustingly so).
Jackson keeps the story simple. A secret, small government agency is assigned to contain an extraterrestrial attack upon a small, isolated New Zealand town. The aliens have possessed the bodies of some of their victims and seek to eat any human that comes in their way. The aliens are harvesting human bodies to be used as part of a fast food franchise.
Jackson slowly builds up the story, starting out with smaller horror and action setpieces before building to a series of slightly indulgent, awesome and a bit tacky fight scenes where guns go a blazing.
Underlying all of this is a dry humor. There are a number of throwaway lines that are wonderfully biting and satirical without drawing attention to themselves. The film's humor is what drives it. The storytelling is constantly aware that this is a little trashy and has fun with its crazy, silly premise.
Through the film such a high level of affection comes across that even at its low points, it's a little giddy.
The storytelling is lacking a little too much, especially early on. But there's some good splatter effects and it's interesting to see where Jackson got his start.
Grade: B-
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