Review of This Island Earth (1955)
Seen in 2016.
This review refers to the unedited original, not the MST3K (1996) version.
Scientists happily using plans they can’t understand build a triangular TV with a neutrino(!) death ray, telling no one. Later, scientists in space have no understanding whatsoever of the relationship between gravity and acceleration. They are not surprised to hear of a “thermal barrier” at the edge of the solar system. Just another day in science.
Kitsch. A couple of good ideas, almost eschewing heroic monster-bashing, almost undermining imperialism, but it doesn’t have the writing or the artistry it needs. The models and matt paintings are cozy, but totally unconvincing. See it for the unintentional comedy.
References here: “The Imagination of Disaster” (1965), “By Any Other Name” (1968), Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie (1996).