In another one of those late night cable viewings I got to see an old science fiction chestnut a few days ago - the 1968 Japanese-American film "The Green Slime". The film starred Richard Jaeckel, Robert Horton and a collection of Italian and American character actors and actresses.
The film is set in a future where there is spaceflight and some exploration of the solar system. The story centers around an expedition from Earth which, via a space station, goes to blow up an asteroid which is threatening Earth. The asteroid, however, is also home to a virulent form of life which contaminates the space station. Most of the film covers the attempts by the crew of the space station to bring this biohazard under control.
Visually the film is definitely 60s vintage with all the goofy styles that implies. However, the involvement of TOEI studios in the film means the model work is actually good. The pacing is good as well, and there is a sense of tension as the station crew struggles to survive. Likewise the acting is generally solid with the rivalry between the two leads (Horton and Jaeckel) played effectively.
With that said, the music is weird to put it lightly. As a result the film does struggle at times to keep the appropriate tone. Also the creature effects run the gamut from laughable to superb. But all in all it is entertaining, and while not a classic is a good fun watch.
The film is set in a future where there is spaceflight and some exploration of the solar system. The story centers around an expedition from Earth which, via a space station, goes to blow up an asteroid which is threatening Earth. The asteroid, however, is also home to a virulent form of life which contaminates the space station. Most of the film covers the attempts by the crew of the space station to bring this biohazard under control.
Visually the film is definitely 60s vintage with all the goofy styles that implies. However, the involvement of TOEI studios in the film means the model work is actually good. The pacing is good as well, and there is a sense of tension as the station crew struggles to survive. Likewise the acting is generally solid with the rivalry between the two leads (Horton and Jaeckel) played effectively.
With that said, the music is weird to put it lightly. As a result the film does struggle at times to keep the appropriate tone. Also the creature effects run the gamut from laughable to superb. But all in all it is entertaining, and while not a classic is a good fun watch.
But it is definitely an occasional watch. I agree, the models were not bad, for the time. The sound effects alone are worth the watch! 
