People — myself included — love campy sci-fi movies because they provide a unique blend of nostalgia, humor and creativity. These films often embrace their low-budget roots and outlandish premises, delivering a whimsical escape from reality.
One of my favorites in this genre is Killer Klowns from Outer Space. The exaggerated special effects, quirky characters and over-the-top storyline invite audiences to revel in the absurdity, offering a refreshing contrast to the more serious and polished productions in the genre. Additionally, the film’s charm lies in its campiness, which invokes a sense of community among fans who appreciate the art of playful storytelling and the joy of celebrating the unconventional.
Killer Klowns is probably the most popular movie in this genre, but writer-director Ward Roberts hopes that his new film, Invaders from Proxima B, will join the cult classic in the upper echelons of greatness.
Invaders from Proxima B stars Roberts as Howie Jankins, a traveling musician whose life keeps him on the road and away from his wife, Jane (Samantha Sloyan), and daughter, Ruby (Bo Roberts). One night while in between gigs, their house is visited by a rather strange looking alien named Chuck (also voiced by Ward), who convinces Howie to swap bodies in hopes of saving Earth. Along the way they encounter a completely unhinged exterminator (Jeremiah Birkett), a looney influencer (Sarah Lassez) and a father-son duo of alien hunters (Richard Riehle and Mike C. Nelson respectively).
While Killer Klowns featured a variety of aliens to fall in love with, Invaders from Proxima B centers around a lone character named Chuck. Resembling more of a lost prototype from Oscar the Grouch than an imposing extraterrestrial, Chuck is characterized by his brown fur and large eyes. Unfortunately, the novelty of this approach wears off quickly. Although there are moments that elicit a chuckle, Chuck’s humor often falls flat, coming across as either too dry or completely off the mark. It’s evident that Wade struggles to make this over-the-top character both fun and interesting, ultimately failing to achieve either goal.
The other characters are not well-written, either. The Jankins family serves as little more than a side plot, attempting to create the illusion of a cohesive storyline with themes like an absent father and a family tired of his travel schedule. However, this is only lightly touched upon, making it feel like an afterthought. The narratives involving the exterminator and influencer are occasionally interesting, but their overblown characters come off as more annoying than enjoyable. The only somewhat entertaining characters are the father-son duo, who bring a comical DIY Men in Black vibe to the movie. Their gadgets and antics are the film’s bright spots.
Invaders from Proxima B earns two out of five stars. While campy with a fun premise reminiscent of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Ward Roberts fails to deliver more than a weak sci-fi comedy. The film lacks the fun and whimsy essential for this type of movie. If you enjoy films with lackluster dynamics, stale jokes and annoying characters, Invaders from Proxima B might fit the bill. Although it has its moments of humor, they are not enough to save it from the depths of mediocrity.