When you think of cult classics, Mars Attacks! (1996) might not be the first film that comes to mind, but it’s a movie that stands out for its sheer eccentricity, dark humor, and its unexpectedly star-studded ensemble cast. Directed by Tim Burton and based on the Topps trading card series of the same name, Mars Attacks! is a film that has garnered a devoted fanbase over the years. However, despite its quirky charm and unique approach, the film is often labeled as a misfire—one of the worst movies to come out of the 1990s. Yet, it features one of the most impressive casts in film history, a collection of A-list actors who somehow deliver performances that range from hilarious to utterly bizarre. This contrast between its talented cast and lackluster execution is what makes Mars Attacks! so fascinating, and arguably, one of the most divisive films in Burton’s career.
In this article, we will explore why Mars Attacks! is considered one of the worst films ever made, despite boasting an ensemble cast of the best actors of the time. We’ll break down the reasons behind its failure, analyze the star power involved, and attempt to understand how such a ridiculous premise with such a fantastic cast managed to go so wrong.
1. The Premise: A Ridiculous Plot that Misses the Mark
At its core, Mars Attacks! is a parody of alien invasion films from the 1950s and 1960s. The movie opens with Martians coming to Earth, and the premise quickly spirals into chaos. The Martians are initially presented as peaceful visitors, only to reveal their true nature: hostile invaders who are bent on destroying humanity with their advanced weaponry and their disorienting, high-pitched voices. The film blends absurdity, slapstick humor, and over-the-top action, but unfortunately, it fails to balance its tongue-in-cheek comedy with genuine emotional investment or a coherent narrative.
A Lack of Structure
The film struggles with pacing and coherence. It often feels like the script, written by Jonathan Gems, is more interested in showcasing random comedic bits or visual gags than developing a well-rounded story. The film has too many characters with too little screen time, leading to an overwhelming sense of disjointedness. Each scene presents a new subplot, from political leaders to random civilians, but no one plot feels like it gets the attention it deserves. Instead of focusing on a central narrative, the film feels like a series of vignettes, none of which come together to form a satisfying whole.
Absurd Humor Gone Too Far
While Burton is known for his offbeat sense of humor, Mars Attacks! takes it to the extreme. There’s no subtlety in the film’s comedic moments—whether it’s the Martians’ bizarre looks or their overly exaggerated actions, the movie leans into campy absurdity at every turn. The humor quickly becomes too much to handle, leading to a sense of viewer fatigue as the movie progresses. It’s one thing to be quirky, but Mars Attacks! can feel like it’s trying so hard to be quirky that it loses sight of the balance between absurdity and coherence.
2. The Cast: A Who’s Who of Hollywood Talent
Despite its troubled execution, Mars Attacks! boasts one of the most star-studded casts in Hollywood history, featuring actors who were at the top of their game in the 1990s. Let’s break down just a few of the notable stars in the film and how they contributed to the movie.
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson, one of the greatest actors of his generation, takes on two roles in the film—President James Dale and a real estate mogul, Art Land. This dual casting was a bold choice, adding to the film’s absurdity, but ultimately, Nicholson’s presence feels wasted. While Nicholson delivers his signature larger-than-life performance, it often clashes with the comedic tone of the film. Nicholson’s acting chops are undeniable, but Mars Attacks! doesn’t give him the material to truly shine.
Glenn Close
Glenn Close, an actress renowned for her ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles, plays the First Lady, a role that could have been pivotal to the film. Close brings a certain gravitas to the character, but her performance is ultimately relegated to a silly subplot about the First Lady being kidnapped by the Martians. Close is incredibly talented, but her character is never given enough depth to do justice to her capabilities. Her comedic moments fall flat, and the film seems unsure of whether it wants to satirize politics or make her a serious figure in the narrative.
Annette Bening
Annette Bening, playing the role of Barbara Land, Art’s wife, is another fantastic actress who is severely underutilized. The film’s absurdity completely overshadows her performance, and Bening’s talents are wasted on a character that doesn’t offer much more than being the nervous suburban housewife trope. She gives it her all, but the film doesn’t seem to care about her character’s development, reducing her role to an accessory in a larger chaotic narrative.
Pierce Brosnan
As a scientist trying to decipher the Martians’ language and motives, Pierce Brosnan was cast as the intellectual hero of the story, but his character is once again left stranded in the narrative’s chaos. Brosnan’s role should have been pivotal, as his character is meant to be the voice of reason and the one who bridges the gap between the alien invaders and humanity. However, the film doesn’t explore this dynamic effectively, and Brosnan’s character is often relegated to slapstick humor rather than the more thoughtful portrayal of intelligence the role required.
Sarah Jessica Parker
In what is arguably one of the most bizarre and underwhelming performances of the film, Sarah Jessica Parker plays a woman whose body is taken over by a Martian. While Parker gives her usual quirky performance, this role is a one-joke concept that fails to develop into anything meaningful. It’s a missed opportunity for Parker to contribute something deeper to the story, but instead, she’s left with an odd, inconsequential character arc that doesn’t fit within the greater scope of the film.
Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox, Martin Short, and Others
The film features numerous other actors who are often given brief, throwaway roles. From Danny DeVito as a news anchor to Michael J. Fox as a TV anchor, and Martin Short as a smarmy, opportunistic reporter, these actors all bring charm to their roles, but none of them have enough time or material to leave a significant mark on the film. They’re either tasked with delivering punchlines that fall flat or simply playing into the absurdity of the narrative.
3. The Direction: Tim Burton’s Signature Style—Taken Too Far?
Tim Burton has become synonymous with quirky, offbeat films, often creating worlds that feel otherworldly or timeless. From Beetlejuice (1988) to Edward Scissorhands (1990) to The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Burton has been a master at blending gothic, whimsical visuals with dark humor and deep emotional resonance. However, Mars Attacks! represents a departure from this successful formula.
The film is visually striking, with the Martians designed in a way that feels distinctly Burtonesque, reminiscent of the eccentricity of his other works. However, the film’s jarring visual style and rapid-fire pace sometimes make it feel like Burton is trying too hard to capture the chaotic energy of his earlier works without considering whether the narrative could support it. The film’s bombastic visuals and unrestrained humor give it a chaotic and almost disorienting tone, which ultimately detracts from the intended comedy.
Burton’s decision to lean into cartoonish absurdity in place of subtle character development or poignant moments makes it hard for the audience to connect emotionally with the film. Where his earlier films managed to balance whimsical charm with emotional stakes, Mars Attacks! seems more focused on surprising the audience with random, over-the-top gags than developing a coherent story.
4. Why It Still Has a Cult Following
Despite its many flaws, Mars Attacks! has maintained a cult following over the years, thanks in part to its wacky charm and the memorable performances of its star-studded cast. The film’s over-the-top humor and sci-fi satire appeal to fans of the genre who appreciate Burton’s irreverent take on alien invasion tropes. The outrageousness of the Martians’ appearance, the absurdity of the plot, and the general tone of the film make it a guilty pleasure for many viewers.
While the film may not have been a critical success or a box office hit, it found a home in the hearts of fans who embraced it for its unique brand of humor and its iconic imagery. Mars Attacks! is an example of a film that, while flawed in many ways, manages to leave a lasting impression on audiences because of its distinctive style and bold choices.
5. Conclusion: A Cast That Deserves Better
At the end of the day, Mars Attacks! will always be remembered as a film with a great cast and a terrible script. It’s a movie that had so much potential, yet ultimately didn’t live up to the sum of its parts. With a talented ensemble of actors and Tim Burton at the helm, it’s clear that the film could have been something far more substantial than the absurd, chaotic farce it turned out to be.
Mars Attacks! is one of those films that, despite its flaws, continues to be a conversation starter and a cult favorite—a movie that you’ll either love or wonder what went wrong. The truth is, its excellent cast deserved a better vehicle for their talents. Instead, they are trapped in a movie that, while fun to watch for its sheer absurdity, ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of disappointment and lost potential.
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