The strictly formulaic direction and by-the-numbers script leach any true drama or humanity out of the bulk of the film, consigning it in the end to the category of interesting and strangely influential oddity.
4 Comments
03/04/06
Forbidden Planet (1956)
94
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:36
Fresh:34
Rotten:2
Average Rating:8/10
Consensus: Shakespeare gets the deluxe space treatment in Forbidden Planet, an adaptation of The Tempest with impressive sets and seamless special effects.
Runtime: 1 hr 39 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Synopsis: Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST is transformed in this landmark science-fiction film. Spacemen travel to a planet ruled by Dr. Edward Morbius (Walter Pidgeon), who has built a kingdom with his daughter... [More]
Starring: Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen, Warren Stevens
Director: Fred M. Wilcox
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Reviews for Forbidden Planet
The strictly formulaic direction and by-the-numbers script, however, leach any true drama or humanity out of the bulk of the film.
11/08/06
No review available.
06/19/04
An all-time favorite; great soundtrack, wonderful "Monster from the Id" and a fetching Anne Francis.
08/15/02
Offers some of the most amusing creatures conceived since the Keystone cops.
03/25/06
A dated but watchable 50's sci-fi drive-in movie.
03/19/03
No review available.
03/12/04
Marvelous special effects.
06/14/05
Even on technical levels, Forbidden Planet is a successful film. Special effects were best of its age, and even today some of the scenes might impress the viewers.
01/01/00
No review available.
06/16/05
A cinematic marvel for the ages, Forbidden Planet possesses a look and feel that was far ahead of its time.
07/10/07
An ingenious script, excellent special effects and photography, and superior acting, make it an endearing winner.
01/26/06
Some of the special effects (revolutionary for its time) may look tacky by today's standards but its intelligent storyline makes up for it.
01/01/00
be sure to see this eye-filling sci-fi classic in full Cinemascope
07/29/02
MGM's full color, 'Scope production looks amazing, and Robby the Robot steals the show.
12/07/06
...with minor reservations, I'd say Forbidden Planet remains one of Hollywood's better sci-fi accomplishments. (50th Anniversary Edition)
11/07/06
One of the visual highlights of '50s science fiction
10/25/02
Interesting concept, but pretty lame sci-fi despite it's bloated reputation.
01/16/03
One of the most influential science fiction films of the 1950s.
10/20/05
Forbidden Planet stands as the Technicolor, major studio jewel in the crown of the handful of intelligent, dissenting polemical counterpoints of the decade.
04/01/02
Latest News for Forbidden Planet
December 21, 2008:
James Cameron Forbidden Planet Bound? 
According to IESB's sources, the new "Forbidden Planet" movie might have a director -- and his name might be James Cameron. More...
December 03, 2008:
Straczynski Promises a Forbidden Planet "You'll Have to See"
It isn't a remake, a re-imagining, or a prequel...so what, exactly, is J. Michael Straczynski's "Forbidden Planet" project? As the screenwriter tells MTV, it's "something that... More...
November 07, 2008:
Straczynski's Forbidden Planet a Sequel?
A week after news surfaced of a J. Michael Straczynski-scripted "Forbidden Planet" remake, AICN has the first details of what is being described as an "enormous, giant, retro... More...
October 31, 2008:
Straczynski Heads to Forbidden Planet
"Changeling" writer (and "Babylon 5" creator) J. Michael Straczynski has been hired to write the screenplay for the Joel Silver-produced "Forbidden Planet" update in the works... More...
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