Weekend Watch: Mars Attacks! [1996 Comedy/Sci-fi]

In the wake of recent UFO sightings sparking debates from coffee shops to congressional hearings, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit Tim Burton’s 1996 cult classic Mars Attacks! This zany sci-fi comedy is an irreverent mashup of ‘50s alien invasion flicks and Burton’s signature dark humor, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast—Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, and Annette Bening, to name a few—all gleefully hamming it up as Earth faces an all-out assault from bizarre, bug-eyed Martians.

Mars Attacks! is as absurd as it is brilliant, blending slapstick comedy with biting social commentary. The Martians, with their grotesque appearance and penchant for vaporizing anything in sight, are a satirical jab at the human obsession with power and fear of the unknown. The film doesn’t take itself seriously for a second, and neither should you. It's a wild ride that relishes in chaos, and in a world where UFOs are making headlines, it feels oddly relevant.

As you watch the Martians wreak havoc with their iconic "Ack! Ack!" battle cry, you can't help but wonder—are we really alone in the universe? Or is it just a matter of time before life imitates art?

So, what do you think? Do you believe in aliens? 👽