Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)

While Earth vs. the Flying Saucers has been called the archetypal 1950s sci-fi movie (and with good reason), it's also a lot better than most of its competition. The story is not that different from dozens of similar movies of the era (evil aliens attack earth after lily-livered scientists refuse to believe that they're up to no good), but the leading actors (Hugh Marlowe and Joan Taylor) play the material with just the right balance of seriousness and gung-ho energy, and Fred F. Sears's direction maintains a snappy pace throughout. Ray Harryhausen's special effects alone make this movie worth a look; his flying saucers generate both dramatic tension and a "gee whiz" sense of wonder, and the climactic destruction of Washington D.C. beat Independence Day to the punch by 40 years and is also a lot more fun to watch. Earth vs. the Flying Saucers isn't much more than a B-budget science fiction story, but it's done with enough spunk, good humor, and solid craft to remind you how much fun a B-picture can be. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide