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Laramie Movie Scope:
The Puppet Masters

A sci-fi classic comes to the screen

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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November 7, 1994 -- ``The Puppet Masters'' is an above average science fiction film. Based on Robert Heinlein's novel of the same name, it is a chilling story of ruthless alien parasites who try to take over the earth.

The story is similar to ``Invasion of the Body Snatchers,'' but instead of pod people there are nasty, slimy little slug-like creatures who attach themselves to people's backs and necks and take over their ``host's'' nervous systems. Director Stuart Orme does a good job of maintaining suspense and keeping the action rolling forward. The special effects are low-budget, but effective. The creatures are disgustingly realistic.

The only well-known star in the cast is Donald Sutherland, who also starred in the 1978 remake of ``Invasion of the Body Snatchers.'' Eric Thal and Julie Warner also star as part of a high-level government alien threat response team. The actors are all quite effective.

This is one of those gritty no-holds-barred chillers like ``Alien.'' It doesn't have the big budget, slickness or star power of ``Alien,'' but it is very well put together. It rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]

(If you e-mail me with a question about this or any other movie or review, please mention the name of the movie you are asking the question about, otherwise I may have no way of knowing which film you are referring to)