2
(nothing substantial)
7
(very mild violence and mild language)
2
(so bad it's amusing)
"Cosmos: War of the Planets" comes across as somebody's idea of a joke. It's so bad I can't imagine anyone taking the project seriously. And maybe they didn't because it looks like a lot of the people involved didn't use their real names for their credits.
This is low budget, Italian sci-fi that looks like the over-the-top bad B movies seen in shows that are making fun of over-the-top bad B movies. “Wormhole X-treme!” anyone? “Cavealien 2?”
When an alien signal interrupts the communications equipment on Earth, Capt. Hamilton and his crew are dispatched to investigate. They end up on a planet where the locals have been enslaved by robotic lifeforms. Hamilton wants to help these people, but to make sure he does so whether he wants to or not, the leaders take members of the crew hostage.
The one thing I find the most interesting here, mostly because it's the one thing I haven't seen show up often, is the dynamic of the heroes wanting to help someone in trouble but the people to be saved, not trusting the intentions of the heroes, feel the need to force their help. So they are essentially forcing the heroes to do something they already wanted to do of their own free wills.
"Whatever," right? One moderately interesting plot point does not redeem a meandering story with forgettable characters, high school stage-play acting, middle school stage-play special effects, and home video level tension. This is a movie so bad that it can be fun with the right audience. With sound effects that make a punch to the face sound like sticks breaking how can you not laugh? When a guy gets acid on his suit the others say it hasn't eaten through yet, so why is he acting like his arm is being dissolved off? How about the stereotypical tight uniforms with goofy looking red helmets?
Morality
This is a very tame production with only some mild strong language. There's nothing sexual or revealing, and only harmless “violence.”
Spirituality
This is such a dull story that I can't think of anything significant to discuss. I'll save the effort for better productions.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy sci-fi that is so bad it's amusing then check this one out. Otherwise spend your time elsewhere.
Buying Guide
"Cosmos War of the Planets" has a handful of unremarkable buying options for all those interested (meaning 5 people in the world may eventually find their way here to read about it over the next 500 years).
There are a few different DVD releases and several multi-pack options.
I can't find anything to suggest any version of the movie is better than any other. All list the same specs that I'll discuss below (when they bother to list any specs at all, that is). None mention remastering or the inclusion of any extras.
Final Recommendation:
I don't see a version that I would recommend over any other. I say just go for the best deal you can find. A multi-movie pack like Chilling is likely to give you the best cost per movie.
I got mine in the Chilling 20 pack.
Video
1.33:
There is no widescreen version. The image has some trash, grain, and lines. It's too dark at times, and the black portions of the image look pixelated.
Audio
2.0 mono:
The sound is low quality but decently clear. It does have some mild distortion and a few skips.
Packaging
The disc comes in a paper sleeve that lives in a plastic case. You can get more details about the set as a whole by checking out Chilling (20 pack) guide.
Extras
There are none.