MOVIE REVIEW ... IRON SKY

 

It’s a brave film these days selling itself as a fantasy spoof featuring Nazis.  While TV shows such as ‘Allo Allo’ and ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ made a virtue of skewering them, recent movies on the same topic have been scarce.  Enter ‘Iron Sky’ – featuring wicked Nazis, space-ships and world domination.  While all very politically incorrect, it has an abundance of imaginative flair making it engaging.  Mixing the fantasy/science-fiction genre with great skill, it’s an entertaining movie with enough inventive ideas rivalling any over-blown blockbuster.

Astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) is sent to the moon at the bequest of the war-mongering American President (Stephanie Paul).  Upon landing he encounters a den of Nazis – descendants of those who fled to outer space after their defeat in World War 2.  Led by Fuhrer Wolfgang (Udo Kier) and deadly Lieutenant Klaus (Gotz Otto), they plan to invade earth.  Among those wanting to foil their plot is scientist Renate (Julia Dietze) who aims to save the world amidst an onslaught of evil superiority.

Taking its satirical cue from Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Dr. Strangelove’, ‘Iron Sky’ revels in its creative silliness.  Whilst its screenplay has nowhere near Strangelove’s intellectual wit it has a lot going for it in enthusiasm.  It’s easy seeing this was made by a group of film-makers enthused by comic books and various action films as their influence is readily seen.  From the many well rendered space battles to the stock standard fantasy archetypes, their efforts in crafting an over the top romp is welcome.

While falling down a little in terms of pacing and not having enough strong characters, the performers are generally good.  This isn’t an acting piece and it’s the CGI and action Director Timo Vuorensola wants everyone to see and there’s plenty of it. The ridiculous story knows no limits.  If it isn’t taken seriously then some fun should be had even if the script could have used some more work.

‘Iron Sky’ was clearly made by those loving creating genre twists.  A new performer in the theatre of the absurd it will be interesting seeing what its makers craft for their second act.

Movie Review Rating  6 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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