Ray Harryhausen

25 April 2005

I've always been a fan of Ray Harryhausen's stop motion effects, and Billy has become a fan too. We've started watching all of the old films again, and here's what we think of the ones we've watched so far (in chronological order).

Earth vs The Flying Saucers (1956)
This is a real B-Movie. That's not always a problem, but the story is pretty diabolical. Effects are good for their day, but there aren't really enough of them, and the actors in rubber alien costumes are terrible. It's a shame Ray wasn't allowed to animate the aliens. The movie tagline was "Warning! Take Cover! Flying Saucers Invade Our Planet! Washington, London, Paris, Moscow Fight Back!". 5/10

The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
I like this film. The difference in the effects in this one compared to 'Earth vs The Flying Saucers' is amazing, and the story is great too. Animated monsters include: Cyclops, a sword-wielding skeleton, a two-headed Roc and a dragon. Brilliant. 7/10

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Definitely my favourite Harryhausen film. Talos is still as scary today as he was when I was 7. We've watched this film over and over. As a kid I remember watching open mouthed as Poseidon appeared in the sea holding open the 'Clashing Rocks'. 9/10

Hello. My name is Roy. I live in rural Oxfordshire.

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