Synopsis: In the small depressed town of Exceptional, Vista, things are about to get very strange. Dr. Karol Lamont (Scott), an expert in “cold fusion,” comes to the town for a vacation. Before he knows it, he stumbles upon a dead human corpse. Someone or something is eating the townsfolk, and those in residence are becoming very strange indeed.
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Top of the Food Chain 8.0

Have you seen a lot of ‘50s sci-fi thrillers? I’ve seen a few in time, and I think that there are a few unmistakable classics from that era, such ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ and ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’. But, mostly, they’re hokey and very dated.

‘Top of the Food Chain’ (or ‘Invasion!’, as it was called in the U.S) is a satire of such fare. It uses the oft-reheated premise of a small town that faces the threat of an alien invasion and tosses it on its ear. Basically, it’s akin to ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ meets (a more subdued) ‘Naked Gun’: the writing is fairly clever, the pace is good, the zingers are generally well-crafted, the acting is purposely hammy, and even the special effects evoke or make fun of the originals.

Not bad for a low-budget Canadian production!

Speaking of the acting, I was particularly impressed with Campbell Scott’s delivery: it’s a cross between Adam West and William Shatner, as he basically overdramatizes certain bits, pauses uncomfortably between others and feels as stiff as the lesser actors of that genre sometimes were. The rest of the cast aren’t as amusing, but they all find a way to reincarnate the genre’s clichéd characters with flair.

Overall, I’d say that this film was a very nice surprise. If you’re a fan of the late, great TV series ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’, then you would totally dig this. I am, and this was right up my alley. In fact, I think it will even grow on me over repeat viewing – much like ‘Best in Show’ or ‘The Princess Bride’ did (not to say that this film is of the same calibre, mind you).

To think that I see-sawed over it for a few days before picking it up. In the end, I’m really glad that I did.