Doomsday Machine
Doomsday Machine

Movie spotlight

Doomsday Machine

1972
Movie
83 min
English

Following the discovery of a doomsday machine capable of destroying Earth, the launch of a US space mission to Venus is taken over by the military.

Insights

IMDb4.0/10
Director: Harry Hope, Lee H. KatzinGenres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Disaster

Plot Summary

A massive, experimental spacecraft, the 'Minerva', is launched with the intention of establishing a colony on Mars. However, an unforeseen solar flare cripples the ship and its advanced navigation system, leaving the crew facing a desperate struggle for survival as they drift towards the sun. The film follows the frantic efforts of both the stranded crew and mission control on Earth to avert disaster.

Critical Reception

Doomsday Machine is widely considered a low-budget, B-movie science fiction entry from the 1970s. While it features a notable cast, including Boris Karloff in one of his final roles, the film is generally criticized for its dated special effects, rudimentary plot, and overall production values. It has gained a cult following among fans of disaster films and vintage sci-fi.

What Reviewers Say

  • Criticized for its poor special effects and predictable storyline.

  • Panned for its low production values and often amateurish execution.

  • Seen as a relic of the disaster film craze, offering little in terms of sophisticated sci-fi storytelling.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Doomsday Machine' is largely negative, with viewers often pointing out its low-budget feel, unimpressive special effects, and simplistic plot. Despite these criticisms, some find it entertainingly bad or appreciate it as a nostalgic piece of 1970s sci-fi.

Fun Fact

This film was one of Boris Karloff's final acting roles before his death in 1969, though it was not released until 1972.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
talisencrw

talisencrw

I can see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, as I'm nearing the end of my infamous Mill Creek 50-film 'Nightmare Worlds' pack. This was a really strange viewing experience, and honestly made me wonder if my red wine had been spi...