The Cat from Outer Space
The Cat from Outer Space

Movie spotlight

The Cat from Outer Space

1978
Movie
104 min
English

A UFO is stranded on earth and impounded by the US government. Its pilot, a cat with a collar that gives it special powers, including the ability to communicate with humans, has eluded the authorities and seeks the help of a scientist in order to reclaim and repair his ship and get back home.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users60%
Director: Hal NeedhamGenres: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi

Plot Summary

An alien feline named Jake crash-lands on Earth and seeks the help of a human scientist to repair his spaceship and return home. Jake possesses extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic abilities, which he uses to communicate with and aid Dr. Frank Wilson. However, a shadowy government agency also becomes aware of Jake's presence, seeking to capture him and exploit his advanced technology for their own nefarious purposes.

Critical Reception

The Cat from Outer Space was a family-friendly science fiction comedy that received a mixed to positive reception. It was generally praised for its lighthearted tone, charming premise, and the performance of the cat (or rather, the combination of live cats and special effects). While not a critical darling, it was a popular choice for families looking for entertainment, and its effects were considered notable for the time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique premise and charming feline protagonist.

  • Appreciated for its lighthearted humor and family-friendly appeal.

  • Some critics found the plot predictable and the special effects somewhat dated.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the movie to be a fun and amusing watch, particularly enjoying the novelty of a talking cat from space and its telekinetic powers. Some viewers recalled it fondly as a childhood favorite, appreciating its gentle humor and escapist nature, though a few noted its age and simplicity by modern standards.

Fun Fact

The role of Jake the cat was played by several different cats, including one named Archimedes, and a combination of animatronics and special effects were used to bring his telekinetic abilities to life.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Nice idea, just not one that's executed well at all. <em>'The Cat from Outer Space'</em> is mundane. The concept of an alien cat invading is cool, but they choose to do it in a way that is boring - the cat, Jake, speaks via voiceover onl...