As a child, I was frightened by this film so badly that when my dad imitated the villainous Martians’ gurgle, my blood would freeze. What can I say? Director Tim Burton’s ill-fated first dance with CGI was convincingly creepy, unlike his later attempts. Adapted from the iconic Topps trading card series, this cynical sci-fi horror comedy pits spineless neo-liberalism against alien aggression – all with the kitchy Fifties style Burton oozed throughout his Nineties era. Come for Sarah Jessica Parker’s head on a Chihuahua’s body; stay for Danny DeVito as the indelible Rude Gambler. – James Scott
