Now, I’ll be upfront. I love “Night of the Comet.” It’s a movie that intrigued me 20 years ago, and I still get much pleasure from watching it today. I suspect that it is also a movie that will generate many 5 star reviews from those eager to embrace its nostalgic charms. But let’s be honest, too. 20 years ago, this was a solid B-movie lark with no pretensions–that’s why it was discovered and beloved (largely with the advance of cable TV). As an enjoyable romp, it hit all the right marks as a popcorn movie–but it was never great art. Those who loved it then will likely still find much to appreciate. I am, however, going to be cautious in my appraisal for modern audiences checking this out for the first time. I still think many will get a kick out of it, but it might be a film best approached with modest expectations.
Set in the near future, “Night of the Comet” follows a couple of sisters in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. In the aftermath of a comet’s orbit, earth’s citizens have largely been reduced to red dust. There are few survivors (those shielded by steel, in some way). Others, who were partially exposed, roam the city having taken on the countenance of flesh eating zombies. Tough minded Reg, played by Catherine Mary Stewart, and her cheerleader sister, Kelli Maroney, aren’t pushovers, though. Using a natural survival instinct, an aptitude for weapons, Valley Girl sensibilities, and a love of shopping–these two are a force to be reckoned with. Robert Beltran joins them as a trucker and potential love interest. It seems that an underground facility of scientists has also survived (led by the sublime Mary Woronov of “Eating Raoul” fame). Arguing about whether or not to round up others who made it, their motives may be suspect. What follows is a campy adventure with loads of 80s music, plenty of gunplay, wisecracking teens, and a solid plot, too.
As I said initially, “Night” totally succeeds due to its lack of pretension and its better-than-average setup. It appeals to a teen demographic, features resilient and strong female characters, plays solidly as comedy as well as sci-fi. It’s just fun. There are faults, to be sure–to make the city look desolate, there are almost no cars parked, or on the streets, anywhere. Not like the Los Angeles I know–but somehow, even that appealed to my sense of camp.
I am giving “Night” only 3 stars. Again, this is so newcomers will approach the movie not thinking this is the “best movie ever.” I don’t want to oversell it, it must be discovered and appreciated on its own merit. I love it, though, and hopefully you will too. Remember, though, it’s a product of its time–not the glossy production you might expect today.
