Christmas on Mars (2008)

50% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
55% of users liked it
(673 ratings)

The film takes place during Christmastime on Mars, as the colonization of the Red Planet is underway. But, when an oxygen generator and a gravity control pod malfunction, Major Syrtis and his team fear for the worst. Syrtis hallucinates about the birth of a baby, and many other strange things.… More The film takes place during Christmastime on Mars, as the colonization of the Red Planet is underway. But, when an oxygen generator and a gravity control pod malfunction, Major Syrtis and his team fear for the worst. Syrtis hallucinates about the birth of a baby, and many other strange things. Meanwhile, a compassionate alien superbeing arrives, inspiring and helping the isolated astronauts.

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Wayne Coyne, George Salisbury
Written By: Wayne Coyne
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Sep 12, 2008 Limited
On DVD: Nov 11, 2008
Studio: Cinema Purgatorio

Critic Reviews

Joan Anderman, Boston Globe
Warmth and humor, Flaming Lips calling cards, are nowhere to be found.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
This mostly black-and-white, dreamlike yuletide fable does possess its own dorky DIY charm.
Andy Webster, New York Times
Many rock bands have a moment when they flirt with cinema, but the best efforts are...endearingly ragged projects, destined for cult status. For the Oklahoma group the Flaming Lips, that movie is Christmas on Mars.
Aaron Hillis, Village Voice
It's mainly pregnant with pauses that too frequently suck all the fun/oxygen out of each scene, like some art-film parody.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

First L

This could've used some editing. And some acting. There are some great (budget) visuals, and disturbing, creepy atmosphere, but nothing else worth mentioning. It's the type of film one should watch high in order to enjoy it to it's fullest. Unfortunately, I was stone… More
This could've used some editing. And some acting. There are some great (budget) visuals, and disturbing, creepy atmosphere, but nothing else worth mentioning. It's the type of film one should watch high in order to enjoy it to it's fullest. Unfortunately, I was stone sober and this movie was pretty much a challenge to sit through.
Tim S

I love the Flaming Lips and I am a huge fan of Wayne Coyne in general. That's what got me to watch this movie and actually made me finish watching this movie out of pure respect. There are some really funny cursing moments in the film which is why I give it a couple of stars.… More
I love the Flaming Lips and I am a huge fan of Wayne Coyne in general. That's what got me to watch this movie and actually made me finish watching this movie out of pure respect. There are some really funny cursing moments in the film which is why I give it a couple of stars. Otherwise, the whole culminates with a scene that includes a marching band whose heads are made of vaginas (I am not shitting you) who are crushing a crying baby. Look, I appreciate art and all that and there is probably a ton of stuff that I don't get because you have to listen to The Soft Bulletin backwards or something, but either way, if you enjoy half the shit that goes on the stage at his concerts and don't mind black and white, be my guest. Fred Armisan is fucking hilarious, though.
Kyle M

haha, oh the Flaming Lips, we love you.
Patrick D

It really has that cheesy 50s-60s sci-fi film feel, with all the purposefully cheap sets, and (possibly purposeful) bad acting. You also have that snail's pace that is common of the sub-genre, but within the slow movement you actually have some serious mood being built. The film… More
It really has that cheesy 50s-60s sci-fi film feel, with all the purposefully cheap sets, and (possibly purposeful) bad acting. You also have that snail's pace that is common of the sub-genre, but within the slow movement you actually have some serious mood being built. The film is shrouded in a heavy, creepy, and dreamlike feel that really sucks you in. It's no Kubrick, but it's still one heck of an experiment.