Alien Addiction

Alien Addiction is a 2018 science-fiction comedy flick that sprinkles the dire universal conflict with loads of humor, incredibly absurd situations, and a fresh take on extra-terrestrial encounters. Directed by Shae Sterling, the film stars Jimi Jackson, Thomas Sainsbury, and JoJo Waaka, who bring a unique lightness and comic candor to the genre, merging the charms of a small-town story with the grandeur of an alien invasion.

Set in the quaint town of Roto, situated in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the film introduces us to Riko, portrayed by the charismatic Jimi Jackson. Riko is an everyman, with his existence revolving around his mundane life filled with his simple dreams, aspirations, and love for his town. However, Riko's usual routine has a massive interstellar-sized spanner thrown into it when he encounters two bizarre beings not from his world, yet sharing his affinity for vice. What unfolds is an extraordinary adventure, blending the otherworldly oddity with earthy humor.

Alien Addiction’s distinct comedic tone is its greatest asset. Drawing from popular culture and classic science fiction tropes, it reinterprets these with a nuanced, Kiwi humor that is both engaging and intelligent. The plot takes unpredictable turns, stepping away from formulaic storylines typically associated with alien invasion movies. The narrative seems to playfully ridicule our preconceived notions about extra-terrestrial life forms.

Leading the show, Jimi Jackson brilliantly transforms the seemingly ordinary character of Riko into an endearing and relatable figure. His acting prowess shines through, delivering humor and drama simultaneously. Jackson does a terrific job at grounding the whimsy and quirk of the alien-invasion narrative within a sincere portrayal of a man who’s just trying to make sense of the weird turn his life has taken. Comedy in the science-fiction genre can often descend into plain silliness, but Jackson's performance remarkably maintains a balance between the two.

New Zealand's comedians, Thomas Sainsbury and JoJo Waaka, offer superb support and build onto the comical aspects of the movie. Their intuitive comic timing adds an extra layer of amusement, and their performances as the confused duo navigating the 'alien' earthly life are equally hilarious as they are intriguing. The film appreciatively indulges in its character development, offering audiences a chance to connect with these 'aliens' on a personal level.

Shae Sterling has directed the film with a distinctive charm, placing the story in the heartlands of New Zealand, which provides a visually stunning backdrop to the film. Sterling’s unique lens captures the landscape in bright, beautiful hues. The film’s setting itself contributes to the unconventional atmosphere of the story—the bucolic beauty of Roto contrasts sharply with the high-concept alien adventure unfolding within it.

The creativity of Alien Addiction extends to its visual effects—far from the gaudy, the special effects of the film maintain an impressive standard. Despite working on what is undoubtedly a fractional budget compared to its Hollywood counterparts, the film pulls off the required advanced technology-based elements and alien design spectacularly.

Additionally, the movie’s soundtrack further underlines its unique identity. Spacey tunes and a mix of earthy beats serve a rhythmic backbone to the visually compelling storyline.

Alien Addiction breaks away from the classic alien-encounter narrative, indulging instead in hearty humor and localized charm to create a unique spin on the conventional extraterrestrial thriller. It offers a refreshingly creative and fun approach to a science-fiction narrative, backed by exceptional performances and extraordinary visuals, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys an unconventional, laugh-inducing twist on time-tested genres.