Attack of the Killer Tomatoes

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is a 1978 comedic horror film that was an innovative and successful attempt at unique horror genre parody. Directed by John De Bello, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes brings together an intriguing blend of adventure, comedy, and horror. The film stars a small ensemble cast with stand-out performances from David Miller in the leading role, joined by George Wilson and Sharon Taylor, each offering their unique contributions that help make this film a true cult classic.

The film presents an ironical take on classic horror tropes, spinning an absurdly hysterical tale about the unexpectedly dangerous and deadly nature of... tomatoes! Evidently, we're not talking about your run-of-the-mill garden variety tomatoes here. The tomatoes in question are genetically modified, vengeful, and sentient creatures, the likes of which moviegoers rarely see on screens. These surprisingly terrifying fruits are on a killing spree, and it's up to a ruggedly charming special agent, Mason Dixon (David Miller), to stop them.

From the opening credits - featuring a mock-Romantic ballad titled 'The Theme from Attack of the Killer Tomatoes' sung over footage of tomatoes growing in fast forward - the film is full of over-the-top humor that is both deadpan and farcical. De Bello and his team show impressive dedication to the silliness of their premise, delivering with a serious tone utterly ridiculous scenes filled with hysterical dialogues and outlandish situations that will have you laughing out loud.

Mason Dixon, played by newcomer David Miller, shows off his comical side in this film. His role requires him to tread lightly between action, comedy, and thriller, taking on the heroic role while maintaining a straight face despite the absurdity surrounding him. Accompanying Dixon is his extraordinary team composed of a swimmer, a soldier, a parachute tester, and an underwater expert who can't swim.

George Wilson gives an impressive performance as the President of the United States. The character is film’s primary bearer of satirical, sardonic humor. His comedic portrayal, fresh and charming, provides the film with the required levity. Meanwhile, Sharon Taylor sparkles in her role as a reporter; though her character serves mostly as the romantic interest of Dixon, the script further develops her character, offering mainstay humor and damsel-in-distress appeal without undermining the strength of her character.

It's worth noting that Attack of the Killer Tomatoes showcases wonderfully exaggerated sets, cheesy designs along with wonderfully janky horror elements that carry a vintage vibe. The special effects are perfectly rudimentary - closer in spirit to a community theater production than a blockbuster horror movie - giving the film its enduring charm. Satire and visual comedy abound, with the film's creators completely embracing the sheer silliness of their premise.

The film is perhaps best remembered for its laid-back and self-aware comedic style, but it also incorporates clever, incisive social commentary on subjects like consumerism, government bureaucracy, and the power of the mass media. The film doesn’t shy away from poking fun at consumerist culture and portraying the government and its bureaucracy in an absurd light.

Steven Peace, Rick Rockwell, Ernie Meyers, and John De Bello, the writing team behind Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, should indeed be commended for their imaginative storytelling. The investigation led by Dixon leads to a series of humorous situations and mishaps, each funnier than the last, while remaining impactful.

So, if you are a fan of horror-comedy films with offbeat humor, you're in for a delightful surprise with Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. Yes, the film may feature murderous fruits as its central menace, but it has the charm, humor, and absurdity to carry such an outrageous premise. The film’s endearing qualities lie in its quirkiness and the fact that the creators took what could have been a boring, generic, sci-fi concept and transformed it into one of the most memorable cult classic movies of its era.

To sum it up, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is engaging, entertaining, ludicrous, and surprisingly sharp. It's an unexpected comedic gem for the ages that perfectly blends horror and humor to deliver a deliciously unique cinematic experience that audiences will relish for its endearing absurdity.