20 Million Miles to Earth (a.k.a. The Beast from Space) (1957)

“20 Million Miles to Earth” (a.k.a. “The Beast from Space”) is a science-fiction monster movie released in 1957. Directed by Nathan Juran and featuring the stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhausen, the film tells the story of a creature brought back to Earth by a team of astronauts after a mission to Venus. However, the creature soon grows to massive size and begins to wreak havoc in Rome.

The film’s special effects are its biggest draw, with Harryhausen’s animation of the creature being a standout feature. The stop-motion animation is impressive even by today’s standards and adds a unique visual element to the movie. The creature is a menacing force, and its rampages through the streets of Rome are thrilling and action-packed.

The human characters are somewhat forgettable, with the performances feeling a bit wooden at times. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise entertaining film. The pacing is brisk, and the action scenes are well-staged, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.

Overall, “20 Million Miles to Earth” is a fun and entertaining science-fiction movie with impressive special effects. While the human characters may not be the film’s strong suit, the creature itself is a fantastic creation that still holds up today. If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi movies or stop-motion animation, “20 Million Miles to Earth” is definitely worth a watch.