Sypnosis This is easily the best of Ray Harryhausen's earlier films, and although slight the story of a mission to Venus that accidentally returns a dangerous alien to earth serves the star of the film--Harryhausen's special effects--extremely well. Harryhausen is able to wring all sort of emotion from his creation, and you very quickly begin to respond to the YMIR as you would to a living, breathing performer.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the sympathy it creates for its monster: like King Kong and the Frankenstein Monster, the YMIR never asked to be brought into this world, and although it must be destroyed for the safety of others you can't help but feel sorry for the creature, who clearly wishes that every one would just leave it the heck alone. It's an amazing feat of Harryhausen's art, and a must have for any fan of stop-motion animation.

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