Fan Reviews

[Admin]

Hello ALF fans!



I'm interested in getting some fan reviews on the website. There are mixed opinions about the Project: ALF movie and believe it would be a great addition to the website to get those thoughts out in the open. More information can be found at:



http://www.alftv.net/fanreviews/projectalf.html



BTW: I'm trying to find a script which will allow fans to put reviews up on the site themselves instead of e-mailing them to me, but that's a future thought here - I'm still looking into it.

[ALFanatic]

All thumbs up for "Project: ALF". Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, I am of the opinion many devoted ALF fans have not seen the movie, since I see few posts under this topic on all ALF message boards.



In his only TV movie, ALF is at his absolute best with lots of humorous comments and retorts. Also, most of the supporting cast (Martin Sheen, Miguel Ferrer, Ray Walston, Ed Begley Jr., and Rocket) give great performances.



The only weakness is in the casting of two relative unknows as the Air Force psychologists responsible for ALF's care. Although the performances of the male and female actors is adequate, perhaps the movie could have been better if two experienced comedic actors were cast for these parts.



Due to many subtle inferences which are missed in a first viewing, "Project: ALF" is even better and funnier when watched a second and third time.



If you are an ALF fan, you must see "Project: ALF"!



Mike

[Dingodilelover]

Hmmm, I have not seen seen the movie, I DO want to though...

[MR. Littwack]

I rember watching the night it first aired in 1996. I hate to say at first I thought what the heck is this? Where are the Tanners? I felt it was missing something without them.
I taped it and put it on the shelf. I watched it again around 1999 or 2000. I liked it much better the second time around. I plan to watch it again here in the near future (maybe even tonight) I will leave a better review then.
All in all, what I remember of it, it was pretty good. More than anything, it was nice to have some kind of closure. When the last episode aired it originally said to be continued. Then the show was canceled. This at least told what happened to ALF after that show.

[MR. Littwack]

Ok, as I said I went and watched Project: ALF.

While I will say that it does entertain, the easiest way to explain my feelings would be: It isn't the tv show.

The ALF character seems much more synical than on the show. I supposed this could be explained by all he went through from the last show to the movie. So I can live with that.

The thing that bothered me the most was really the absence of the Tanners. I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone who hasn't seen it, but I'll just say it would have been better had they been involved in the umm --hopefully this isn't saying to much- escape.

Even though the film has a fairly good cast, the chemistry just wasn't there. In the show, it was ALF and the chemistry with the rest of the cast that carried the show. In the film it is really just ALF carrying the story.

Over all though, it is entertaining. A lot of good one liners. And man, the leading lady (the airforce major) is HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MR. Littwack]

Okay, its been a while and writing in on a similar post has made me decide to come back here to give the film another word or two.

For the most part, I still stand by my original review, but I must say having just last night watched the film again, this time listening to the commentary for the first time. I have found a new appreciation for it. Realizing that many of the things that were done were originally intended, and not just cop outs makes the movie a lot better to me.

Mainly as far as cop outs, I had thought the Tanners were not cast because the actors did not want to return. The commentary tells us otherwise. They were really planning to go in a new direction with ALF and for certain network reasons it went no further than the movie. But, at least the film was made giving us some sense of closure here.

One other thing I may point out, if you didn't care for the film the first time or two, keep trying. It grows on you. I'm liking it more and more with each viewing. And watch with the commentary if you haven't already.

[Admin]

Hmmm...I think it's time I update the Project: ALF Reviews page. Thanks for the reminder.

[ALF FIN SANE]

Just a few thoughts after watching Project:ALF for the first time about two weeks ago.

I did look forward to get to know what really happened to ALF. I did get my answers, but I really didn't like the movie very much.

- it has ALF, but the plot involves a lot of actors and they take a huge part of the conversations (many which are pretty boring). To me ALF feels like a side kick, who just goes with the flow and somehow he feels different. You gotta give room to the bigger cast for sure, but I wanted to see ALF and to me it did work much much better with juts the Tanners and some additionals every now and then.

- ALF being exposed to this extent is definitely not as much fun as it was when he was "hiding" and almost revealing himself occasionally.

- whole movie feels like rushed, dumbed down season 5. There seems to be many things that feel like they were meant to be bigger. I can just use my imagination when thinking about ALF's Casino etc. some things needed more air time.

- these are just my opinions, but quality of the movie dips radically in the second half. I didn't enjoy it as much and the ending was not the best, even though it closes the case for now at least. I don't know when I'm going to give this a second chance, maybe I should as many of you have said that

? the puppet looks different, this is not a big deal really and maybe it is just me, but the sitcom ALF- looks more livelier. Look at his nose for an example, it is darker colour and more solid I guess (same thing with the puppet used in the DVD menus). In the sitcom ALF used to bend his face/nose and it looked more furry to me. Did anyone else notice this? Maybe it is the lightning, I don't know?

+ it is still ALF, it has some really funny moments. My favourite scene is (not gonna spoil anything) the one with ALF at the motel reception and I liked how ALF was living in the army facilities. Still the best thing is seeing ALF again after the season 4 ending and the feeling they let him get to the spot light one more time (hopefully not the last). There is no way this could have topped the sitcom, so that in mind this is worth a look for every ALF fan I think...

I'm a bit critical, but that doesn't take anything away from the great sitcom.

[ALF FIN SANE]

I meant "lighting"... not lightning... sorry about that

[Admin]

Thanks for the review! I'll be sure to get that up on the site ASAP.

Thanks again!

[Jessica]

I have finally seen the movie! It was really good, but not as good as the TV-show. I though it was really cool, but the beginning was kinda boring. But things started to happen when ALF escaped. And the scenes at rhe motel was reallt funny. This film is so worth to watch!

But I don't understand the end of the movie. What happened with ALF?

[ALFanatic]

Jessica,

With his new found freedom and bestowed title (Ambassador to the Universe), the audience is left to ponder ALF's future.

Mike

[Jessica]

Jessica,

With his new found freedom and bestowed title (Ambassador to the Universe), the audience is left to ponder ALF's future.

Mike

So that means he stayed on earth?

[ALFanatic]

With titile "Ambassador to the Universe", ALF has freedom to roam the cosmos (including Earth).

Mike

[Jessica]

Ah..I see thanks..

[Agahnim]

I only saw a little of this movie and didn't like it at all. The whole idea of alf being involved in an army movie came across as clumsy and awkward comedy.

[ALFanatic]

Agahnim,

Although entitled to your opinion, at least be aware that the military personnel in your "Army" movie were wearing "Air Force" uniforms.

Mike

[ALFan]

I just got my movie in the mail today,and saw it for the first time! I did not have any problems with it,but I strongly agree with Mr.Litwack.It is not the TV show.I saw a little change in his personality,and the cast was good.Also,like ALFanatic said,experienced comedians would have helped.I have no complaints.Just would somebody please answer my question in Problems With Project: ALF. It is ALF so it is illegal to not like it.

[MR. Littwack]

? the puppet looks different, this is not a big deal really and maybe it is just me, but the sitcom ALF- looks more livelier. Look at his nose for an example, it is darker colour and more solid I guess (same thing with the puppet used in the DVD menus). In the sitcom ALF used to bend his face/nose and it looked more furry to me. Did anyone else notice this? Maybe it is the lightning, I don't know?

ALF FIN SANE, I noticed the same things when I first watched the film. I am not sure, but I think that the differences that you are refering to are due to the age of the puppet. A while back I was doing some digging trying to find out exactly how the puppet worked. This led to some interesting posts in another topic that you may want to check out, "How did the puppet work?". But as far as I can tell, there has only really been 1 puppet involved in the making of ALF, Project ALF, ALF's Hit Talk Show, or any other ALF appearances. The exception of course being "Ralph" who was a stand in puppet of sorts (if anyone knows where a picture of "Ralph" can be found please let me know).

But my guess as to the reason for the absence of facial movements in recent years is that the material his face is made from may not be aging well. It is probably a kind of foam rubber that is becoming rather stiff over the years.

Again I don't know for sure. They may have had multiple puppets over the years. I don't think we should hold this possible aging of ALF against the film though. Our most beloved actors and actresses age on film over the years.

[Gordo]

? the puppet looks different, this is not a big deal really and maybe it is just me, but the sitcom ALF- looks more livelier. Look at his nose for an example, it is darker colour and more solid I guess (same thing with the puppet used in the DVD menus). In the sitcom ALF used to bend his face/nose and it looked more furry to me. Did anyone else notice this? Maybe it is the lightning, I don't know?

ALF FIN SANE, I noticed the same things when I first watched the film. I am not sure, but I think that the differences that you are refering to are due to the age of the puppet. A while back I was doing some digging trying to find out exactly how the puppet worked. This led to some interesting posts in another topic that you may want to check out, "How did the puppet work?". But as far as I can tell, there has only really been 1 puppet involved in the making of ALF, Project ALF, ALF's Hit Talk Show, or any other ALF appearances. The exception of course being "Ralph" who was a stand in puppet of sorts (if anyone knows where a picture of "Ralph" can be found please let me know).

But my guess as to the reason for the absence of facial movements in recent years is that the material his face is made from may not be aging well. It is probably a kind of foam rubber that is becoming rather stiff over the years.

Again I don't know for sure. They may have had multiple puppets over the years. I don't think we should hold this possible aging of ALF against the film though. Our most beloved actors and actresses age on film over the years.

I think the puppets have changed quite a bit over time. For a big movie i'm sure they probably made sure ALF was looking his best. I don't think "RALF" would be happy with his picture out in the public eye. Last i heard he was running a strip bar in Germany, hence all these new DVD's ... probably bootlegs. lol