Target... Earth? (1980) movie backdrop
Target... Earth? (1980) movie poster

Target... Earth? Hit or Flop?

Rating
4.0/10
🎯Verdict
FLOP
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
198095 minDocumentary, Science Fiction
Audience VerdictFLOP

Target... Earth?

Target... Earth? Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Target... Earth? is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 4.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary, Science Fiction genre.

Is Target... Earth? Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Target... Earth? is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

4.01 votes
95Minutes
1980Release Year
Visual Story
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Target... Earth? Review

Last updated: January 17, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1980, Target... Earth? emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Really strange documentary of Wheeler Dixon production quality on the Tunguska Event and the possibility of it happening again causing an apocalypse (basically a meteor scare film) sprinkled with UFO conspiracy kooks, and other 'professionals', riddled with stock footage of all kinds, freaky moog music and sound fx, a Dr. Unlike standard genre fare, Target... Earth? attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Joost Van Rees, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study

The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Target... Earth? features a noteworthy lineup led by Victor Buono . Supported by the likes of Rick Overton and Carl Sagan, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, their sheer charisma keeps the audience invested. In the broader context of 1980 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting.

🎥 Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship

From a technical perspective, Target... Earth? is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production.

Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic. Furthermore, the sonic landscape adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.

📜 Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity

The structure of Target... Earth? follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 95 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining.

Critically, the editing choices help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience.

🌍 Cultural Impact & Global Resonance

Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Target... Earth? resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Target... Earth? (1980) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Target... Earth? Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Target... Earth? is a Documentary, Science Fiction film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Target... Earth? Ending Explained & Final Analysis

TL;DR: The Ending Explained: The conclusion of Target... Earth? resolved the main conflict by providing a complex, open-ended resolution. It emphasizes themes of Documentary and leaves room for significant fan interpretation.

The finale of Target... Earth? shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.

Key Takeaways from the Ending:

  • Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
  • Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Documentary that the film explored throughout its runtime.
  • Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.

Ultimately, Target... Earth?'s ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning.

Who Should Watch Target... Earth??

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Documentary films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Target... Earth?

  • Victor Buono – Homer The Archivist
  • Rick Overton – Ino The Computer (voice)
  • Carl Sagan – Self
  • Isaac Asimov – Self
  • Eugene Cernan – Self (archive footage)

Top Highlights

Victor Buono
Victor BuonoHomer The Archivist
Rick Overton
Rick OvertonIno The Computer (voice)
Carl Sagan
Carl SaganSelf
Isaac Asimov
Isaac AsimovSelf
Eugene Cernan
Eugene CernanSelf (archive footage)
Bernard J. Carr
Bernard J. CarrSelf (as Dr. Bernard Carr)
Frank Drake
Frank DrakeSelf (as Dr. Frank Drake)
Ronald E. Evans
Ronald E. EvansSelf (archive footage)

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Target... Earth? has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Target... Earth? stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1980 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Target... Earth? movie hit or flop?

Target... Earth? is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.

Is Target... Earth? worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 4/10, Target... Earth? may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

Where can I watch Target... Earth? online?

Target... Earth? may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

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How Target... Earth? Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Target... Earth?

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.0
Target... Earth?
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