Is What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 72 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1983, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Z-grade horror flick "The Hideous Sun Demon" re-dubbed and re-edited into a monster-movie spoof about a suntan lotion that works from the inside out (it also has a certain side effect). Unlike standard genre fare, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon 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 Craig Mitchell, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Comedy elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Clarke. Supported by the likes of Susan Tyrrell and Barbara Goodson, 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, the sheer charisma of Robert Clarke, Susan Tyrrell, Barbara Goodson manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1983 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Comedy, Science Fiction space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon 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. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
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, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 72 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team 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 that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Comedy 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.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Z-grade horror flick "The Hideous Sun Demon" re-dubbed and re-edited into a monster-movie spoof about a suntan lotion that works from the inside out (it also has a certain side effect).
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon (1983) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Comedy, Science Fiction categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Robert Clarke, Susan Tyrrell, Barbara Goodson or the visual majesty of its technical execution, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1983. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1983 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon movie hit or flop?
What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon worth watching?
What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon online?
What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon 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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Synopsis
Z-grade horror flick "The Hideous Sun Demon" re-dubbed and re-edited into a monster-movie spoof about a suntan lotion that works from the inside out (it also has a certain side effect).