The Big Mess

About This Movie

So, 'The Big Mess' from 1971 is this quirky blend of comedy and science fiction that feels like a hodgepodge of ideas thrown together. Set in a dystopian 2034 where space travel is more about corporate greed than exploration, it follows two not-so-bright astronauts as they navigate a world filled with shady dealings and wrecked spaceships. The pacing is a bit uneven, but it lends to its charm, and the practical effects are charmingly low-budget – you can see the strings on some of the spaceships, which adds to the overall absurdity. The performances have a sort of goofy sincerity that keeps it entertaining, and there’s a certain offbeat atmosphere that makes it distinctive in the genre.

'The Big Mess' has always been a bit of an oddball in collector circles, partly due to its unknown director and the low-profile release it had. The film was initially available on VHS, and finding a good condition copy is getting trickier as time goes on. There’s a niche audience that appreciates its unrefined charm and humor, and that gives it a cult status among collectors who enjoy offbeat sci-fi comedies from the era.