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The Next Reel • Season 14 • Series: Roger Corman (Member Bonus) • Forbidden World

Forbidden World • Member Bonus

“It's simplifying the cells, until there's no difference between a cell in your eye or your toe.”

Alien Ripoffs, Mutations, and Space Station Romance
In 1982, legendary B-movie producer Roger Corman released Forbidden World, a low-budget sci-fi horror film that shamelessly borrowed elements from Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic Alien. Directed by Allan Holzman and starring Jesse Vint and June Chadwick, this exploitation flick follows a space marshal investigating a deadly mutant creature on a remote research station. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Roger Corman series with a conversation about Forbidden World.
We dive into the schlocky delights of this Alien knockoff, from its cheap special effects to its gratuitous nudity. We discuss the film’s place in Corman’s canon of quickly produced, low-budget genre fare, and how it compares to other Alien imitators of the era.
We highlight some of the more memorable aspects of Forbidden World, including:
  • The film’s creative use of recycled sets and footage from other Corman productions like Battle Beyond the Stars
  • The surprisingly effective creature effects, despite the obvious budget constraints
  • The scene-stealing performance of Fox Harris as the eccentric Dr. Cal
  • The copious amounts of female nudity, a hallmark of many Corman productions
We also touch on some of the film’s shortcomings, such as its derivative plot, uneven pacing, and occasional lapses in logic. However, we both agree that Forbidden World delivers exactly what it promises—a cheesy, exploitation-laden sci-fi romp that’s perfect for fans of low-budget genre cinema.
Additional topics covered in the conversation include:
  • The film’s not-so-subtle sexual undertones
  • Corman’s influence on the careers of many notable filmmakers, including James Cameron, who worked on Forbidden World‘s art direction
  • The effectiveness of the film’s practical effects, particularly the gory scenes involving the mutant creature
In conclusion, while Forbidden World may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s an entertaining example of the type of low-budget genre filmmaking that Roger Corman excelled at producing. We have a great time discussing this schlocky 1982 Alien knockoff, praising its creative practical effects and cheesy exploitation elements while also acknowledging its numerous flaws. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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