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The Creation of the Humanoids (1962) / The Last Broadcast (1998)

The Creation of the Humanoids is a 1962 science fiction film. I remember they would show it on TV when  I was a kid and being fascinated by the opening credits that showed nuclear bomb detonations. I finally decided to check it out on Tubi.














After a 48 hour nuclear war wipes out 92% of the human population, the survivors build robots to help keep society going. The robots, known as clickers, grow more and more sophisticated, resembling actual human beings, despite their off color skin and eyes. An organization called The Order of the Flesh and Blood fiercely oppose the advancement of the robots, fearing the eventual extinction of the human race. One of its members, Kenneth Craigis, is informed that his sister is in “rapport” with her male robot that she purchased. He’s basically her cyborg lover. Craigis is enraged by this, and pleads with his sister to end the relationship. Meanwhile, scientist Dr. Raven illegally upgrades robots into advanced R96 models, which are equipped with human emotions and memories.












The movie focuses more on dialogue and ideas rather than fast paced action and adventure. It has some interesting themes regarding artificial intelligence, what it means to be human and have a soul, and societal paranoia and prejudice. In some ways it was reminiscent of Blade Runner, with its focus on humans vs. replicants. Despite the dialogue heavy scenes, it still manages to be interesting and hold your attention, though others may find it boring and dull. The weird futuristic music is reminiscent of the soundtrack to Forbidden Planet, with its mechanical whistles and pops. The sets are also quite colorful, with focus on primary colors. Dr. Raven, as well as the two female leads, help to liven things up with their more spirited performances. Everyone else in the cast is wooden, like…. well, robots. The ending throws a twist, though anyone who’s watched a lot of these type of films can see it coming. The Creation of the Humanoids is a curious slice of Psychotronic, retro b-movie sci-fi.










The Last Broadcast is a late 90’s mockumentary-style found footage about a filmmaker who investigates the murders of a public access cable show crew.






Filmmaker David Lee hosts a documentary where he examines the events of a 1995 incident, where the hosts and camera man of a public access show called Fact Or Fiction were found brutally murdered after going to the Pine Barrens to do a show on the alleged cryptic The Jersey Devil. The police immediately investigate the lone survivor, a guy named Jim Suerd, who claimed to be a psychic and lead them out to the isolated area where the crime took place. David interviews several different people, including psychologists, video editors, and law enforcement officials to get their take on the case, as well as footage and clips taken by the hosts. Jim Suerd is eventually tried and convicted for the murders, despite proclaiming his innocence. However, the filmmaker receives a mysterious package in the mail that suddenly changes everything that is known about the case. 














While the film has amateur actors, some of which are pretty bad, it still manages to be entertaining and slightly creepy. It seems to be heading in the direction of a true crime documentary, instead of focusing on supernatural elements, mainly, the Jersey Devil lore. Everything seems to be leading up to an interesting revelation. Unfortunately, that twist reveal ends up being pretty lame and unsatisfying. What could have been a creepy, effective ending just loses steam, ending up anticlimactic and almost laughable. It's a shame, because in the hands of a more talented filmmaker, it could've been executed much better. It’s understandable why the Blair Witch Project is still remembered, while this one is largely forgotten. I streamed this one on Tubi.










 

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