This little-known comedy was part of Jon Lovitz’s short-lived career as a leading actor and I remember it briefly existing via a commercial or print ad. However, it probably tanked for being in the shadow of bigger, more successful Summer draws in 1992: Batman Returns, Lethal Weapon 3 and ugh, Sister Act. Thanks to Hulu having it, I got to watch it 30 years later and it wasn’t too bad. Lovitz had to quit SNL to complete production (wise move in my opinion) and he blamed the movie tanking over last-minute changes to make it “family friendly.” This does explain why it felt uneven at times. If it were released during the Fall or Spring, then the producers could’ve left it alone and maybe Save would’ve been a comedy success.
The premise is goofy, Emperor Tod of an alien planet plans to destroy Earth but before he follows through, he is smitten by California housewife Marge Nelson. So when Marge and her husband Dick head out for a long weekend, Tod’s scientists use a giant magnet to kidnap them setting in motion a predictable outcome: Dick helps restore the rightful, imprisoned king to the throne; Marge fights Tod’s advances to stall for time.
What makes this stand out from other, similar stories? Two things. The first one is for comic effect and it’s not very funny, everybody on this planet is incredibly stupid, making Dick and Marge the smartest people around. The second I did like, it’s the set design which is very reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’ artwork. The alien costumes, buildings and trappings are colorful and often asymmetrical. It covers up for the intentionally, poor-quality special effects. I don’t mind this. If the story, comedy and/or acting can compensate, the effects are secondary. Save isn’t meant to be on par with Star Wars.
It’s still worth wasting 90 minutes as Lovitz was in his prime and amusing. Terri Garr is tolerable. It’s hard to watch Jeffrey Jones after the child endangerment charges that were issued against him. Maybe I’d change my mind if I saw him in Deadwood. The movie left Hulu a couple months ago but it may be on other services or it might return as the reboot of The Three Stooges from 2012 did.