Invasion! aka Top Of The Food Chain aka Welcome To Exceptional Vista is a film that demands more than one viewing. Actually I think I've seen it 6 times now and plan on more. Writer-director John Paizs has created a science fiction - comedy masterpiece which will make you feel GOOD without feeling stupid about it. I don't know if it was the closing of the nut factory or Dr. Lamonte trying to comfort Sandy Fawkes by grasping her face with his hand...ah hell it was much more than that. There are so many wicked dry comedy moments in this film that you literally don't get a break. It is wall to wall hilarity and absolutely in my top ten favorite comedies of all time. John Paizs was also involved in the Candian comedy show called Hotbox, which is funny but not even close to the genius of Invasion! If I score some major cash in the future you'd better believe I will be forking over some of it to Mr. Paizs so he can make another on of these.

Reading the list of comments I found only one negative response. I find it very surprising that it comes from someone who's familiar with Plan 9 From Outer Space. If you like bad movies (for laughs, of course) I can't see how you could dislike this movie. I guess some people just don't have the patience (or brain power) for jokes that are subtle.My personal favourite part of this movie is the "prayer" that Sandy delivers in song. Heh heh. I memorized it. Those who plan to see the movie shouldn't read this next part, as it contains many spoilers. :) "They say that in Rupert's Land They found our Lady of Fatima's Hat. Holy Mary, Mother of God. They found your hat, How did it come off your head? Did you sneeze, Or drive in a convertable? Did a gust of wind take it away, Or were you eaten by aliens?"As if the lyrics weren't hilariously nonsensical enough, the song's melody also bounces haphazardly. Listening to it just brings so many questions to a logical person's mind. Why is she praying about aliens? Why would this mysterious angelic matriarch be driving in a convertable? Why is it a song? Just brilliant on so many levels.And of course, I love how they glaze over the fact that you can't tell what country they live in. The city is Exceptional Vista in Left Hemisphere, and the secret agent who aids them in finding the "moonmen" works for the "National Government", which is of course written on his ID card.What I especially love is when Sandy points out a plot hole, after Karel tries to explain how "cool fusion" works.I'd recommend this to everyone. Even to those who don't get it and find it unfunny. Maybe someday they'll learn.

In my area, this movie is available to rent as "Invasion!" It also has a holographic box, and the picture of Campbell Scott looks eerily like Martin Sheen. Don't let any of these factors deter you from renting the movie. It is a little known gem. Even video clerks don't know about it, they'll look on you with scorn when you bring it to the counter. But it's worth their scorn, trust me.This movie parodies the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as well as other 50's sci fi classics. But it doesn't just do a basic plot parody with dumb jokes plastered over it, a la Airplane or other Hollywood broad parodies. Top of the Foodchain gets into little details, like making fun of how all men in 50's sci fi seem to have traditionally female names (see cast list) or the bizarre, ham handed way that those movies dole out religious platitudes and hypocritically pro- and anti-science ideology. Campbell Scott is, as usual, dead on in his mimicry -- this time of 50's leading man mannerisms. He's got the reassuring shoulder clap *down*. Every little nuance of this movie is brilliant and surprisingly innovative in spite of the fact that the movie is a spoof. I'm giving credit to the Canadians on this one. I doubt this movie would have been as funny or insane had it been done in the States. Do not miss Invasion! or Top of the Food Chain or whatever it's called in your neighborhood. It is smart, funny and will always be one of my personal all time favorite rentals.

I just saw this film and really had no idea what to expect. I watched it twice and found that I really enjoyed it. Its a strange, funny little tale. I really thought it was going to be dumb. But as turns out I really liked it.