Mars Attacks!

Mars Attacks!

Year: 1996

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Burton

ActionSci-FiThrillerFantasyComedy

As a fleet of Martian spacecraft descends upon Earth's cities, humanity holds its breath. President James Dale and Professor Donald Kessler negotiate with the extraterrestrial visitors, but when a peaceful exchange turns to chaos, the world teeters on the brink of destruction. A desperate bid for nuclear retaliation sparks a catastrophic chain reaction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Mars Attacks! (1996)
Trace every key event in Mars Attacks! (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Arrival of the Martian Fleet

On May 10th, 1996, Earth experiences an unprecedented event as a massive fleet of flying saucers from Mars appears in the sky. This sight sends shockwaves around the globe, prompting urgent discussions among global leaders about the potential implications of this extraterrestrial visit.

May 10, 1996
2

President Dale Addresses the Nation

In light of the Martian arrival, President James Dale steps up to calm the American populace. His address highlights the importance of unity and caution, even as military leaders are torn between war and diplomacy regarding the extraterrestrial visitors.

May 10, 1996 United States
3

Debate on Alien Intentions

Tensions rise as General Decker pushes for military action against the Martians, while General Casey advocates for caution rooted in the absence of evidence proving hostile intentions. This debate sets the stage for the nation's next steps regarding the alien visitors.

4

Kessler's Insight about Advanced Civilizations

Scientific advisor Donald Kessler offers his perspective, asserting that any advanced civilization would likely be peaceful. His insights challenge the prevailing paranoia among military leaders and suggest a potential for cooperation with the Martians.

5

Nathalie and Jason Interview Kessler

On May 11th, talk show host Nathalie Lake and her boyfriend, reporter Jason Stone, interview Donald Kessler. Their discussion takes an unexpected turn as a Martian transmission interrupts, revealing Kessler's unspoken feelings for Nathalie, highlighting the personal connections amid the chaos.

May 11, 1996
6

Martians Prepare for Landing

As the Martians finalize their approach, they choose Pahrump, Nevada, as their landing site on May 13th. This announcement stirs a mix of anticipation and fear across the nation, prompting various characters to react to the impending contact.

May 13, 1996 Pahrump, Nevada
7

Billy-Glenn Enlists

Richie's brother, Billy-Glenn, decides to enlist in the military to serve his country amidst the uncertainty of the alien encounter. This personal choice highlights the societal impact of the Martian arrival on individual lives and family dynamics.

8

Martians' Arrival and Honorary Welcome

President Dale, swayed by General Casey's diplomatic approach, issues a directive to welcome the Martians as dignitaries. This decision marks a significant shift toward dialogue instead of conflict at a crucial moment in history.

9

Communication Breakdown

The introduction of translation technology aims to bridge communication gaps with the Martians, but things go awry. A careless act with a ray gun leads to chaos, resulting in the deaths of key characters and the abduction of Nathalie and her chihuahua.

10

Martians Conduct Experiments

Despite initial hopes, the Martians' true nature is revealed when they perform cruel experiments on their captives, including disturbing head-swapping incidents. This revelation solidifies the perception of the Martians as a grave threat rather than benign visitors.

11

Assaults on Major Cities

As tensions escalate, major cities suffer devastating attacks by the Martians, leading to widespread panic and loss. The First Lady is killed during an assault on the White House, showcasing the severe repercussions of the alien invasion on American life.

White House
12

Humanity's Resistance

Individuals like Barbara and Richie spring into action amidst the chaos. While Barbara escapes Las Vegas on Art's private plane, Richie risks everything to save his grandmother from a retirement home, demonstrating the human spirit's resilience.

Las Vegas
13

The Yodeling Solution

In a surprising twist, humans discover that the Martians are vulnerable to a yodeling tune, leading to a comical yet effective method to defeat them. This revelation turns the tide of battle, showcasing the power of creativity over brute force.

14

Heroes Emerge

In the aftermath of the conflict, several individuals emerge as heroes. Richie and his grandmother receive honors for their bravery, and families reunite, symbolizing hope and the survival of the human spirit against extraordinary odds.

15

A New Dawn

As the dust settles from the Martian invasion, humanity begins to rebuild and reflect on the events. The resilience shown during the crisis fosters a newfound appreciation for peace and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 11:53

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