Purple People Eater is the best. I love this movie. If it would be re-released I would by it. Cause it's been my favorite movie sense forever!!!! I wish they would rerelase it or at least show it on TV again. IT would be worth it!!
18 Reviews
This movie really.....
maryBMG28 July 2004
Sucks! My God!, it has the lamest ending in movie history! How are we supposed to believe that the kid was actually singing?? And, What was Little Richard doing there??? He can do SO MUCH better than that! This movie should be it the Bottom 100 rank!! Lets star with the tittle, it suggests that this is a good B movie with actual Purple people eaters! Now, that would have been a cool B movie. Next let go with the plot.... Well all i can say is, It is really lame, bad, it sucks, and f i keep going with this i will never end.... And the ending song??... Well lets just leave it like that... Conclusion, if you are up for a movie in which you can laugh for its stupidity and bad visual effects, you should rent this one...
Lighthearted Family Comedy Gone Wrong
gimmekrispykreme12 June 2003
Don't get me wrong. I love most any comedy that has a low level of objectionable content. This, however, is nowhere NEAR the level of quality of any of the Disney films, or any other family movie for that matter. The star of the production, the Purple People Eater, looks like a Barney impersonater that went to the tailor while drunk. Stay away from this awful mess at all costs.
An insult to everyone's intelligence.
Agent1020 October 2021
Anytime I hear someone say kids movies or kids media was better "back in the day," this would be exhibit A against that ridiculous notion. Good lord, who the heck approved this garbage.
I'm convinced the good reviews are made in jest, but c'mon people. This isn't even good bad. To begin with, the suit for the Purple People Eater is awful. It looks like a leftover shag carpet from the 70s. Or possibly it's a leftover jacket from Prince's 1980s wardrobe. Either way it was awful. And let's not even begin with the voice.
Now I get it, movies like this were meant to fill bargain bins at your local store, but Yeesh can some better effort be made. More often than not the microphone shows up at the top of the screen and the editing really needs some work. Yeesh.
I wouldn't let my young nieces and nephews watch this. It's such an insult to everyone involved. Find me someone who is proud to have made this slop and I will introduce you to a liar. Goes to show that people will do anything to get a movie credit.
I'm convinced the good reviews are made in jest, but c'mon people. This isn't even good bad. To begin with, the suit for the Purple People Eater is awful. It looks like a leftover shag carpet from the 70s. Or possibly it's a leftover jacket from Prince's 1980s wardrobe. Either way it was awful. And let's not even begin with the voice.
Now I get it, movies like this were meant to fill bargain bins at your local store, but Yeesh can some better effort be made. More often than not the microphone shows up at the top of the screen and the editing really needs some work. Yeesh.
I wouldn't let my young nieces and nephews watch this. It's such an insult to everyone involved. Find me someone who is proud to have made this slop and I will introduce you to a liar. Goes to show that people will do anything to get a movie credit.
One Eyed One...
BandSAboutMovies4 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know how director and writer Linda Shaye went from Screwballs I and II and Crystal Heart to this movie, but here we are.
This is based on the Sheb Wooley song - one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater - and Sheb's in here. So is Chubby Checker. And so is Little Richard, who used to scare the hell out of parents and now he's playing the mayor in a kid film based on a novelty song and maybe that makes me a little sad.
But Flying Purple People Eater is packed with people who either were on the way down or on the way up. The kids staying with their grandparents are playing by Neil Patrick Harris and Thora Birch. Ned Beatty is their grandfather and Shelley Winters is his neighbor. And hey! There's Peggy Lipton as the kid's mom.
You know how not rock and roll this all is? It was a K-Tel International movie. Yes, K-Tel. The greatest hits records people. They also put out Pardon My Blooper and are still around today, releasing movies like Hotel Transylvania 2.
Other folks to look out for are Dustin Diamond and Jim Houghton, who was in Superstition and was Kenny Ward on Knots Landing.
Anyways, the story here is that the purple people eater forms a band with the kids and they end up playing shows to save old people from losing their homes from the evil Mr. Noodle (John Brumfield). It's more Mac and Me than ET. How does that alien being appear? All you have to do is play his old record. No one is afraid when it happens. Me? I would have been screaming.
This is based on the Sheb Wooley song - one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater - and Sheb's in here. So is Chubby Checker. And so is Little Richard, who used to scare the hell out of parents and now he's playing the mayor in a kid film based on a novelty song and maybe that makes me a little sad.
But Flying Purple People Eater is packed with people who either were on the way down or on the way up. The kids staying with their grandparents are playing by Neil Patrick Harris and Thora Birch. Ned Beatty is their grandfather and Shelley Winters is his neighbor. And hey! There's Peggy Lipton as the kid's mom.
You know how not rock and roll this all is? It was a K-Tel International movie. Yes, K-Tel. The greatest hits records people. They also put out Pardon My Blooper and are still around today, releasing movies like Hotel Transylvania 2.
Other folks to look out for are Dustin Diamond and Jim Houghton, who was in Superstition and was Kenny Ward on Knots Landing.
Anyways, the story here is that the purple people eater forms a band with the kids and they end up playing shows to save old people from losing their homes from the evil Mr. Noodle (John Brumfield). It's more Mac and Me than ET. How does that alien being appear? All you have to do is play his old record. No one is afraid when it happens. Me? I would have been screaming.
Classic kids' film based after the 1950's song
areacode11114 January 2007
Purple People Eater is such a fun movie for kids and if you watched it first when you weren't a kid, you will never quite get how good it is. The original Sheb Wooley novelty song has sold over 100 million copies and the film is as classic and funky as the original song. The film is low budget but taps into kids' imagination.
Director Linda Shayne cast Shelley Winters, Ned Beatty, Little Richard, Chubby Checker, Peggy Lipton in this low budget movie with heart. The movie also stars kids who were unknown at the time, including Neil Patrick Harris and Thora Birch, who won a Youth In Film Award for her first performance in a feature film.
The soundtrack for the film has classic 1950's songs in it, including Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly." I loved this movie as a kid and my son is enjoying it now.
Director Linda Shayne cast Shelley Winters, Ned Beatty, Little Richard, Chubby Checker, Peggy Lipton in this low budget movie with heart. The movie also stars kids who were unknown at the time, including Neil Patrick Harris and Thora Birch, who won a Youth In Film Award for her first performance in a feature film.
The soundtrack for the film has classic 1950's songs in it, including Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly." I loved this movie as a kid and my son is enjoying it now.
This is a GREAT Movie -- even after 1,000+ viewings
just_tere19 June 2013
I could NOT give this a rating. This first time I saw it, I thought it was a charming movie, and really liked it, 15 out of 10. . Then, my 3- year old son got it in his brain. Now, 3-year olds LOVE repetition. Love it. So, I watched this movie 1,000+ times with him. 3-year olds love to have someone with them while watching the movie 1,000+ times. That would have been me. THEN I would have begged someone to burn it!
This was in 1989. As I write this, the song track is going through my mind. I WISH they would release this to video, or something. My son would love to have this for his daughter. He's complaining about Dora. hehehe The cars were also a reason my son is an old car fan!
This movie is truly magic. I would rate it up there with Cocoon, as a wonderful family movie with a calm, happy ending. The music is so upbeat and happy, the eater is adorable (I also think he's up there with Cookie Monster, my favorite of all time!). I didn't realize how many of the kids went on to be major stars. This is a great movie, really, even after 1,000+ watching. HEY! DUDES IN CHARGE! RE-RELEASE THIS!
UPDATE 3/5/14: I got a VHS copy of this movie and converted it to DVD. Cost me a bundle to get something that would convert it, but worth every penny (Diamond VC500 One Touch Video Capture Device from Amazon ($32.86, which is a lot of money on top of paying $32 for the VHS)and it was as wonderful as I remembered it. My son's oldest daughter is as fascinated with it as he was back in '89 and he cried when I gave it to him for Christmas. He loves watching it as much now as he did then, and when his daughter watches it, if he's home, he always watches with her. So, for $60 odd bucks I got it on DVD and it was worth every penny.
This was in 1989. As I write this, the song track is going through my mind. I WISH they would release this to video, or something. My son would love to have this for his daughter. He's complaining about Dora. hehehe The cars were also a reason my son is an old car fan!
This movie is truly magic. I would rate it up there with Cocoon, as a wonderful family movie with a calm, happy ending. The music is so upbeat and happy, the eater is adorable (I also think he's up there with Cookie Monster, my favorite of all time!). I didn't realize how many of the kids went on to be major stars. This is a great movie, really, even after 1,000+ watching. HEY! DUDES IN CHARGE! RE-RELEASE THIS!
UPDATE 3/5/14: I got a VHS copy of this movie and converted it to DVD. Cost me a bundle to get something that would convert it, but worth every penny (Diamond VC500 One Touch Video Capture Device from Amazon ($32.86, which is a lot of money on top of paying $32 for the VHS)and it was as wonderful as I remembered it. My son's oldest daughter is as fascinated with it as he was back in '89 and he cried when I gave it to him for Christmas. He loves watching it as much now as he did then, and when his daughter watches it, if he's home, he always watches with her. So, for $60 odd bucks I got it on DVD and it was worth every penny.
This is a movie kids must see
minerals24 September 2004
This movie is a good movie no matter what some others may think about how the purple people eater's apearence is because it shows respect to all people who are above the age of 60 years old. The way it shows respect is it shows that a group of kids who are in their early teens with the help of an alien are able to stop an evil landlord from trowing several elderly people out on the street just because he thinks that younger people don't like older people. This movie also has good old songs in it that are a whole lot better to listen to than the new songs that are coming out now. If all kids who are under ten years old were to watch this several times they would learn to show respect to all of those who are older than them. This movie should be released back on video and for the first time on DVD!
This is an awesome movie! I love purple people eater!
iamapenguin861 November 2005
Purple people eater is a classic! There is no way anyone with a camcorder could do better! I would definitely rent this and watch and take back to my family to see! This movie is really cute and families can sit down and watch it together! Plus, the theme song is off the hook! Anyone who doesn't like it is outta their mind! Every one i know loved it, i haven't heard one bad thing about it, ever. My whole family enjoys it, and their ages rank from 43 to 6! this movie is definitely one of a kind and should be watched by everyone! The purple people eater himself totally rocks, i would highly recommend everyone going out and renting this and taking it back to their families to watch and enjoy! I LOVED IT!!
I love it!
meaganmoon22 June 2007
I watched this movie when I was a kid and I absolutely loved it! In fact it was one of my favorites. Sure it was childish and a lot different from today's standard of movies, but hey i loved it! Of course there are no special effects, fighting, loud booms, and stuff. It's extremely kid friendly. I would say it's best for the really young ones who still like barney or us older ones who watched it when we were younger. None the less, I completely disagree that this is a waste of time. I enjoyed it and still do. I guess it just depends on the type of person you are. You're not going to find Violence, explosions, car racing, cursing or guns on this one. Just singing and fun.
Funny, off-beat kids movie.
CalifLS14 January 2001
Fast-paced and full of surprises like Little Richard, Chubby Checker and great 50's cars. Low-budget but innovative. Kids will love it. And adults will like the musical oldies. Many of the kid actors became well known years later - Neil Patrick Harris ("Doogie Howser") Thora Birch ("American Beauty") Dustin Diamond ("Saved By The Bell") and Shelley Winters and Ned Beatty were already known. A kids classic.
Purple People Eater
hlewis-312 July 2006
I am absolutely in love with the Purple People Eater! I think that every young child should watch it at least once. When i was a child i would never stop watching it. The purple People Eater is one of the most cutest aliens ever. I wish that Disney would start showing and re-releasing all of the old classics. Children these days needs to watch good movies besides all of the all computer animated movies that are being produced these days. The usage of all the old songs were great! Those were the days they actually made good rock n roll. all in all i love the movie the Purple People Eater! It is a classic and if they re-released i'd be one of the first ones to purchase it.
Good movie!
imadrummerbum4 February 2006
I just received another copy of this movie after not having had it since I was little, and I can personally testify that this movie is amazing! My sister and I used to watch it all the time and it was thoroughly entertaining. It may be cheesier than some, but this movie makes a big impact on children that don't know any better. And I mean that in the best way possible ;) It's a great movie for children in that stage where cartoons are maybe past their primary interest. I remember when I was a little girl I was proud to get permitted to watch a movie for big kids. Maybe the purple costume is a little much for the younger children, so make sure they're mature enough to handle it. :)
Excellent film, must be seen by all! :-)
klustor12 April 2003
I saw this film as a child, and to be honest I really enjoyed it and it was one of those films that stuck in my head. Ignore the comments, if you can find this rare and treasured film then make sure you see it! I would give it 6 out of 5, just for it's pure excellence.
One of the best kids movies ever made
k_h_h_124 November 2013
I have never written a review on IMDb before, but now I felt it would be the right time to do it.
Alright for me 'Purple people eater' is one of the best kids movies ever made, if not the best. Its a wonderful story about a relationship between a boy and a thing from outer-space who can play music from its horn.
Its a movie thats fits right in if you're having an off-day or you have been home laying sick, or just wants to sit on a Friday evening with your kids, eating popcorn or candy and just relax with a good movie.
The music in the movie is so well picked that it fits right in to the scene, and every time you see Purple on the screen you can't stop smiling or laughing because he is so special on his own way. Neil Patrick Harris does a wonderful job playing Billy, but sadly I felt that the movie was more about Purple than it was about Billy, still I think he did quite a good job.
Alright for me 'Purple people eater' is one of the best kids movies ever made, if not the best. Its a wonderful story about a relationship between a boy and a thing from outer-space who can play music from its horn.
Its a movie thats fits right in if you're having an off-day or you have been home laying sick, or just wants to sit on a Friday evening with your kids, eating popcorn or candy and just relax with a good movie.
The music in the movie is so well picked that it fits right in to the scene, and every time you see Purple on the screen you can't stop smiling or laughing because he is so special on his own way. Neil Patrick Harris does a wonderful job playing Billy, but sadly I felt that the movie was more about Purple than it was about Billy, still I think he did quite a good job.
Absolutely Wonderful
heavydude15 June 2021
It's 2021 and I'm 74 years old and watched this movie for the first time and loved it. It starts off slow but picks up big time when the Purple People Eater shows up. Plenty of laughs for the child in me and plenty of nostalgia for the adult. Special treats for me were the 1955 Thunderbird and the 1959 Ford Galaxie convertible.
Anyway, if it's still on youtube, watch it with your kids or grandkids.
Anyway, if it's still on youtube, watch it with your kids or grandkids.
I feel like teenagers or millennials wrote the 2 bad reviews
drrachellanderson17 June 2021
This movie is timeless. I loved it as a child and I love it now. The thing you have to understand is that it was made in 1988 so of course it isn't going to have the fancy effects of 2021. It's a cute story that really appeals to children and adults who loved it as children.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
