Tim Burton was busy throughout the 1990s. In addition to directing “Batman Returns,” “Ed Wood,” and “Mars Attacks!,” he was also producing multiple projects, including “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “James and the Giant Peach,” the short-lived animated series “Family Dog,” and the cult oddity “Cabin Boy.” He also played a version of himself in Cameron Crowe’s ’90s relationship angst drama “Singles.” 

Although he is not on record with this, it’s easy to postulate that Burton was overworked. More likely, he had put a lot of time and energy into a bonkers, aggressive, violent comedy film that ’90s audiences weren’t on the same wavelength as. Larry Karaszewski, who co-wrote “Ed Wood,” understands the film’s outsider appeal: “There’s a singularity about the weirdness of it all,” he said. “It’s a big crazy confection. Does it all work? I have no clue whether it all works, but it’s a good time whenever you put it on.”

I agree with Karaszewski. “Mars Attacks!” is a good time. It offers an outlet for any aggressive feelings you may have about society, and there’s an odd, bleak comfort to that. “Mars Attacks!” is, like much of Burton’s work, a bizarre combination of the cult and the corporate. Fans of slick, relaxing corporate entertainment likely rejected its playful, nihilistic aggression, and cult kids knew better than to accept something that had been given the stamp of approval from Warner Bros. I see “Mars Attacks!” as slipping through the company cracks. A strange, strange movie that a strange director convinced famous people to be in, forcing the Hollywood establishment to take notice, but delivering a middle finger with a booger on the end. What a magical experience.

 “Mars Attacks!” is available for rent on multiple video rental platforms. Don’t run. It is your friend.