# Sally Marshall Is Not an Alien (1998)

### reviewed by
Greg King

SALLY MARSHALL IS NOT AN ALIEN (G). (UIP) Director: Mario Andreacchio Stars: Helen Neville, Natalie Vansier, Glenn McMillan, Thea Gumbert, Peter O'Brien, Vince Poletto, Melissa Jaffer Running time: 95 minutes.

Sally Marshall (played by 12 year old Canadian actress Natalie Vansier) is the new girl in town, and she seems a little weird. Her family move in next door to young Pip Lawson (Helen Neville), who has an interest in astronomy, and hopes to discover a new comet. Although Pip wonders about the strange noises and lights that come from the Marshall's backyard shed every night, she thinks the new girl is basically harmless.

But local play ground bully Rhonnie Branson (Thea Gumbert) decides that someone as weird as Sally must be an alien, and mobilises her gang against the new girl. Pip is forced to wager her beloved telescope in a bet with Rhonnie to prove that Sally is not an alien, but merely a girl with a few strange habits. Against her better judgement, Pip finds herself spying on Sally and her family. Eventually a friendship develops between these two girls who are considered misfits by Rhonnie's "in-crowd".

The intriguingly titled Sally Marshall Is Not An Alien deals with some important issues, such as tolerance, peer group pressure, the importance of individuality, and friendship. However, this well meaning film is let down by some uninspired direction from Adelaide-born Mario Andreacchio (Napoleon, Paws, etc). Andreacchio specialises in entertainment aimed squarely at family audiences, but apart from the far superior The Real Macaw, his films seem to lack any sense of sophistication and polish. When compared to American films aimed at a similar audience (The Babysitters' Club, Harriet the Spy, etc) Andreacchio's clumsy approach becomes apparent. The script is underdeveloped and several key scenes fall flat.

Most of the young cast are new to feature films, and their performances are embarrassingly amateurish and over the top. They lack the natural charm that most young child actors from Hollywood seem able to turn on at will, regardless of their lack of experience. The adult characters fare even worse as they are given little to do. Former soapy star Peter O'Brien (Neighbours, etc) lacks impact as Pip's understanding father, while all the others are virtually relegated to the background, and make little impression on the material.

Sally Marshall Is Not An Alien is aimed at young female audiences, who may identify with the two lead characters and their dilemma. While it may prove popular amongst pre-teen girls during the school holidays, this is far from the best film on offer. Audiences looking for something a bit more exciting or inspiring would be advised to give this rather disappointing film a wide berth.

    **
    greg king
    http:www/netau.com.au/gregking

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