LEPRECHAUN 4: EN EL ESPACIO

Maybe one of the least excusable "And Suddenly... They're In Space!" sequels horror has ever had to suffer through.

Final rating:★½: - Boring/disappointing. Avoid where possible.

A parody of Star Trek and the first 2 Aliens movies

Released to video in 1997, "Leprechaun 4: In Space" takes place in the future where a group of space marines travel to a distant planet to stop a power-hungry Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) from harming a Dominian princess, Zarina (Rebecca Carlton). The Marines' civilian boss is a mad scientist by the name of Dr. Mittenhand (Guy Siner). When the Leprechaun eventually manifests on the vessel havoc ensues.

I've only seen the first four Leprechaun movies and this is my second favorite after "Leprechaun 3" (1995). As a low-budget horror/comedy, you have to take it for what it is to appreciate it. Davis is entertaining as usual as the eponymous imp and the quality cast take it all tongue-in-cheek.

The Leprechaun rebirth scene is particularly effective, both funny and perverse. The way Dr. Mittenhand de-morphs is also done well. Meanwhile Rebecca Carlton & Jessica Collins are definite highlights as Princess Zarina and Tina, but they coulda done more with Zarina.

"Jaxon X" (2002) is cut from the same cloth, but had a bigger budget and is all-around superior.

The movie runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot at Front Street Studios, Los Angeles. ADDITIONAL CAST: Brent Jasmer and Tim Colceri play the main Marines while Debbe Dunning plays a secondary one. Gary Grossman is also on hand.

GRADE: B/B- (6.5/10 Stars)