Then, I watched it.
The first thing I learned is that HEARTBEEPS is comic science fiction romance through and through. I mean, there isn’t a doubt in my mind. It’s a pure, unadulterated sci-fi romantic comedy. Color me shocked and awed.
Unfortunately, HEARTBEEPS has got to be one of the worst SFR films ever made (worse than WAR IN SPACE? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”). I can’t even describe how bad this film is. Painfully bad. Cringeworthy bad. You-won’t-forgive-yourself-in-the-morning bad. In fact, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Basically, HEARTBEEPS is about two robots who meet, fall in love, walk around some, create a robot kid together, walk around some more, hang out with a robot Henny Youngman, do some more walking, and then settle down in a junk yard, the end. (You can read a slightly more detailed plot summary here).
I don’t know who the target audience is (was) for this film. I don’t think the creators or the studio knew, either. It buries Kaufman's talent under a leaden script, so it isn't for his fans. It has a cutesy factor that might appeal to kids (assuming they aren’t bored to tears first), but it also has some very trauma-inducing imagery—like watching your parents “die.” There's also quite a bit of unnecessary cursing. WTF? And yet it’s far, far too boring for adults.
So let's review: it's not for kids, adults, or the stars' fans. Who does that leave? The retro-robot audience perhaps...?
Based on what research I could find, this film was allegedly created as a test vehicle for Andy Kaufman. The actor was shopping around a screenplay he wrote, but the studio wanted to see if he could carry a movie first before they would agree to green-light his. I don’t understand the logic in that, but that right there should tell you something about the logic of this movie.
HEARTBEEPS might be worth a curiosity rental if only for the surreal experience of seeing Stan Winston’s robotic creations set against a barely there near-future backdrop. Only hardcore SFR lovers need apply as this film isn’t for the faint of heart.
On the other hand, you might be a fan of HEARTBEEPS if:* You aren't a fan of plots, as there sure isn't one here.
* The sight of waddling robots gets your heart thumping.
* Watching said robots wander aimlessly around a forest for 70+ minutes is your idea of an extreme sport.
* You’re a fan of character motivations as thin as the script they’re written on.
* Worldbuilding, schmworldbuilding is your mantra.
* You don’t find anything suspicious about the fact that Phil, the robot kid, sounds exactly like R2-D2.
* You think jokes based on “robot-speak” (e.g., “The thought never crossed my grid”) are extremely funny. (They're here in abundance.)
* You don’t think jokes that are legitimately funny should be a requirement for a comedy.
* Watching towels dry is your idea of a swinging time.
I could go on, but you’re probably better off (or maybe not) watching a few clips so you can make up your own mind:
HEARTBEEPS Trailer:
Val meets Aqua for the first time (from opening sequence):
And meet the family:
Am I being too harsh? Was HEARTBEEPS visionary art simply ahead of its time? Nah. The late Andy Kaufman himself provided comedy that was way ahead of its time, but not this film. That would be giving it too much credit. Once on the Letterman show, Kaufman promised to refund the price of admission to everyone who saw this monstrosity, which prompted Dave to reply, "Make sure you have change for a twenty."
Yes, it's that bad.
Still, it’s my duty as a science fiction romance ambassador to connect you with any and all relevant stories regardless of medium or quality.
That said, HEARTBEEPS was really pushing it. Oy. But fear not, I will persevere!
Joyfully yours,
Heather