ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM (2015)

Many reading this review might think I was on acid when I wrote it; those used to Asian manga, anime and cinema will understand.  In Assassination Classroom Japan has been invaded by an alien creature resembling a yellow octopus with a smiley face, who has already destroyed most of the moon and threatens the same with earth ... but agrees to take over a class of losers and misfits at the Kunugigaoka Junior High School - the "E-Class" - and teach them not only their lessons but also assassination skills, promising the only way the earth can be saved is if any of the kids can kill him by graduation in March.  The government steps in to help the students, but with each attempt the alien proves harder to destroy, always one step ahead and ALWAYS smiling.  Based on a Japanese manga, this film is nuts but also great fun, with a very likable cast and killer special effects; odd, funny, even hitting a couple of the emotional notes it goes for in the end - and with the way it ends, there'd best be a sequel! (not rated)  B