|
|
My Favorite Sci-Fi MoviesDec 10 '05 (Updated Dec 11 '05) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line These science fiction movies hold up over time and can be watched over and over again. Some great performances, gripping action, and intelligent stories make these my favorites. My Favorite Sci-Fi Flicks Although I’m not as big a fan of science fiction fan as some other genres, I do like a good sci-fi flick once in a while. One that has an interesting story, good characters, great actors, direction, and camera work. The following are some of the most memorable I’ve seen, listed in chronological order The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) “Klaatu Barada Nickto.“ Michael Rennie stars as the mysterious visitor from outer space with a dire warning for the inhabitants of Earth. The real star of the film is the seven foot tall robot named Gort. Great special effects and sterling supporting cast including Patricia Neal, Billy Gray, and Sam Jaffee. Directed by Robert Wise, who cut his teeth editing Citizen Kane. Scored by Bernard Herrman, one of the first sci-fi movies to use a Theremin - that instrument that makes the weird wailing sound to indicate suspense. So familiar nowadays, it was new then. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) “Those natives eat liars with the same enthusiasm they eat honest men.“ Based on the novel by the great science fiction author Jules Verne, the production values of this Disney film are among the very best. This was Disney’s first attempt at live action and the result is a smashing viewing experience for young and old alike. OK, the squid does look a little fake, but still, with so many gripping action sequences it’s easy to overlook that little flaw. Starring James Mason as the mysterious Captain Nemo with Kirk Douglas, Paul Lukas, and Peter Lorre as his guests, um prisoners, aboard the fantastic submarine Nautilus. The first US nuclear submarine was named Nautilus, in honor of this picture. Directed by Richard Fleischer who also brought us the fantastic Soylent Green and the thrilling The Vikings. Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) Another film adaptation of a Jules Verne novel starring James Mason that is enchanting for young and old alike. Mason is the bookish and misogynistic professor Oliver Lindenbrook who leads an expedition to see whether man can truly reach the center of the earth as written by medieval philosopher Arne Saknussem. Spellbinding cinematography by Leo Tover and mesmerizing music by Bernard Herrman (Psycho). Great supporting cast includes Arlene Dahl, Pat Boone, Thayer David, and Peter Ronson - and oh yes, Gertrude the Duck. You’ll want to see this one again and again. The Time Machine (1960) “When I speak of time, I'm speaking of the fourth dimension.” Rod Taylor stars as the time traveler who finds human nature has not changed all that much when he visits the distant future. The humans have devolved into two distinct species, one a set of grass eaters, the other meat eaters. I guess I don’t have to tell you what kind of meat they eat. Absolutely wonderful atmosphere and an intelligent screenplay by David Duncan, from the HG Wells story, as well as sterling direction by George Pal. Supporting cast includes Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian Cabot, and Alan Young (Mr. Ed). It’s so captivating that when the film is over you’ll be sad when you remember you can’t really travel in time. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) “The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake.” In the 1960s, science fiction took on a darker tone, with 2001 presenting one of the bleakest views of mankind’s future - computers are in control of men. Probably the greatest use of visuals ever in a science fiction movie, it is doubly good when you consider that it was made before man had stepped on the lunar surface and seen the Earth from that vantage point. Director Stanley Kubrick develops tremendous psychological tension in his duel between man and the out of control computer HAL, using visuals of HAL’s malevolently glowing single red “eye.” 2001 is a movie that will make you think. Omega Man (1971) “There‘s never a cop around when you need one.” Robert Neville (Charlton Heston) is the last man on Earth - well not quite. He’s the last normal man on Earth due to an experimental vaccine he invented just prior to nuclear war. Other survivors suffer from a weird albinism and seek to kill him as he’s “different.” Omega Man gives you quite a bit of food for thought. Directed by Boris Sagal with memorable performances from Heston, Anthony Zerbe, Rosalind Cash, and Paul Koslo. Great viewing despite its dated polyester 70s look. Soylent Green (1973) "Tasteless, odorless crud." Speaking of food for thought - Soylent Green gives a look at what the problems of overpopulation do to the food chain circa AD 2022 - and it ain‘t pretty. Directed by Richard Fleischer and starring the immortal Charlton Heston as Detective Thorn, who is assigned a murder case involving one of the directors of the great Soylent Corporation, food producer for the masses. Everybody who has seen it likes this movie. Also starring the great Edward G. Robinson, Brock Peters, Leigh Taylor-Young, and Whit Bissell. Joseph Cotten does an important cameo. Alien (1979) “When we throw the switches, how long before the ship blows?” Sigourney Weaver stars in the suspense/horror space opera that spawned many sequels. Stylish director Ridley Scott tells his story at a leisurely Kubrick-like pace, punctuated by some gut wrenching horror that will cause you to jump. One of the best deep space movies and one that forever changed the genre. Sigourney Weaver was an unknown but this role made her a household word. Great atmospheric score by the masterful Jerry Goldsmith. Blade Runner (1982) “Let me tell you about my mother.” Ridley Scott, again, directs one of the all time classic sci-fi movies about a man whose job is to “retire” rogue androids. He’s good at his job, but you can tell it takes a lot out of him; in fact, the androids seem more human than the people. What’s going on here? Harrison Ford stars, along with great performances by Rutger Hauer, W. Emmett Walsh, Joanna Cassidy, Brion James, and Edward James Olmos. Blade Runner is one of those films you can see again and again and still find new meanings. Both sci-fi and film noir fans will love this movie. Terminator (1984) “I’ll be back.” Arnold Schwarzenegger was little known until he played the T-100 part human, part android, a killer from the future sent to eliminate Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the mother of the future leader of the resistance. Got that? Another film, Like 2001, that shows what happens when computers take over from mankind. Absolutely gripping visuals and leaves you with a sense of dread that has to be experienced to understand. It can’t be stopped. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel remorse or pity. James Cameron directed this low bucks masterpiece and Arnold Schwarzenegger became a star. Also stars Michael Biehn. RoboCop (1988) Paul Verhoeven made this wry look at US culture that keeps me coming back time and time again. Verhoeven shows what happens when government and corporations team up, with the end result that the corporation runs the government. The corporation plans to buy the City of Detroit, demolish it, and create a new glass monstrosity called Delta City. To effect their plan, they create an epidemic of drug use and violence, then present the solution - Robocop - half man, half machine, to put things in order as the fascists might put it. Absolutely compelling imagery and story, RoboCop is one of the best sci-fi films ever. Also by Paul Verhoeven and well worth seeing are Total Recall and Starship Troopers. Well, there you have them, my favorite science fiction movies. I hope I named some of yours and maybe gave you one or two to add to your viewing queue. Thanks for reading!  |
| Read all comments (13)|Write your own comment |
- Top 50|
Ads by Google
|
by dangbro
by jeff_wilder78
