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TEN BEST SCI-FI MOVIES OF ALL TIMEFeb 08 '01 (Updated Mar 29 '01) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Sci-fi movies are not for everyone but all of these films provide an intelligent look at where we've been, where we are and where we're heading. When I saw this write off (now quite old), I sat down and wrote down the names of 23 Sci-fi movies that I like. I am an avid sci-fi reader but I do not differentiate between Sci-fi and Science Fiction so my list may seem unsophisticated to the truly dedicated fans of these genres. Here is my list of Honorable Mentions: INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS; CONTACT; BLADE RUNNER; ALTERED STATES; MATRIX; GATTACA; STAR WARS (EPISODES 4 & 5); SOYLENT GREEN. And now, my fellow humans and whatever aliens might be looking in on Epinions, here is my Top 10 Sci-Fi movies: 10. COLOSSUS-THE FORBIN PROJECT (1970) As with many of my choices, I first read the book this film is based on and , as usual, the book is better. But this movie is frightening in its believability. Made during the days of giant computers, the movie tells the story of how the U.S. ultimate weapon, Colossus, is going to completely eliminate man from nuclear war decisions. The only problem is that Colossus and its Russian equivalent decide to take over the world and they have some convincing techniques to quiet anyone who objects. Eric Braeden and Susan Clark star in this suspenseful film directed by Joseph Sargent. 9. THE TERMINATOR (1984) Directed by James Cameron before he became King of the World, this movie was a breakthrough for Arnold Schwarzeneger and Linda Hamilton. Arnold plays the mean and nasty cyborg sent back from a future controlled by machines to kill the mother of the most successful human rebel in that future. Through all the action, a love story develops between Hamilton and Michael Biehn (actually their characters) which is central to the whole film. There are great special effects mixed with solid acting and writing. I love the final scene of the movie. 8. PLANET OF THE APES (1968) Once again I read the book first and it was superior, but this movie really moves me when I see it. Director Franklin Schaffner utilizes Charlton Heston, Roddy MaDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans and James Whitmore to the best of their human and ape abilities. A group of astronauts led by Heston are somehow time-warped into a future where apes rule the planet they land on and humans are, well, not too bright. The costuming for the apes is incredible. Again, the movie has a knockout ending. 7. CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971) Stanley Kubrick's look at our world in the near future disappointed the author of the book, Anthony Burgess. I hadn't read the book when I saw Malcolm McDowell and his fellow misfits terrorize old and young alike. McDowell is sensational and though the movie uses huge amounts of violence, it is violence that Kubrick is hoping to curb. The movie also warns against the kind of state controlled mind altering plans to "fix" the criminal minds that have become popular lately. This was the kind of movie that you hated or loved. I loved it. 6. WAR OF THE WORLDS (1953) This film gave me nightmares. I was 7 when I saw it and for weeks, it was me against the Martians in my dreams. Byron Haskin directed this version of the H.G. Wells classic about a Mars invasion of our planet. Gene Barry stars along with Ann Robinson but special effects also play a leading role. The Martians land in one of those rural areas and are greeted with a suspicion that is well deserved. The creatures from the Red Planet didn't come here for tea and cookies. For most of the film, it looks like our days are numbered but we are saved in a unique ending. 5. ALIENS (1986) James Cameron hits another home run with the rare sequel that surpasses the original. Sigourney Weaver is the only human who lived through the first movie and she does a great acting job here. She goes back to the planet where the first alien she encountered was born and, along with some marines, tries to wipe out the creatures. Paul Reiser is a bad guy who just wants to take one of the monsters home for the good of the corporation. Exciting to the very end, you'll never see a meaner, more realistic creature. 4. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951) Robert Wise directed this intelligent classic about a friendly alien who comes to warn Earth about the dangers of nuclear war. Michael Rennie stars as the humanoid alien and he is befriended by Patricia Neal. Scientists seem impressed by the alien and his message but the military just wants to blow his ship up and keep him prisoner. Rennie gives us a warning that is tipped off by the title but eventually leaves with great doubts about the future of our little planet. 3. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) Steven Spielberg wrote and directed this intriguing story of a group of people who are drawn to a spot in Wyoming where the first contact with aliens will result. Richard Dreyfuss stars as a man down on his luck who is one of those who gets the call of the wild. The special effects and the musical score add to the greatness of a film that envisions a peaceful meeting between creatures from different worlds rather than the usual shoot-em-up encounters. The actual meeting is one of the great moments in cinema history with visual and audio delights. 2. 2001 (1968) Almost my number one choice, this Stanley Kubrick classic begins in the dawn of civilization to a future with as many questions as answers. There is someone out there who has been trying to get our attention and Kubrick utilizes one of the finest writers, Arthur C. Clarke, incredible special effects far ahead of their day, and Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra" to entice us into this far off future that we now live in-2001. The human cast is excellent with Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, and Gary Lockwood locking horns with the spaceship's computer, HAL. The story is told deliberately and the tension builds to a shocking climax which again leaves more questions than answers. This is a masterpiece. 1. E. T.--THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) O.K., I have to admit this is partially a sentimental choice. I took my 4 year old daughter and 9 year old son to this movie and in my whole life, I have never seen the strong reaction my daughter had when E.T. "dies". I almost had to leave the theater because she was crying so hard. Thank God, E.T. revived. That aside, Spielburg again masterfully combines mystery, fright, humor and love in a story that teaches much the same lesson he taught in Close Encounters: The unknown out there does not have to be threatening. Dee Wallace is the mother of two kids who end up hiding E.T. in their closet. The children are played by Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore. E.T. is played by, well, an amazing creature that is not exactly beautiful but is certainly lovable. There are a few scary moments early in the film, but the most frightening characters are not aliens. The scary creatures are government scientists. All that aside, this is a beautiful movie. Well folks, I've done it again--written a small book. I'm late to this write off but I've enjoyed thinking about these old classics.  |
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by George_Chabot
by luquillo
