Vito Weighs in With his Top
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Here is my list of all-time top sci-fi films. I have excluded predominantly
fantasy films such as “King Kong” as well as superhero films, even if they had
sci-fi elements (like "Superman" and "Guardians of the Galaxy") and adventure
films with sci-fi elements (like "Mysterious Island"). I also tended to
pick only the best film from film series (like "Star Wars") with rare exceptions
like "Prometheus", which is very dissimilar from the original films in the
series. my Top Five are all from the original list I did in the 90’s for The
Star newspapers, but there are quite a few high-ranking films from the last 20
years. I was almost tempted to include "Southland Tales" on the list, which I
quite liked, but I do not think it is sci-fi enough.
"Frankenstein" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon" films did not make the cut
because they are closer to horror than true science fiction. I also avoided most
giant animal films which range from very good ("Them") to abysmal ("Day of the
Lepus"), and manga films (although I liked "Akira" and "Steamboy")
Stanley Kubrick is by far the best maker of sci-fi films even though he did
other kinds of movies. Both his "2001" and "A Clockwork Orange" are near the top
of this list, and "Dr. Strangelove" is the best ever sci-fi comedy. Other film
makers that have made many excellent sci-fi films include Ridley Scott, Andrei
Tarkovsky, Steven Speilberg, James Cameron, and Roger Corman. These are in order
of quality.
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THE
TOP FIVE
1.) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – No one
captured the poetry, immensity, wonder and mystery of space
better than the late Stanley Kubrick. One of the best films
by one of the best directors. Years ago, I actually got to
interview the lead actor, Gary Lockwood.
2.) Blade Runner (1982) – The ultimate cyberpunk film
combines sci-fi with film noir, and it contains some of the
most gorgeous cinematography ever. The sequel was also
unexpectedly superb. Compared to this Star Wars was kid
stuff. Harrison Ford plays his most memorable character and
Rutger Hauer (who was also great in Hobo with a Shotgun)
delivers some of the best lines ever in one of the finest
death scenes.
3.) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) – Don Siegel’s
original cinematic attack on Cold War conformity is superior
to all the remakes and rip-offs, including “The Faculty.”
The Ferrara and Kaufman remakes are also good but the Kidder
Invasion is a bomb.
4.) Metropolis (1927) – This German expressionist classic
influenced everything from Tim Burton’s “Batman” to
Madonna’s “Express Yourself” video. Janelle Monae even did a
funk opera based that draws from the story.
5.) Donnie Darko (2000) - You can look at this odd surreal
comedy in two ways. Either the main protagonist is crazy, or
another interpretation involves time travel. Classic genre
hopping portrayal of a misfit suffered commercially because
it came out near the time of 911.
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6-10
6.) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
(2004)-Jim Carey’s best film is about a man suffering from a
broken heart so he has his memories of the romantic
experiences removed which has unexpected ramifications.
Costar Kate Winslet playing his love has never been winning,
attractive or likeable.
7.) Melancholia (2011)-Lars Von Trier’s Persona influenced
masterpiece about the end of the world and chronic
depression is one of the most underrated films of recent
years. The name comes from a planet, which is supposed to
collide with the earth, but it also may refer to the main
character’s emotional state. Charlotte Gainsbrough and
Kristin Dunst do some of their best work in the film-playing
sisters. This psychological apocalyptic film is one of
Trier’s most audacious and fascinating works.
8.) A Clockwork Orange (1971) – Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation
of Anthony Burgess’ classic novel paved the way for punk
rock style. Malcolm MacDowell plays one of the greatest and
most iconic villains in film history.
9.) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Steven
Spielberg improved an already terrific film in a special
edition by adding a magnificent view of the inside of the
alien ship.
10. Inception (2010)-Intelligent and beautifully conceived
cinematic work about the nature of reality is like a
perplexing journey through a house of mirrors. The plot is
about a man who is paid to enter an executive’s dreams to
get him to sell off his business. I’m not sure if this is an
outlandish sci-fi or if it foreshadows the corporate
controlled future (or present). This cries out to be seen
more than once if you have the time, but it’s worth the
effort. Christopher Nolan proves that he is among the most
gifted filmmakers of the last few decades. I know this might
be considered comic fan blasphemy but this movie even more
absorbing and groundbreaking than his Batman films (and he
did the best Batman films.) |
11-20
11.) Day the Earth Stood still” (1951) – Michael Rennie
stars as a kinder, gentler and more Christ-like alien. His
superb portrayal of the alien was one of the biggest
inspirations on my favorite sci-fi character, Nimoy’s Spock.
The director, Robert Wise also made the first Star Trek
film, but it was a comparative disappointment
12.) Brazil” (1985) – A unique blend of sci-fi, satire,
surrealism and fantasy. Robert De Niro is brilliant in a
small role as an outlaw heating duct repairperson and many
of the film’s absurdist scenes brilliantly channel the work
of Franz Kafka.
13.) Solaris (1972) – Russia’s arty answer to “2001” is one
of the most philosophically profound films on the list.
Stalker by the same director is also worth a look. The work
of its director, Andrei Tarkovsky has only grown in
importance and influence after his death.
14.) Aliens (1986) – Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley may be the
greatest action hero in the history of film, and H.L.
Giger’s design for the aliens is perfect.
15.) Star Wars” (1977) – The Empire Strikes Back” may have
been a better script, but nothing can replace the sense of
discovery of seeing this film on the big screen for the
first time.
16.) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) – Who can forget
Spock’s heart-breaking death scene and the great villainy of
Ricardo Montalban’s Khan? It is impossible to conceive of a
more appealing cast of characters than the first Star Trek
crew is, and this is their finest hour.
17.) Contact (1977) – Brainy sci-fi explores the
relationship between logic (represented by Jodie Foster) and
faith (represented by Matthew McConaughey).
18.) Forbidden Planet (1956) - This is like a crazy and
highly intellectual outer space remake of Shakespeare’s The
Tempest. We get to see an early pre comedic Leslie Neilson
role and another peak at Robby the Robot.
19). ET: The Extraterrestrial (1982)- Spielberg’s
marvelously entertaining and family film with sci-fi
elements about charming alien who finds a human child ally
in his quest to go home. With his healing powers, his
otherworldly origin, and his peaceful attitude the alien is
kind of a quasi-Christ figure. The flying bicycle scene is
one of the most deliciously exhilarating sequences in the
history of film.
20.) Under the Skin (2013)-An alien predator invades the
nearest beautiful female body (Scarlet Johansson) so that it
can attract men to feed off of. This is like a good modern
extra-long episode of the Twilight Zone and it is very
visually intoxicating. |
21-30
21.) Dark City (1988) – A stylish,
dazzling and exciting vision of dystopian (opposite of
utopian) future. Underappreciated and unjustly forgotten.
22 -23) The Fly (1958) - A scientist’s matter transportation
experiments go awry and he ends being half-insect. I
slightly prefer the ‘80s remake but it is hard to beat the
final scene with the fly yelling in the spider web.
The Fly (1986) – Of all of David Cronenberg’s intellectual
gross-out films, this one has the best characters. Jeff
Goldblum’s horrific transformation can be read as a metaphor
for AIDS infection.
25-26.) A Trip to the Moon (1902)/ Smashing Pumpkins video’
Tonight Tonight (1995)-George Millies did a great short
sci-fi film which was a direct inspiration on the excellent
Smashing Pumpkins video.
27. Prometheus (2012) -Morally ambiguous prequel to “Alien”
concerns a group of people that travel into space to meet
the creator(s) of human kind he/they do not quite conform to
most people’s preconceptions about God. Noomi Rapaci (from
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) is marvelous playing a
sensitive young woman that resists everything she sees in
order to keep her faith, and Michael Fessbender (proving
once again why he is one of the most promising young actors
in Hollywood) evokes Ian Holm with his performance as an
android.
28.) Planet of the Apes (1968) - Socially conscious film has
fine makeup, and a provocative pro-animal rights message .Roddy
McDowell’s Cornelius and Kim Hunter’s Zira have to be two of
the most likeable characters in the history of cinema. The
ending still packs a punch too (do not spoil it.) Most of
the later sequels/ape films are worthwhile except for the
nasty Tim Burton remake. Based on the novel Monkey Planet.
29.) Mad Max: Fury Road- (2015)-This quasi-feminist
reimagining of the Mad Max world was this summer’s most
riveting action film/blockbuster event. Charlise Theron may
be one of the all-time great action heroines. This actually
improves on the original films in the series (it is from the
same director.)
30.) The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)-A man gets into an
accident which causes him to become smaller and smaller. The
film benefits from an uncommonly smart script and Jack
Arnold’s direction is marvelous. I know it was inferior but
I also liked the campy Attack of the 50-Foot Woman. |
31-40
31.) The Brother from Another Planet (1984) – Dark-skinned extraterrestrial
learns about love and racism in John Sayles’ thoughtful sci-fi comedy, which was
influenced by E.T. See my interview with Sayles at www.arterviews.org.
32.) The Matrix (1999) – Visionary special effects, a smart script and terrific
Hong Kong-style action choreography make this one of THE must see sci-fi films
of the 90s. Unfortunately, the film had some negative influence, and we ended up
getting too many Matrix inspired battle scenes in which people stop in the air
in the middle of karate fights.
33.) Serenity (2005) - A group of rag tag heroes tries to prevent a brain washed
super teen (Summer Glau) from going to the dark side. Superior and fun filled
sequel to Joss Whedon’s cancelled too soon TV series. The excellent cast members
were used by Whedon in many of his shows and they work very well with him.
34-35.). The Thing (1951)/The Thing from Another World (1982)/The original has a
kind of blood drinking shape shifting vegetable alien (he looks like an
extraterrestrial Frankenstein Monster) , Christian Nyby is credited as director
but some parts may have been directed by producer Howard Hawks. The John
Carpenter remake has less heart but it is grimmer, grittier and has superior
special effects so do not ask me to choose. Based on the classic sci-fi text "Who
Goes There?"
36). Artificial Intelligence/ A.I. (2001)-Mature science fiction film about an
artificial boy who tries to find love thoughtfully raises nonhuman rights
issues. Haley Joel Osment is excellent in the lead, and Jude Law shines in a
tailor made role of an android gigolo. Kind of like a cyberpunk version of
“Pinocchio.” Stanley Kubrick started this grim future fantasy and Spielberg did
a more than adequate job finishing it.
37.) War of the Worlds (1953)-The Brits go to war with an alien invasion force
with superior technology. George Pal’s adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells
novel is decidedly superior to all the remakes.
38.) EXistenZ (1999)-Like many of Dave Cronenberg’s other films this is cynical
and coldly intellectual. Jennifer Jason Leigh is a gaming designer who struggles
to survive when she gets stuck in one of her games. This sometimes comes close
to matching The Matrix, which came out the same year.
39.) Minority Report (2012) - Speilberg’s dystopian cyberpunk film about people
who go back in the past and take out criminals before they commit crimes. Even
Tom Cruise is bearable most of the time.
40.) Gravity (2013)-The best big budget blockbuster film of its year features
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two astronauts who struggle to survive
after their space station is destroyed. Despite the big name cast (I’ve never
been a big Bullock fan); the film’s real stars are Alfonso Cuaron’s direction
and outer space itself. There are echoes of an even greater sci-fi film, Andrei
Tarkovsky’s classic “Solaris.” |
41-50
41.) Battle Royale-(2000)-Fukasaku Kinji’s horrific and
hyper violent action film is like an Asian update of “Death Race 2000,” mixed
with “The Most Dangerous Game,” but the sequel should be avoided. Much better
than the similar and more mainstream Hunger Games (although no one in this film
can act as well as Jennifer Lawrence). In Japanese with English sub-titles.
42.) Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991) – The thoughtful storyline and
state-of-the-art special effects make this slightly superior to the original.
43.) The Arrival (2016)-Amy Adams plays a likeable and empathic interpreter who
tries to communicate with some extraterrestrials that landed on Earth (they look
kind of like evolved squid.) Not to be confused with the Charlie Sheen ET film
from 1996 called The Arrival, which almost made this list.
44.) Snow Piercer (2014) - After the world freezes, a bunch of survivors
struggle for supremacy aboard a train that never stops. The poor are mistreated
and they rebel: they struggle to go forward and overtake the decadent rich
people in front of the train (it’s a neat microcosm for society as a whole.)
These brutal, edgy, smart and uncompromising films were one of my favorite
pictures of the 2014. Tilda Swinton is remarkable as a keeper of the corrupt
order/ villain with false teeth.
45.) Starship Troopers (1997) -Brutally hysterical film brilliantly sends up the
fascist message of Robert Heinlen’s novel from which is draws inspiration. This
may be even more relevant after the last presidential election. The same
director also made Robocop but his best films are all in Dutch.
46.) Cocoon (84)-Ron (Do not call him Opie anymore) Howard directed this film
about a bunch of ordinary people that come across an extraterrestrial fountain
of youth. The great cast includes Don Ameche, Brian Dennehy, Jessica Tandy, and
Tahnee Welch (I wonder what happened to her) and of course, Ron’s brother Clint
Howard. A kinder, gentler kind of sci-fi film
47.) Seconds (1966)-Rock Hudson plays an aging businessperson who gets a chance
to scientifically get a younger body, but of course this has its price. This
powerful film got an Academy Award nomination for best cinematography. The Beach
Boy, Brian Wilson believed that the film contained secret messages sent to him
from Phil Spector, and seeing the film so disturbed him that he cancelled the
release of Smile (he finally released it 30 years later).
48.) Zero Theorem (2014)-Terry Gilliam’s underrated sci-fi film features a
Kafkaesque protagonist who is hired by a big corporation to prove that existence
equals zero (or life is meaningless). This highly intellectual finale to the
dystopian trilogy (which included Brazil and Twelve Monkeys) was one of the most
imaginative and inventive films of that year and it is comparable to Pi.
49.) Ex Machina (2015) - Another story about a man who falls for an artificial
female life form, but this film goes in a completely different direction than
Her or Electric Dreams. Alicia Vikander who portrays the synthetic lady is a
definitely a talent to watch (she was also in The Danish Girl and The Man from
Uncle.)
50.) Back to the Future (1985)-Michael J Fox stars as a normal 80s teenager who
goes back to the 50s with a time machine created by a maniacal scientist who is
perfectly played by Taxi’s Christopher Lloyd. While he is in the past he must
help set up his parents so that he can be born, but unexpectedly the past
version of his mom (played by the always charming Leah Thompson) is attracted to
his present self. It is less confusing and more fun than it sounds. In my eyes,
Fox will always be McFly. |
51-60
51.) Quatermass and the Pit/US title: Five Million Years to
Earth (1967)- This is the third Quartermass series which features a heroic
scientist who tries to save the world with a beautiful female sidekick (kind of
like Dr. Who). Eventually the alien race reawakens which resemble both demons
and locusts. Hammer is known primarily for horror but they also made some decent
Sci-Fi flicks including this uncommonly cerebral and sophisticated film. It is
always good to see Barbara Shelley in anything.
52.) Interstellar I (2015) -Visually dazzling film from Christopher Nolan about
two scientists Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway) who go through a worm hole
while looking for a new home for the human race. The film cleverly explores the
issue of time travel paradoxes and the final payoff is heartbreaking
53.) V is For Vendetta (2006)-a fascistic tyrant played by John Hurt runs
Dystopian Orwellian influenced future society. Of course this inspires
rebellion. Both this film and the classic Allan Moore comic it was adapted from
helped inspire Anonymous, the occupy movement and many other left wing
protesters (they even adopted the Guy Fewkes mask which is featured in the film
and comic.)
54.) Soylent Green (1973)- Grim film about a cop (played by Charleston Heston)
who ends up learning the true nature of his future reality during a murder
investigation. The cast including an always energetic and inspiring Charleston
Heston (except when he is promoting the NRA and the last ever performance by the
great Edward G. Robertson. Famously and successfully parodied on SNL in which
Phil Hartman took on the Heston role.
55.) WarGames (1983)-Smart speculative fiction entry about a kid tech genius
(played by Matthew Broderick before Back to the Future) who plays a tech genius
who hacks into the government’s computer system and almost starts WW III.
56-57). Godzilla (1954)-This ranking only applies to the excellent uncut
Japanese version of the film not the American recut one which dilutes the social
commentary and adds Raymond Burr footage. Godzilla Mothra and King Ghidorah
(2011) which features Godzilla as a villain who is attacked by the other three
monsters (in this film they are guardians of the universe) comes close to
matching it
58.) Jurassic Park (1993)- Speilberg directs this ground breaking (in terms of
special effects) adventure film about scientists who genetically resurrect
extinct species (this could really happen), and then people pay money to see
them in an amusing park. What could go wrong? The dinosaurs look more real than
any of the ones in any previous film. Laura Dern is the world’s least convincing
scientist.
59.) Altered States (1980) - William Hurt is a scientist who takes mushrooms and
regresses too far to a primitive state (this sounds a little like Monster on the
Campus). At times this filmi is barely coherent but it is a visually dazzling
mind blowing cinematic trip. Drew Barrymore (who was in a few films on my list)
debuted in this film. Ken Russell’s films always are visually challenging anfd
intellectually engaging.
60.). Demon Seed (1977) - Odd But effective Donald Cammelll film is like a sci
fi version of The Entity. The least I say about what happens between the
tortured Julie Christie and the robot the better. |
61-70
61.) Time after Time (1979) - H. G. Wells uses his time
machine to pursue Jack the Ripper into the 20th century in this classy and
suspenseful film is nearly as interesting as its great central premise. More
romantic and sophisticated than your typical sci-fi flick.
62.) Children of Men (2006)-Clive Owen playing a hero again tries to protect a
pregnant girl in a dystopian future version of England in which everyone is
sterile. The director, Alfonso Cuarón, has made even better films (such as Y tu
Mamma Tambien and Gravity) but this is quite good.
63.) The Cell (2000) - Former American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez (in one of her
few good roles) plays a psychologist who is able to enter her catatonic
patients’ minds and she is not always happy with what she sees.
64.) 12 Monkeys (1995) – A prisoner is sent back into the past to find out the
origin of a plague that wiped out most of humanity. Despite its rep this is not
one of Terry Gilliam’s more inventive films but it is more consistent than most
of his works.
65-66.) Star Man (1984) -Jeff bridges and Nancy Allen star in a charming
extraterrestrial love story that crosses effortlessly genre boundaries
I Married a Monster from Outer Space- Check this out to see an interesting 50s
equivalent film in which a wife notices something different about her husband.
67.) Demon/God Told me to (1976)-Tony Lo Bianco stars as a cop that is
investigating a rash of murders discovers that both the serial killer he is
chasing and Christianity have the same extraterrestrial origin. This
controversial film is sure to anger some viewers but it is undeniably special.
67.) Invaders from Mars (53) - William Cameron Menzies’ version is the one to
see. After I saw this sci-fi film (which captures a primal fear of kids), I
dreamt that my own parents were swallowed up by the ground and replaced by alien
drones. This would make a fine double feature with Roger Corman's "It Conquered
the World (who could forget the carrot creature?)"
68.) Village of the Damned (1960)-After a blackout in an English village,
strange children with psychic powers are born. Followed by a sequel and a
remake.
69.) When Worlds Collide (1951)-The fabric of society begins to unravel when it
is discovered that a planet is headed straight towards earth. George Pal’s film
has impressive award winning special effects.
70.) Flash Gordon (1980) - The Square jawed and wooden Sam Jones plays the
interstellar pulp hero. He must choose between his virtuous girl next door and
an exotic alien beauty. Max Von Sydow chews the scenery as Ming the Merciless.
With a cool soundtrack featuring songs by Queen and Grace Jones. Highly
entertaining and campy piece of trash. |
71-80
71.) Heavy Metal (1981)- Fun filled adaptation of
stories from the popular adult sci-fi comic series
successfully combines comedy, adventure, sci fi and a
rollicking hard rock soundtrack. My favorite episode is
about a warrior woman on a flying horse but the Denn episode
(adapted from the Rich Corben strip) is also a load of
laughs. The direct to video sequel has little of this film’s
magic but it does have Pinup queen Julie Strain (who is an
eyeful.)
72.) The Hidden (1987)-A dedicated cop pursues a violent
extraterrestrial than can jump from one body to another.
Featuring nice performances by Michael Nouri (who played
Dracula on TV) and Twin Peak’s Kyle Maclachlan.)
73.) Fantastic Voyage (1966) - A medical team (including the
buxom Raquel Welch) shrink down to miniature size to save a
life. Great special effects in a rollicking adventure film
which may have inspired Roy Thomas’s and Neil Adam’s classic
comic story in Avengers 93.
74.) Robo cop (1987) - Peter Weller is a man who is rebuilt
into a cyborg police officer after he is almost killed in an
accident. Kind of like a nastier more high tech version of
the Six Million Dollar Man. The sequel written by Frank
Miller is repulsive.
75.) Lifeforce (1980)-Tobe Hooper’s instant cult classic is
about a female energy vampire (played by the always-naked
Mathilda May) who tries to take over the world with her army
of zombies. A pre Star Trek Patrick Stewart adds to the
campy fun. Ridiculous but oddly delightful.
76.) Looper (2012)-Joseph Gordan-Levitt is a time traveling
assassin who is hired by the mob. The film has lots of fun
with the ideas of time paradoxes and the cast is excellent.
Levitt has picked consistently good roles after Third Rock
from the Sun went off the air.
77.) Man Who Fell to Earth (1975)-David Bowie’s acting debut
features him as (surprise surprise) playing a man from outer
space who finds a friend in an earth woman (America
Graffiti’s Candy Clark.) Like many of director Nicolas
Roeg’s other films, this is thoughtful and visually
dazzling. The glam rock king, Bowie has had some great roles
over the years. Who else could play Andy Warhol, Pontius
Pilot and a vampire?
78.) Strange Days (1995)-Underrated film with a fine cast
(including Angela Bassett. Ralph Fiennes, and Juliette
Lewis) is about a dystopian future where people purchase
memories like drugs.
79.) Cowboys & Aliens (2011) - Harrison Ford has lots of fun
in this film about (surprise surprise) an alien invasion in
the West. A good alien provides the film’s romantic
interest.
80.) Splice (2009)-Some people might be grossed out by the
incestuous implications of the screenplay (I was at first,
but this is undeniably well acted and intelligently written.
Sarah Polley and Adrien Brody are outstanding and this
raises some interesting questions about gender fluidity. |
81-90
81.) Repo Man (2010)-Enjoyable, exciting and humorous
new wave era (I mean the music period not the French film
movement) cult sci-fi classic about a repo man who ends up
with a murderous alien entity in his trunk. Starring the
underrated and mostly forgotten Emilio Estevez (Martin
Sheen’s older son and Charlie’s big brother.) Director, Alex
Cox went on to do the terrific Sid and Nancy and some other
music themed films. The somewhat similar Liquid Sky almost
made the list.
82-83.) Day the World Ended (1956) and It Conquered the
World (1955)-Every occasionally I have to have me some Roger
Corman films. Corman was a master at making and producing
small budget genre films and he often discovered incredible
new film talents. It Conquered the World is about a
scientist that communicated with a hostile alien who he
mistakenly thinks is benevolent this was inspired by a real
scientist who sold info to the Russians (this was during the
cold war). The alien looks like a giant turnip but the
censors wanted Corman to put clothes on it. The Day the
World Ended is a sad film about how the survivors cope after
a nuclear war. The animal composite creature/mutant that
shows up at the end is nifty and unlike anything else, I
have seen in a movie.
84-85.) Valerian and the City of Lost Planets (2017) and The
Fifth Element (1997)--French filmmaker, Luc Besson’ comic
based films are both deeply flawed but highly entertaining.
Besson definitely marches to the beat of a different drummer
and the films (like Terry Gilliam’s work) get by more on
originality than consistency. Look for a great cameo by
Rhianna in Valerian playing an exterrestrial shape-shifting
dancer who just wants to read poetry.
86.) The Damned (1961)- Early Hammer produced Oliver Reed
vehicle (shot before Curse of the Werewolf) about a teen
gang member and a tourist who discover the government is
imprisoning irradiated teens for their own sinister
purposes. The fine blacklisted director, Joseph Losey, made
this.
87.). Flight of the Navigator (1981)-A boy is taken away in
a space ship and when he comes back years later he has not
aged. The robot’s voice was provided by Paul Reubans alias
Pee Wee Herman.
88.) Annihilation (2018) - A group of female military
science officers (including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa
Thompson and Natalie Portman) are sent to explore a region
where several people disappeared and what they discover is
weirder and more horrible than they imagine. The film kept
me thinking and mesmerized me but it also made me feel
queasy (it is sick).
89.) Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973)-Fun Z horror film
about sexy women from outer space who (fill in the blank)
men to death. See it while you catch a buzz. Too bad The
Hives could not play on the soundtrack.
90.) The Stepford Wives (1975) - Bryan Forbes’s social
commentary film that satirizes the American dream and
married life starts out with two women who notice odd things
about their always ultra-pleasant female neighbors in the
suburbs. Kind of like a feminist version of Invasion of the
Body Snatchers. |
91-100
91). Avatar (2009) - A man controls an
avatar that he uses to negotiate a peace treaty with the
local native population. James Cameron’s film is not as
great as everyone says it is (it is no Aliens). It has a
muddled message and the high tech methods come into conflict
with his pro-environment message. Still worth checking out
and the film helped introduce to world to Zoe Saldana.
92-93.) Fahrenheit 451 (1966) and Alphaville (1965) - Two
French new wave masters (François Truffaut and Jean-Luc
Godard) try their hand at making sci fi flicks comparatively
low budget films. Truffaut’s great book adaptation features
Julie Christie, as a woman in a society where books are
burnt to protect the social order. Godard’s Alphaville is
another of Godard’s studies in the essence of cool in which
a trench coat wearing secret agent poses as a journalist in
a futuristic society where love, poetry and emotion are
illegal (sounds like the building that contains my
apartment. He helps teach young woman (played by Godard’s
wife, Anna Karina) how to feel (what a nice person).
94). Silent Running (1971) _Douglass Trumball’s film is
about a botanist (played by Bruce Dern) who travels into
space with the last plants on earth (he is like Noah for
vegetables).
95.) Electric Dreams (1984) - Sweet, tender film about a
love triangle involving a male and a female human and a
super sensitive computer. Terrific soundtrack too.
96.) Small Soldiers (1998) - When a toy manufacturer puts
military chips in toys, chaos breaks out everywhere. Joe
Dante’s satire cleverly criticizes the toy industry for
their role preparing kids for their future lives as wartime
cannon fodder
97,) Hunger Games (2012) -Sure this is low. Although this
has decent acting by the always good (except in the Xmen
films) Jennifer Lawrence, but this whole series is a rip-off
of Battle Royale
98.). Barbarella (1968)-Jane Fonda plays a sexy action hero
who sleep with and fights her way through a series of
dangerous scenarios. This feature a great cast (Anita
Pallenberg and Dave Hemmings) and this film is where Duran
Duran got their name. Roger Vadim’s stylish and campy cult
Sci-Fi film was based on a French comic series. Fun but
utterly mindless.
99.) Queen of Blood/Planet of Blood (1966) - Eerie
atmospheric horror/sci-fi flick about astronauts who rescue
a beautiful and mysterious alien life form who seems to be
dying. The ships’ men start to turn up dead with heavy blood
loss as she suspiciously gets healthier. Curtis Harrington’s
follow-up to Night Tide (which also featured a young Denis
Hopper and was also about a non-human female killer) is slow
paced but enjoyable. The ending seems to have inspired the
Alien films. This is shown rather frequently on COMET TV
(22.7). To see another influence on the Alien films check
out It the Terror from Beyond Space (1958).
100.) Attack the Block (2011) - A middle class woman is
robbed but she must team up with her assailants when aliens
invade the area. Gritty, raw, and socially conscious, and
raw British film filed with talented new and unknown actors. |
FINALLY:
These also have merits/All the rest (in alphabetical order)
Aleta: Queen of Mars, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, The Blob (1958), Body
Snatchers (Abel Ferrera), The Borrower (1991), Carnosaur, Cherry 2000, Colossus
the Forbin Project, Dark Star, Detroit 2000, District 9, Donavan’s Brain, Dr.
Cyclops, Embryo, Enemy Mine, Fahrenheit 451, Five (1951), Fantastic Planet
(1973), Flash Gordon, Gamera, Gattaca, Genesis II, Gorgo, Iceman, Inner Space,
The Invisable Ray, It Came from Outer Space, It the Terror from Beyond Space, Je
t'aime, je t'aime ("I Love You, I Love You") 1968-Resnais, Last man on Earth,
Lathe of Heaven (1980), Liquid Sky, The Lost World (1925), Man from Planet X,
The Man with Nine Lives, The Man with X Ray Eyes, The Martian, The Mechanical
Man (1921) Italy, Men in Black, Night of the Comet, On the Beach (1959), Outland
(1981), Planet Earth, Scanners, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Species,
Tenth Victim, Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Things to Come (1936), THX, This Island
Earth, Tank Girl, Time machine (1960), Videodrome, Wavelength
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Review © 2018 Alternate Reality, Inc. |
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