Okay, the rules. No Star Wars movies. They are not science fiction, they are space opera. No Blade Runner (you're kidding, right? That is NOT a good movie.) No E.T. If you disagree, make your own list.
Alien (1979) / Aliens
(1986)
The plot of the
first movie sounds simple: the crew of a spaceship are stalked by a
relentless monster. Yet this is anything but a simple movie. All of the crew
members are complex and believable creations. And, of course, it’s scary as hell: the unveiling of Ash’s true identity is almost as scary as the
xenomorph itself. Tense, tense, tense
.
.
For the second
installment, James Cameron cleverly decided not to copy the original. Instead
he delivered one of the most purely exciting action films ever made. Cameron waits almost an hour before the acid-blooded
xenomorphs make an appearance, while the film transformed Ripley into a bona
fide iconic action heroine.
Contact (1997)
Astronomer Dr. Ellie
Arroway, is committed to looking for signals of intelligent life in the
universe. Her work is referred by her National Science Foundation (NSF)
superior David Drumlin as more science fiction than science. When she loses her
funding Ellie looks for funding from where ever they could get it to continue. Then,
When they hear chatter originating from
the vicinity of the star Vega, she feels vindicated. But that vindication is
short lived when others, including politicians, the military, religious leaders
and other scientists such as Drumlin try to take over her
work. When the messages received from space are decoded, the project takes on a
whole new dimension.
Donnie Darko (2001)
A oddly brilliant and dense film that includes worm
holes, a man in a rabbit suit, and teen angst. The sparkling visuals and
laconic performance from Jake Gyllenhaal makes it stand out. You must watch it
at least twice to really get it.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Charlie Kaufman’s romantic/Sci-Fi comedy. A restrained (and never better) Jim Carrey and a kooky Kate
Winslet are the ex-lovers who have their minds wiped to forget about each other
– but then fall in love all over again. Told in (at first) bewildering order, this
is a strangely honest movie about love and heartbreak. You must watch it twice to really get it.
Gattaca (1997)
Ignored by audiences when it was released, Gattaca is a slow but involving ‘genetics noir’ that is driven by ideas rather than action. Ethan Hawke and Jude Law have never been better as the pair who strike an uneasy bargain, and there’s something disquieting about the shimmering retro-future visuals.
Ignored by audiences when it was released, Gattaca is a slow but involving ‘genetics noir’ that is driven by ideas rather than action. Ethan Hawke and Jude Law have never been better as the pair who strike an uneasy bargain, and there’s something disquieting about the shimmering retro-future visuals.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956 & 1978 remake)
Jack Finney’s 1955 novel The Body Snatchers is an intense read. The first movie based on the book is a tense and tightly plotted film and a frightening bit of anti-commie science fiction. It ends with Kevin McCarthy running down the road screaming, "They're here already! You're next! You're next!"
But as good as the 1950s version is, the 1970s remake, fuelled by post-Watergate paranoia, is entirely gripping and arguably better than the original, an amazing feat.
Jack Finney’s 1955 novel The Body Snatchers is an intense read. The first movie based on the book is a tense and tightly plotted film and a frightening bit of anti-commie science fiction. It ends with Kevin McCarthy running down the road screaming, "They're here already! You're next! You're next!"
But as good as the 1950s version is, the 1970s remake, fuelled by post-Watergate paranoia, is entirely gripping and arguably better than the original, an amazing feat.
The Matrix (1999)
The Wachowski Brothers’ movie had it all: groundbreaking ‘flo-mo’ battles, ice cool characters, nods to spaghetti westerns and a large dose of cod philosophy, in an innovative, much-loved actioner. Even the lame sequels can’t detract from the film’s ingenuity.
The Wachowski Brothers’ movie had it all: groundbreaking ‘flo-mo’ battles, ice cool characters, nods to spaghetti westerns and a large dose of cod philosophy, in an innovative, much-loved actioner. Even the lame sequels can’t detract from the film’s ingenuity.
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Terry Gilliam cuts back on his trademark Pythoneseque humour for a gripping, dark film. A smart, off-kilter picture that features an intense performance from Bruce Willis as mankind’s last hope. Brad Pitt has never been better.
Terry Gilliam cuts back on his trademark Pythoneseque humour for a gripping, dark film. A smart, off-kilter picture that features an intense performance from Bruce Willis as mankind’s last hope. Brad Pitt has never been better.
Star Trek (2009)
J.J. Abrams pulled off the not inconsiderable challenge of making Star Trek popular again – even cool – in a film that manages to appeal to Trekkers and newbies alike.It is a thrilling action film, with just enough in-jokes and character acknowledgments to soothe most long-time Trekkies. Abrams also pulls off an ingenious twist by creating an alternative time-line where the classic Star Trek story can happen, and the new Star Trek rebooted storyline can also happen. Hopefully, the two timelines will intersect as this franchise continues.
J.J. Abrams pulled off the not inconsiderable challenge of making Star Trek popular again – even cool – in a film that manages to appeal to Trekkers and newbies alike.It is a thrilling action film, with just enough in-jokes and character acknowledgments to soothe most long-time Trekkies. Abrams also pulls off an ingenious twist by creating an alternative time-line where the classic Star Trek story can happen, and the new Star Trek rebooted storyline can also happen. Hopefully, the two timelines will intersect as this franchise continues.
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