OK, we'll start this again, but more focused. The idea here is to compile a list of the essential science fiction movies that a SF fan should (must?) see. I've split this up into 4 categories:

• Beginner Friendly
  
• Must See
  
• Hidden Gems/Guilty Pleasures
  
• For Completest Only (i.e. - the crap)
  

For this thread, we're going to focus on the 'Beginner Friendly' movies. These are SF movies that are accessible to the general public and serve as a good into to SF in film and, hopefully, will interest people to learn more about SF. So, without further ado, here is the first pass:

• Forbidden Planet - Shakespeare in spaaaace! Only with Leslie Nielson, before he went all goofy. I've never actually sat down and watched the whole thing. Part of the the problem, for me, is that the 'music' is basically some guy having a conniption fit with his theremin. I have heard good things about it so I ought to actually watch it.
• The Day the Earth Stood Still - A classic of 50's film SF. Explores the theme of destruction by technology run amok. Also gave us the phrase 'klaatu, barada, nicto'. I've never actually watched this one the whole way through either.
• Star Wars - No other film that I can think of had such a huge impact on pop culture and society as Star Wars. I remember waiting in line to see it and this was a month or so after its release. I also remember the crowd cheering the destruction of the Death Star. And I also remember my school showing a clip from the movie during a school assembly. I bet that doesn't happen today! This is just a really fun movie to watch, even if the effects and sets haven't aged well. And don't get me started on the whole special edition stuff....
• Alien/Aliens - Alien started the monster in space genre, and nothing has done it better since. However, I do think Aliens may be a better film, certainly more accessible, but you simply must see Alien first to understand Ripley's deep seated loathing for the alien queen. Plus, a little power lifter vs. alien action never hurts!
• Terminator - The film that launched Arnie's and Cameron's careers. There's nothing like a good old fashioned, time traveling, evil robot bent on murder and mayhem to get the blood pounding! Plus its just a good story.
• Back to the Future - I'm including all 3 in this, although I think only the first one is necessary as it stands alone very well. A light-hearted, comedic, time-travel romp through the past that also created a stir, for awhile, in pop culture. Is it just me or does everyone dream of the day when we can own our own Mr. Fusion?
• The Matrix - Made a huge impact in the late 90's and showed that good SF can be popular, especially using black leather, kung-fu and lots of guns. The other two films don't live up to the firsts promise. However, my wife didn't get into this movie because it was 'too slow'. And you know, she's right. Its a lot like a war: "90% chatty characters followed by moments of pure action", to paraphrase. The action sets are great, but there is a lot of exposition here too.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind - 'Hmm, this means something....". Spielberg's first SF movie. The five note musical riff is ingrained in the society's conscience. Very little action, but a lot of interesting ideas. What would it be like to meet ETs? Speaking of:
• E.T. - Another classic of 80's SF film and, yet again, Speilberg posits a friendly ET, and not something that wants to hug your face with the express purpose of busting out of your gut later. I recommend the original, non-politically correct version. Come on. They're government agents. They're hunting an alien, of course they'll have guns and not just walkie talkies! Geez. And put the terrosist holloween costume back in.

So there you have it, my list. I'd like to get some comments going, some more candidates, then a vote. I'll post the results in a few days.

Comments (6) | PermaLink | Category: Movies
Posted by JP Frantz at Thursday May 06, 2004 at 10:46 AM
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