Archive for the ‘Science Fiction’ Category
April 3rd, 2009 | 
Author: I Am Legend Widescreen Two Disc Special Edition with Digital Copy
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 100 minutes Rating: Pg13
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Average Film
This wasn’t a very detailed film. I liked it but was glad I saw it on cable and didn’t pay the regular movie price or I would have felt cheated. Also, his blatant advertising of Shrek in this movie was a little nauseating. Smith shouldn’t taint a good film with a mediocre one. Don’t bother buying I Legend. See it on cable or order it though internet library loan at your local library if it doesn’t have it on the shelf. Will Smith dropped it with this film.
4 Stars I Am Legend
No need to say: the edition is awesome!
I Am Legend (Ultimate Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]
2 Stars Don’t waste your time…unpleasant and full of holes
Ouch.
I’d like these 100 minutes back, please.
This was not what I’d hoped for. Matheson is a great writer but his premise and art have been sorely butchered here.
The first half is ok, though the exposition is slow and frankly tedious at times. The highlight of this film is the empty scapes of NYC, very nicely done. Buuuut, as soon as the rather boring “monsters” show up, it becomes a b-movie horror film, and all of Matheson’s concept is subsumed into a different plot line with so many holes they’re barely worth mentioning, but glaring nonetheless.
I have to wonder what the cast and crew were thinking as they “created” this. Didn’t they see what a piece of crap they were making? How can anyone spend a hundred million or whatever this tripe cost and think it was worth it when there is absolutely nothing redeeming or even remotely enjoyable therein?
Truly, you just don’t need to watch this movie. See the other cinematic versions of Matheson’s fine story, or much better yet, just read the story and get what really matters.
Loud, manipulative dystopian messiness with no redemption or cohesion.
Pass.
5 Stars Legend Ripped The Box Office! WORTH IT!!!
Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City…and maybe the world because albeit he’s a brilliant scientist, he couldn’t contain a deadly virus that is unstoppable, incurable and manmade. He is surrounded by blood thirsty overagressive infected victims.
Watching this movie by myself is not suggested for those who get passionately involved in watching movies. I almost walked out because i was so scared something was going to happen that I didn’t want to happen, but that just meant that Will Smith’s acting was so believable that I sat in my chair riveted and rocking in terror at his performance.
It had it’s great moments and I have to say it was Will Smith’s acting that really carried this movie. And I haven’t seen a movie in a long time that didn’t depend so much on CGI characters and special effects. I wish that the beginning of the movie spent more time watching the destruction and dying of mankind. That would have been better to understand and bring more pain to understanding the drive of Robert Nevell and why he was so intent on staying at Ground Zero.
I also wish the producers had invested more into the infected people because I’ve been more believable “monsters” in Lord of The Rings.
Even if you aren’t a Will Smith fan, you will enjoy this movie. I haven’t talked to the screen in a long time, but I swear I was trying to tell Will to forget the durn dog and get the heck out of there!
Go see the movie and you’ll be doing the same thing.
1 Star I AM LAME-O
I was greatly disappointed in this movie. I normally like Will Smith and zombie movies, but this was just 100 minutes of cartoonish computer generated special effects with no movie. The best part of the film was the occasional Bob Marley song. My advice is to skip I Am Legend (the movie) and buy the Bob Marley “Legend” cd instead.
A novel blend of doomsday thriller and meditative science fiction, Danny Boyle’s Sunshine imagines a disturbing future in which mankind must re-ignite the sun or face total extinction. A team of scientists and crew members (played by an eclectic cast that includes Cillian Murphy from Boyle’s 28 Days Later, The Fantastic Four’s Chris Evans, Rose Byrne of TV’s Damages, and martial-arts legend Michelle Yeoh) is dispatched to the dying star, but disaster strikes from almost every conceivable angle; as the crew is whittled down by accidents and psychological breaks, the survivors must discover a way to carry out the mission or seal the fate of the world’s population. Alternately exciting and pensive, Sunshine’s dichotomous tone may throw viewers expecting a special-effects bonanza (though the film’s visuals are frequently stunning), but for those who recall such cerebral ’70s efforts as Silent Running and Phase IV, Boyle’s unusual take will be refreshing and even fascinating. The DVD includes commentaries by Boyle and Dr. Brian Cox, who served as the film’s science advisor; Boyle also lends his voice to a brace of deleted scenes, including an alternate ending (which doesn’t improve on the one used in the film). Thorough production diaries cover every aspect of the film’s execution, from casting to special effects design, while a pair of unrelated short films by Chris Shepherd and Dan Arnold seems to be included only as a gesture of Boyle’s appreciation for these directors. –Paul Gaita
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Excellent
I found this movie to be very good. Many people are giving it a low rating (or bad review) due to the flaws in the science in the movie. Also, some are just staring at the movie and not analyzing it to get the whole truth to it. There is a lot of meaning behind the movie if you pay attention closely to it.
5 Stars Harrowing Study of Man’s Insignificance in the Universe
Sunshine, released in theaters in 2007, was advertised under the premise that “Danny Boyle has re-ignited the science fiction genre”. A bit of a conceit, I thought, but I took the bait. The tagline couldn’t have been more accurate. I saw the film theatrically six times, as Sunshine turned out to be one of the most visually captivating and psychologically devastating films produced in the genre since Alien or Blade Runner. The premise behind Sunshine is simple. Our sun is dying. An attempt was made to “kick start” Sol’s inscrutable fusion processes using a “stellar bomb” of dark matter, but this mission presumably failed. A second mission is launched to reattempt the momentous task. As the ship — Icarus II — and her crew near the sun, things start to fall apart. I will not elaborate further on the way things transpire, as other reviewers have already seen fit to lay out the plot for would-be viewers. What I will tell you is that Sunshine packs a visceral punch lacking in at least 95% of the science fiction films made in the past 15 years.
First of all, there is a great deal of clamor about the “bad science” of the film and the “improbabilities” of the plot. Those perpetuating this hue and cry would do well to watch the DVD or Blu-Ray with the commentary from Dr. Brian Cox activated. He cogently, and in layman’s terms, explains how our sun might (and I say might — because this film is fiction and the scientific theories are yet untested) be disrupted enough to “die out”. Also, Cox points out all of the pecadilloes in Sunshine and notes that the decision to “break the laws of physics” in places was a conscious choice by the writer and director, driven by financial concerns and dramatic license. Thus, scientific accuracy was definitely sacrificed in places. We know this. In Sunshine, there’s “sound” in space. There’s no plausible means of artificial gravity on board the ship. You see people freeze after seconds in a vacuum. I have no problem overlooking these mistakes in light of the mood and tension evoked in Sunshine. Besides, can you name one science fiction movie set in space — 2001 included — that “gets everything right” physics-wise? Let’s move on.
Sunshine is a visual treat for the fan of serious science fiction. The Icarus II, in all of its utilitarian sprawl, is a majestic craft to watch onscreen. The special effects involving the sun, which are numerous in light of the plot, are awe-inspiring. Lighting, sound, and set design tightly coalesce to remind the audience that human life is frail and that space is, literally, an unkind place for mankind. Boyle borrows stylishly from 2001, Alien, and Soderbergh’s Solaris for his Icarus II design and his “extra-vehicular shots”.
The ensemble cast, as the crew of Icarus II, is superb. Boyle and Alex Garland created characters for the actors to play — not caricatures — each with believable faults and strengths. Some, like Rose Byrne’s Cassie, are nurturing and sensitive; others are manic and obsessive (Trey); selfish (Harvey); goal-driven and unshakable (Mace); and enigmatic (Cillian Murphy’s Capa). Cillian turns in one of the best performances of his career — having intently studied young physicists at work to portray his role on screen. The psychological transformation each character undergoes as the film progresses begs the viewer to ask: “how would I react under these circumstances?” This is the mark of top-notch acting, writing, and directing.
John Murphy’s soundtrack is, undoubtedly, one of the best I have heard and perhaps the brightest star in this cinematic firmnament. In collaboration with the band Underworld, Murphy creates an aural backdrop of pain, triumph, wonder, and atmosphere. A certain composition repeats twice in the film — first at the end of the “heat shield” repair and again before and during Capa’s final spacewalk — that is so emotionally overwhelming in its melodic purity it becomes unforgettable. It is reminiscent, both in tone and in effectiveness, of Hans Zimmer’s “Journey to the Line” (as heard in the WWII film “The Thin Red Line”). Sunshine would be a four-star affair were it not for the overarching presence of Murphy’s impeccable score.
The message of the film — and, yes, it has one — is that humanity’s existence is not guaranteed, and that the universe and our solar system is at once mysterious, uncaring, breathtaking, unconscionably pernicious — and perhaps as finite and fragile as we are. Do not expect a rollercoaster ride of mindless action or thrills. Expect atmosphere, choking tension, philosophical conundrums, and a thorough exploration of the perils of manned spaceflight. You don’t have to leave your grey matter at the door before pressing the play button here.
In the end, it will be up to you, as the viewer, to decide whether Sunshine is a classic science fiction outing or not. However, I can tell you that the film will move you in some way, shape, or form — and is worth a watch, whether you are a die-hard or casual science fiction fan.
5 Stars The Sun is shining on this movie
This was an amazing movie: from the effects to the plot to the acting to the directing. Just a great movie from start to finish. Also a must on blu-ray, the color’s and sound are perfect. This is not a huge hollywood blockbuster, but they made it seem like one.
As with all blu-ray disc’s, if you can find it cheaper than your BB store, which should be easy, then get it.
1 Star Pigs in space
The plot is a giant spaceship is supposed to deliver a bomb which is needed to restart the sun’s pilot light. The first thing which will occur to you when watching this thing is why a future humanity capable of building a machine which can go to the sun and blow it up can only recruit a couple of hipster rejects from Apple Computer ads. I mean, the crew of this space ship is completely despicable. They’re incompetent, horrible, flabby dimwits. One of the characters is vaguely astronaut like, in a sort of working class incompetent way, but of course he fights like a girl and has the self control of … a 20-something skinny hipster from Brooklyn who fights like a woman. Most of the time, the characters strut and pout exactly like weaseley Brooklyn hipsters. I couldn’t help but think, if this is the best humanity of the future can come up with, humanity deserved to die much more horribly than by “global cooling.” Roger Ebert, the old windbag, insists they’re acting like real astronauts in the whole movie. Evidently, he’s never socialized with an astronaut, and has a very poor mental picture of what such people are like. I’ll give you a hint Rog: they tend to be competent, very methodical, team oriented and calm people. They don’t tend to be weepy nincompoops with the self control of an adolescent chimpanzee. If astronauts were like that, every time something happened in space, they’d die. Everyone in the movie is completely self centered and amoral, and they all seem about as interested in doing their jobs as any hipster poseur working in a record store. Except they are all inexplicably willing to commit suicide for their record store.
Pinbacker, the bad guy, is presumably a reference to Pinback in Dark Star, though he was played with a Russian accent for some reason (I don’t think Pinbacker is a Russian name). Pinbacker’s motivation is that he’s a religious nut, and of course, Russian religious nuts are very common villains in real life. It’s funny how much the movie resembles Dark Star: more than it probably wanted to. Despite taking itself very seriously, this movie ended up a kind of low comedy in the vein of Dark Star. This movie was really a scene for scene copy of many other science fiction and horror movies. The horror bits in the second half of it were all lifted from Alien and Hellraiser (the villain, duh: the Hellraiser villain). The dramatic space scenes were scene for scene copies from Star Trek the Motion Picture and 2001. It was like the director went out to Blockbuster and rented a half dozen special effects movies, stuck them in a blender, and published his findings.
Despite humanity being able to build interplanetary atom bombs the size of Manhatten, somehow they are forced to build computers that can be destroyed in a few minutes by removing it from a cooling liquid. While I’m complaining about the poor computer engineering: the computer evidently requires gravity to keep the damn liquid in place. Even if the computer was on a dinghy or railcar, where there is actual gravity, it would seem this would be a bad idea. I mean, why not just stick the whole thing in one of those pieces of miracle technology: the plastic jar? Instead, they make the whole space ship rely on a piece of technology which explodes when some liquid sloshes around a little bit. The science in this movie makes less sense than most science fiction. I’m not talking about ordinary dumbness, like hearing dramatic sounds in the vacuum of space; this is magnificent dumbness. No, the sun is not so bright near the orbit of Mercury that it would light astronauts on fire. If it were, it would light Mercury on fire: duh. There is no “radio dead zone” near Mercury, and wouldn’t be even if something weird happened to the solar wind. Also, why does it take 24 hours for packet radio to reach earth, when light only takes 8 minutes? When people go into space, the danger isn’t that they’ll freeze into meat popsicles, the danger is that their blood will boil out of their lungs. Also, when a square object tumbles around, all the occupants inside that square object will get turned into jelly which gets smeared around the edges, even if there is some kind of artificial gravity inside it. Finally, they made a huge deal out of having to send a bunch of people along with their big bomb to light it off, but at the end of the day, the only thing the people really needed to do was press a big red button to do the deed. Humanity has had reliable ICBM’s since the late 1950s; it doesn’t make much sense to me that they’d need to build giant space yachts with oxygen gardens to do the job of an ICBM, which only required vacuum tube level computing in the 1950s. The ’scientist commentary’ with the DVD is beyond absurd; I’m a real scientist, and I’m not getting paid to tell you lies: this is real science commentary. The science in this movie is insanely, preposterously and gratuitously dumb. Liberal arts majors who care nothing for science should not make “hard science fiction” movies.
The look and soundtrack of the thing is good. They did a very clever thing in keeping most of the interior of the space ship sort of blue greyish colored, so when you look at the shots of the sun, they look much more awe inspiring. The giant space ship is so big, you’re unable to really keep it in your mind as one object. it also seems to resemble underwater drilling platforms in many ways. This is kind of absurd, in that it’s all misty and dark and stuff; in space nothing can be misty: you’ll either see it or you won’t, because there is no gas in space to diffuse the light. But it’s still evocative and pleasant to look at. I’d say it’s fun to turn your brain off for 2 hours, but really, the first hour is insanely boring, so you’ll probably fall asleep before you get to the exciting parts where the cast is mercifully and gloriously dispatched, putting them out of your misery.
5 Stars Today’s “2001″
With it’s captivating cinematography, gripping storyline, and fantastic character interaction, I daresay that “Sunshine” may well be the “2001: A Space Odyssey” of today.
“Sunshine” positively blew me away upon first look. This masterful film manages to blend detailed science with engaging fiction perfectly. To those of you who argue about the timeline of the Sun’s waning…take it as an alternate scenario to the status quo–IF this were the situation, then “Sunshine” is how it might play out.
The cinematography is beautiful and captivating. As always, Danny Boyle manages to pull his audience in to his film and keep them locked in. Never before have I seen such an amazing and awe-inspiring look at our System’s center, short of NASA footage.
Cillian Murphy plays a great role, both stoic and complex simultaneously. Chris Evans manages to pull away from his earlier “pop” roles (”Fantastic Four,” “Not Another Teen Movie”) long enough to play a very strong character in the film, playing of Cillian (and vice-versa) perfectly.
This is a must-see for the science-fiction fanatic. This is a must-own for anyone who considers themselves to be a connoisseur of cinema. Get this film.
Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan The Directors Cut Two Disc Special Collectors Edition
Although Star Trek: The Motion Picture had been a box-office hit, it was by no means a unanimous success with Star Trek fans, who responded much more favorably to the “classic Trek” scenario of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Inspired by the “Space Seed” episode of the original TV series, the film reunites newly promoted Admiral Kirk with his nemesis from the earlier episode–the genetically superior Khan (Ricardo Montalban)–who is now seeking revenge upon Kirk for having been imprisoned on a desolated planet. Their battle ensues over control of the Genesis device, a top-secret Starfleet project enabling entire planets to be transformed into life-supporting worlds, pioneered by the mother (Bibi Besch) of Kirk’s estranged and now-adult son. While Mr. Spock mentors the young Vulcan Lt. Saavik (then-newcomer Kirstie Alley), Kirk must battle Khan to the bitter end, through a climactic starship chase and an unexpected crisis that will cost the life of Kirk’s closest friend. This was the kind of character-based Trek that fans were waiting for, boosted by spectacular special effects, a great villain (thanks to Montalban’s splendidly melodramatic performance), and a deft combination of humor, excitement, and wondrous imagination. Director Nicholas Meyer (who would play a substantial role in the success of future Trek features) handles the film as a combination of Moby Dick, Shakespearean tragedy, World War II submarine thriller, and dazzling science fiction, setting the successful tone for the Trek films that followed. –Jeff Shannon
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars It has been, and always shall be the one.
For your average hollywood studio executive, sequels must be hard. How can you basically take the first movie, expand on it and still create that first sense of wonder that connected to the audience in the first place? Well, luckily for the producers of STAR TREK II they were coming off the stone cold, steely and frankly, quite dull STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE - so, in essence - the only way was up.
However, that doesn’t really cut it. Even if ‘The Motion Picture’ was a resounding success, ‘The Wrath of Khan’ is still not only a perfect sequel, but also a perfect film. It can stand on it’s own and even if you are not a ‘trekkie’ (I don’t really consider myself one), there is plenty to enjoy in what isn’t just another addition to Gene Roddenberry’s space opera - but, an actual movie with feeling and characters you really care about.
I won’t bore you with the story. In a nutshell, it’s the usual ”evil renegade tyrant seeks revenge on our favourite band of star trekkers and a very important cast member who bites the bullet near the finale” - but, its the way the story unfolds that is the kicker. The screenplay is by far one of the better ones for this movie franchise. All of the characters are clearly defined and the villains suitably evil. The visual effects are still wonderful 20+ years on and the cinematography, production and costume design are near perfect and for James Horner’s score - well, its still as fresh and majestic today as it was when the movie first came out.
However, the real draw of this movie (for me, at least) is its dedication to the characters. The three way character arc for Kirk, Spock and McCoy is wonderful on this outing. It all really feels like these guys know each other, hang out together and would die for each other. Which, ahem - gets me to my next point: The finale. If you haven’t seen the movie, please skip this next part - however, if you have I am sure you know what I mean. The death sequence still brings tears to my eyes even now, and the way that William Shatner holds the scenes is marvellous; both heroic and helpless at the same time. The fantastic idea of having a glass shield between Kirk and Spock is a stroke of genius, thus taking away from Kirk the last chance to ”touch” his friend before he dies. It almost sums up their entire friendship in that single scene - its a poignant and sorrowful sequence.
The movie is full of these great scenes; the Kobayashi Maru segment that underpins the entire movie, the creation of the genesis planet, Shatners’ near classic ”Khaaaaaaaaan” speech, I could go on there are so many wonderful moments too numerous to mention. All in all, a great movie. Star Trek or not.
The DVD presentation is wonderful. As usual, the Trek special editions boast an excellent transfer with enhanced sound and the usual array of documentaries (Shatner is a hoot on all of them. I still don’t know if he is joking or being serious. He is a gem) and a great audio commentary from director Nicholas Meyer who truly is THE ”Trek movie” director. At such a great price, this one is the one to own. Recommended.
5 Stars A great adventure that lives up to the hype!
I had always heard his movie was the best in the series, but wasn’t sure if it could live up to the hype. I’m happy to say it did.
Each character is given their moment to shine in this finely crafted film that moves at a perfect pace to keep the audience enagaged. Best was the return of the humor between Kirk, Spock and Bones, while the villain actually posed a threat worthy of the crew’s involvement.
I am watching the series for the first time and am now looking forward to the continued adventure in The Search For Spock.
5 Stars Classic Trek!
In the aftermath of Star Trek:The Motion Picture, Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan went back the original format established during the television series. Gene Roddenberry wanted an action packed movie. The story of the movie was basically a fight for survival.
In the beginning, Captain Spock and his cadets, were in a bridge simulator in preparation for a training cruise on the Enterprise. Admiral James Kirk would be evaluating crew performance during the cruise. The movie seen the introduction of a new character, Lieutenant Saavik. Kirstie Alley did good job in portraying the character. Robin Curtis would do a better job during Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and during her brief appearance in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. In original storyline, Saavik was to be half Vulcan, half Romulan. When her character was introduced in the movie, Saavik was a full Vulcan.
The main part of the story takes place in the Ceti Alpha star system. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, is a continuation of the Star Trek episode “The Space Seed” The late Ricardo Montalban, reprised his role as Khan in the movie and turned in an outstanding performance. In this part of the movie, the Reliant is on orbital approach to what they believe to be Ceti Alpha 6. Reliant was part of the Genesis Project. In this part of the movie, we were introduced to Kirk’s past. The affair he had with Dr. Carol Marcus and the birth of their son David. By mutual agreement, Kirk agreed to stay away. David grows up to be scientist and a research partner with his mother. While growing up, David was never informed, Captain James T. Kirk, was his father. After landing, Chekov and Terrell,are captured by Khan and his people. This is when Chekov and Terrell find out,they’re on Ceti Alpha 5. In the series, Khan and his people, were sent into exile on Ceti Alpha 5, rather than face charges of hijacking the Enterprise. Six months into their exile, the orbit of Ceti Alpha 5 was shifted when Ceti Alpha 6 exploded. Over the course of time, Khan was hoping to seek revenge on Kirk and the Enterprise. With the arrival of the Reliant, gives Khan the opportunity he was hoping for. While waiting for Reliant to be transporter range, Khan learns about the Genesis Project. Kirk is alerted of possible trouble, when Dr. Marcus attempts to contact him on the Enterprise, requesting verification of an order of Starfleet taking procession of Genesis, only to find out, their communications were being jammed. With the Enterprise, the only ship in the area, they’re ordered to active duty. Kirk’s concern, is for the training crew on the Enterprise. They were being placed in a threat situation before they were ready.
The rest of the movie, was a fight for survival. Khan ambushes the Enterprise and disables her. The ace up Kirk’s sleeve, was the Prefix Code. After making whatever repairs they could, Kirk’s concern was for Dr. Marcus and the Genesis Project. Upon arrival at the Regula I station, Kirk finds the aftermath of Khan’s anger. After finding Chekov and Terrell, Kirk makes a coded message to the Enterprise. Upon transporting inside the Regula 1 planetoid, Kirk finds Dr. Marcus, his son and the Genesis Device, only to find out, they walked into a trap. After taking Genesis, Khan was under the impression, Kirk was going to be marooned inside a dead planet. Khan was unaware of the coded message. The Enterprise was in hiding and was able to restore partial main power. Two hours later, Kirk and his party, were transported to the Enterprise.
This is where the fight for survival, get intense. Kirk knows the only way to even the fight, is to play hide & seek inside the Mutara Nebula. During their battles, both the Enterprise and the Reliant were heavily damaged. In his last attempt to destroy the Enterprise, Khan activates the Genesis device. What Khan was not aware of, Dr. David Marcus was on the bridge of the Enterprise and seen the sensor display from Spock’s science console. With Warp drive unavailable, the Enterprise tried to get away from the Reliant at best possible speed before the Genesis Device detonates. Knowing they are facing certain destruction, Spock makes the ultimate sacrifice when he makes repairs to the Warp Drive. With seconds to spare,the Enterprise escapes destruction. After knowing his wife and son are safe, Kirk has to endure the ultimate pain of losing his best friend.
The funeral ceremony was a fitting close. The special touch is when Scotty was playing Amazing Grace on the bag pipes. Their window of opportunity for the next movie, is when Spock’s burial tube passed through what remains of the Genesis Wave Radiation. During some quiet time in his quarters to grief over Spock’s death, David acknowledges that Admiral James T. Kirk, is his father and very proud of him.
Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan, is the best of the action based movies of the Star Trek movie series involving the original crew. This was the first Star Trek movie to use George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic to provide the special effects for the movie. Ricardo Montalban was outstanding in reprising his role as Khan. He was being considered for the Academy Award. However, he did not make the final cut. In the Special Collector’s Edition, the edited scenes were restored to this version, including the introduction of Scotty’s nephew, Peter Preston and the scenes in Sick Bay where Scotty loses his nephew and scene between Kirk and McCoy asking the question, “How did Khan find out about Genesis?” The restored scenes, added to the storyline.
Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan - The Director’s Cut, would be an excellent edition to anyones DVD collection. The movie is a continuation of an episode that appeared during the original series!
5 Stars Khaaaan!!!!
“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” is the superior sequel to the turgid Motion Picture. It outshines its predecessor with its galactic adventure, and an ancient feud. Adm. Kirk learns his ex-wife (or ex-girlfriend? It’s not clear) and their son David are making the Genesis device, capable of making new life. It terraforms. There’s some family drama. Kirk’s ex is still angry about her abandonment; David is a wimpy mama’s boy. What threatens to become As the Galaxy Turns becomes adventurous when Khan Noonien Singh (a wonderfully villainous Ricardo Montalban) is awakened. Khan is a genetically engineered superman; will he finally have his revenge on Kirk?
“Wrath of Khan” has some powerful moments- from Montalban as the stylish villain to the spectacular worldmaking powers of the Genesis device. Khan sticks a particularly gross worm into Chekov’s ear (you don’t SEE anything,but the implications are hideous enough) Mr. Spock sacrifices his life for the crew.
“Wrath of Khan” is one of the superior Star Trek films. It wasn’t sequelitis! It’s an enjoyable popcorn flick.
Ricardo Montalban was a great actor and gentleman. He will be missed as a luminary on the stage and screen. (1921-2009)
5 Stars The best of what Star Trek is about….
First off, im not a hard, hard core Trekkie, but As a lifelong fan of Star Trek, ive seen almost all the series’ in the mythology (except Deep Space Nine), and ive seen most of the films, and i have to say….ill always love the original, hands down. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, all the original crew members, to me, nothing ever beats the feeling of adventure and heroism one experiences when one watches the original crew in action…i know some fans debate whos a better captain, or which series was better or worse, to me, the original started it all, and when it comes to comfortability, thats what ill take. The second film in the big screen series, “The Wrath of Khan”, demonstrates the best of what the legend of Trek is about….people. Sure, dont get me wrong, i love the spaceships, the epic battles, the alien races the crew encounter…but most of all, at its best, Star Trek is about people, and emotions, and the sense of human unity. This is what Gene Roddenbury strived for when he first thought of the idea of the saga. Essentially, its a continuation of the 1967 original series episode “Space Seed”, in which Kirk and crew meet Khan, a genetically engineered superhuman/conqueror from Earth’s past. In the film,which takes place 15 yrs later, Khan is seeking vengeance against Kirk for sending him and his followers into exile following an attempted coup against the Enterprise crew. This film was and is always one of my personal favorites due to the fact it touched on human frailty, humanity, the lust for vengeance and the sin of such lust, and most of all, the value of all against the need of just one or a few ( a bit of paraphrasing of an old Spock saying…youll know it when you hear it). The dvd itself contains lots of great features: extended director commentary, a look at the visual effects used in the film, interviews with cast and crew, etc, etc….overall, an amazing piece of pop entertainment that doesnt insult its fans, but embraces them and their love for that entertainment.
The weirdness of actor Nicolas Cage and the weirdness of science-fiction author Philip K. Dick seem like a natural fit. The premise, taken from a short story by Dick, is a good one: A mediocre Las Vegas magician named Chris Johnson (Cage) can see into the future–but only about two minutes at the most. Just enough to pull off his act and to make some money at the gambling tables, so long as he’s discreet. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been discreet enough; a government agent (Julianne Moore) has sussed out his precognitive talent and wants to use him to track down terrorists. But all Johnson cares about is a beautiful young woman (Jessica Biel, The Illusionist) that he can see in his future–much further in his future than he’s ever seen before. Next has flashes that point to a much, much better movie than it turned out to be. A sequence in which Johnson, clairvoyantly explores all the different permutations of how he might approach his mystery woman is both funny and thought-provoking, and when Johnson avoids pursuers by knowing just the right moment to turn a corner or duck his head, it’s smart and suspenseful. Unfortunately, the terrorist part of the plot is utterly perfunctory and precognition is reduced to an action movie gimmick. Somewhere in there is the kernel of a romantic comedy about precognition that’s just waiting to be made. Cage gives a solid if unsurprising performance, Moore is basically earning a paycheck, but Biel is unexpectedly good (and her part is considerably better-written than your usual romantic interest); her performance suggests a better future than anyone might have predicted. –Bret Fetzer
Beyond Next
 More Nick Cage on DVD |
 The Author that Inspired the Movie |
 The Soundtrack |
Stills from Next (click for larger image)
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars “NEXT”
The movie called NEXT is one of the best I have seen in a long time. The whole movie is interesting and has a great and surprising ending. I think it is well worth the purchase price.
4 Stars Good entertainment
I’m surprised I like this film, but that keeps happening with me and Nicholas Cage. The movies I think I’ll hate, I love and the ones I think I’ll love, I hate. Weird. Anyway, my best friend encouraged me to watch this movie and I’m glad that I did. I thought the little quirk of being to see into the future for just two minutes intriguing. I found Chris/Frank odd and charming. Biel was actually pretty good as a love interest in this film and I even like the big twist at the end. Win. Win.
3 Stars From J. Kaye’s Book Blog
Nicolas Cage stars as Cris Johnson, a magician, who can see can see a few minutes into the future. He tries to stay off the government’s radar. The reasons are obvious. They’ll use his abilities, which is exactly what happens when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a nuclear bomb. Chis becomes a hunted man.
The story idea behind this movie is awesome. It was the acting that fell short, starting with Nicolas Cage. He wasn’t the only one though. It was as though no one really wanted to be there. They were all just reading lines from the script. Also I want to add, there are some movies Cage was meant to star in. This wasn’t one.
1 Star How ridiculous can a movie be?
This may be the worse big budget movie that I have ever seen. First, Nicolas Cage is laughable. He is a horrible actor. His choice of movies, mainly action hero films hides his incompetence as an actor. If he wasn’t
Francis Ford Coppola’s nephew, we may have been spared his one dimensional man acting. Second, the plot of this film is comic book material. Phillip K Dick’s books aren’t all great material.
This movie is for the simple minded, one dimensional, testosterone idiots that made Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Diesel and Van Damme stars.
Heaven help us that this non-sensical crap is being consumed by our young
people. Dumb actors, big tits exposed and lousy scripts. Perhaps this explains how an idiot like Bush could become President of the United States. Our kids are becoming mindless consumers.
How did a decent actress like Julianne Moore end up in this film? Where is her judgment?
I gave it one star. It deserves none!!!!!
1 Star about as good as Cage’s dye job
#1 Cage’s dye job was more distracting then the bad acting. Then again, maybe that’s a good thing because it took my focus off the movie itself.
#2 Cage is way too old to be playing alongside such a yougner actress. Their relationship was really unbelievable and ridiculous.
This isn’t one of Cage’s better movies and not worth the price to rent or buy. I was so disappointed by thsi movie I actually feel the need to leave a review to save other unsuspecting victims.
After scoring popular hits with When Worlds Collide and The War of the Worlds, special-effects pioneer George Pal returned to the visionary fiction of H.G. Wells to produce and direct this science-fiction classic from 1960. Wells’s imaginative tale of time travel was published in 1895 and the movie is set in approximately the same period with Rod Taylor as a scientist whose magnificent time machine allows him to leap backward and forward in the annals of history. His adventures take him far into the future, where a meek and ineffectual race known as the Eloi have been forced to hide from the brutally monstrous Morlocks. As Taylor tests his daring invention, Oscar-winning special effects show us what the scientist sees: a cavalcade of sights and sounds as he races through time at varying speeds, from lava flows of ancient earth to the rise and fall of a towering future metropolis.
The movie’s charm lies in its Victorian setting and the awe and wonder that carries over from Wells’s classic story. The pioneering spirit of the movie is still enthralling, but it gets a bit silly when Taylor turns into a stock hero, rescuing a beautiful blonde Eloi (Yvette Mimieux) and battling with the chubby green Morlocks whose light-bulb eyes blink out when they die. Although it’s quaint when compared to the special-effects marvels of the digital age, the movie’s still highly entertaining and filled with a timeless sense of wonder. –Jeff Shannon
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER
I loved this movie when it first came out and it still ranks as one of my all-time favorites. I don’t see how it could be better. The subject of time travel is intriguing. The sets are fabulous. The acting is great. The story is gripping. There is never a dull moment. This movie has my most enthusiastic recommendation.
5 Stars Timeless
This particular adaptation of H.G. Well’s novel, though not entirely following the text’s plot, seen more times than memory serves, will never lose its appeal, its mystic qualities nor its political ramifications.
In the novel, the protaganist, a scientist of great passion, grows posessed to go back in time and prevent the death of his true love. He attempts to prevent her death many times, but she dies anyway despite his efforts under different circumstances - “one cannot prevent fate”?
Rod Taylor does a supurb job as the curious scientist, moving into future time, as we see 1960 special effects of fashion changes, and the creation of the horseless carriage. He moves forward with great pace as the earth is destroyed by man. Thousands of years pass, as the rocks of centuies finally disapate to find himself in a kind of paradise, where berry’s are the size of soccer balls.
Later we find the earth is divided into two types: Eloi & Morlock. The dominant class, (Morlock) and the slave class, (Eloi) as the Morlock’s supply the basics of life for the apathetic Eloi, only to exploit them for their own ends. Sounds familiar?
Here comes the protaganist to save the day, going back in time to tell his story to his colleagues.
The protaganist goes forward in time to create a “new way of life” for the Eloi, however, he only takes one book with him, and the audience is left wondering what book it could be.
If you were in the same situation, what one book would you take forward in time to create a new civilization?
A favourite as a child, (book & novel) this film has always continued to be food for thought and a personal sentimental classic.
A film to have in one’s library.
4 Stars Weeennnaaa!
The Time Machine is great although maybe for different reasons now compared to when it was first released in the 60s, the special effects have not stood the test of time very well, but because it doesn’t take itself too seriously there is much fun to be had watching blue bodybuilders wearing mops on their heads, a lava destruction sequence that was done filmed with your basement train set and hot jam and where the harebrained futuristic people are all blonde!, all makes the Time Machine a must see and eons better than its remake.
Before the turn of the 20th century George Wells builds a time machine and instead of going into the past decides to visit the future. His journey leads him to meet with children of his friends from the past, multiple world wars and a future society where humanity has speciated into two opposing groups. Can George prove it all happened and can his machine change fate? If you like any sort of corny classic film then The Time Machine is a whole bag of that and then some more. It might not have heavy duty thinking behind it like Forbidden Planet, and watches much like an extended episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, but at the same time is its own film in its own unique way. Just see if you can say that girl’s name and keep a straight face. Weeennnaaa!
5 Stars The Time Machine
A great movie. My family has watched it several times, and never get tired of it.
5 Stars Time Travel
This movie is one hour and fourty-three minutes long and was released on August 17, 1960. Also included in the movie is an extra 48 minutes of film that deal with the making of the movie, the restoration of the time machine, and 15 minute short. The movie is told in first person fashion. How George invented the time machine and traveled several thousand years into the future. Into a time were there is no war, no politics and no worry. Almost a garden of Eden. This is a very good movie to watch and the special effects are great and won an Academy Award for Best Effects, Special Effects (1961).
Ghostbusters Double Feature Gift Set Ghostbusters Ghostbusters 2 and Commemorative Book
Conveniently combined into one “slimy”-looking set, the special features for these supernatural comedies are concentrated on the first disc. The original movie includes informative commentary from director Ivan Reitman (Stripes), writer/actor Harold Ramis (Dr. Egon Spengler), and associate producer Joe Medjuck. (Random facts: the slime was made out of food starch and Rick Moranis’s part was originally written for fellow SCTV alum John Candy.) Other extras include featurettes (from 1984 and 1999), conceptual drawings, deleted scenes (”scene cemetery”), and storyboards (”ghostly gallery” and “split scene compare”). The sequel includes two episodes (”Citizen Ghost” and “Partners in Slime”) from the animated series, The Real Ghostbusters (featuring characters quite distinct from Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, etc.). The set is rounded out by a 26-page collector’s scrapbook with sketches, biographies, and a brief history of the first film. That said, some features from previous editions, like theatrical trailers, are not included. –Kathleen C. Fennessy
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars My husband and I love the Ghostbusters!!!
We love it. I don’t know how many times we have watched it since we have got it.(Alot).
5 Stars A Must Have!!!
A Must have for all 80’s movie fans. My 4 year old absolutely loves it too. Great family fun!
4 Stars 80’s Classics!!!
GHOSTBUSTERS: This is a very awesome and hilarious movie! Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray make it even better! Some scientists start hunting ghosts in NY. Things get worse after some idiot makes them pull the plug at their headquarters and all the ghosts are released. Later, the Ghostbusters must deal with a HUGE Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man!!!
GHOSTBUSTERS II: Five years after killing the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, the Ghostbusters are out of work and nobody remembers them. Dana is walking home with her baby, and the carriage takes off by itself. She asks Egon to look in on it. Later, after a court session gone wrong, the Ghostbusters come out of retirement to figure out what the mysterious goo is under the city and where it comes from. With the help of the goo, music, and the Statue of Liberty, the Ghostbusters try to save the day!!! I can’t wait for Ghostbusters 3!!!
5 Stars I ain’t afraid of no ghost!!! A great 2 DVD package!!! It’s Slime-O-Riffic!!!
This is a great 2 DVD set that includes BOTH Ghostbuster’s 1 and 2 in WIDESCREEN and some great extras too,including a collectable scrapbook!!! A great collection for the Ghostbuster fan!!! A great set at a great price!!! It’s Slimo-O-Riffic!!!Recommended!!! A+
1 Star BIG PROBLEM, you have to purchase THREE ITEMS!!!
The problem with this set is that is uses the “pan and scan” version of the films, instead of the “WIDESCREEN”. So if you are a real fan you have to buy this set for the booklet, then buy the individual movies (the only way to get them in WIDESCREEN). Why can’t they make a “Special Edition”, that has the WIDESCREEN versions of the film? This was the same problem with the Shrek boxed set, some of the films were widescreen, but some were pan-and-scan. If this was in WIDESCREEN, I would have given it four or five stars.
Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer Blu ray
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is another entertaining romp for the Marvel-superhero franchise. Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd), is treading on thin ice when his fianc?e, Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba), thinks he’s more interested in a series of cosmic phenomena occurring around the earth than in the preparations for their upcoming wedding. Sorry, ladies, but Reed is right. The disturbances are caused by a surge of cosmic power from a mysterious being called the Silver Surfer (an all-CGI creation, modeled by Doug Jones and voiced by Laurence Fishburne), who not only zooms around the skies on his board, but also has enough power to fight the FF, sometimes by turning their own power against them, not only mixing up Sue and Reed, but also Johnny Storm, the Human Torch (Chris Evans), and Ben Grimm, the Thing (Michael Chiklis). But that’s not the worst of it. The Surfer is only an opening act, a herald looking for planets that his master, Galactus, can consume for his sustenance.
With its initial installment, Fantastic Four established itself as the superhero franchise that didn’t take itself too seriously, and that continues here. There are numerous moments of laugh-out-loud humor, and the most angst they suffer is whether Sue and Reed will ever be able to live a normal family life. (That, and whether they’ll ever really get married, of course.) If Fantastic Four were a normal superhero franchise, the ending would be a knock-down drag-out war with Galactus, featuring the FF in a colossal battle for the planet Earth and the lives of everyone on it. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer… just doesn’t do that, and we don’t quite get the payoff we expected. Effects are dazzling, but the Surfer looks too metallic, more like a skyriding T-1000 robot. –David Horiuchi
View Stills from the Blu-Ray’s Exclusive Games (Click for larger image):
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars FFROTSS
Honestly, I love all the Marvel Comic characters. When are they going to do Captain America, The Submariner, and Thor?
4 Stars DR. DOOM IS GREAT
FANTASTIC 4
RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER
Remember when the first film in this series came out ever one was hyped up about it and although it was a disappointment to most it still made a lot of money. Well part 2 didn’t have as much expectations and I believe that helped this movie go over more, plus come on the Silver Surfer. While this is not the greatest super hero movie ever made I must say that it is better then the first Fantastic 4 movie, which wasn’t bad for what it was. Sure after the first one I was a little worried that the same thing would happen with this movie, thankfully for the most part this is a much better film.
The movie is all about Reed and Sue trying to deal with their new found celebrity and juggle their responsibilities with the group, public and their wedding all at the same time. Of course while that is happening the U.S. government shows up to inform the group that a strange being is attacking the planet, turns out this guy is their to get the planet ready for an even nastier fellow. So naturally the 4 take this thing on and end up on the losing side to a being known as The Silver Surfer, and this dude is a step above everyone else. At the same time the infamous Dr. Doom is up and moving again and comes in contact with the Surfer and even finds out how to stop him. So an unlikely partnership is forged by Doom, the 4, and the Army to bring the Surfer down, in which case they are successful. But things will not be that easy as Doom has his own motives and steals the Surfer’s board and gains its powers. So off we are to take out Doom and try to stop an on coming Galactis, hopefully the heroes think with the help of the surfer.
I have to say while this is not a classic in any sense it is a much better film then the first one I believe, the characters are a little more like the comic versions. Mr. Fantastic has got a lot of confidence in this one and is not afraid to stand up to people unlike the first film, good to see Ioan Gruffudd playing the part a little better this time. Jessica Alba as The invisible woman seems more like a grown mature lady although this one isn’t as close to the comic as one would think, but still at least she isn’t that love sick little thing from the first film. Ben Grimm aka the Thing is his usual self in this film, at least they kept one of the good things from the first in this one. The only difference is he is happy with his life in this one, and the story isn’t about him as much this go round. Michael Chiklis did as great a job this time as he did the last. Chris Evans as the Human Torch is his cocky self from the first one but this is mainly his story this time much like the first was about the Thing. The Surfer was excellent in this film they hit him spot on, and Laurence Fishburne was great as the voice. But the thing I am most excited about is that they got Dr. Doom right this time, and Julian McMahon plays him perfectly just like I knew he could if given the right character. Doom is much like his comic self in this one, a power hungry villain who will play both sides to get what he wants. My only concern with this film is the treatment of Galactis, when did he become a huge cloud?
Director Tim Story does a much better job this time around, and while it is not a perfect movie it is better than the first. Writers Mark Frost, John Turman, and Don Payne wrote a very good and believable adaptation of the Fantastic Four in my opinion. Not only did they try to appeal to the fans of the comic more this go round, but they also stuck with what the studio wanted with a kinda kid friendly movie. Still it isn’t perfect, not all is right about this film such as the Galactis thing and is it just me or did this feel short? I did how ever like that they had Stan Lee try to get into the wedding, people talk trash about that part but in the comic that really happened, Stan and Jack Kirby try to go to the wedding.
This is not the best super hero movie ever but hey it is still good enough for a rental, and is at least better then the first one [which was ok]. It makes me think that if this becomes a trilogy they may make a really good Fantastic Four film the next time, here’s to hoping.
1 Star God awful movie. If it was not for all the special effects it would be one of those B movies in the clearance ben.
I do not see how this could be considered a good movie. The story plot was bad and the characters were cheesy horrible. The jokes stunk. Obviously this movie was made for little kids to sell toy merchandising(SEE STUPID BEAR SEEN WHICH IS AN OLD CLICHE WHICH USUALLY INVOLVES A DOG AND SOMEONE GROWLS AT IT THEN IT RUNS SCARED, BAD BAD BAD). It is the worst super hero movie I have ever seen. The only cool part was the Silver Surfer character and his abilities. Lets hope they do not make a sequel. I wanted for the first time to smash a Blu Ray/DVD disk, I would have but I wasted money renting this junk.
4 Stars Good, solid fun
Nice comic book adaptation of the Fantastic Four comic which, as a comic book, was always more interesting for its villains than its heroes, and this movie franchise is the same. I didn’t see the first film, but I understand that it was marred by a rushed resolution. In this film, the threat - the Silver Surfer - is identified 30 seconds into the film, so this one is well-designed as an action film.
Quite a bit of soap opera centered around Susan Storm’s concern that she won’t have normal life after she marries Reed Richards, boo hoo hoo, but otherwise it’s pretty straight forward and not too weepy. It’s a kids movie, more so than any of the other Marvel adaptations, although they do manage to get in some speculation about the Thing’s plumbing nonetheless (a perennial question for Marvel Comics fans).
As far as comic book adaptations go, Jessica Alba looks better in Sin City of course, but who’s complaining. The Silver Surfer is very welcome in this movie, as one of the coolest characters in all of Marvel Comics, and they do interesting things with his surfboard. One complaint: I don’t want to give too much away about the ending, but the producers didn’t really introduce Galactus - a character just as fascinating as the Silver Surfer himself - in a very satisfying way in my opinion. But by the end of the movie you’ve had so much fun that you don’t really care too much if it’s well-resolved anyway (so few films are).
Green light for another Fantastic Four movie, as well as a Silver Surfer spin-off.
1 Star If you like the comic you’ll hate this
First off, any one who read FF#48-50 where the Silver Surfer and Galactus first appeared will hate this. I realize as movie makers they can’t do the comic adaption word for word but if anything was ever begging to go directly from comics to movies it was those three classic issues.
I enjoyed most of the Marvel based movies even though they stray far from the comic but, FF’s strength is its’ early issues and though you couldn’t have corny sixties dialog like “Now it’s time for me, Mr. Fantastic, to handle things for a stretch!” or “Hey gang it’s Johnny with the Ultimate Nullifier!” where is the Watcher? Why is Galactus a cloud? Oh yes, he, the ultimate 400 story tall baddie in the Marvel Universe is like a big Sauronesque fume in this movie. To make it worse they have the shadow of his head fly past a planet having fanboys like me salivating.
I hope this spoils things for fans like me who were hoping to see at least a halfway decent adaption of the comic, maybe they won’t buy this garbage. This way maybe they’ll lose so much money they’ll have to do it over like they did with the Hulk.
The War of the Worlds Special Collectors Edition
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/22/2006
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars The Nature of Destruction
The iconic H.G. Wells story of a Martian invasion was given an incredible platform in 1953 to launch into the rarified air reserved for classic films; it won a 1953 Academy Award for Special Effects, 1953 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and 1954 Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing - Feature Film.
Directed by Byron Haskin - with the screenplay written by Barre Lyndon - the story takes place east of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. Starring Gene Barry (Dr. Clayton Forrester) and Ann Robinson (Sylvia van Buren), it is an intense tale of the futility of military firepower in the Atomic Age when confronted by an alien force with its tentacles wrapped around the plan of eradication and colonization. And the amazing fact that nature may hold the key to stopping the onslaught shows that even perfect killing machines will tumble from an Achilles’ heel.
The film transcends the Sci-Fi genre and is a fearsome reminder that the climate must be right to succeed in the vicious game of search and destroy.
5 Stars Best movie
This is probably the best Sci-Fi movie for it’s time. The special effects were ahead of it’s time. Great movie,and I continue to view it several times a year.
5 Stars EXCELLENT GENE BARRY VEHICLE
The story is updated to the 1950s for this film, and the setting is moved from the environs of London to southern California. Dr. Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry), a world renowned physicist, is on a fishing vacation in Pine Summit when a giant meteorite lands in the hills above the nearby town of Linda Rosa. Along with the residents, he goes to investigate. At the impact site, he meets Sylvia van Buren (Ann Robinson) and her uncle, Pastor Dr. Matthew Collins (Lewis Martin). Finding the meteorite too hot to examine closely, he decides to wait in town for the meteorite to cool down.
Later, after most of the people have gone home, the meteorite (actually a Martian spacecraft) unscrews and opens, disgorging a Heat-Ray device. When the three men who remained behind approach in friendly greeting, it kills them without warning. Forrester and the sheriff are also attacked when they return, but survive. Amid reports of numerous other meteors landing throughout the world, a regiment of United States Marines arrives and surrounds the Martian ship. The meteorite deploys three war machines. Pastor Collins approaches the Martians in peace, but they kill him with their Heat-Ray without attempting to communicate. Afterwards, the Marines pellet the Martians with shells and artillery; however, the Martians are revealed to have an impenetrable forcefield protecting them. After enduring the assault, the Martians fight back with their Heat-Ray and disintegrator rays, vaporizing most of the forces surrounding them and move out.
Forrester and Sylvia flee, along with the rest of the civilians. After their plane crashes, they take shelter in a nearby abandoned farmhouse. They are trapped in the basement when another meteorite crashes into the house. The couple comes in contact with a Martian when the creature leaves its war-machine to look around. They manage to fight it off and escape to Los Angeles, eventually rejoining Forrester’s co-workers, who are trying to find a way to defeat the aliens. With a sample of Martian blood and an electronic eye from the war machines, the scientists learn a good deal about Martian physiology; particularly, they learn that they are highly intelligent, but physically weak and anemic creatures. They then leave to observe the United States Air Force drop an atomic bomb on the Martians advancing on Los Angeles. This also fails to destroy the machines and the government initiates large-scale evacuations of cities in danger of attack. Refugees head for shelters set up in the Rocky Mountains while the army plans to hold them off for as long as possible. However, widespread panic among the general populace scatters the research group and their equipment is wrecked. In the confusion, Forrester and Sylvia become separated.
All seems lost, with humanity helpless before the onslaught. Forrester frantically searches for Sylvia in the burning ruins of a Los Angeles under attack. He finally finds her with other survivors awaiting the end in a church. Suddenly, they see an approaching Martian war machine crash. Upon investigating, Forrester realizes that the seemingly all-powerful invaders are dying. As in the book, they have no defense against Earth’s viruses and bacteria.
The film opens with a prologue in black and white and switches to Technicolor at the opening title sequence.
George P?l originally planned for the final third of the film to be in 3-D to correlate with the final attack by the Martians. The plan was dropped prior to actual production of the film, presumably being deemed too expensive.[1]
World War II stock footage was used to produce a montage of destruction to show the worldwide invasion, with armies of all nations joining together to fight the invaders.
Wells had used the second half of his novel to make a satirical commentary on civilization and the class struggle. Lyndon did not write the satire into the movie, though he did add a religious theme (in contrast to Wells original novel), to the point that the Martians begin dying shortly after blasting a church.
The city of Corona was used as the shooting location for the town of “Linda Rosa”.
Join the Gene Barry Group
hi-5.com
5 Stars Great Movie
This movie is one hour and twenty-five minutes long and war released on August 26, 1953. The story begins Linda Rosa, California where a comet like ball crash lands on Earth. A physicist comes to investigate the comet, but can do nothing til morning. Meanwhile he is attend a sqaure dance with the local villagers when the power goes out. He goes back to investigate the comet and lo and behold flying saucers emerge from it and Earth is now under attack. It ends with the aliens not being immune to Earth’s viruses and bacteria. The special effects are great. Though the soul alien in the movie did not get much air time, it did look a pretty scary for an alien of the 1950s era. The movie won an Academy Awards for Best Special Effects (1954). The would make a great addition for anybody sci-fi collection.
5 Stars War Of The Worlds - Out Of This World
War Of The Worlds has always been one of my favorite motion pictures. This verson is exceptional! The visual images are beautiful. There are no streaks or scratches, no missing frames, and the colors are deep and rich thanks to the amazing Technicolor process. The sound is also exceptional, considering how old this movie is. There is no hiss, no pops or cracklings sounds and if you have a set-up with stereo sound you will notice that we seems to have a soundtrack with two channels! Don’t know if it always was that way or someone did a little magic in the studio. Don’t really care either, the results are wonderful. This version is in “full-screen” so folks like me (who don’t have a new style television) can enjoy it without those annoying black bars at the top & bottom of the screen. Every Science Fiction fan should have a copy of this movie for their collection. I can recommend this DVD to all fans with no reservations. It is well worth the price!
Star Wars The Clone Wars 2 Disc Special Edition
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the 2008 CGI-animated theatrical film that serves as the kick-off to the weekly animated Clone Wars TV series. The concept came about way back in 1977’s original Star Wars film, when Leia says in her message to Obi-Wan Kenobi “Years ago, you served my father in the Clone Wars.” Initially a simple offhand reference that would reveal Luke’s past, the phrase captured fans’ attentions for years, until Episode II: Attack of the Clones revealed just how the Clone Wars figured into the battle between Republic and Empire. The 2008 movie is full of familiar characters–Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Count Dooku–and a new one: Ahsoka Tano, a young girl who has been made Anakin’s Padawan. Together, the two headstrong youths embark on a mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s kidnapped child, battling each other as much as they battle the Separatist forces. There are some kind-of-cool sequences, including duels with Dooku and his assassin, Asajj Ventress, and it’s interesting to see some new corners of the Star Wars universe, such as the seamy underbelly of Coruscant. But Ahsoka and her penchant for nicknames that are too cute to stomach seem aimed only at tween-age audiences, and for all that goes on in the movie, nothing really happens in the end. The 2003 animated Clone Wars microseries, which had the advantage of being directly tied into the live-action film series, had much more emotional bite.
At least some familiar voices return: Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO, and still the only actor in every movie), Christopher Lee (Dooku). Other voices include Matt Lanter (Anakin), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka), and James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan). But even the traditional opening crawl has been replaced by a narration more suited for Starship Troopers. Veteran Star Wars fans will probably want to see The Clone Wars–once–but it won’t take them long to discover that this Star Wars isn’t their Star Wars any more. –David Horiuchi
Stills from Star Wars: The Clone Wars (click for larger image)
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User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star It’s been said already . . . made for kids
Short and simple:
This movie is a lengthened version of a Saturday morning cartoon with a plot as thick as an atom and graphics that remind me of Gumby. It’s a good thing I didn’t waste $.50 seeing this in the theater and instead borrowed it from my brother-in-law. I would have wanted my $.50 back.
Kids will probably enjoy the film and possibly those who are really young kids at heart. I personally look to a film for plot, character development, theme, and cinematics. Aside from the fight on the sheer cliff of where monestary is situated (cinematics), the movie failed in every category for me.
Maybe it won’t for you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
4 Stars Star Wars: The Clone Wars: the bitter truth
Fanyboys aside, there is a big discrepancy in the quality of the Star Wars films directed by Lucas and the Star Wars films directed by others. I give him all the credit in the world for the idea, but Lucas doesn’t seem to be the best person to tell his own story. I really enjoyed the Clone Wars 3D animated movie as well as the series to the point where I think it’s superior to AT LEAST half of Episodes 1-6. Episodes 4 (being superior) and episodes 5 and POSSIBLY 3 being the only ones that can even compete with EITHER of the animated Cartoon Network Clone Wars series.
The reason why this newest film and the two series are so good is because of the fact that the focus is on STORY and CHARACTER rather than spectacle or effects. Hey, I like seeing “real people” onscreen too, but I give credit where credit is due.
I DO tip my hat to Lucas for many reasons, though. First, he is confident enough with his brilliant original concept to let other talented people extend it to a degree that HE couldn’t have even imagined. Not everyone is that humble. Second, much of the technology in digital film making was pioneered by Lucas. A lot of the early work in 3D animation and digital editing was pioneered by a division of LucasFilm that eventually became Pixar. Nonlinear editing was also a brainchild of Lucasfilm in the form of EditDroid. Nowadays, there are very few films that don’t edit non-linearly or use some kind of effects work pioneered by Lucas’ company (even if not by Lucas himself). Lucas is a mediocre (at best) director, but is a GREAT producer and has some GREAT concepts.
The Clone Wars movie and two series are excellent and are not exclusively for kids (in almost EVERY other part of the world animation is not viewed as just for kids as it is in America). Wake up, folks, animation is just another form of film making, another tool to tell a story. No one would say that drawing in charcoals is “serious art”, but “painting in pastels and oils is for kids!”. Great film making is in the generation and deft handling of CONTENT!
4 Stars An Interesting addition to the Star Wars Library
This is a good movie, although not a great one. the Fact that it is geared to kids instead of adults makes some things a bit awkward for the serious SW fan. Things like how the coldness and efectivness of a droid army is now replaced with robots that talk back and the like. But if looked at beyond that it is quite entertaining. The Animation is Top Notch and the Audio too.
5 Stars Excellent gift
My husband wanted this for Christmas and we both just loved it. He wants to get the series now too.
5 Stars A Great Start for Youngsters, A Large Sandbox for Fans
If you go into this new addition to the Star Wars universe with an open mind and a decent sense of the target demographic this movie was created for, you will undoubtedly have a great experience. I purchased this mainly for my 3 1/2 year old who absolutely loves all things Star Wars (much like his father!) and my expectations were that it was going to be a fun movie that doesn’t take itself seriously. I was not disappointed and ended up loving the movie and the entirely new chapter of the Star Wars saga that is virtually limitless. While the characters don’t engage in strong philosophical or intellectual debate, they do show some depth and do a good job of fitting into what we have come to expect from Star Wars dialogue - in fact, in some ways, it’s even better than the prequels. The story is good for all audiences and the action is very fast-paced and engaging. Plus, the visuals on Blu Ray just make it that much more of a treat.
Yes, our beloved Star Wars is getting older with the years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t accept change that is meant to catapult our obsession to a new generation of viewers. The time frame in the Star Wars universe is one that is ripe for some intriguing stories and action-packed adventures, exploring characters and places that we have long wondered about. The animated series on Cartoon Network has been a real treat as well and I, for one, am very excited about the potential of this series.
Frank Herberts Dune Sci Fi TV Miniseries Special Edition Directors Cut 3 Disc DVD Set
It’s a mixed blessing, but Frank Herbert’s Dune goes a long way toward satisfying science fiction purists who scoffed at David Lynch’s previous attempt to adapt Herbert’s epic narrative. Ironically, director John Harrison’s 288-minute TV miniseries (broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2000) offers its own share of strengths and weaknesses, which, in retrospect, emphasize the quality of Lynch’s film while treating Herbert’s novel with more comprehensive authority. Debate will continue as to which film is better; Lynch’s extensive use of internal monologue now seems like a challenge well met, and Harrison’s more conventional approach is better equipped to convey the epic scope of Herbert’s interplanetary political intrigue.
This much is certain: this Dune is a sumptuous treat for the eyes, with sets and costumes that were conceived with no apparent limits of budget or creativity. In terms of architecture alone, this is one of the most impressive films in science fiction history. And although the special effects fall short of feature-film quality, writer-director Harrison (who rose from an extensive background in TV) admirably tames the sprawling narrative that pits the opposing houses of Atreides and Harkonnen in a struggle to control the lucrative market for the spice melange. This is as accurate as any Dune adaptation is likely to get (i.e., there’s no need for another attempt), and even then, it can be tricky to keep track of who’s doing what to whom. Unfortunately, the film’s biggest flaws are the casting of a nearly comatose William Hurt as Duke Leto, and a wooden Alec Newman as the messiah-to-be, Paul Atreides. These are regrettable shortcomings, but this Dune remains altogether respectable. That Frank Herbert would be impressed is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay. –Jeff Shannon
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars No Subtitles
This edition of the movie does not have even english subtitles. So if you’re not a native english speaker or would rather concentrate on the movie instead of trying to make out the dialogue over the ambient noise/music, or simply watch the movie at low volume - try finding another version.
A stupid omission in my opinion.
3 Stars An entertaining movie, could have been better
Not bad, but you could tell they added some Hollywoodish type stuff to make it more interesting for people who haven’t read the book. i.e. when hunter-seeking tries to kill him, the Freman girl Chani was in his room supposedly to make his bed. Yeah right, they wanted to make Paul notice the girl, how Hollywood. Include the love scenes into this category also. The other Dune movie does a better job expressing the characters thoughts. Also, in this movie, Paul always seems angry. Overall this one is a bit closer to the book, but the first one is still good considering when it was made 1984.
1 Star What the ? Was this the movie Dune or a free for all blood and sex showing party?
I recognized the movie was an attempt at Dune with the sand, Arakis, and the giant worms, but poor acting, stupid costumes, poor acting again, and blood and sexual themes all over the screen. It looked like they hired the WB network to re-make a creation of a classic movie, and it’s rank with WB style acting and plot. Don’t get or watch this movie, go for the 1984 classic Dune Directed by David Lynch. With Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, Kyle MacLachlan, and (the best) Sting with his stand in part as Feyd-Rautha.
4 Stars Maybe you are not smart enough to “get” Lynch.
After reading the reviews of those who are comparing David Lynch’s vision/version of Dune, with the Sci-Fi Channel’s miniseries of Dune, I have to wonder aloud: “How can you make a comparison?” You can read the book and have your own vision, accept David Lynch’s vision, or accept the Sci-Fi Channels vision. They are not equal, and therefore no comparison is justified.
I must confess that I enjoy David Lynch’s work. It is odd, awkward, strange, bizarre, etc., but so what. The fact that so many people are critical of Lynch maybe due to the fact that … you are not imaginative enough. As I read the reviews, it seems that many like the mini-series due to the fact that it is “more faithful” to the book. So what? I want a different interpretation, a new vision, something creative, something imaginative … or why not just stick with the book? I do not know of many people who have read “the book” and actually liked, or preferred “the movie” — and I mean this on as broad a scale as possible, not limited to Dune/Lynch. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory vs. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, e.g., Gene Wilder Vs. Johnny Depp? Or the original Dahl novel? Depp is creepy & laughable, but a favorite of Tim Burton … but I digress, it was blasphemous to remake this in the first place (Gene Wilder IS Willy Wonka).
The point is, if you do not like or appreciate David Lynch’s work, maybe the problem is you, maybe you are just not smart enough to “get it!”Dune (Extended Edition)
3 Stars Close… But Still Lacking
In many ways, this version of Dune is more faithful to the original source material than the David Lynch film, but ultimately it conveys less of the essence of Frank Herbert’s epic science-fiction masterpiece.
This version of Dune is a noble effort, but budgetary constraints and some questionable casting decisions diminish it’s overall quality. Specifically, the actors portraying the Baron Harkonnen, Princess Irulan and Lady Jessica are all well-chosen and play their roles well. On the other hand, those chosen for Duncan Idaho (arguably the most important character in the Dune mythos) and Stilgar are truly terrible. The actor portraying Paul is uneven in this performance - he is much better playing the older Paul than he is the younger. Chani is also somewhat lackluster, but ironically, this is relatively consistent with her portrayal in the original novel.
Budget-wise, it quickly becomes apparent that this project’s ambition exceeded its resources. Recycled footage, unconvincing exterior sets and poor CGI compromise a great deal of the aesthetic. This is especially unfortunate in light of the exceptional costume and wardrobe design.
All in all, this is a worthy effort at capturing Dune, and it is worth picking up if you are a true fan who is able to let some drawbacks slide. It’s good when you’ve exhausted all other Dune media and are still craving more.
On a related note, the followup to the Sci-Fi TV Dune mini-series, Children of Dune, is a VASTLY superior piece, and I recommend it highly. It overcomes all of the previous deficiencies of the first series and triumphs as a superior adaptation of Herbert’s work.