Posted on 02/19/2008 11:03:14 AM PST by rjp2005
Where have all the sci-fi films gone?
Those simple, thought-provoking speculative tales about how people respond to something new, what kind of moral choices they make, keeping traditions in the face of technological change. Essentially, the kind of films that were thought provoking and story/character driven - Day the Earth Stood Still, Planet of Apes, 12 Monkeys, Minority Report (more action though but good), etc.
The "Superhero and Fantasy Genre Craze" since Spiderman and LOTR has really eaten up a lot of support for original sci-fi works to film...
For 2008, we have two horror/slasher types "I Am Legend" (Omega Man remake) and "Death Race" (revisiting the 70's version), another superhero film in "Jumper", "Iron Man", which could be a treat, and maybe the only true sci-fi attempt, "Babylon A.D.". There was also "Sunshine", a late 90's disaster film leftover, possibly funded by Global Warming-mongers ;)
It will be interesting where they go with re-making The Day the Earth Stood still next December. The "peace in our time" theme will probably be very strong if Hollywood has a say...
Surely they can do better. What about a film depicting a resistance movement in post-war Islamicized Europe? Or a time traveler returning to help stop a nuclear terrorism disaster? Or an elite team responding to a cyber-attack on the electrical grid? Or a scientist accidentally goes in hibernation in Southwest, awakens to see Mexico/China controlling parts of the US. Or a future oil rush in the arctic, with mega companies scrambling for outposts and making claims in the glaciers. Just some ideas.
Well - the X-files 2 movie is coming out this year I think. That should be more on the “thought-provoking” scheme of things.
I was hoping for a remake of “THEM”
The same as where the chidren gone
Gone long time ago...
as for depth, nothing beats Babylon 5 TOS.
John McClane already took care of that one ...
Well then, let's elect him President!
/jaj
a resistance movement in post-war Islamicized Europe
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We can read about that resistance movement right now on Free Republic.
I liked Tim Man although its mini-series presentation probably knocks it out of your category. I do think the wealth of channels available means the innovative stuff gets targeted there, Sarah Connor Chronicles being an example.
I am surprised that no one has tried to screw up one of my all time favorites with a remake: Forbidden Planet.
Plot and substance sacrificed to special effects grandstanding. Everything is too slick, I like a bit of grittiness.
Among my favorites:
70’s
Soylent Green
Rollerball
Star Wars
80’s
Road Warrior
Blade Runner
Think I’ll watch “The Fifth Element” this evening.
Except Fireball XL5.
That’s a good one too.
Bruce Willis is at his best when he’s obviously having fun.
I heard they were redoing the first Star Trek - not excited about it, though.
I hope Iron Man is good.
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