Intelligent Sci-Fi Movies

[JustJon]

I was having a discussion last night about science fiction movies, and we started to try and figure out the most recent intelligent sci-fi movie.

The best we could find was Blade Runner (1984), but couldn't think of any since then. Most science fiction movies of the last 20 years have been action movies in a science fiction setting. Or are action movies that came from intelligent sci-fi (I-Robot).

Can anyone think of anything more recent? The closest we could think of was Children of Men, but that was really more of an action movie pretending to be intelligent sci-fi.

[JustJon]

I was having a discussion last night about science fiction movies, and we started to try and figure out the most recent intelligent sci-fi movie.

The best we could find was Blade Runner (1984), but couldn't think of any since then. Most science fiction movies of the last 20 years have been action movies in a science fiction setting. Or are action movies that came from intelligent sci-fi (I-Robot).

Can anyone think of anything more recent? The closest we could think of was Children of Men, but that was really more of an action movie pretending to be intelligent sci-fi.

[TheMojoPin]

The Matrix is kind of intelligent, but it loses points for ultimately being a dumbed down version of The Invisibles.

[sailor]

what do you mean by intelligent sci-fi. personally, i love reading sci-fi, but most of the movies end up being monster movies like aliens (which i hate). i posted that i thought children of men was intelligent sci-fi...and got slammed for it. what about another philip k dick book, minority report. it had a lot of action, but there was also underlying philosophy regarding the precogs and the arrest of people who had not committed crimes.

[Judge Smails]

I was having a discussion last night about science fiction movies, and we started to try and figure out the most recent intelligent sci-fi movie.

The best we could find was Blade Runner (1984), but couldn't think of any since then. Most science fiction movies of the last 20 years have been action movies in a science fiction setting. Or are action movies that came from intelligent sci-fi (I-Robot).

Can anyone think of anything more recent? The closest we could think of was Children of Men, but that was really more of an action movie pretending to be intelligent sci-fi.


Fricken Newbies and their double-posts!

http://www.ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=58733

[mendyweiss]

It's a great question ! I can't think of any !!!
I will keep checking this thread, in case someone posts a movie I haven't seen !

[Furtherman]

Great topic.

I think 12 Monkeys (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/)is an intelligent sci-fi flick. I also thought Solaris (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069293/). The original AND yes, I even liked the remake. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0307479/)

The first Matrix, although an action film, was a way cool original concept (at least for me) when it came out. But the sequels kinda muddled the concept afterwards.

But the best intelligent sci-fi I saw recently was Primer. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390384/)

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/primer.jpg

Another one I saw on IFC a while back that was great was called Happy Accidents. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208196/)

http://images.contactmusic.com/images/reviews2/happyaccidents.jpg

At first glance, it looks like a chick-flick... and yes, there is a love story there but it also has an excellent sci-fi plot that makes you think... possible? And what if?

And Sailor, I too think Children Of Men is an intelligent sci-fi flick.

[Hottub]

Hey! I did it.
I love 2.0 !!!!:clap:

[Furtherman]

Hey! I did it.
I love 2.0 !!!!:clap:

Whew! Thank you! Because I was ready to attept a slingshot around the sun at warp spped than have to go through and post my reply again!

[EliSnow]

I never saw A.I., so I'm not sure really where it fits in, but from what I read it sounded like intelligent sci-fi.

I'm going to ponder this for a little while. All in all, how many true, intelligent sci-fi movies are there in the history of movies? Blade Runnder, certainly. 2001.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I think A.I. is "intelligent" if you are mind-boggingly stupid.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I know it's technically a remake of 1984, but I'll put Equilibrium out there.

[Tenbatsuzen]

And FYI, there's a difference between "intelligent" and "pretentious".

Battlestar Galactica is "intelligent" sci-fi. 2001 and AI is "pretentious".

[kevcala]

But the best intelligent sci-fi I saw recently was Primer. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390384/)

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/primer.jpg


As soon as I saw the title of this thread, this was the film I was going to post.

[feralBoy]

I think it's tough to determine what an "intelligent" sci-fi movie is. What are the qualifications for a movie to be considered intelligent? Anyway, my picks would be:
The Thing
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind
V for Vendetta

Johnny mnemonic, probably one of the worst sci-fi movies, was actually based on a pretty cool short story by william gibson.

[EliSnow]

I think A.I. is "intelligent" if you are mind-boggingly stupid.

Like I said, I never saw it. I just read about the premise. I think the intent was to make an intelligent sci-fi movie.

[EliSnow]

I think it's tough to determine what an "intelligent" sci-fi movie is. What are the qualifications for a movie to be considered intelligent? Anyway, my picks would be:
The Thing
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind
V for Vendetta


Is V for Vendetta really a sci-fi movie? I agree with Eternal Sunshine.

I guess intelligent would mean that there is an intelligent point about humanity/reality, etc that is trying to be made. I'm not sure about the Thing, but I would maybe Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

[badorties]

the matrix works for me, i love the personalization/personification of machines, systems & applications

frankenstein, iron giant, blade runner, 12 monkeys & eternal shunshine are brilliant, and happy accidents was really enjoyable

i found pi very smart and engaging (albeit a bit amateurish)

i'd throw a nostalgia vote for the first two star wars, before lucas seemed to lose his mind

[EliSnow]

i'd throw a nostalgia vote for the first two star wars, before lucas seemed to lose his mind

While I'm a Star Wars fan, none of the Star Wars movies are intelligent sci-fi movies. They are not really true sci-fi movies. They are more like fantasy/westerns set in outer space. I mean, compare it to Blade Runner, Children of God, etc.

[Freakshow]

Gattaca?

Not an action flick disguised as Sci-Fi. More of a Film Noir. I thought it was pretty intelligent.

[jetdog]

I think I would put "Pi" in the science fiction category, I'd also say it was a really inteligent movie.

[Bill From Yorktown]

Furtherman, you beat me to it with Primer. Excellent movie.

[feralBoy]

Is V for Vendetta really a sci-fi movie? I agree with Eternal Sunshine.

I guess intelligent would mean that there is an intelligent point about humanity/reality, etc that is trying to be made. I'm not sure about the Thing, but I would maybe Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

I don't know if V for Vendetta is sci-fi. Probably not, now that I think about it.

The thing is just my favorite sci-fi movie. It may not be intelligent from the point of making a statement about humanity or reality. But It's written well, filmed well, scored well, acted well. So, I consider it intelligent in that aspect.

[ChimneyFish]

I, also, am unclear exactly what qualifies as "intelligent".


I would say Stargate. They could have done much more with it, but the concept was ingenious.

[EliSnow]

I, also, am unclear exactly what qualifies as "intelligent".


I would say Stargate. They could have done much more with it, but the concept was ingenious.

I wouldn't call Stargate an intelligent sci-fi movie. I'd call it a popcorn sci-fi movie.

As for what is "intelligent" sci-fi, here's what I think. Intelligent science fiction tries to make an intellilgent point about humanity, reality or current viewpionts, technology, politics or relationships. Blade Runner is intelligent sci-fi because it is trying to make a point artisticly about what make a person human or real, by endowing "human" aspects (including physical form, emotions, and thinking) onto non-human things (the Replicants). Total Recall is based on an intelligent sci-fi book "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale," which tries to make points about what is reality by presenting a futuristic society where memories can be manufactured. Which reminds me about Vanilla Sky, as a recent "intelligent sci-fi" movie, which also tried to make points about realism.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers is intelligent sci-fi which tried to make a point about the 1950's fears about Communists amongst us by showing aliens among us and replacing others.

The current Battlestar Galactica is intelligent sci-fi which makes points about humanity (in similar ways to Blade Runner), religion, and current society and events, such as the Iraq War. The Star Trek episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" is intelligent sci-fi which made points about the absurdity of racial hatred. Another intelligent sci-fi Star Trek Ep woudl be the City on the Edge of Forever.

I think Stargate and Star Wars are popcorn sci-fi movies. Star Wars was made really well and Stargate had an interesting concept (I don't know if I can say ingenious because it's not the first work to suggest that aliens built the pyramids), but I woudn't place them in the same category as Blade Runner.

[Furtherman]

Intelligent sci-fi movies tend not to make a lot of money at the box office.

[EliSnow]

I don't know if V for Vendetta is sci-fi. Probably not, now that I think about it.

The thing is just my favorite sci-fi movie. It may not be intelligent from the point of making a statement about humanity or reality. But It's written well, filmed well, scored well, acted well. So, I consider it intelligent in that aspect.

V For Vendetta was making points about humanity and our relationship with our government by looking at it in a alternate realty or near future. I'm just trying to think whether it's really sci-fi. I guess it is.

[EliSnow]

"Intelligent" sci-fi" also may be a sort of a prophesy of ethical dilemnas we may face with technological advancements. I think the stories in "I, Robot" by Asimov clearly fit that. Gattica tried as well.

[PhishHead]

someone already named Primer and Gattaca, with Primer probably being one of the smartest.

Dark City also makes you ponder and wonder things as well.

[ChimneyFish]

Ingenious was too strong a word, I just couldn't think of another word to describe the concept.


I don't know that I'd put Stargate in the same category as Star Wars, but I could see how it's more of a "popcorn movie" than some of the other films mentioned here.


I know it wasn't the first work on the alien - pyramid connection, I just thought they did a decent job with it.

Guess it's maybe just my fascination with the whole idea.


Realizing, I've got some On Demand searching/renting to do. I haven't seen some of these films.

[EliSnow]

[SIZE="2"]
I know it wasn't the first work on the alien - pyramid connection, I just thought they did a decent job with it.
SIZE]

I think the idea is interesting as well. I've got a sort of bias against the movie because of the filmmakers involved, and the series as well (because its success led, in part, to Sci Fi cancelling Farscape.

[MadMatt]

"Pi" was already mentioned, but it's one of my favorites in recent years. It was really one of the first flicks that turned me on to independent film.

Would "The Truman Show" count as sci-fi? Even though it had it's faults, I thought it spoke to the current obsession with TV/Reality TV and how much our culture just "gives in" to what the media feeds us.

There is another movie I wnat to mention but I can't bring it to the front of my brain right now. It is a ghost taunting the back of my eyelids. I'll mention it if I'm not driven insane first...

[ChimneyFish]

I think the idea is interesting as well. I've got a sort of bias against the movie because of the filmmakers involved, and the series as well (because its success led, in part, to Sci Fi cancelling Farscape.



Never knew that. I liked Farscape, too.

I liked the Stargate series somewhat, but, again, I think they could have done so much more with it.

[Furtherman]

"Pi" was already mentioned, but it's one of my favorites in recent years. It was really one of the first flicks that turned me on to independent film.

Would "The Truman Show" count as sci-fi? Even though it had it's faults, I thought it spoke to the current obsession with TV/Reality TV and how much our culture just "gives in" to what the media feeds us.



Yes, Pi is a fantastic, and intelligent, sci-fi movie.

I wouldn't consider The Truman Show sci-fi, but I would consider it ahead of it's time, at least in American time.

The Truman Show came out in 1998. The first big "reality" series here in America was Survivor, which didn't premiere until 2000. There were other so called "reality" shows before 1998, but it did forecast a national obsession with watching people in "reality" shows, which has happened.

[MadMatt]

Yes, Pi is a fantastic, and intelligent, sci-fi movie.

I wouldn't consider The Truman Show sci-fi, but I would consider it ahead of it's time, at least in American time.

The Truman Show came out in 1998. The first big "reality" series here in America was Survivor, which didn't premiere until 2000. There were other so called "reality" shows before 1998, but it did forecast a national obsession with watching people in "reality" shows, which has happened.

OK, I'll give you that. However, I didn't see it until it had been on DVD for awhile - probably 2004. That's probably why I made the additional connection.

[ChimneyFish]

The Truman Show came out in 1998. The first big "reality" series here in America was Survivor, which didn't premiere until 2000. There were other so called "reality" shows before 1998, but it did forecast a national obsession with watching people in "reality" shows, which has happened.



Does that also mean that a transexual, disgruntled kicker is going to kidnap Dan Marino????:happy:

[MadMatt]

Thank goodnes, I FINALLY remembered it!

I think "The Arrival" is an intelligent, underrated sci-fi movie. Charlie Sheen puts on a pretty good performance and the story has a good balance of action, intrigue, global alien conspiracy, and special effects.

I'll probably catch hell for this one, but it is one of my favorites.

[ChimneyFish]

Thank goodnes, I FINALLY remembered it!

I think "The Arrival" is an intelligent, underrated sci-fi movie. Charlie Sheen puts on a pretty good performance and the story has a good balance of action, intrigue, global alien conspiracy, and special effects.

I'll probably catch hell for this one, but it is one of my favorites.



Nice grab.

I liked that movie a lot, and it had a nice global warming undertone to it.

[EliSnow]

I wouldn't consider The Truman Show sci-fi, but I would consider it ahead of it's time, at least in American time.

The Truman Show came out in 1998. The first big "reality" series here in America was Survivor, which didn't premiere until 2000. There were other so called "reality" shows before 1998, but it did forecast a national obsession with watching people in "reality" shows, which has happened.

Didn't Real World begin in the early '90's? I would cal that the first big reality show and think that was a direct predecessor of The Truman Show.

A better example of a movie prophesizing "reality" shows would be The Running Man. Based on a Stephen King short story (I believe) and coming out in 1987, I think that was further ahead of its time than Truman Show.

It's interesting that The Running Man and Total Recall were a good merger of a popcorn sci-fi and "intelligent sci-fi." Total Recall was a better movie, though. The Matrix would be another such merger.

[Furtherman]

Thank goodnes, I FINALLY remembered it!

I think "The Arrival" is an intelligent, underrated sci-fi movie. Charlie Sheen puts on a pretty good performance and the story has a good balance of action, intrigue, global alien conspiracy, and special effects.

I'll probably catch hell for this one, but it is one of my favorites.

I would label The Arrival as a very good B Sci-fi movie, and much better than any Independence Day or other popcorn sci-fi flick. If it was on, I'd watch it.

Contact is a great movie and I'd put it under the intelligent category. Despite the big budget special effects and cast, it tackles the probability of actual contact and the effects of science and religion extremely well.

And yes, I buy the "you must have downloaded my thoughts" ending.

[EliSnow]

I got another intelligent sci fi movie: Contact, with Jodi Foster. A lot of levels to that movie that made a great point about the relationship between science and faith. Now they probably "dumbed down" the story from the original "First Contact" by Carl Sagan, but I think it's a pretty intelligent movie.

Edit: I didn't see Furtherman's post but we had similar thoughts. BTW, Furtherman, my brain's a little foggy, but what's the downloaded thoughts ending.

[MadMatt]

I would label The Arrival as a very good B Sci-fi movie, and much better than any Independence Day or other popcorn sci-fi flick. If it was on, I'd watch it.

Contact is a great movie and I'd put it under the intelligent category. Despite the big budget special effects and cast, it tackles the probability of actual contact and the effects of science and religion extremely well.

And yes, I buy the "you must have downloaded my thoughts" ending.

Yeah, I have always wanted to read the original book by Carl Sagan but have never gotten around to it.

"Contact" is a movie that I wish had a sequel, but know it couldn't and shouldn't happen. I want to know if they end up believing her, if more people try the machine, and if humanity enters a new scientific age. However, there is no way to do the story justice and have a legit follow-up.

Great movie though, and I was OK with the ending too.

[EliSnow]

[SIZE="2"]Never knew that. I liked Farscape, too.[SIZE]

If I remember fully. Sci Fi cancelled Farscape because it was too costly to produce. They preferred having shows like Stargate SG:1, which got great ratings but was a cheaper show. After the cancellation, I stopped watching Sci Fi, until Battlestar Galactica came on.

I'm still pissed about Farscape, and am wondering at a comparison of costs between Galactica and Farscape. Admittedly, Galactica has gotten better ratings and publicity, which would excuse higher costs of production.

[Furtherman]

Didn't Real World begin in the early '90's? I would cal that the first big reality show and think that was a direct predecessor of The Truman Show.



Yes, The Real World did begin in 1992, but that was on cable, which back in 1992 was still seen by only a minority of the country. Only teens knew what Real World was about. It wasn't until Survivor, on a boadcast network, that the phenomenon of "reality television" kicked in and had millions and millions of people watching and talking about it.

[ChimneyFish]

Don't know if this actually fits the "intelligent" category, or even if it's truly a Sci-Fi film.(guess it depends if you believe the story or not)


Fire In The Sky

For the life of me, I can not remember how that thing ends.

[MadMatt]

If I remember fully. Sci Fi cancelled Farscape because it was too costly to produce. They preferred having shows like Stargate SG:1, which got great ratings but was a cheaper show. After the cancellation, I stopped watching Sci Fi, until Battlestar Galactica came on.

I'm still pissed about Farscape, and am wondering at a comparison of costs between Galactica and Farscape. Admittedly, Galactica has gotten better ratings and publicity, which would excuse higher costs of production.

I liked Farscape, but the story started to stray IMO. It got a little convoluted and weird. However, it did not deserve to be cancelled and it was on my "always watch" list.

At least Sci-Fi made a couple of movies to wrap-up the story. It would have been a travesty to just leave everything hanging the way the series ended.

[lleeder]

I took a Sci-Fi Lit class. Two movies which were important parts the curiculum were 12 Monkeys and Road Warrior. It was a great class. Always a film day and little notes.

[Furtherman]

Edit: I didn't see Furtherman's post but we had similar thoughts. BTW, Furtherman, my brain's a little foggy, but what's the downloaded thoughts ending.

The most common complaint I've heard from people who didn't like Contact was "so, like, her father was the alien" or vice versa. They hated the whole idea of Ellie on the beach with her father. When they probably missed her line of how it was impossible, or they must have downloaded my thoughts, my memories, in order to present her with a more familiar place. The beach itself is a replication of a drawing she has in her room as a child.

[EliSnow]

Yes, The Real World did begin in 1992, but that was on cable, which back in 1992 was still seen by only a minority of the country. Only teens knew what Real World was about. It wasn't until Survivor, on a boadcast network, that the phenomenon of "reality television" kicked in and had millions and millions of people watching and talking about it.

I think by 1992, cable was available to the majority of America. The MN hayseed town I grew up in had cable back in 1982.

Also, my point was that, because of the success of Real World, it wasn't too hard to predict the emergence of reality shows. While a small amount of America may have been aware of it, Hollywood certainly was. So I don't see The Truman Show being really far ahead of its time.

[EliSnow]

The most common complaint I've heard from people who didn't like Contact was "so, like, her father was the alien" or vice versa. They hated the whole idea of Ellie on the beach with her father. When they probably missed her line of how it was impossible, or they must have downloaded my thoughts, my memories, in order to present her with a more familiar place. The beach itself is a replication of a drawing she has in her room as a child.

Got it. I agree with you. I buy it as well.

[MadMatt]

It's not a movie, but the first 4 seasons of "Babylon 5" were really good.

The biggest problem (IMO) was that when JMS found out he wouldn't be renewed for season 5 he jammed the majority of the season 5 storyline into the last few episodes of season 4.

Then TNT came in at 2 seconds to midnight and picked up the series, which left JMS a little empty since he already blew the story arc.

[EliSnow]

I liked Farscape, but the story started to stray IMO. It got a little convoluted and weird. However, it did not deserve to be cancelled and it was on my "always watch" list.

At least Sci-Fi made a couple of movies to wrap-up the story. It would have been a travesty to just leave everything hanging the way the series ended.

Farsape's best season was definitely the second season, but I still loved everything about the show. Every year, I go back and take a couple weeks to watch the series over again. Also, it may not be manly to say so, but I really got wrapped up in the Crichton-Aeryn relationship. Shit, I still have a thing for Claudia Black because of that show. I also started tearing up, at the last conversation Crichton had with his father.

After watching it, prior sci fi shows, like ST:TNG and B5, just don't hold up as well for me.

[EliSnow]

It's not a movie, but the first 4 seasons of "Babylon 5" were really good.

The biggest problem (IMO) was that when JMS found out he wouldn't be renewed for season 5 he jammed the majority of the season 5 storyline into the last few episodes of season 4.

Then TNT came in at 2 seconds to midnight and picked up the series, which left JMS a little empty since he already blew the story arc.

I'm a fan of B5, but there is a level of corniness/hackiness that grates on me when I watch it. There are several actors that I can't stand on the show (the first captain, Billy Mumy, Jeff Conaway), but I did really enjoy seasons two-four.

[lleeder]

I would like A.I if the movie ended when he smashed all of the other versions of himself. I felt the movie should have ended there or maybe at the most just ended when he was in the ocean staring at the fairy.

[TheMojoPin]

"Babylon 5 is a big pile of shit!"

http://www.friedgold.co.uk/spaced/Icons/tim.jpg

[Furtherman]

I think by 1992, cable was available to the majority of America. The MN hayseed town I grew up in had cable back in 1982.

Also, my point was that, because of the success of Real World, it wasn't too hard to predict the emergence of reality shows. While a small amount of America may have been aware of it, Hollywood certainly was. So I don't see The Truman Show being really far ahead of its time.

In 1992, cable was available to 64% of American homes. MTV was in 59% of of those homes. So it's more than half, but hardly a majority. I was in Philadelphia in 1982 and we didn't get cable until the late 80's!

The Real World wouldn't have clicked on network televison at the time - it wasn't a comedy and it didn't spawn and copy cat shows. My point is Survivor started the reality TV craze on a national level. Everyone was talking about it. It became embedded into the national pop culture, which in turn made a lot of money and ulimatley gave us blocks of time called "Celebreality" (see VH1). The Truman Show showed that obsession - throughout the movie you see people glued to their TVs in public places people stopped what they were doing. That didn't happen when the new cast of The Real World showed up. The first survivor season finale averaged 52 million viewers!

That's how I feel The Truman Show was ahead of it's time. Not "really far" ahead, but the writers got pretty close.

[EliSnow]

In 1992, cable was available to 64% of American homes. MTV was in 59% of of those homes. So it's more than half, but hardly a majority.

Actually, it is a majority. A majority is anything greater than 50% of something.

Other than that nitpicking, I understand what you are saying.

[cougarjake13]

i know im gonna catch some shit again for this movie

but what about vanilla sky ???

[Landblast]

I think A.I. is "intelligent" if you are mind-boggingly stupid.

I was anticipating A.I. to be great cause Kubrick/Spielberg, Teaser (http://aimovie.warnerbros.com/trailer.html) but this piece of shit,..there is no way that that cut
of this picture would of been released had Kubrick not died at that time.

[Captain Rooster]

The mini-series sucks, but Stephen King's "The Stand" is based on inelligent sci-fi with several Freudian "Lord of the Flies"-esque moments. Super-biological weapons most likely exist--if any released or "escaped" ... the results would be awful.

[sailor]

i know im gonna catch some shit again for this movie

but what about vanilla sky ???

loved it (and most of the other movies mentioned on these pages).

[JustJon]

I was anticipating A.I. to be great cause Kubrick/Spielberg, Teaser (http://aimovie.warnerbros.com/trailer.html) but this piece of shit,..there is no way that that cut
of this picture would of been released had Kubrick not died at that time.

Had Kubrick lived, AI would have been an intelligent sci-fi movie. Instead, you had Kubrick's concepts thrust into a crowd pleasing popcorn movie that should have had only one ending.

[TheMojoPin]

Had Kubrick lived, AI would have been an intelligent sci-fi movie. Instead, you had Kubrick's concepts thrust into a crowd pleasing popcorn movie that should have had only one ending.

It's surprising that people bash this movie so much and don't really know much about it. In his earlier treatments, Kubrick's film and the ending were much "happier" than what Spielberg ultimately did. In fact, most of the "darker" elements are courtesy of Spielberg, not Kubrick. Kubrick's version resembled more of a sophisticated children's film.

I agree it's a very flawed film and the final ending doesn't really work (it's not clear enough that David finally deactivates for good), but I personally think it's hated way too much just because everyone has this vague idea of what a Kubrick/Spielberg film "should be." I think as time goes on, it's definitely a movie that's going to re-evaluated and re-appreciated.

[weekapaugjz]

V For Vendetta was making points about humanity and our relationship with our government by looking at it in a alternate realty or near future. I'm just trying to think whether it's really sci-fi. I guess it is.

i wouldn't consider v for vendetta a science fiction movie. just because its based in the future it doesn't make it sci-fi. from what i have read in this thread i would agree with eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. the first time i saw that movie i was fucking losing my mind. i went to bed that night thinking i was going to lose all my memories (i admit i was very stoned) but it is very thought provoking. it really made me think about my life and whats important and how even bad memories are apart of who you are and if you erase them, are you really still who you think you are? one of my favorite movies.

[pittphantoms]

Donnie Darko works for me... I love that flick... and I cant think of any other way to classify it other than Sci-Fi.

[TheMojoPin]

i wouldn't consider v for vendetta a science fiction movie. just because its based in the future it doesn't make it sci-fi. from what i have read in this thread i would agree with eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. the first time i saw that movie i was fucking losing my mind. i went to bed that night thinking i was going to lose all my memories (i admit i was very stoned) but it is very thought provoking. it really made me think about my life and whats important and how even bad memories are apart of who you are and if you erase them, are you really still who you think you are? one of my favorite movies.

I think the "science fiction" aspect of ESotSM is pretty incidental. To me, science fiction is where the "science" is overwhelimg and essential to the film. The memory erasing tech in ESotSM is just a barely sketched together tool to focus us inside, literally, the characters.

[weekapaugjz]

Donnie Darko works for me... I love that flick... and I cant think of any other way to classify it other than Sci-Fi.

didn't even think of that one, a great sci-fi movie indeed. i love the creepiness of that movie.

i can't remember who it is, but someone has a sigpic that says, "well i think you are the fucking anti-christ" and it makes me laff and laff

[TheMojoPin]

didn't even think of that one, a great sci-fi movie indeed. i love the creepiness of that movie.

i can't remember who it is, but someone has a sigpic that says, "well i think you are the fucking anti-christ" and it makes me laff and laff

No we're getting into a really vague territory that I don't think is science fiction. Along these lines, Being John Malkovich could be science fiction, and I don't agree with that at all. Same with something like A Clockwork Organge.

[AnnoyedGrunt]

I'm not the biggest fan in the world, but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Ghost in the Shell.

I haven't seen the entire movie, but most people seem to think Brazil is intelligent. And what about Videodrome? Does that count as sci-fi?

[weekapaugjz]

No we're getting into a really vague territory that I don't think is science fiction. Along these lines, Being John Malkovich could be science fiction, and I don't agree with that at all. Same with something like A Clockwork Organge.

i would definately say that clockwork orange is sci-fi from all the experimenting they are doing on alex. the movie is great but the book is even better.

[IamFogHat]

This is an awesome topic btw.
Ok, for me, of course Blade Runner, I would say the first Matrix, yeah...this one is really tough...I know they're out there, cause I watch them avidly, but I can't pin them down for some weird reason. Shit, well more on this later. A Scanner Darkly was pretty good, but way too depressing to even consider something I love, and I love dark art and humor.

[weekapaugjz]

[QUOTE=IamFogHat;1261139I know they're out there, cause I watch them avidly, but I can't pin them down for some weird reason.[/QUOTE]

your answer...TheMojoPin...

"pin" is the key word though...

[LordJezo]

Does The Fountain count?

I've never had to fight back tears like I did during the end of that movie. It blew me away unlike anything has before.

[Sheeplovr]

South Land Tales

[EliSnow]

Does The Fountain count?

I've never had to fight back tears like I did during the end of that movie. It blew me away unlike anything has before.

I haven't seen it. Is it sci fi or fantasy? Very similar genres, but different.

[Sheeplovr]

I haven't seen it. Is it sci fi or fantasy? Very similar genres, but different.

check out the graphic novel book the art is cool
i didnt see the movie yet
but i like the book

[Furtherman]

Does The Fountain count?

I've never had to fight back tears like I did during the end of that movie. It blew me away unlike anything has before.

The Fountain was an incredible visual experience. Personally I found it a little rough to get through but after reading more about it, I think I could watch it again.

I'm not sure if it would be considered sci-fi, but more of a love experience. It's up for a lot of interpretation of what it means, whereas sci-fi is a little more structured on what is going on.

[MadMatt]

I'm not the biggest fan in the world, but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Ghost in the Shell.

I haven't seen the entire movie, but most people seem to think Brazil is intelligent. And what about Videodrome? Does that count as sci-fi?

"Ghost in the Shell" is a great pull! That is a gret flick - but will the "fascists" in the thread not count it because it is anime? Personally, I would count it.

Spinning off of "Brazil" I thought "Boys from Brazil" would count as an intelligent sci-fi movie. However, it is one of the few movies I wish they would remake because now they could fill in more of the science and just make it more "creepy."

Plus I'm not a huge Gregory Peck fan - he tends to overact.

[EliSnow]

I haven't seen it. Is it sci fi or fantasy? Very similar genres, but different.

check out the graphic novel book the art is cool
i didnt see the movie yet
but i like the book

I meant to get the book, and even tried to purchase it on Amazon, but intstead got an art design book for the movie. It had the same title as the book, and for someone reason I selected that. I'll have to buy it soon.

[EliSnow]

"Ghost in the Shell" is a great pull! That is a gret flick - but will the "fascists" in the thread not count it because it is anime? Personally, I would count it.



I would too. Just because it's animated doesn't stop it from being an intelligent sci-fi movie.

[TheMojoPin]

I would too. Just because it's animated doesn't stop it from being an intelligent sci-fi movie.

True. I'd toss in Akira, too, even though the original comic is much different, longer and, quite frankly, smarter.

[Radioguy]

I know you guys are talking about more recent films, but The Day The Earth Stood Still, to me, is the most intelligent sci-fi film I can think of.

Could do with a remake...

[guttersnipe]

But the best intelligent sci-fi I saw recently was Primer. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390384/)

Great call, Furtherman. When I saw the title of this thread, I opened it up for the express purpose of posting about Primer. It was brilliant, best movie of any kind I've seen in years. Even more amazing when you find out how much it cost to make it.

[ppanda]

Great call, Furtherman. When I saw the title of this thread, I opened it up for the express purpose of posting about Primer. It was brilliant, best movie of any kind I've seen in years. Even more amazing when you find out how much it cost to make it.

Funny.. You just reminded me that I have a caopy of Primer that I havent watched it... I will be viewing right now and will present my report.

[Furtherman]

Here is a great article about the stigma "Science Fiction" gets and why people avoid it.

Writers, Directors Fear 'Sci-Fi' Label Like an Attack From Mars (http://www.wired.com/culture/culturereviews/news/2007/04/scifighetto_0412)

http://www.wired.com/images/article/wide/2007/04/scifighetto_wide.jpg

You can also add your list of movies at the end of the article.

[JustJon]

I need to see Primer, I guess.

I thought Ghost in the Shell was brilliant, and the manga is way more detailed, as is any Masamune Shiro books.

I think the movie Akira isn't too "intelligent." I think it's smart, but is more about the characters than the actual science.

[reformed]

Dune is intelligent. Although the film falls short, the story is invovled and nothing short of brilliant.

[jetdog]

http://www.roflcats.com/images/0216.jpg
I can't help it...

[high fly]

A sci-fi movie I always liked was Marooned.
This chap slowly goes crazy on a spaceship carrying the last of Earth's plants.

[patsopinion]

http://www.roflcats.com/images/0216.jpg
I can't help it...

hahhahahah

[drusilla]

As soon as I saw the title of this thread, this was the film I was going to post.


http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/primer.jpg

never been so bored in my life. my boyfriend actually fell asleep. just awful.

[sailor]

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/primer.jpg

never been so bored in my life. my boyfriend actually fell asleep. just awful.
i liked it a lot, but think everyone's getting too worked up over it. i really think it's a support of independent film for the sake of supporting independent film. if a major studio put it out, i don't think people would be praising it nearly as much.

[drusilla]

that's a good point. with a lot of that stuff people just like things because they think it's so cool to. but usually they just really fucking suck.

[reeshy]

The Crawling Eye!!!!!!!

[sailor]

that's a good point. with a lot of that stuff people just like things because they think it's so cool to. but usually they just really fucking suck.

i'll get slammed for this, i'm sure, but it's really like the people who like independent music. there's a reason it's independent...no one wants to pay for it.

[Furtherman]

I didn't see it mentioned in this thread, but last night I watched The Andromeda Strain (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066769/). Great movie that qualifies as a intelligent sci-fi flick.

The premise is, what would happen if an unknown organism came back with one of our satellites and when exposed, everyone starts dying?

The characters in the movie are great, and although the computers look primitive (it was 1971, so there are a lot of blinking lights on the walls that do nothing), the story still holds up.

Checking IMDB, it seems they are remaking it. Looks like a mini-series so it'll probably be on Sci-Fi. They'll probably put some action into it whereas the original has almost none. The movie spends about a good 15 minutes just showing what the characters have to go through to be sterilized to work in a clean environment. Not action packed, but very interesting.


http://www.markgerber.com/images/andromeda_strain.jpg

[Furtherman]

Ok, apparently there is a new Blade Runner Final Cut coming out this year??

Wasn't the last Director's Cut the final one? I can't keep track!

Anyway, there will be a huge box set coming out.

4 versions. C'mon Ridley... just give me the one you want.

Blade Runner Final Cut - It’s the Unicorn!!! (http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/movie/upcoming-movies/blade-runner-final-cut-its-the-unicorn/)

Disc 1 - The Final Cut (2007):
Ridley Scott’s definitive new version of his science-fiction masterpiece includes added & extended scenes, added lines and new and cleaner special effects.

Disc 2 - 3 Complete Film Versions:
‘82 U.S. Theatrical version
‘82 International Theatrical version
‘92 Director’s Cut

Disc 3 - “Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner” Documentary
Newly created documentary: Through interviews with the cast and crew, critics and colleagues, this feature-length documentary provides a mainstream-friendly yet meaningful in-depth look at Blade Runner’s literary genesis, its challenging production and controversial legacy. When all is said and done, this will be the definitive documentary on the film.

Disc 4 – Enhanced Content Bonus: (TBC)
INCEPTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to Philip K. Dick, the birth of Cyberpunk and adapting the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
PRE-PRODUCTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to script development, conceptual design and abandoned sequences.
PRODUCTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to principal photography and locations.
POST-PRODUCTION - Featurettes and galleries devoted to deleted scenes, music and visual effects.
RELEASE - Featurettes and galleries devoted to marketing and reaction including Trailers, TV Spots and Promotional Featurettes
LEGACY - Featurettes and galleries devoted to the film’s resurrection and impact.

Disc 5 - Work Print Version & Enhanced Content:
Including the rarely seen Work Print version and potentially the 52 min. Channel Four (UK) documentary which was the first serious documentary created for the film.

Additionally, the set will come packaged in a limited “Blade Runner” briefcase holding the five-disc digipack with foil-enhanced and embossed slipcase. The goodies inside will include a lenticular motion image from the original feature, a collectible model spinner, an origami unicorn, a collection of photographs and a letter from Ridley Scott.

[LiddyRules]

I did not realize there was a thread like this when I made this (http://ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=60710) thread.

Oh and I've been waiting for an awesome Blade Runner DVD forever

[nate1000]

I can't believe no one's brought up Close Encounters yet.

Also, I hear Danny Boynes new one, Sunshine, is supposed to be pretty good (plus its Danny Boyle)

[LiddyRules]

The Fountain was an incredible visual experience. Personally I found it a little rough to get through but after reading more about it, I think I could watch it again. The Fountain might be the only movie I've ever seen to show good love as the horrible, depressing, obsessive heartbreaking thing it is. How when you truly find "the one" how everything else becomes more and more isolated to the point where it and she or he is your reason for being. Holy fuck was it an emotional experience and I never get emotional over movies. Visually fantastic too. Sadly, I really think it's the type of movie you can't fully appreciate until you feel a love like that. My favorite movie of 2006.

My second favorite movie of 2006? Children of Men. Another intelligent science fiction movie.

[Furtherman]

Ok, apparently there is a new Blade Runner Final Cut coming out this year??

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott (Alien, Hannibal and a three-time Oscar® nominee, Best Director, for Gladiator, Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down) has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner Home Video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. "Blade Runner: The Final Cut," spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more.

A showcase theatrical run is also being planned for New York and Los Angeles October 5

[LordJezo]

Anyone talking about Sunshine yet?

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WNZwrgFo3GE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WNZwrgFo3GE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

There is a second trailer out there but it has a bunch of spoilers in it. I really want to go see this movie.

[JustJon]

My second favorite movie of 2006? Children of Men. Another intelligent science fiction movie.

Children of Men was more of an action movie with a futuristic setting as opposed to being sci-fi.

And I'm hearing good things about Sunshine. And I really like Danny Boyle's movies, so I'll check it out.

[Vader2112]

Sunshine looks fantastic.
There was word about a Rendezvous With Rhama movie. I think it was pushed back until 2009. Great book.

[LiddyRules]

I'll be seeing Sunshine soon. After a summer of crap, all of a sudden they just unload decent looking movies (or at least movies I want to see) in a two week period. Simpsons, Rescue Dawn, Sunshine, Talk To Me, Interview, The Ten (coming next week). Couldn't they have done this in June and July?

[weekapaugjz]

I'll be seeing Sunshine soon. After a summer of crap, all of a sudden they just unload decent looking movies (or at least movies I want to see) in a two week period. Simpsons, Rescue Dawn, Sunshine, Talk To Me, Interview, The Ten (coming next week). Couldn't they have done this in June and July?

i didn't realize sunshine was already out, i might go see it tonight.

that trailer jezo poster was the first trailer i have seen for it and absolutely no commercials on tv for it.

[kdubya]

I agree this is a great topic. I don't think 12 Monkys was all that inteligent, I found the movie to be overrated. La Jete is much more interesting. As silly as the movie Millenium is, I think it does a better job of addressing some of the same topics as 12 monkys.

I have to agree with whoever said The Day the Earth Stood Still.

OK I may get slammed for this one, but the final scene of Millenium Man (yes the movie sucked) is a pretty good comentary on humanity. In the end the robot shuts his eyes and dies, fulfilling his final requirment for being human. His wife, a human, had to ask for her life suport to be shut off so she could die. I found that a pretty interesting concept.

If you want real inteligent sci fi 2001 is tough to top.


Great topic.

I think 12 Monkeys (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/)is an intelligent sci-fi flick. I also thought Solaris (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069293/). The original AND yes, I even liked the remake. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0307479/)

The first Matrix, although an action film, was a way cool original concept (at least for me) when it came out. But the sequels kinda muddled the concept afterwards.

But the best intelligent sci-fi I saw recently was Primer. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390384/)

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/primer.jpg

Another one I saw on IFC a while back that was great was called Happy Accidents. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208196/)

http://images.contactmusic.com/images/reviews2/happyaccidents.jpg

At first glance, it looks like a chick-flick... and yes, there is a love story there but it also has an excellent sci-fi plot that makes you think... possible? And what if?

And Sailor, I too think Children Of Men is an intelligent sci-fi flick.

[weekapaugjz]

i didn't realize sunshine was already out, i might go see it tonight.

that trailer jezo poster was the first trailer i have seen for it and absolutely no commercials on tv for it.

this movie was sweet. i definitely recommend seeing it in the theater to seeing the special effects on the big screen.

[Ax Handle]

I don't know if it would be considered a true sci-fi movie, but I thought "The Prestige" was a pretty intelligent movie.

[EliSnow]

I don't know if it would be considered a true sci-fi movie, but I thought "The Prestige" was a pretty intelligent movie.

Couldn't finish watching it. I walked out on it, and I WAS AT HOME. I actually went outside and waited for the movie to end. Thank god, I didn't see it on an airplane.

visine, that's a Ron Bennington joke, and that's why he's funny and why we love the show.

okay, back to the Prestige. My problem with it was that I read the book first, which I really liked. However, the structure of the book and movie were so vastly different that I couldn't stick with the movie.

[sailor]

Couldn't finish watching it. I walked out on it, and I WAS AT HOME. I actually went outside and waited for the movie to end. Thank god, I didn't see it on an airplane.

visine, that's a Ron Bennington joke, and that's why he's funny and why we love the show.

okay, back to the Prestige. My problem with it was that I read the book first, which I really liked. However, the structure of the book and movie were so vastly different that I couldn't stick with the movie.

best to pretend they're unrelated in cases like that.

[Ax Handle]

Couldn't finish watching it. I walked out on it, and I WAS AT HOME. I actually went outside and waited for the movie to end. Thank god, I didn't see it on an airplane.

visine, that's a Ron Bennington joke, and that's why he's funny and why we love the show.

okay, back to the Prestige. My problem with it was that I read the book first, which I really liked. However, the structure of the book and movie were so vastly different that I couldn't stick with the movie.

Love the show too. Does it hold up as an actual sci-fi movie though?

[Furtherman]

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/153/933840~Code-46-Posters.jpg

I watched this movie last night. Code 46. I think it definitely fits in the "intelligent sci-fi" category. It paints a bleak view of the future, BUT it is certainly a foreseeable future in our reality than say, a Star Trek type future.

It was beautifully shot in foreign locations.

The story itself I found a little boring. I think it deserves a second viewing, but we'll see. Just thought I'd add it to the list.

[Doogie]

How can you forget 2001. That was one of the more landmark and intelligent Sci-Fi films. Hel when Lucas pitched Star Wars, 2001 was the most successful sci-fi film of that time frame. We see a perspective of man at his beginning and the excesstential end of man as well.

[LiddyRules]

How can you forget 2001.

If you want real inteligent sci fi 2001 is tough to top.

All in all, how many true, intelligent sci-fi movies are there in the history of movies? Blade Runnder, certainly. 2001.

And, of course, 2001 which is pretty much about everything ever.

.

[EliSnow]

Love the show too. Does it hold up as an actual sci-fi movie though?

?

[buzzard]

I see that there's going to be a remake ofhttp://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z82/a1958wil/earth-stood-still.jpg in 2008. for it's time it was pretty intelligent!

[Chigworthy]

I also thought Solaris (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069293/). The original...

I love that original Russian Solaris. It's so fucking hypnotic.

[Furtherman]

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, director Ridley Scott (Alien, Hannibal and a three-time Oscar® nominee, Best Director, for Gladiator, Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down) has gone back into post production to create the long-awaited definitive new version, which Warner Home Video will unveil on DVD December 18th in the U.S. "Blade Runner: The Final Cut," spectacularly restored and remastered from original elements and scanned at 4K resolution, will contain never-before-seen added/extended scenes, added lines, new and improved special effects, director and filmmaker commentary, an all-new 5.1 Dolby® Digital audio track and more.

A showcase theatrical run is also being planned for New York and Los Angeles October 5

Here is a great interview from Wired Magazine with Ridley Scott about his final, final version of Blade Runner which will be in theaters next month!

Q&A: Ridley Scott Has Finally Created the Blade Runner He Always Imagined (http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-10/ff_bladerunner?currentPage=5)

[LiddyRules]

bump for today's discussion

[Doogie]

How can you forget 2001. That was one of the more landmark and intelligent Sci-Fi films. Hel when Lucas pitched Star Wars, 2001 was the most successful sci-fi film of that time frame. We see a perspective of man at his beginning and the excesstential end of man as well.

I was too lazy to scroll through all four pages to see 2001.

[fezident]

I think JACOBS LADDER deserves some love. While it's not full-on SciFi, it definitely has an other wordly quality to it. It certainly doesn't take place in our reality.

[EliSnow]

I think JACOBS LADDER deserves some love. While it's not full-on SciFi, it definitely has an other wordly quality to it. It certainly doesn't take place in our reality.

Yeah, but fantasy and horror movies have "other worldly qualities" about them too, and they're not sci fi. For instance, Lord of the Rings does not take place in our reality, but it's not sci fi.

[Furtherman]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0c/Cube_The_Movie_Poster_Art.jpg/200px-Cube_The_Movie_Poster_Art.jpg

I just saw this and liked it a lot. Cube. It's more of a sci-fi/horror flick but I think there is enough to deem it intelligent sci-fi. A great flick about human nature and the fight to stay alive against unseen and unknown horrors.

A warning though, if you like movies with all answers tied up at the end, this movie isn't for you.

There is a sequel, Cube 2: Hypercube, which does fit in the sci-fi category with trippy special effects, but lacks the emotion and originality of the first. It's not that great.

There is also a third, Cube Zero, which I have yet to see.

[foodcourtdruide]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0c/Cube_The_Movie_Poster_Art.jpg/200px-Cube_The_Movie_Poster_Art.jpg

I just saw this and liked it a lot. Cube. It's more of a sci-fi/horror flick but I think there is enough to deem it intelligent sci-fi. A great flick about human nature and the fight to stay alive against unseen and unknown horrors.

A warning though, if you like movies with all answers tied up at the end, this movie isn't for you.

There is a sequel, Cube 2: Hypercube, which does fit in the sci-fi category with trippy special effects, but lacks the emotion and originality of the first. It's not that great.

There is also a third, Cube Zero, which I have yet to see.

Agreed. Cube is awesome!

The movie is extremely entertaining and interesting, but the acting is pretty terrible.

[Furtherman]

I wouldn't consider The Truman Show sci-fi, but I would consider it ahead of it's time, at least in American time.

I'm giving this thread another jolt...

Popular Mechanics gives thir list of the 10 Most Prophetic Sci-Fi Movies (http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/reviews/4256186.html?page=1).

It's a cool article - goes through the hits and misses that each movie gets.

I quoted myself because they name The Truman Show # 4.

10. 2001
9. Short Circuit
8. Soylent Green
7. Blade Runner
6. The Running Man
5. Destination Moon
4. The Truman Show
3. The Road Warrior
2. Minority Report
1. Gattaca

http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/road-warrior-470-0308.jpg

[Mike Teacher]

I'm giving this thread another jolt...

Popular Mechanics gives thir list of the 10 Most Prophetic Sci-Fi Movies (http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/reviews/4256186.html?page=1).

It's a cool article - goes through the hits and misses that each movie gets.

I quoted myself because they name The Truman Show # 4.

10. 2001
9. Short Circuit
8. Soylent Green
7. Blade Runner
6. The Running Man
5. Destination Moon
4. The Truman Show
3. The Road Warrior
2. Minority Report
1. Gattaca

http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/road-warrior-470-0308.jpg

Truman Show is where they set up an entirefake world for the guy right? Seems Sci-Fi to me unless I'm thinking the wrong movie.

2001 is as much murder mystery as movie

and forgive me Franklyn [dean?] who said Blade Runner was thier fave sci-fi movie; agreed but its as must Western as sci-fi, just as Alien is as much a haunted house story as sci-fi/horror

Maveric, lone good guys chasing after bad guys with guns = western formula whether its Josie Wales Star Wars or Blade Runner.

And that OK coz all those westerns [and especially star wars] stol from all the swashbuckling movies b4 that...

And so many people with guns Jumping Away From Explosions [JAPE] movies...

The movie industry is its own Ouroboros

Chomp Chomp

[keithy_19]

Space Jam.

Lock it up.

[MadMatt]

I don't think anybody has mentioned The Forbidden Planet.

If you are not aware, it is a sci-fi "remake" of The Tempest, and for the 1950's it is pretty darn good. Leslie Nielsen as a leading man WITHOUT being wacky.

[keithy_19]

I don't think anybody has mentioned The Forbidden Planet.

If you are not aware, it is a sci-fi "remake" of The Tempest, and for the 1950's it is pretty darn good. Leslie Nielsen as a leading man WITHOUT being wacky.

Didn't they make fun of that movie on mystery sciene theater?

And Leslie Nielsen was a very serious actor before he started doing goofy roles.

[MadMatt]

Didn't they make fun of that movie on mystery sciene theater?

And Leslie Nielsen was a very serious actor before he started doing goofy roles.

Yeah - it was one of the very few movies MST3K ripped that was actually a pretty good flick.

And you are right - Nielsen had a pretty solid career before branching into comedy. His comedy work was really a "comeback" for him late in his career.

[Contra]

Truman Show is where they set up an entirefake world for the guy right? Seems Sci-Fi to me unless I'm thinking the wrong movie.

2001 is as much murder mystery as movie

and forgive me Franklyn [dean?] who said Blade Runner was thier fave sci-fi movie; agreed but its as must Western as sci-fi, just as Alien is as much a haunted house story as sci-fi/horror

Maveric, lone good guys chasing after bad guys with guns = western formula whether its Josie Wales Star Wars or Blade Runner.

And that OK coz all those westerns [and especially star wars] stol from all the swashbuckling movies b4 that...

And so many people with guns Jumping Away From Explosions [JAPE] movies...

The movie industry is its own Ouroboros

Chomp Chomp

Just a question, how can Blade Runner be a western formula where the good guys chase the bad guys with guns, when all the "bad guys" he encounters don't have guns? I can see a film like The Matrix applying to that, but I think Blade Runner is something totally different.

[Mike Teacher]

Just a question, how can Blade Runner be a western formula where the good guys chase the bad guys with guns, when all the "bad guys" he encounters don't have guns? I can see a film like The Matrix applying to that, but I think Blade Runner is something totally different.

You know what I'll give you that; the replicants dont have guns, they just crush your skull and dig their thumbs into your eye sockets as you scream. No guns for the bad guys = 1/2 a western.

The deal was that so much of what we see in movies is the same formula with different set designs; hence so few really original movies.

[sailor]

You know what I'll give you that; the replicants dont have guns, they just crush your skull and dig their thumbs into your eye sockets as you scream. No guns for the bad guys = 1/2 a western.

The deal was that so much of what we see in movies is the same formula with different set designs; hence so few really original movies.

i don't see that as a flaw of the movie, where you seem to think it is. scifi has long had its roots in westerns (specifically the space opera variant).

[Thebazile78]

I don't think anybody has mentioned The Forbidden Planet.

If you are not aware, it is a sci-fi "remake" of The Tempest, and for the 1950's it is pretty darn good. Leslie Nielsen as a leading man WITHOUT being wacky.

It doesn't have "the" in the title. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049223/)

Walter Pidgeon, Ann Francis, Leslie Neilsen and Robby the Robot ... how can you argue?

It also has the 1st spaceship named "Enterprise" since it pre-dates Star Trek (TOS) by 10 years. (According to a user comment on IMDB, it served as part of Gene Roddenberry's inspiration for Trek, but I've also heard he sold it to CBS as Wagon Train in space.)

I love this movie. There are aspects of it that are really cerebral and a lot of things we tend to think are "cliche" in sci-fi (or even movies in general) have their roots in this film.

[TooLowBrow]

Michael Rennie was ill The Day The Earth Stood Still
But he told us where we stand
Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear
Claude Rains was The Invisible Man
Then something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong
They got caught in a celluloid jam
Then at a deadly pace It Come From Outer Space
And this is how the message ran
Science fiction, double feature
Doctor X will build a creature
See androids fighting Brad and Janet
Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet
Oh oh oh oh oh
At the late night, double feature, picture show (oww!)
I knew Leo G. Carrol was over a barrel
When Tarantula took to the hills
And I got really hot when I saw Jeanette Scott
Fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills
Dana Andrews said Prunes gave him the Runes
And passing them used lots of skills
But When Worlds Collide, said George Pal to his bride
"I'm gonna give you some terrible thrills," like a
Oh oh oh oh oh, at the late night, double feature, picture show
I wanna go, oh oh oh oh, to the late night, double feature, picture show
By RKL, oh oh oh oh, to the late night, double feature, picture show
In the back row, to the late night, double feature, picture show

[Thebazile78]

Michael Rennie was ill The Day The Earth Stood Still
But he told us where we stand
Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear
Claude Rains was The Invisible Man
Then something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong
They got caught in a celluloid jam
Then at a deadly pace It Come From Outer Space
And this is how the message ran
Science fiction, double feature
Doctor X will build a creature
See androids fighting Brad and Janet
Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet
Oh oh oh oh oh
At the late night, double feature, picture show (oww!)
I knew Leo G. Carrol was over a barrel
When Tarantula took to the hills
And I got really hot when I saw Jeanette Scott
Fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills
Dana Andrews said Prunes gave him the Runes
And passing them used lots of skills
But When Worlds Collide, said George Pal to his bride
"I'm gonna give you some terrible thrills," like a
Oh oh oh oh oh, at the late night, double feature, picture show
I wanna go, oh oh oh oh, to the late night, double feature, picture show
By RKL, oh oh oh oh, to the late night, double feature, picture show
In the back row, to the late night, double feature, picture show

I was going to bring that up...

[Coach]

You know what I'll give you that; the replicants dont have guns, they just crush your skull and dig their thumbs into your eye sockets as you scream. No guns for the bad guys = 1/2 a western.

The deal was that so much of what we see in movies is the same formula with different set designs; hence so few really original movies.

Well in the old western formula of the subculture..meaning Indians = Replicants perhaps?
I am too lazy to look..did anyone say The Black Hole??
The Black Hole was very heavy in the redemption and descent into Hell analogies.
Saturn 13..classical greek Tragedy turned sci-Fi

[Furtherman]

The Black Hole was very heavy in the redemption and descent into Hell analogies.


I knew it!!!! Evil Disney.

[deepinthewoods]

You know what I'll give you that; the replicants dont have guns, they just crush your skull and dig their thumbs into your eye sockets as you scream. No guns for the bad guys = 1/2 a western.

The deal was that so much of what we see in movies is the same formula with different set designs; hence so few really original movies.

Seeing Replicants as bad guys is a mistake. The line between good and bad in this film is blurred. The BR society is racist against replicants and also condones slave labour. It's like Nazis in space. Dekkert is a replicant. Evil or no? Roy Batty & Co: indescriminant killers or fistful of sociopaths created by the system? Some Western tableaus? Definitely (even a showdown at the end). But trying to box it in as a Western misses the point of the film. I'll go maybe The Searchers meets Manchurian Candidate. Perhaps it is a Western in the way that some Westerns overcome their own settings by virtue of an extraordinary story.

Just like Destry Rides Again.

[Furtherman]

Dark City also makes you ponder and wonder things as well.

FYI... a director's cut of Dark City was released this week.

Amazon.com is selling it for about $12.

[Dan 'Hampton]

As mentioned earlier: Primer
It's showing on netflix right now so you don't have to wait for the disk to show up.

[Kublakhan61]

As mentioned earlier: Primer
It's showing on netflix right now so you don't have to wait for the disk to show up.

I highly recommend skipping it or have you already seen it?

[Dan 'Hampton]

I saw it this morning. Confusing for sure but I really don't mind seeing movies that don't seem to have much action. I'll probably watch it again after reading synopsis' of it online.

[MisterSmith]

I don't know if it counts as a particularly intelligent sci-fi movie, but "Outlander" was a lot better than I expected it would be. It stars Jim "Jesus" Caviezel as an alien that crashes to Earth near an Iron Age Norse "kingdom." And there is a horrible monster that came with him.

Now that I am thinking of it, the movie is sort of like "The 13th Warrior" with a sci-fi twist. It isn't an exact comparison, but not completely off-base either.

It was entertaining.

[Furtherman]

See this movie. The best I've seen in a long time.

http://www.cinemaretro.com/uploads/mandvd.jpg

An impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman becomes a mysterious interrogation after the retiring scholar reveals to his colleagues he is an immortal who has walked the earth for 14,000 years.

This is such a great movie. Low budget, taking place on one day, in pretty much one room, with a bunch of great actors. This movie will make you think about all kinds of philosophical ideals.

[fezident]

Blade Runner is just so damn good. Truly ambitious in theme and scope.

I watched the new Final Cut version a few weeks ago, & just viewed it again after watching the feature-length documentary.


This movie was over-my-head when I first saw it. I was, like, 10 years old and I obviously didn't understand the plot. Nor could I relate to it's slow pace and lack of action.
But now that I'm older, I find it satisfying on every level.


For those of you who have never seen it... or for those that haven't seen it in ages... I highly suggest that you rent/buy this newest version.