Friday, October 28, 2005

Dave, I’m afraid

Entertainment

Speaking of movie lists, I found this list of the fifty most significant SF movies of all time over at Texas Best Grok.  The list originates with SF author John Scalzi, who has composed a Rough Guide to Sci-Fi Movies.

The list itself is below the fold, where I have indicated those movies that I have seen with italics.  You can assume that I want to see any movie that I have not, unless I indicate otherwise.

But first, some commentary on the list itself.  Generally speaking, Zombie flicks and Superhero movies do not belong on a science fiction list.  Even though the choices he makes are fairly good ones.  The Incredibles, I find, is a bit of a borderline case.  I can’t really pin down a specific reason, but part of me feels that it should be on this list.  Also, I think Scalzi has made some missteps in crafting this list.  Movies that should have been on the list include:

  • The first Terminator, maybe even entirely in place of the second.  The second was no where near as important as the first, and no where near as innovative in terms of story.  (It’s a sequel, hard to be, really.) The only reason I would include the second would be for the ground breaking special effects.
  • Altered States
  • Andromeda Strain
  • Charlie
  • Gattaca
  • Fifth Element
  • The Time Machine (Early version)
  • Soylent Green

Another recent movie that isn’t earthshaking, but only because it got such limited exposure.  Prime is a fantastic low budget time travel movie.  Rent it at once. 

So, on with the list:


Posted by Buckethead on 10/28/05 at 01:08 PM
Entertainment • Permalink