Besson’s ‘Fifth Element’ (1997) an art-design paradise
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Deliciously designed with a funny and adventurous story, this remains writer-director Luc Besson’s standout film.
Science Fiction
Besson’s ‘Fifth Element’ (1997) an art-design paradise
‘Awake’ a woke but tired spin on the apocalypse
Movie review: Gina Rodriguez is great, but that’s not enough reason to stay “Awake” for this science fiction take on the zombie genre.
Adventurous ‘Lost in Space’ (1998) updates 1960s series
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Lost in Space” isn’t “cool,” but it does stay true to the TV adventure series while updating the effects.
‘Futureworld’ (1976) a blueprint for TV’s ‘Westworld’
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): This sequel to Crichton’s breakthrough film has been mined for ideas by the writers of TV’s “Westworld.”
‘Solaris’ (2002) fails to find purpose of its existence
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The second big-screen adaptation of “Solaris” doesn’t find enough of a new reason to exist.
‘Heart of the Jedi’ an intriguing lost ‘Star Wars’ novel
‘Star Wars’ Legends flashback (Book review): Kenneth C. Flint’s canceled novel will mainly be of interest to serious Legends fans.
‘Piranha’ (1978, 1995) cheaply knocks off ‘Jaws’
Frightening Friday (Movie reviews): “Piranha” is often called a “Jaws” parody, but really it’s a knockoff. Still, it has a place in film history.
‘Supernova’ (2000) spaces out on its big ideas
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Supernova” isn’t as bad as its reputation, but it doesn’t live up to its potential as a deep-space fright flick.
Depressive ‘Solaris’ (1972) is the anti-‘2001’
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Russian sci-fi classic is even slower-paced than “2001.” But it offers more intellectual rewards.
‘Event Horizon’ (1997) remains a creepy cult classic
Frightening Friday (Movie review): It might not be the “scariest movie you’ll ever see.” But “Event Horizon” is deserving of its cult status.