‘Contact’ (1997, 1985) makes science accessible, lovely
Throwback Thursday (Movie, book reviews): In the late-1990s gamut of space-visitor movies, “Contact” is the mainstream one – in a good way.
Science Fiction
‘Contact’ (1997, 1985) makes science accessible, lovely
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968) is as cold as space itself
Throwback Thursday (Movie, book reviews): “2001: A Space Odyssey” influenced later works such as “Contact,” “Event Horizon” and “Ad Astra.”
‘Sphere’ (1998) takes its place among sci-fi mind-benders
Michael Crichton Monday (Movie review): I can see why “Sphere” is disliked by many, but I’m surprised it’s not loved by more SF enthusiasts.
Crichton opens a smart puzzle box in ‘Sphere’ (1987)
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Unlike most Crichton novels, “Sphere” is a puzzle box. On your first read, you don’t know what it’s about.
‘Slither’ (2006) a fun small-town infestation romp
Frightening Friday (Movie review): “Slither” isn’t scary, but it is disgusting. Yet the gross-out imagery is so cartoonish that it’s more funny than gross.
Whedon dreams up Victorian superheroes in ‘The Nevers’
First episode impressions (TV review): This is HBO, so there’s more nudity and violence than we’re used to, but “The Nevers” is recognizably Whedonian.
‘Sleeper’ (1973) a sleep-inducing sci-fi parody
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The science fiction parody “Sleeper” has its moments, but they are too spread out.
‘Dark Skies’ (2013) makes aliens scary again
Frightening Friday (Movie review): This Keri Russell starrer isn’t wildly original. But it’s a fun, grimmer answer to films like “E.T.”
Crichton’s ‘Congo’ (1980) illustrates nature’s power
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): “Congo” is less focused than his other thrillers, but it’s a sneaky man-versus-nature novel.
‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ a monster-mash blast
Movie review: It can’t be denied that it’s an entertaining spectacle when Godzilla and Kong go mano-a-mano. But other aspects are less impressive.