On the cutting edge: Every Michael Crichton film, ranked
Movie list: As Summer 2022 gives us new chapters in the “Jurassic” and “Westworld” sagas, let’s look back at the core canon of Crichton.
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The near-futurist: All 28 Michael Crichton novels, ranked
Book list: As the Summer of Crichton continues on our screens, here are my rankings of the 28 novels from the man who invented the techno-thriller.
Beavis and Butt-head score with ‘Do the Universe’
Movie review: Mike Judge hasn’t lost touch with these characters he invented three decades ago. Plus, the comedic pacing is better than ever.
‘Blade Runner 2019’ finally ventures ‘Off-World’ (2019-20)
PKD flashback (Comic book review): The adventures of Ash and Cleo take them to the colony worlds in “Blade Runner 2019: Volume 2.”
PKD makes a cinematic bid with ‘Ubik’ screenplay (1985)
PKD flashback (Book review): Although the novel remains superior, the “Ubik” screenplay has breathing room for a deft filmmaker to make a stylized movie.
‘Total Recall’ makes brief comic splashes in 1990, 2011
PKD flashback (Comic book reviews): The second-most-famous PKD-inspired franchise appeared in comics with a basic adaptation and a weak sequel.
‘Eternals’ (2021) lacks the usual MCU fun, but has gravity
Movie review: “Eternals” is the weightiest, most sober MCU film. It doesn’t overcome that default setting despite an admirable try at character building.
Slow-burn ‘Dune’ illustrates imperial machinations
Movie review: Villeneuve’s film is homework more than entertainment. But it’s interesting to see how “Star Wars” was influenced by “Dune.”
‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015) is Wachowskis’ masterpiece
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This space fantasy is a visual feast with great action and world-building and a surprisingly on-point Mila Kunis.
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.