‘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.”
Science Fiction
‘Futureworld’ (1976) a blueprint for 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.
‘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.
‘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.