Must See Classic Sci Fi Movies

Science Fiction, occasionally when we look at some of these older titles, we come to realize that, back then, some aspects of life did seem like science fiction, but are now science fact. Science fiction tells us about the background, the possibilities of what may be, sometimes science fiction is even part of the overall plot.

So movies are startling in concept and has us wondering and scratching our heads trying to comprehend. Some are quaint and have us laughing. There is something that we find appealing about what may come, especially from a futuristic point of view, it is almost crystal ball gazing. Yet the best stories are those that still cover and have us wonder about the human endeavor and all this futuristic stuff is just another 'character' to the movie.

Stanly Kubricks quintessential classic science fiction movie, is a tour de force of style and substance and still top notch special effects even by todays standards. A space exploration mission goes horribly wrong when the onboard computer gains sentience and decides to become rather deadly. A strange black monolith left for us to discover by some strange intelligence leaves us pondering on it's meaning. Based on a short story 'The Sentinel' by Arthur C Clarke.

Trivia - The director, Stanley Kubrick had several tons of sand imported, washed and painted for the moon surface scenes.

What is The Matrix - The Wachowski brothers gave us three films that will be still under discussion 20 years from now. A film that has a deep and multi-facted plot and a series of films that still has us pondering just 'what is real' which still has us ponder on religion, philosophy, understanding reality, dreams and can technology improve to a point where it surpasses mankind. This anthology includes great extras, such as 8 commentaries, the making of 'The Matrix Revisited' and the Animatrix companion piece and much more.

Trivia - The role of 'Neo' was offered to the following actors whom had to turn it down to either family or other film commitments of the time, Nicholas Cage, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Ewan McGregor and Leonardo DiCaprio

The stunning 1927 film still tells us a classic tale. Freder Fredersen the son of the great leader of Metropolis, discovers that the whole of society he enjoys is built on the back breaking labor of those below the city. He journeys to discover about their lives and also to find the elusive Maria, a girl he sparks interest with. C.A. Rotwang is a scientist that Freders father asks to create a robot in the likeness of Maria in hopes of having his son return topside, yet C.A. Rotwang has desires and ambitions of his own that the robot will help create. The film has creative special effects and wonderful and interesting art decor, totally done splendidly for 1927!

Trivia - Allowing for inflation the film cost 5 million Deutschmarks (2010 - 200 million US dollars) to make. Over 30,000 extras were involved in the 2 years of film making. The robot is an inspiration for the creation and look of C3PO in Star Wars.

Charlton Heston plays a detective in 2022 Manhattan, attempting to discover the motive and murder in an overcrowded city. Based on a Harry Harrison story Make Room, Make Room, the strange incidents as well that show why these new foodstuffs are so popular and another murder that finally solves the insipid secret!

Trivia - the word Soylent is suggested to be Soy & Lentil

Stars Leslie Nielsen, yes THAT Leslie Nielsen of the 'Naked Gun' series. This is an adaption of Shakespeare's The Tempest placed in a futuristic setting. Leslie Nielsen plays the commander who brings his star craft and crew to Planet Altair-4, home to Dr. Morbius , his lovely daughter and a dutiful robot named Robby all living on what seems to be a planet of Paradise…and to which also bears a strange unseen force of nature. An electronic musical score, which is a first for film at this time sets the scenes and the mood. This film had an influence and impact on other sci fi movies and TV series to come

Trivia - Robbie the robots voice actor, Marvin Miller and the actual robot is in the private collection of director, William Malone (House On Haunted Hill remake and feardotcom). A remake is scheduled for release in 2013.

Ecological disaster has caused humanity to live inside massive domes where free sex is encouraged and life is virtually disease free. In the year 2274 Michael York is a 'Sand man' an enforcer of ceremonial population control that is enforced on a persons 30th birthday, except Logan himself is approaching the age of 30, and doesn't want to die. Logan escapes the city with a female sandman, yet is pursued by a former partner.

Trivia - The life clocks on everyone's hands all start out clear (at birth), turn yellow at age 8, green at 16, and red at 23. Everyone wears clothes the same color as their life clocks (except Sandmen, who wear black uniforms). As Lastday the final day - age 30 - approaches, the life clocks flash red and black, then, at 30 turn totally black.

Another spellbinding film from Stanley Kubrick, Malcolm McDowell is stark, haunting and down right dangerous leader of 'Droogs' a bunch of hoodlums living in this distopian English future of London. This is a film that dares you to examine all you believe to hold dear, religion, sex, violence, politics, and the ability for a government to step in and 'cure' rampaging miscreants. Universally panned by critics worldwide for its debasing of people, ultra violence and its nihilism.

Trivia - Professional bodybuilder David Prowse is the bodyguard of the disabled Mr Frank Alexander. David Prowse would also play the role of (albeit only physically) of Darth Vader in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi.

A seemingly large political statement of the 1950s with an alien and its robot advising us that if we do not change our ways and stop using 'radioactive weapons' then these aliens will have no choice but to stop us. On landing the spaceship, shortly after a soldier in a panic accidentally shoots the arriving alien and is taken to hospital, with its loyal robot seeking out its master that may end up prematurely causing the end of civilization as we know it.

Trivia - The phrase "Klaatu barada nikto" has become a very popular phrase and has been featured in other movies, such as Evil Dead III - Army Of Darkness.

A true mind bending 'classic' of sci fi films and definitely one that put Spielberg on the map as an a-list director. Surprisingly, this film with its intricate layers and stunning visual effects for the time about those both the general population affected by certain events and the military seeking to know and 'contact' mysterious others from outer space. This film also shows us what can happen when 'obsessive/compulsive' behavior takes over our everyday lives.

Trivia - Special Effects man Douglas Trumbull created the cloud effects by injecting white paint into tanks of salt and fresh water.

Heralded by some, earnestly criticized by others, considered the greatest science fiction film ever made and one of the most important cinematic experiences ever created. A profound and deeply psychological film based on the book 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep'.

Harrison Ford plays a retired Blade Runner, a former specialist police officer who 'retires' biological androids. Androids do the work of most humans, especially dangerous or hazardous work, some are created as sex toys. Earth almost has no animals left and many people leave the planet and go 'off-world' to obtain a better life. Six Nexus-6 androids return to earth to find a way to extend their life as they become aware of their purposefully created short life span, as they slowly find their way through obtaining what they need yet and murdering as a consequence, the audience is almost left thinking about the moral consequences of creating life of robots or androids who seemingly have no emotions or rights the same as us, or do they?

A visual and breathtaking masterpiece, beautifully acted by all and a magic and haunting electronic music score by Vangelis.

Trivia - Ridley Scott initially toyed with the idea of setting the film in the fictional city of San Angeles; as if San Francisco and Los Angeles had become one massive population center (also similar to Megacity One and Megacity Two in the Judge Dredd franchise). This idea was used in Demolition Man (1993)

Ridley Scott had originally decided to cast Frank McRae as Leon until he saw Brion James's audition. After the audition, Scott's secretary told him that Brion frightened her, and upon hearing that, Scott offered Brion the role.