Showing posts with label Moon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moon. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

15 Years of Science Fiction (5-1)

5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)



Ok, so the story is simple.  Sometimes that is not a bad thing.  Ok, Mad Max is not even the main character.  Who cares?  It is one of the most exciting movies I have ever seen, and proved without a doubt that practical effects are infinitely better than an over dependence on CGI.  Fair caution: do not watch this if you do not like "weird" science fiction, because this is about as weird as it gets.

4. Sunshine (2007)



Speaking of weird...  The first time I saw this, I did not know what to think.  Avoiding spoilers, because this is a movie that not enough people have seen, the third act takes a huge turn that can make your head spin.  Regardless, it's fairly good hard science fiction and compelling characters.  Basically the good things I said about Snowpiercer and Interstellar.

3. The Fountain (2006)



I'm still not really sure if this is technically science fiction, but whatever.  This is another movie that will make your mind do loops and you will keep thinking about it for days after you watch it.  It is very bizarre, but the chemistry between Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz and their performances keep the movie grounded.  Make sure to stick around for one of the great musical climaxes in film history.

2. Moon (2009)



Reportedly when shown to NASA scientists this movie received a standing ovation.  I still have no idea how Sam Rockwell did not receive Best Actor, let alone be even nominated, for what was essentially a one-man show.  It is a great cautionary tale of where science can take us if unchecked, but I will not say more and spoil it for those who have not seen it (shame on you).

1. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)




Yes, Tom Cruise at #1.  This movie blew me out of the water.  Funny, exciting, thoughtful, everything you want.  The characters are actually well thought out.  The acting is top notch.  The action scenes are well done with lots of real stunts (thanks to Cruise).  It basically is a Normandy Invasion movie set in the future.  I cannot recommend this movie enough.