July Movie Schedule

I was curious if this was really the first sci-fi comedy. Georges Melies 1902 "Le Voyage dans la Lune" is a comic take on Verne and Wells, but I thought sticking to talkies might be more in the ballpark. There are two Three Stooges in space movies, and one Abbott and Costello in space,, but imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the 1930 science-fiction musical comedy "Just Imagine." It's not a space opera but takes place 50 years in the future (1980). I shall report back after I watch it.

Elliot Nesterman

Darkstar! No Way! I haven't seen that in years....many many years, and I love that movie!

Leenis

You said in reply to my comment on The Big Lebowski that you do like classic science fiction. Your upper tiers are out of budget these days, but I'll post a few recommendations here in the hope that one of your premier patrons may agree and see fit to suggest them. 1902 - Le Voyage dans la Lune - dir. Georges Méliès (France). The first science fiction film, it was inspired by Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon" and H.G. Wells's "First Men in the Moon." Anyone interested in science fiction cinema should set aside the quarter hour it takes to view this delightful short film. Méliès was a pioneer in movie special effects. Several uploads are available on youtube. This one is the easiest to watch. It has been cleaned up and a charming new score composed by David Short, played by the Bill Brass Quintet. https://youtu.be/ZNAHcMMOHE8 1927 - Metropolis - dir. Fritz Lang (Germany). The most influential early science fiction film. Its Modernist art direction set the style for science fiction futurism for half a century. Sadly, the original print was lost for many years, after Hollywood cut it down for US distribution. But in the last decade it has been restored (with a few lacunae remaining) from prints found in different countries. One of the musts for lovers of science fiction cinema. 1936 - Things to Come - Adapted from H.G. Wells's novel "The Shape of Things to Come." Short on action but long on concept, it is mostly remembered these days for its set and costume design. 1951 - The Day the Earth Stood Still - An alien ambassador lands on the mall in Washington, DC. The film that gave us the phrase, "Klaatu barada nikto." 1956 - Forbidden Planet - One of the few 1950s science fiction films that was not a B-movie. It had a big budget, some big stars, and a more thoughtful plot than the run-of-the-mill space opera. Major plot points were inspired by "The Tempest." It is also notable for having the first entirely electronic score. It set the bar for outer space movies for a decade and remains a classic of the genre. 1960 - The Time Machine - Based on the novel by H.G. Wells. A minor classic, far superior to the 1978 and 2002 remakes however. 1961 - The Day the Earth Caught Fire - A classic apocalyptic film. After the Soviet Union and the United States accidentally detonate simultaneous nuclear bomb tests, strange meteorological events begin to affect the globe. A prescient study of how society might, or might not, cope with impending doom. 1968 - Planet of the Apes - The first adaptation of Pierre Boulle's novel, it launched a franchise. As with many (most?) movie franchises the scripts grew increasingly labored with each sequel. This first one, however, has become an icon of science fiction film. 1968 - 2001: A Space Odyssey - dir. Stanley Kubrick. One of the great landmarks in science fiction cinema, it revolutionized the portrayal of spaceflight. Nominated for four Oscars it won Best Special Visual Effects; and nominated for five BAFTAs it won three, Art Direction, Cinematography, and Soundtrack. Many of the space sequences and plot devices in "Interstellar" are homage to Arthur C. Clarke's concepts and Kubrick's art direction for "2001." 1972 - Silent Running - Reviews and general criticism of this film are mixed, but whether you think it is an overlooked gem or a classic that just misses the mark it will stick with you, not least for Bruce Dern's performance and the charming robots. That's all for now.

Elliot Nesterman

Cobra Kai is fun

Christopher Michael Porter

I'm really looking forward to your reaction to Dark Star. It's the first scifi/comedy ever made.

It makes me sad that there were so many RUSH references in the Ready Player One book but only one reference in the film. * sigh *

MotoDork

Dark Star, YES!!! Let the silly begin!!

Sounds great

Matt Gwinn

REALLY looking forward to your Ready Player One reaction, I think you're gonna love it :)

Patrick Egan