Movies I Review » Science Fiction

The Mechanical Man – 1921 Brazilian sci-fi silent film

Chris — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:19:16 +0000

An evil mastermind kills a scientist and steals his plans for a mechanical man. After failing to claim the plans the evil mastermind escapes the police. Once free the fiend kidnaps the inventor’s niece who possessed the plans. The criminal builds the mechanical man and terrorizes the dead inventor’s family. Only another mechanical man can save them.

I realize my review of this movie is a little choppy. Unfortunately the movie itself was incomplete. Over half of the footage is missing from the original. What remains intact is some of the middle and the ending conflict between the two monstrosities. For silent film made in 1921 the special effects are quite good. The mechanical men were very well done. Even the chase scene with the mechanical man chasing down the car was impressive. In its entirety, the movie would have been a masterpiece.

Red Dwarf – Back to Earth

Chris — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:37:14 +0000

The Red Dwarf crew is back with the catchy theme song, original cast and another odd ball adventure. The crew is attacked by a sea monster living in the water tanks of Red Dwarf. Only this strange motley crew would have a sea monster problem on board a space craft in deep space. Soon the adventure turns even stranger when they find themselves in another dimension where they are characters in a TV show called Red Dwarf (bet you didn’t expect that).

This is not a reboot of the series, but more like a recycle. If you are a fan of the original Red Dwarf series, this is a good refresher. If you are expecting something new and different, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a new extended episode of the original Red Dwarf show. Don’t take that as a bad thing, it’s still fun to watch. In part 3 of the movie watch for the blatant tribute to Bladerunner. If you’ve seen Bladerunner, you won’t miss it.

If you haven’t watched the series, watch it. It’s smegging fun! All of the seasons can be viewed online through Netflix. No reason to miss out on this unusual Sci-Fi show.

The DVD is based on a 3 part series broadcasted in early 2009. There are plenty of hints in the movie and on the internet of a possible new season. Unfortunately, at this time, they are just rumors

Running Man (1987)

Chris — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:18:56 +0000

It is the future! In the year 2019 the government manipulates the media to further its own agenda. Worse, reality shows have the highest ratings on television. The number one reality show is the Running Man. Criminals have to complete a treacherous obstacle course to gain their freedom. While they run the course they are being stalked by trained killers for the fun and enjoyment of the television audience.

It is the present! The government manipulates the media and reality shows seems to be on every channel. The crazier the concept the more popular it is. I think if Fox Network could clear the concept with the courts, they would air a real version of the Running Man. It’s a sad state we are in when our entertainment is almost a mirror of an apocalyptic 80’s movie with corny dialog based on a book written by Stephen King’s alternate personality Richard Bachman. Time to turn off the TV.

BTW, I loved the movie.

The Running Man stars Arnold “The Governator” Schwarzenegger and Richard Dawson (Hogan’s Heroes and Family Feud).

Aelita Queen of Mars (1924)

Chris — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:04:40 +0000

A message has been received from Mars, Anta Odeli Uta! Word of the message gets to Chief Engineer Loss who has plans for a rocket ship and a desire to visit the red planet. The Queen of Mars watches him closely as the story slowly leads Loss to his grand adventure on Mars. There he finds himself helping lead a rebellion against the monarchy and unite the slaves in the Martian Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

What?!? The Soviets are the good guys? Not used to that in a movie. Most of the movies I’ve seen they are the bad guys or at best not friendly. This movie is different. Aelita Queen of Mars is the first Soviet Union science fiction movie.

There are several story lines in this 2 hour silent film, some of which are a bit confusing. The film was made in 1924 in the former Soviet Union, so I can accept that it can be a bit alien for today’s audience. The movie has positive propaganda for the Communists. There’s a very interesting section at the end of the movie that refers to the October Revolution (October 12, 1917). The movie itself was made only a few years after the formation of the Soviet Union.

For a silent era science fiction film, it’s worth the watch. If you are interested in the early days of the Soviet Union, this is a must. There many scenes showing life during that period. Overall, I enjoyed the film.

I will admit, I did cheat and watched it on fast forward. The actors were a bit over dramatic and took their time getting to the point.
This film was based on the novel Aelita, by A. Tolstoy.