Science Fiction

Time Trap (2017)

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Have you ever gone into a little dive of a restaurant and ended up having a killer meal? Watching Time Trap (2017) is a little like that. I’m so used to sitting down to a low-budget film and having it be so sub-par that I almost don’t know what to do when it’s not. To be fair, it’s not exactly “low” budget at $1 million, but they definitely got the most bang for the buck I’ve seen in a while. No cheesy effects or bad acting here. I put it on in the background while doing something else, but very quickly stopped that something else, because it was just that good.

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Replicas (2018)

/ Shawn / 1 Comment

I wasn’t able to take notes while watching this, so this probably won’t be as detailed as some of my other posts. That’s probably just as well, since I don’t have a lot of positive things to say. In fact, let me get that positive thing out there right now—Tom Middleditch was the best actor of the bunch. And when the guy who does phone commercials is the Brando of the group…well, you’re in trouble.

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After Earth (2013)

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(Originally from Facebook – August 13, 2013)

Poor M. Night Shyamalan. He gets so much hate. But what do you do when you’re a director who peaked with his first two films?** I guess you get relegated to doing vanity projects for wealthy movie stars. I defend Shyamalan a lot, too, primarily because those first two movies are two of my favorites. I would go so far as to say that The Sixth Sense has one of the most nearly perfect narrative structures in the last 30 years of film. But also…The Happening happened. So what’s an M. Night fan to do? I just can’t defend him on this one. (Well, I will say that rumor has it that Smith stepped in to do a good portion of the direction, so I will defend him that much.) Continue reading →

Gravity (2013)

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(Originally from Facebook – October 17, 2013)

Gravity. I felt sick to my stomach most of the time, but it was quite good. I thought it got a little hackneyed near the end, but not enough to rub me the wrong way. Sandy looks pretty damn good for nearly 50, too!

I don’t know as it warrants the 8.6 it’s got at IMDB, but it’s definitely a must-see in the theater. (NOTE: I didn’t see it in 3-D, although I might go see it again, just to get that experience.) (running time 1:31)

UPDATE: I gave it a 7 at IMDB.

The World’s End (2013)

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(Originally from Facebook – December 25, 2013)

Great movie, and the third of the trilogy, after Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. (I’m not counting that weird ET one.) It’s too bad I can’t tell you much about it. Believe me, you don’t want me to. Don’t even read the description below!* Just watch it. I will say that it stands a very good chance of cracking my top 10 of 2013. (running time 1:49)

* This was originally posted on Facebook, and the movie blurb was below the post. But don’t go read it!

Oblivion (2013)

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(Originally from Facebook – July 31, 2013

I’m going to end this trifecta on a good note. The #3 entry is the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film, Oblivion. Let me tell you, the Church of Scientology should just replace whatever holy document they have with a picture of Tom Cruise. Then, whenever someone makes fun of it, or wants to know why they should join, they could just hold up that picture. The guy is constantly impressing me, not only with his performances, but also with things such as his stunt work. Did you SEE him running around outside that building in MI: Ghost Protocol?? It’s got to be difficult to do that because of the great heights involved, and also because it’s got to be hard to move so fluidly with the giant set of balls he must have to do it in the first place. Add to that the fact that he seems to actually be aging in reverse, and it’s hard not to be impressed. But I digress…

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Dark Skies (2013)

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(originally from Facebook – July 27. 2013)

The second film could have been one of the scariest films in recent years, if not for some dragging in the second act. And even then, I found the hair on the back of my neck rising more than once. It’s one of those “slow-burn” films, where everything just builds and builds. It could have been better in spots, for sure, but c’mon–Kerri Russell! Decent performances, and good use of sound. It’s heavy on the atmosphere, and light on the special effects. If this kind of movie creeps you out, and you don’t mind the pacing, definitely watch this one. IMDB gives it a 6.2, but I’d give it a 6.5, and even be persuaded to go to a 7 if you told me you’re freaked out by…well, I better not ruin anything. (running time 1:37)

The Machine (2013)

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This one is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it seems very dated, and very low budget. I kept thinking it reminded me of an ‘80s film due to the soundtrack and lighting. Then I realized that the ‘80s film it reminded me of (one of them, at least) was Blade Runner. In fact, in many ways this could have been a prequel to Blade Runner.  That’s not to say that it’s at the same level as BR, but for a low-budget Sci-fi flick, it’s not too bad. Continue reading →

Grabbers (2012)

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Don’t make the mistake I made and watch this alone. Not because it’s scary, although there are a few well-done tense moments. Watch it with others because this is a really fun movie, and it deserves that kind of viewing. You’re going to want to make fun of it, compliment it, point out all the various homages to other “creature” films…and just have a good time with it. You’re not going to understand half of what the characters are saying, anyway. The Irish accents are so thick, you’ll probably want subtitles. But that doesn’t really matter. Like I said—have fun with it! Continue reading →