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5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

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5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

Old 06-25-12, 05:30 AM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

Ash Ketchum's Second Annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge

From ATRAGON to ZYURANGER



July 1, 2012
1. STARSHIP TROOPERS (1988/Japan, 100 min., color, anime sci-fi) Fan-sub VHS (in Japanese with English subs.) Episodes 1-4.
Straightforward made-for-video animated adaptation of Robert E. Heinlein’s novel. These episodes focus on the training of young men in a Mobile Suit Infantry division that sees its first action when alien invaders attack during a simulated combat session. The aliens are hard to describe but they don’t look like insects. This is more like Gundam than Verhoeven. There are two more episodes, but these are the only ones I have subtitled.

July 2, 2012
2. THE PHANTOM PLANET (1961/U.S., 82 min., b&w, sci-fi) DVD (Mill Creek's Sci-Fi Classics)
Dir.: William Marshall. Cast: Dean Fredericks, Coleen Gray, Tony Dexter, Francis X. Bushman.
An astronaut lands on an asteroid and finds a race of tiny people, whom he soon joins once he's miniaturized. There are a couple of hot babes competing for him among the populace, but things really heat up when a race of fiery beings attacks the asteroid. Cheaply produced, but never crude; there's some imagination at work, as well as a better-than-average cast. Given that they all live in caves on this asteroid, there's a claustrophobic feel to the whole film.

July 3, 2012
3. TENSO SENTAI GOSEIJA (aka CELESTIAL CLOTHING SQUADRON GOSEIGER, 2010/Japan, 100 min., color, sentai TV series/Toei) DVD (in Japanese, no subs.)
Episodes 1-4
#1: The Gosei Angels Descend
#2: The Fantastic Goseigers
#3: Landick Power Divided
#4: Play the Angel's Song
The 2010 sentai (superhero team) entry on Japanese TV. This series will form the basis of the next entry in the American Power Rangers franchise, "Power Rangers Megaforce." No subs., so I can't tell you the plot, but it's filled with action from start to finish, along with cool monsters and zords. The five kids making up the team are teenagers here, three boys and two girls.


4. PLANET OUTLAWS (1953/1939/U.S., 69 min., b&w, sci-fi) DVD (Mill Creek's Sci-Fi Classics)
Cast: Buster Crabbe, Constance Moore, Jackie Moran.
Feature compilation of the 1939 serial, BUCK ROGERS, with opening and closing narration by an unidentified host, added in 1953, which makes reference to the then-topical rash of UFO sightings and America’s need to stay vigilant and powerful. Considering that it was cut from 241 minutes to 69, it’s actually a pretty good condensation. Now I want to watch the whole serial again.

July 4, 2012
5. DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968/Japan, 89 min., color, kaiju sci-fi/Toho) Blu-ray (in Japanese with English subs.)
Dir.: Ishiro Honda. Cast: Akira Kubo, Yukiko Kobayashi, Jun Tazaki.
All-star monster cast in very unusual Toho kaiju mash-up. Aliens want to live here, so they take control of all the monsters on Monster Island and wreak havoc in order to gain leverage with the humans. There’s a united monster front against the aliens’ secret weapon—Ghidorah—but it comes much too late in the film.

6. BATMAN (1943/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Lambert Hillyer. Cast: Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish.
Chapters 1-4
#1: The Electrical Brain
#2: The Bat’s Cave
#3: The Mark of the Zombies
#4: Slaves of the Rising Sun
I decided I needed to watch something American for the 4th of July and since Batman’s fighting a Japanese saboteur during WWII in this, I thought it would be appropriate. It’s a really odd example of filmed Batman that has Batman and Robin changing into their costumes inside a convertible with the top up, while Alfred drives.

7. GAS! OR IT BECAME NECESSARY TO DESTROY THE WORLD IN ORDER TO SAVE IT (1970/U.S., 78 min., color, apocalyptic satire/AIP) DVD (The Roger Corman Collection)
Dir.: Roger Corman. Cast: Robert Corff, Elaine Giftos, Bud Cort, Talia Coppola, Ben Vereen, Cindy Williams.
Another for the 4th of July. Counterculture road trip through the Southwest after a biowarfare experiment gone awry has killed off everybody over 25. I’m guessing this was meant to be a parody of EASY RIDER but it just ain’t funny. Four in the cast became stars not long afterward.

July 5, 2012
8. TOWARD THE TERRA (2007/Japan, 100 min., color, anime sci-fi TV series) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.) Dir.: Osamu Yamasaki.
Vol. 1: Eps. 1-4
#1: Day of Awakening
#2: Mu’s Ship
#3: Ataraxia
#4: Return from Space
Beautifully realized adaptation of a great science fiction manga by a female author (Keiko Takemiya) about a teenage boy who’s rescued from an oppressive future space society and elevated to leadership of the rebellious Mu, psychic humans targeted for destruction by humans. The goal is to resettle on Earth, which had been abandoned centuries earlier.

July 6, 2012
9. ULTRAMAN (1966/Japan, 100 min., color, live-action superhero sci-fi TV series, Tsuburaya Productions) VHS (English-dubbed)
#1 Ultra Operation #1
#2: Shoot the Invader
#3: Go Science Patrol!
#4: Five Seconds until Apocalypse
A different giant monster in every episode, filmed on great miniature sets. What’s not to love? This franchise continues in Japan to this very day, but these episodes were the first and they’re presented here as they played on American TV back in 1966.

10. THE LOST JUNGLE (1934/U.S., 69 min., b&w, lost island/animal adventure/Mascot Pictures) DVD (Mill Creek Sci-Fi Classics set)
Directors: Armand Schaefer, David Howard. Cast: Clyde Beatty, Cecilia Parker, Syd Saylor.
Feature compilation condensed from a 12-chapter serial. Clyde Beatty was a real-life animal trainer who appeared in a few movies, usually as himself. The scenes where he subdues angry big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, panthers) are pretty amazing, including one where he's got all of them in one cage, plus three bears! There's a buried city with lost treasure on an uncharted island that figures in the plot.

11. FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS (1960/East Germany-Poland, 78 min., color, space sci-fi/Crown International) DVD (Mill Creek Sci-Fi Classics set) English-dubbed.
Dir.: Kurt Maetzig. Cast: Yoko Tani, Oldrich Lukes, Gunther Simon.
Sci-fi from behind the Iron Curtain, with a Japanese female star. Very serious look at exploration of Venus and the discovery of the remains of a once-thriving civilization. The version that was released here was cut and dubbed. The production design on Venus is quite imaginative and almost surreal. Based on a novel by Stanislaw Lem (SOLARIS).

12. STAR BLAZERS (1979/1974, Japan, 100 min., color, space sci-fi) VHS (English-dubbed)
Volume 1: eps. 1-4
The ground-breaking 1974 anime series, “Space Battleship Yamato,” consisting of 26 episodes, was dubbed in English and slightly reedited for U.S. television in 1979 under the title, “Star Blazers.” It spawned five spin-off feature films and two sequel series and some remakes since then. It’s still one of the best space sagas to come out of Japan.


July 7, 2012
13. SAMSON AND THE SEVEN MIRACLES OF THE WORLD (1961/Italy, 77 min., color, historical/mythological fantasy/AIP) DVD (English-dubbed)
Dir.: Riccardo Freda. Cast: Gordon Scott, Yoko Tani, Helene Chanel.
Italian mythological strongman Maciste, re-named “Samson” in the English dub, goes to 13th century China to fight the invading Mongols. The beautiful Japanese actress Yoko Tani plays the Chinese princess whom the Mongol leader tries to force into marriage. Not bad of its type. Second Yoko Tani movie in two days.

14. CAPTAIN SINDBAD (1963/U.S., 85 min., color, Arabian Nights fantasy/MGM) DVD
Dir.: Byron Haskin. Cast: Guy Williams, Heidi Bruhl, Pedro Armendariz.
Sindbad, played by TV’s Zorro, takes on the tyrant who has taken over the kingdom of the princess he is supposed to marry. Lots of imaginative, magical medium-budget special effects and beautiful production design. Shot in Bavaria Studios in Munich.

July 8, 2012
15. TOWARD THE TERRA (2007/Japan, 100 min., color, anime sci-fi TV series) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.) Dir.: Osamu Yamasaki.
Vol. 2: Eps. 5-8
#5: Leap of Death
#6: Station E-1077
#7: Rebellious Shiroe
#8: Trembling Heart
Two new characters are introduced: Keith Anyan and Seki Ray Shiroe, cadets destined for the Terra elite, although Jomy Marcus Shin has identified Seki as a dormant Mu and hopes to “rescue” him from the humans. Fascinating series—and I’m reading the manga, too.

16. ATRAGON (1963/Japan, 95 min., color, undersea sci-fi adventure/Toho) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.)
Dir.: Ishiro Honda. Cast: Tadao Takashima, Yoko Fujiyama, Jun Tazaki.
Unusual Toho sci-fi about the ancient undersea Mu kingdom seeking to wage war on the surface and a secret flying sub built by a Japanese naval officer still committed to Japan winning the war. The heroes have to convince the officer to turn his sub over to them to fight the Mu. Fascinating treatment of Japan’s lingering guilt/resentment over the war.

July 9, 2012
17. MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (U.S.-Japan, superhero TV series/Saban Entertainment-Toei) VHS
Season 2 / Ep. #30: “Mirror of Regret” (Nov. 14, 1994)
Season 2 / Ep. #41: “The Wedding, Part 1” (Feb. 13, 1995)
Season 2 / Ep. #42: “The Wedding, Part 2” (Feb. 14, 1995)
Season 2 / Ep. #43: “The Wedding, Part 3” (Feb. 15, 1995)
Rita Repulsa marries Lord Zedd in the 3-part “The Wedding” miniseries, while the Rangers are in Australia, ostensibly filming MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS THE MOVIE (1995). Rita gets a makeover and transitions into a new actress (Carla Perez) in newly shot scenes for the American version, so “The Wedding, Part 1” is the last time we see the great Japanese actress Machiko Soga in the role.

July 11, 2012
18. MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (U.S.-Japan, superhero TV series/Saban Entertainment-Toei) VHS
Season 2 / Ep. #38: “A Reel Fish Story” (Nov. 29, 1994)
Season 2 / Ep. #44: “Return of the Green Ranger, Part 1” (Feb. 20, 1995)
Season 2 / Ep. #45: “Return of the Green Ranger, Part 2” (Feb. 21, 1995)
Season 2 / Ep. #46: “Return of the Green Ranger, Part 3” (Feb. 22, 1995)
In the “Return” miniseries, the Wizard of Deception creates an evil version of Tommy to come back as an enemy Green Ranger (Tommy’s original role), all while sending the other Power Rangers back in time to Angel Grove 200 years in the past. Quite clever throughout.


July 12, 2012
19. FLASH GORDON (1936/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Dir.: Frederick Stephani. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 1-4
#1: The Planet of Peril
#2: The Tunnel of Terror
#3: Captured by Shark Men
#4: Battling the Sea Beast
This wasn’t the first sci-fi serial, but it was the first to take place away from Earth. The later Flash Gordon serials had way cooler stuff in them (Clay People!), but this one has a raw, aggressive energy that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s completely absurd. And the Planet Mongo women are hot!

20. ALIEN SPACE AVENGER (1989/U.S., 80 min., color, sci-fi thriller) VHS
Dir.: Richard W. Haines. Cast: Gina Mastrogiacomo, Kirk Fairbanks Fogg, Robert Prichard.
Okay, so I watched one cheap 1980s straight-to-video indie American sci-fi mash-up for this challenge. Good idea (four aliens on the run from the title “avenger” take human host bodies and hide out in New York, from the 1930s to the 1980s, before a comic book writer outs them) is given poor execution and is unbearably silly at times. But at least it’s got footage from FLASH GORDON (see #19) and some location shooting in Times Square and 42nd Street.

July 13, 2012
21. Mystery Science Theater 3000: THE HUMAN DUPLICATORS (1965/U.S., color, sci-fi) VHS. Cast: George Nader, Richard Kiel, Dolores Faith.
MST3K Season 5 / #20 (Dec. 26, 1992)

July 14, 2012
22. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (1951/U.S., b&w, historical sci-fi serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Spencer Bennet. Cast: Richard Crane, Marshall Reed, Bernie Hamilton.
Chapters 1-4
#1: Lost in Space
#2: Sinister Savage
#3: Savage Justice
#4: Wild Man at Large
Based on Jules Verne’s novel about Civil War soldiers who escape from a prison camp by balloon but wind up on a lost island occupied by Captain Nemo in the South Pacific. In this serial they also find aliens from Mercury plotting a takeover of Earth. Nice idea, but poorly written and directed.

23. KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER FOURZE & OOO: MOVIE WAR MEGA MAX (2011/Japan, 95 min., color, tokusatsu sci-fi/Toei) DVD (in Japanese with no subs.)
Dir.: Koichi Sakamoto. Cast: Shu Watanabe, Sota Fukushi, Toru Masuoka, Erina Mano.
The latest in a long line of Kamen Rider movies spun off from the TV show. Five segments offer more Kamen Riders than you can shake a stick at. Lots of action, although even after reading the Wikipedia synopsis, I still couldn’t make head or tail of the plot. Erina Mano, a Japanese pop singer I used to follow, plays an alien in human form who becomes a Kamen Rider in the fourth section, but she doesn’t get to sing.


July 15, 2012
24. FLASH GORDON (1936/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Dir.: Frederick Stephani. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 5-8
#5: The Destroying Ray
#6: Flaming Torture
#7: Shattering Doom
#8: Tournament of Death
Dale Arden is poured into Planet Mongo fashions and gets hotter in each episode. Jean Rogers looks more and more like a blond ’30s version of Katie Holmes. In these episodes, the focus is on the fight over Flash between Dale and Princess Aura, Ming’s sexy daughter, with Aura being way more aggressive. Flash doesn’t seem to get it.

July 16, 2012
25. FLASH GORDON (1936/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Dir.: Frederick Stephani. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 9-13
#9: Fighting the Fire Dragon
#10: The Unseen Peril
#11: In the Claws of the Tigron
#12: Trapped in the Turret
#13: Rocketing to Earth
13 chapters and done! Flash is made invisible by Dr. Zarkov and there's an aerial "battle" involving "gyro ships." It all ends with Dale in the arms of Flash and Aura in the unlikely arms of the portly Prince Barin. The best thing about this serial is that it paved the way for the two superior sequels. Which I now must watch for this challenge.

26. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (1951/U.S., b&w, historical sci-fi serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Spencer Bennet. Cast: Richard Crane, Marshall Reed, Bernie Hamilton.
Chapters 5-8
#5: Trail of the Mystery Man
#6: The Pirates Attack!
#7: Menace of the Mercurians
#8: Between Two Fires!
The Civil War castaways have taken provisions left on the island by pirates and then have to fight them when the pirates return. One of their number gets captured by the trio from Mercury. Our heroes strike me as rather slow-witted throughout. And poor Neb (Bernie Hamilton), the one black guy in the group, has to do all the drudge work and sit out the fights. 

July 17, 2012
27. SUPERMAN: THE LAST SON OF KRYPTON (1996/U.S., 61 min., color, animated superhero special/Warner Bros.) DVD
Directors: Curt Geda, Scott Jeralds, Dan Riba, Bruce Timm.
The first half, offering a new version Superman’s origin story, is quite good. The second half offers up a hackneyed thriller plot involving weapons dealer Lex Luthor and his sale of a high-tech armored suit to a rogue nation. It’s rather disconcerting to see cell phones and other modern touchstones during Clark Kent’s first day on the job at the Daily Planet. I miss the phone booths. 

28. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (1951/U.S., b&w, historical sci-fi serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Spencer Bennet. Cast: Richard Crane, Marshall Reed, Bernie Hamilton.
Chapters 9-12
#9: Shrine of the Silver Bird
#10: Fighting Fury!
#11: Desperate Chances!
#12: Mystery of the Mine
The Mercurians step up their efforts to enslave the humans and mine a mysterious ore with destructive powers


July 18, 2012
29a. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (1951/U.S., b&w, historical sci-fi serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Spencer Bennet. Cast: Richard Crane, Marshall Reed, Bernie Hamilton.
Chapters 13-15
#13: Jungle Deadfall
#14: Men from Tomorrow!
#15: The Last of Mysterious Island!
The Civil War castaways and the pirates form an alliance once they learn of the Mercurians’ plan to create bombs that will destroy the earth using the ore they’re mining (uranium!). Captain Nemo finally shows up to help out. Rather abrupt ending ties up a lot of loose ends in a matter of minutes. The second serial I've completed for this challenge, but not the best I’ve ever seen.

29b. KIKAIDA (JINZO NINGEN KIKAIDA) (1972/Japan, color, tokusatsu sci-fi TV series) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.) Star: Daisuke Ban.
#6: Black Horse: Showdown at the DARK Execution Ground
Famous live-action superhero TV series created by Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider) about an android in Japan who rides a motorcycle, carries a guitar and fights an array of monsters once he transforms into Kikaida. Later adapted for anime.

30. BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER (2000/U.S., 77 min., color, superhero sci-fi/Warner Bros.) DVD (uncut version)
Dir.: Curt Geda. Voice Cast: Will Friedle, Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill.
Very imaginative production and design, but I just don’t like the characters. I think the villains were just too abstract for me and I couldn’t quite get a handle on what their motives were. And the explanation for the Joker’s return was just too far-fetched for me.

July 19, 2012
31. FLASH GORDON’S TRIP TO MARS (1938/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Directors: Ford Beebe, Robert Hill. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 1-4
#1: New Worlds to Conquer
#2: The Living Dead
#3: Queen of Magic
#4: Ancient Enemies
This time Flash & co. go to Mars—in the same year as Orson Welles’ historic “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast. They find Ming on Mars, with Azura, the Queen of Mars as his ally. Bigger-budgeted than the 1936 Flash Gordon serial and with much cooler designs, sets and effects and more action. But why’d they make Dale Arden a brunette?

July 20, 2012
32. FLASH GORDON’S TRIP TO MARS (1938/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Directors: Ford Beebe, Robert Hill. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 5-8
#5: The Boomerang
#6: Tree-men of Mars
#7: The Prisoner of Mongo
#8: The Black Sapphire of Kalu
Lots more cool stuff including ray-gun battles, a paralyzer ray, and a trip to a dark forest and a battle with the primitive Fire People. So much better than the 1936 serial.


July 21, 2012
33. FLASH GORDON’S TRIP TO MARS (1938/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Directors: Ford Beebe, Robert Hill. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 9-12
#9: Symbol of Death
#10: Incense of Forgetfulness
#11: Human Bait
#12: Ming the Merciless
Dale Arden loses her memory and becomes a “tree maiden” for the Forest People. Lots of running and flying around here before all the plot threads start to get resolved in the final arc (Chapters 13-15).

34a. FLASH GORDON’S TRIP TO MARS (1938/U.S., b&w, sci-fi serial/Universal) DVD
Directors: Ford Beebe, Robert Hill. Cast: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton.
Chapters 13-15
#13: The Miracle of Magic
#14: A Beast at Bay
#15: An Eye for an Eye
Lots of interesting twists in the final arc, including some good news for the Clay People, a change of heart by Queen Azura, and some last evil deeds by a newly-empowered Ming.
The third complete serial I’ve seen for this challenge.

34b. STAR BLAZERS (1979/1974, Japan, 100 min., color, space sci-fi) VHS (English-dubbed)
Volume 1: Ep. 5
The Argo lands on a floating continent in Jupiter’s atmosphere and engages in a battle with a Gamelan base that happens to be there. The Argo uses its Wave Motion gun for the first time, to destructive effect. Excellent space sci-fi from Japan.

35. ZYURANGER (Kyoryu Sentai Jurenja/Dinosaur Task Force Zyuranger, 1992/Japan, color, superhero sci-fi/Toei) VHS (in Japanese, no subs.) Eps. 39-42.
The basis for “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” These episodes, which were used for the “Green Candle” arc in MMPR, offer lots of angst with the Green Ranger. The Japanese version is much more serious and somber than the U.S. counterpart, with some unexpected tragic elements. Oh, and lots of action! Tokyo gets devastated here!

36. TOWARD THE TERRA (1980/Japan, 112 min., color, animated sci-fi/Toei) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.) Dir.: Hideo Onchi.
A masterful epic sci-fi story of human outposts in outer space and a yearning to return to the Earth they left centuries ago. The Mu are a race of mutants who’ve been persecuted by the humans and seek to set up their own colony, but the humans won’t leave them alone. Beautifully designed and animated. Based on a famous manga (comic book) series by female artist Keiko Takemiya. (Also done as a TV series in 2007; see entries #8 and #15)

July 22, 2012
37. BIG WARS (1993/Japan, 75 min., color, animated sci-fi) VHS (English-dubbed)
Dir.: Toshifumi Takizawa.
Human colonists on Mars battle aliens called “Gods.” A ship captain has a fling with a female officer who’s been “subverted” by the Gods. It all leads to a suicide mission to sneak aboard and take down the enemy carrier, called “Hell.” Too short to have much story development, but very well animated and designed, with a spectacular action climax that looks forward to both INDEPENDENCE DAY and STARSHIP TROOPERS.

July 23, 2012
38. Mystery Science Theater 3000: “Mighty Jack” Season 1/#14, first aired March 5, 1989. DVD.
Joel and the crew take on a compilation film (courtesy of Sandy Frank) made from a 1968 Japanese TV series about a high-tech craft that flies, goes underwater and launches missile attacks. “Mel Tormé!”

July 26, 2012
39. ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL (1941/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Republic) DVD
Directors: William Witney, John English. Cast: Tom Tyler, Frank Coghlan Jr., Louise Currie.
Chapters 1-4
#1: Curse of the Scorpion
#2: The Guillotine
#3: Time Bomb
#4: Death Takes the Wheel
Really well-staged superhero antics largely shot on location amidst a genuinely suspenseful plot about an ancient weapon with great power sought after by the Scorpion. Republic Pictures sure knew how to handle this kind of thing.

40. MESSAGE FROM SPACE (1978/Japan, 105 min., color, space-sci-fi/Toei) DVD (English-dubbed)
Dir.: Kinji Fukasaku. Cast: Vic Morrow, Peggy Lee Brennan, Sonny Chiba.
Wild interplanetary space battles from the director of GREEN SLIME and BATTLE ROYALE, with the star of TV’s “Combat” in his only Japanese film. Based on the same source material as “Dragon Ball.” Japan’s answer to STAR WARS and much more fun, if you ask me.


July 27, 2012
41. ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL (1941/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Republic) DVD
Directors: William Witney, John English. Cast: Tom Tyler, Frank Coghlan Jr., Louise Currie.
Chapters 5-8
#5: The Scorpion Strikes
#6: Lens of Death
#7: Human Targets
#8: Boomerang
Captain Marvel is pretty hardcore. He randomly throws a henchman to his death off a rooftop. He’s definitely Superman in a different costume and we can see why DC sued, although a bit weaker than Superman (he gets knocked out when hit by a lethal blast of electricity). This was the first filmed representation of a flying superhero. All long shots of Marvel flying are done in real time on location.

42. ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL (1941/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Republic) DVD
Directors: William Witney, John English. Cast: Tom Tyler, Frank Coghlan Jr., Louise Currie.
Chapters 9-12
#9: The Scorpion Strikes
#10: Lens of Death
#11: Human Targets
#12: Boomerang
The serial ends with a return to Siam and finally finding out who the Scorpion is. The fourth serial I’ve finished for this challenge. What struck me about this one is that no one ever calls the police—not one cop is seen in the entire thing, even though the bad guys wreak all kinds of havoc. Also, there isn’t a single bit of media coverage of Captain Marvel—no headlines, no newsreels, no nuthin’--despite the fact that he flies all over Southern California.

43. MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (1979/Japan, color, anime space sci-fi) VHS (English-dubbed) Dir.: Yoshiyuki Tomino. Eps. 1-4.
#1: Gundam Rising
#2: Destroy Gundam!
#3: Vote to Attack
#4: Escape from Luna II
Arguably the very best animated giant robot show to come out of Japan. This is where it all started 33 years ago and the franchise is still going strong today. The sequence in episode 1 where 14-year-old Amuro Rey first operates the Gundam is one of the finest sequences in anime history.

July 28, 2012
44. DUNE (1984/U.S., 137 min., color, sci-fi/Universal) VHS
Dir.: David Lynch. Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Sean Young. The longest single film I’ve yet watched for this challenge. I can’t say I understood everything that transpired in it, nor can I say that I truly cared about anyone or anything in it. But it’s fun watching this bunch of actors in baroque costumes and makeup, including a pre-Star Trek Patrick Stewart and four who’d turn up in BLUE VELVET two years later (MacLachlan, Dean Stockwell, Brad Dourif, Jack Nance).

45. MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (U.S.-Japan, superhero TV series/Saban Entertainment-Toei) VHS
Season 2, eps. 48-51 (May 1995)
“Storybook Rangers” Pts. 1-2
“Wild West Rangers,” Pts. 1-2
They’d run out of Japanese footage by the time they got to these, so they had to construct whole new stories and sets. The results are quite enjoyable. The “Wild West” episode takes the rangers back in time to the old west and was shot on a standing western town set.

46. DESCENDANT OF THE SUN (1983/Hong Kong, 83 min., color, historical fantasy/Shaw Bros.) R3 DVD (in Mandarin with English subs.)
Dir.: Chor Yuen. Cast: Derek Yee, Cherie Chung, Lung Tien Hsiang.
I needed to see at least one Hong Kong film for this challenge and at least one Shaw Bros. film, so I settled on this one, which adapts the Superman origin tale to old China. Lots of action and magical effects, although I wish the villains had been more formidable and the princess a little more dazzling. Still, it’s quite a good one, as Hong Kong martial arts fantasies go.

47. PATLABOR THE MOBILE POLICE (1989/Japan, color, anime sci-fi TV series) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.
Dir.: Naoyuki Yoshinaga.
Vol. 4: eps. 15-18
#15: The Whale that Sang a Song
#16: The Unit Crosses the Sea
#17: Target Captain Goto
#18: I Love Noa-Sempai
More high-tech mecha fun and games with the crew of Special Vehicles Unit, Division 2, operating “patrol labors” in Tokyo in 2000 (which was eleven years into the future at the time). The highlight in this volume is an adventure involving a humpback whale stranded in Tokyo Bay.


July 29, 2012
48. THE LAST DINOSAUR (1977/Japan-U.S., 106 min., color, dinosaur adventure) VHS
Directors: Alex Grasshoff, Tom Kotani. Cast: Richard Boone, Joan Van Ark, Steven Keats.
Outdated “Lost World” adventure set in a jungle hidden in the arctic, accessible only by a “Polar Borer,” a vehicle that drills through ice. All so the world’s richest man can hunt a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The dinosaur scenes are better than the human scenes. A co-production of America’s Rankin-Bass and Japan’s Tsuburaya Productions.

49. KIKAIDA (JINZO NINGEN KIKAIDA) (1972/Japan, color, tokusatsu sci-fi TV series) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.) Star: Daisuke Ban.
Eps. 7-10
#7: Bull Kong: Malevolent Monster Mayhem
#8: Carmine Spider: Menacing Blood-sucking Laughter
#9: Red Condor: Screech of Death
#10: Scorpion Brown: The Ultimate Weapon
The monsters frequently target women and children in this series and in one episode they wipe out a whole village and replace the occupants with androids. Not as much action as in ULTRAMAN, KAMEN RIDER or the various sentai series--for one thing, there are no giant robots or giant monsters here--but the stories are interesting and they’re all shot on location far from Tokyo.

50. BATMAN (1943/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Lambert Hillyer. Cast: Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish.
Chapters 5-8
#5: The Living Corpse
#6: Poison Peril
#7: The Phoney Doctor
#8: Lured by Radium
I started this serial earlier in the challenge. Now I'm determined to finish it. One of the great things about this group of episodes is the presence in them of Charles Middleton—Ming the Merciless himself!—as a good guy, a miner whose radium mine is sought after by the evil Japanese mastermind, Dr. Daka. Middleton puts up quite a fight, too.

July 30, 2012
51. BATMAN (1943/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Lambert Hillyer. Cast: Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish.
Chapters 9-12
#9: The Sign of the Sphinx
#10: Flying Spies
#11: A Nipponese Trap
#12: Embers of Evil
Batman and Robin seem awfully incompetent at times in this serial, always getting overwhelmed and beaten up by the same henchmen in every episode. Also, how is Dr. Daka able to get so many Americans to help him in his cause? During the war, even everyday crooks would have balked at taking money from the enemy to commit acts of sabotage.

52a. BATMAN (1943/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Lambert Hillyer. Cast: Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish.
Chapters 13-15
#13: Eight Steps Down
#14: The Executioner Strikes
#15: Doom of the Rising Sun
When the hero (Batman) and the heroine (Linda Page) finally confront Dr. Daka, each reacts the same way: “A Jap!” J. Carrol Naish performs Daka with a Peter Lorre impression (borrowed, no doubt, from Lorre’s portrayal of Japanese sleuth Mr. Moto a few years earlier). The fifth complete serial I’ve seen for this challenge.

52b. DEFENDERS OF THE EARTH (1986/U.S., color, animated sci-fi TV series/Marvel-King Features co-production) DVD
#1: Escape from Mongo

53. GAMERA – SUPER MONSTER (1980/Japan, 91 min., color, giant monster sci-fi/Daiei) DVD
Dir.: Noriaki Yuasa. Cast: Koichi Maeda, Mach Fumiake, Keiko Kudo.
Late Gamera movie which uses monster footage from six previous Gamera films to avoid having to produce its own. The plot focuses on a boy who loves Gamera and three space women trying to save the Earth from an invasion. An odd kaiju film, but charming in its own way. Cameo appearances by Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999.

54. THE HUMAN VAPOR (GASU NINGEN DAI ICHIGO, 1960/Japan, 91 min., color, science fiction/Toho) VHS fan-sub (in Japanese with English subtitles)
Dir.: Ishiro Honda. Cast: Yoshio Tsuchiya, Kaoru Yachigusa, Tatsuya Mihashi.
Very unusual sci-fi drama from Toho about a man who, as a result of an experiment gone wrong, can turn into vapor at will. He uses his powers to rob banks, all so he can fund the comeback of a great Kabuki dancer he loves. Great dance scenes and quite a somber tone. As much a love story as a sci-fi film.

55. THE HUMAN VAPOR (1964/Japan, 81 min., color, science fiction/Toho-Brenco) VHS (English-dubbed)
The English dub is ten minutes shorter (much of the Kabuki footage is cut) and re-edited, so that we get the big reveal right at the beginning and then the first half of the movie is treated as a flashback. This one is heavily narrated by the “vapor man,” which wasn’t the case in the original.

July 31, 2012
56. BATMAN AND ROBIN (1949/U.S., b&w, superhero serial/Columbia) DVD
Dir.: Spencer Bennet. Cast: Robert Lowery, John Duncan, Lyle Talbot.
Chapters 1-4
#1: Batman Takes Over
#2: Tunnel of Terror
#3: Robin’s Wild Ride
#4: Batman Trapped
I started a sixth serial, but I could only squeeze in four chapters before embarking on the overlap between the animation and sci-fi challenges. This one’s a lot less claustrophobic than the 1943 Batman serial and has way more location shooting. Plus it’s got the great Lyle Talbot as Commissioner Gordon.

57. NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND (1984/Japan, 118 min., color, animated post-apocalypse sci-fi) DVD (in Japanese with English subs.)
Dir.: Hayao Miyazaki.
A young princess in an ecologically devastated future tries to bring peace between warring factions and between humans and their angry giant insect neighbors. Miyazaki’s first real masterpiece; based on his manga, which is even better. A true animated sci-fi epic.

58. MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (1979/Japan, color, anime space sci-fi) VHS (English-dubbed)
Dir.: Yoshiyuki Tomino. Eps. 5-8.
#5: Re-entry to Earth
#6: Garma Strikes
#7: The Core Fighter’s Escape
#8: Winds of War
The White Base crew comes to Earth for continued warfare with the Zeon rebels.

59. ROBOTECH (1985/Japan, color, anime sci-fi/Tatsunoko) DVD (English-dubbed)
Directors: Robert Barron, Noboru Ishiguro. Eps. 1-4.
#1: Booby Trap
#2: Countdown
#3: Space Fold
#4: The Long Wait
Since I’ve already included STAR BLAZERS and MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM in this challenge, there’s no way I could leave out ROBOTECH, another pioneering anime sci-fi series and one which almost singlehandedly established a foothold for anime in the U.S.

First-time viewings: 18
Movies: 23
TV episodes: 59
Serial chapters: 74

TV shows represented: 14
Complete Serials: 5

Last edited by Ash Ketchum; 08-04-12 at 10:36 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 06:11 AM
  #27  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread




June 30
1. S3 "The Chute" / "The Swarm"
2. S3 "Future's End Pts 1 & 2"
3. S3 "Remember" / "Warlord"

July 1
4. S3 "The Q and the Grey" / "Macrocosm"
5. S3 "Fair Trade" / "Alter Ego"
6. S3 "Coda" / "Blood Fever"
7. S3 "Unity" / "The Darkling"

July 2
8. S3 "Rise" / "Favorite Son"
9. S3 "Before and After" / "Real Life"
10. S3 "Distant Origin" / "Displaced"
11. S3 "Worst Case Scenario" / "Scorpion Pt 1"
12. S4 "Scorpion Pt 2"

July 3
12. S4 "The Gift"
13. S4 "Day of Honor" / "Nemesis"
14. S4 "Revulsion" / "The Raven"
15. S4 "Scientific Method" / Eureka "Mirror, Mirror"
16. S4 "Year of Hell" Pts 1 & 2

July 4
17. Independence Day
18. S4 "Random Thoughts" / "Concerning Flight"
19. S4 "Mortal Coil" / "Waking Moments"
20. S4 "Message in a Bottle" / "Hunters"

July 5
21. S4 "Prey" / "Restrospect"
22. S4 "The Killing Game Pts 1 & 2"
23. S4 "Vis a Vis" / "The Omega Directive"
24. S4 "Unforgettable"

July 6
24. S4 "Living Witness"
25. S4 "Demon" / "One"
26. S4 "Hope and Fear" / S5 "Night"

July 7
27. S5 "Drone" / "Extreme Risk"
28. S5 "In the Flesh" / "Once Upon a Time"

July 8
29. S5 "Timeless" / "Infinite Regress"
30. S5 "Nothing Human" / "Thirty Days"
31. S5 "Counterpoint" / "Latent Image"

July 9
32. S5 "Bride of Chaotica" / "Gravity"
33. S5 "Bliss" / "Disease"
34. S5 "Dark Frontier Pts 1 & 2"
35. S5 "Course: Oblivion" / "The Fight"
36. S5 "Think Tank" / "Juggernaut"

July 10
37. S5 "Someone to Watch Over Me" / "11:59"
38. S5 "Relativity" / "Warhead"
39. S5 "Equinox Pt 1" / S6 "Equinox Pt 2"
40. S6 "Survival Instinct" / Eureka "Double Take"
41. Blade II

July 11
42. S6 "Barge of the Dead" / "Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy"
43. S6 "Alice" / "Riddles"
44. S6 "Dragon's Teeth" / "One Small Step"
45. S6 "The Voyager Conspiracy" / "Pathfinder"
46. S6 "Fair Haven" / "Blink of an Eye"

July 12
47. S6 "Virtuoso" / "Memorial"
48. S6 "Tsunkatse" / "Collective"
49. S6 "Spirit Folk" / "Ashes to Ashes"
50. S6 "Child's Play" / "Good Shepard"

July 13
51. S6 "Live Fast and Prosper" / "Muse"
52. S6 "Fury" / "Life Line"
53. S6 "The Haunting of Deck Twelve" / "Unimatrix Zero Pt 1"
54. S7 "Unimatrix Zero Pt 2" / "Imperfection"

July 14
55. S7 "Drive" / "Repression"
56. S7 "Critical Care" / "Inside Man"
57. S7 "Body and Soul" / "Nightingale"
58. S7 "Flesh and Blood Pts 1 & 2"
59. S7 "Shattered" / "Lineage"

July 15
60. S7 "Repentance" / "Prophecy"
61. S7 "The Void" / "Human Error"
62. S7 "The Workforce Pts 1 & 2"
63. S7 "Q2" / "Author, Author"

July 16
64. S7 "Friendship One" / "Natural Law"
65. S7 "Homestead" / "Renaissance Man"
66. S7 "Endgame Pts 1 & 2"
67. Batman Begins

July 17
68. The Dark Knight

July 18
69. Deep Impact

July 22
70. The Dark Knight Rises



July 23
71. S1 "Broken Bow Pts 1 & 2"

July 24
72. Attack the Block

July 25
73. S1 "Fight or Flight" / "Strange New World"
74. S1 "Unexpected"

July 26
74. S1 "Terra Nova"

July 27
75. S1 "The Andorian Incident" / "Breaking the Ice"
76. S1 "Civilization" / "Fortunate Son"
77. S1 "Cold Front" / "Silent Enemy"

July 28
78. S1 "Shadows of P'Jem" / "Dear Doctor"
79. S1 "Sleeping Dogs"

July 29
79. S1 "Fusion"
80. S1 "Rogue Planet" / "Acquisition"
81. S1 "Oasis" / "Shuttlepod One"

July 30
82. S1 "Detained" / "Vox Sola"
83. S1 "Fallen Hero" / "Desert Crossing"
84. S1 "Two Days and Two Nights" / "Shockwave Pt 1"

July 31
85. Beasts of the Southern Wild
86. S2 "Shockwave Pt 2" / "Carbon Creek"
87. S2 "Minefield" / "Dead Stop"
88. S2 "A Night in Sickbay" / "Marauders"

Last edited by lisadoris; 07-31-12 at 06:12 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 06:54 AM
  #28  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

2012 SF/Fantasy Challenge
First-Time Viewing

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UzQ2woQSBzQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

July 1.
1. Mirror, Mirror (2012) Blu-Ray--While my partner and I were taking refuge at my in-laws' home during this weekend's power outage (damn you, DC derecho!), I got to watch this with my nieces. The critics trashed Mirror, Mirror, but I enjoyed it, especially Julia Roberts's turn as the evil queen. The film's look would be perfect if there is ever studio film of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. Yes, there are the made-for-TV BBC productions, but they aren't very good.

July 2.
2. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) DVD--I remember the crushing disappointment when I saw this in the theater, after years of anticipation, and realized how awful it was. Over the years it has grown on me, although the first half of the film is still boring--what executive thought porn shots of the Enterprise in dry dock was a good idea?

July 3.
3. Another Earth (2012) Blu-Ray--What a tiresome slog through 20-something anomie. The doppelganger idea has been explored before in much better films.
4. They Live (1988) TV--Aliens co-opting the Earth's elites is as good a reason for the ongoing screwing the rest of us are getting in this economy.
5. Killdozer (1974) YouTube--I'm glad to find this online in one piece instead of 10-minute segments.

July 4
6. Bug (1975) YouTube--A forgotten drive-in gem from the 1970s. Evil, superintelligent, fire-making beetles erupt from the earth after a quake, spreading chaos in rural California
7. Independence Day (1996) DVD--Mandatory viewing
8. Superman (1978) TV--Gene Hackman is undervalued as a comedic actor. He makes this series watchable

July 5.
9. Superman II (1980) TV--Best of the series. Terence Stamp as Zod is a major badass.
10. Superman III (1983) TV--I'm not sure what the writers were thinking with this one. Richard Pryor as a computer programmer? Jekyll and Hyde Superman? It suffers from a lack of Hackman.
11. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) TV--To be fair, nuclear arms were a real concern in the late 80s, but the villain as Nuclear Man is laughable. Hot, but laughable. Thank goodness for Hackman.
12. The Adjustment Bureau (2011) Blu-Ray--I'm not generally a Matt Damon fan, but I really enjoyed this sweetly romantic yet Dickian story.


July 6
13. Body Snatchers (1993) DVD--Judged by itself, Abel Ferrara's take on the pod people invading a southern Army base works well, but because the first two versions are such monuments of science fiction, it tends to be overlooked.
14. Eight-Legged Freaks (2002) DVD--The giant spiders are played for laughs here, but it's a fun, if silly, ride.
15. Moonraker (1978) TV--I'm not a Roger Moore fan, but Moonraker's travelogue sections are fun. And Jaws falls in love!
16. Ted (2012) Theatrical--The list of Blu-Rays I need to buy is getting larger by the day. Like Family Guy, Ted is filthy, juvenile, and f*&^ing hysterical with a soppy heart at the center. It also deserves an Oscar FX nomination; that bear fits in seamlessly.

July 7
17. Python (2000) TV--Very silly giant snake flick redeemed by Billy Zabka. Sweep the leg, Johnny.
18. It Came From Beneath the Sea (1955) TV--Six tentacles is not an octopus, it's a SEXtopus!
19. The Blob (1958) TV--It leaps and creeps.

July 8
20. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) TV--After watching the entire series, it's interesting to look for clues for plot points in the movies to come.
21. True Blood--"We'll Meet Again"/ "Let's Boot and Rally"
22. The Thing (2011) TV--A pale copy, sorry, "prequel" of the 1982 remake.


July 9
23. Phase IV (1974) YouTube--Despite the seemingly silly premise--space radiation creates sentient ants--Phase IV has flashes of genius, including the most unsettling depictions of nonhuman intelligence on film
24. Robot Holocaust (1986) TV--Oh my dog, makes Uwe Boll look good.
25. Alien Nation (1988) DVD--Mandy Patinkin and Terence Stamp seem so out of place here, but it's still a fun blast from the 80s.

July 10
26. Judge Dredd (1995) TV--Comic book purists hate it, but who can resist Stallone bellowing, "I AM DA LAW!"
27. Robocop 2 (1990) TV-- The first movie rocks, so why are the sequels so inferior?
28. Robocop (1987) DVD-- Although this film is 25 years old, it makes a strong case against the privatization of public agencies that the GOP is pushing in this election. Would you trust OCP with your city's security?

July 11
29. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010) TV--Kids grow up fast in just a decade.
29. Cocoon (1985) TV--This sticks out in my memory because I saw it in the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood during a visit to LA. I enjoyed it as a fun sci-fi film in my mid20s, but as I grow closer to the age of the characters in the film, I understand aging and loss firsthand
30. Cocoon: The Return (1988) TV--Sequels often suck, but this was still decent, although not quite as good as the first film. It's still atreat to see these great actors from Hollywood's Golden Age enjoying a last hurrah. Sadly, with the exception of Wilford Brimley, they've all passed now.

July 12
31. Gojira with commentary (1954) Blu-Ray--I grew up with the 2nd-rate butchered version with the Raymond Burr insertions. Thank you, Criterion, for giving us Ishiro Honda's moody, melancholy original.
32. Paul (2011) TV--Nick Frost and Simon Pegg can do no wrong.

July 13
33. The Fourth Kind (2009) TV----An interesting twist on the "found footage" trend that blends (fake) footage of purportedly real events, with actors assuring us that the events we see in the film are true and that the clips we see of the people they play are real. And how odd is it to have a story about alien abductions without any aliens.
34. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) TV--And. . . that's a wrap.
35. Leviathan (1989) TV--If you are stupid enough to chug vodka you found on a sunken wreck, you deserve to turn into a monster. It's also a good thing that Peter Weller went back to school to get his doctorate because he's much more fun when he's talking about Carthage on History than when he's trying to act.

July 14
36. Lockout (2012) Blu-Ray--If this were a term paper, Luc Besson would get a zero for plagiarism. This is just Escape from New York relocated to a prison in space.
37. Screamers (1995) TV--Why do killer robots quote Shakespeare?
38. In Time (2011) TV----I liked the novel concept of using time as currency, and I really enjoy Justin Timberlake, so this was pleasant.

July 15
39. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) Blu-Ray--Not as interesting as the rest of the series.
40. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Blu-Ray--Still one of the greatest SF films ever made. Ignore the 2008 crapfest.

July 16
41. The Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) TV--I'm including this because it uses a goofy sci-device called a synchronizer to allow characters to see each other's visions, and demons are creatures of fantasy.
42. Crack in the World (1965) Netflix Instant--I'm surprised Kieron Moore didn't have a bigger career; he had a commanding on-screen presence.
43. Altered States (1979) Blu-Ray--Ken Russell is trying to say something profound about the human condition (as viewed through a mushroom haze), but he gets a bit lost in the story.

July 17
44. Death Becomes Her (1992) TV--Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn rival Bette/Joan in pure bitchery. This really needs a Blu-Ray release.
45. The Thief of Baghdad (1924) TV--I find it fascinating that action films in the 20s had expensive sets and costumes that vanished with the advent of sound (and the Depression).
46. Just Imagine (1930) YouTube--El Brendel was a Swedish dialect comedian, and this was, I guess, supposed to be a showcase for his talents, where he plays a yokel from 1930 transported to the future of 1980.
47. Sleeper (1973) DVD--One of Woody Allen's best films, although I suspect a lot of the allusions in it would be lost on anyone unfamiliar with 70s pop culture and politics.

July 18
48. Outward Bound (1930) TV--Entertaining, but not nearly as good as the 1944 remake. The cast clearly were used to acting on stage, and their theatrical speech sounds odd on screen.
49. Playmates of the Apes (2002) TV--An amateurish Planet of the Apes ripoff punctuated by scenes of flabby prostitutes wearing bad makeup and simulating lesbian sex. I think I just caught herpes by watching this.
50. The Halloween Tree (1993) YouTube--A wonderful work of imagination written and narrated by the late, great Ray Bradbury
51. Between Two Worlds (1944) DVD--Resetting the action in contemporary times (AKA WWII-era Europe) gives the story more dramatic heft, and the screenplay rounds out the characters better. The cast is far better than the 1930 version as well.

July 19
52. Eureka, "Just Another Day"/ Futurama, "Zapp Dingbat", "The Thief of Baghead"
53. Paprika (2006) TV--I wonder if Christopher Nolan borrowed aspects of Inception from this.
54. Pleasantville (1998) Blu-Ray-- More people need to watch Pleasantville and absorb its message.
55. One Million B.C. (1940) TV--Carole Landis is no Raquel Welch. Definitely prefer the 60s remake.

July 20
56. The Dark Knight Returns (2012) Theatrical--A magnificent conclusion to an epic trilogy that rewards viewers of the first two films, although Bane is not as compelling a supervillain as Heath Ledger's Joker

July 23
57. True Blood--"In the Beginning"/ Warehouse 13-- "A New Hope"

July 24
58. Sector 7 (2011) Netflix Instant--Korean monster movies seem to have an unbalanced quality to them--too much soap opera to action ratio. Still, this is a good movie.
59. The Rig (2010) TV--Adequate monster movie (sea critters are eating the crew of an oil rig during a hurricane), but you can see where all the elements where stolen from other, better films.

July 25
60. Source Code (2011) Blu-Ray-- Terrific story, and interesting take on parallel universes.
61. MST3K-Century 21 Calling/ The Space Children (1958) YouTube--Peacenik space blob uses kids to throw a wrench into a nuclear missile launch.
62. The Postman (1997) TV--How do you turn a thrilling action story set in post-apocalyptic America into a tedious 3-hour plod? Kevin Costner found a way. Still, it's better than Waterworld.

July 26
63. Conan the Destroyer (1984) Blu-Ray-- Decent movie, but it's amazing how little impact Grace Jones has on film when she is so awesome in concert.
64. I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1957) DVD--Oh, Gloria, there's a reason why Tom Tryon isn't interested in sexing you, and it's not because he's playing an alien.
65. Equilibrium (2002) DVD--Entertaining, if derivative, script, that is lucky to have such a stellar cast to gloss over its weaknesses.

July 27
66. Cult of the Cobra (1955) DVD--Since we know the identity of the killer from the beginning, we spend most of the picture waiting for Marshall Thompson to wise up that his girlfriend is the Lamia.
67. Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940) Netflix Streaming--Less space opera and more of an analog for fascist dictatorships that were ravaging Europe. Instead of portraying Ming the Merciless as a Fu Manchu-like evil Oriental despot, he is remade as a Hitler stand-in, complete with concentration camps and plans for exterminating his enemies by unleashing a plague called the Purple Death.
Chapter 1: The Purple Death
Chapter 2: Freezing Torture
Chapter 3: Walking Bombs

68. Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940) Netflix Streaming--The serial depicts the planet Mongo as a sort of Mittel-Europa with rockets.
Chapter 4:The Destroying Ray
Chapter 5:The Palace of Horror
Chapter 6:Flaming Death

69. Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940) Netflix Streaming--Enter the Rock Men
Chapter 7: The Land of the Dead
Chapter 8: The Fiery Abyss
Chapter 9: The Pool of Peril

70. Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940) Netflix Streaming--And Ming gets his final comeuppance.
Chapter 10: The Death Mist
Chapter 11: Stark Treachery
Chapter 12: Doom of the Dictator


July 28
71. The Puppet Masters(1995) TV--Needs a remake.
72. Midnight in Paris (2011) TV--Even though the film's message is be happy in your own time because no era is perfect, who wouldn't want to hang out with Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein on the Left Bank?
73. Batman Begins (2005) Blu-Ray-- Great precursor to the rest of the trilogy.
74. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) DVD-- Like TDKR, the third film in the series is pretty damn good.
75. Giorgio Moroder Presents Metropolis (1926) Netflix Streaming--Now that we have the fully restored film on Blu-Ray, this truncated version is unnecessary, but the 80s soundtrack brings back my youth.

July 29
76. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) DVD-- Remember when Angelina Jolie was sexy?
77. Idaho Transfer (1973) YouTube--Another relic of the groovy early 70s, and Peter Fonda's directorial debut. The amateurish production values and bad acting made it difficult for me to get into the movie, but it kept my interest up to the creepy and bizarre end.
78. Time Bandits (1981) DVD-- Terry Gilliam's imagination sometimes tends to outstrip his talent as a director, but this is sheer brilliance on every level.
79. Family Guy: Blue Harvest/ Something Something Dark Side/ It's a Trap (2009/2010) DVD-- Stewie as Darth Vader is the only saving grace here.
80. Flight to Mars (1951) YouTube--American space explorers land on Mars and discover the Martians are fascists in capes.

July 30
81. 12 Monkeys (1995) DVD--Bruce Willis often bugs me, but Gilliam's take on "La Jetee" uses his talents well.
82. Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) Blu-Ray-- "Delightfully demented" is the only way I can describe this sequel. In particular, the ultimate TV station sign off spot and the erudite Tony Randall gremlin just get me on the floor.
83. Rain Without Thunder (1993) TV--Agitprop piece set in 2042 when birth control and abortion are outlawed in the US, and a mother and daughter are being held by the government for terminating a pregnancy in Sweden. It's in the form of a fake documentary, so all we get are talking heads droning on about the plot. This lame flick is bound to annoy everyone on both sides because it is poorly made, despite the star power on board.
83.25. A Trip to the Moon(1902) YouTube--The George Melies classic
84. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916) YouTube--It's amazing how far film advanced in just a mere decade; the underwater effects here are quite good for the era.

July 30/ August 1
85. True Blood, "Somebody that I Used to Know"/ Warehouse 13, "An Evil Within"
86. Existenz (1998) TV-- Genuine Cronenberg body horror mixed with 90s angst about the now-dead tech of virtual reality. Despite Jude Law's ridiculous American accent, Existenz deserves a decent release. Criterion, can you hear me?
87. Liquid Sky (1982) YouTube--Aliens land in Manhattan looking for heroin, but settle for orgasms in stead.


Checklist
Spoiler:

Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
-X- 1900(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -*A Trip to the Moon (1902)
-X- 1910(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -*20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
-X- 1920 -* The Thief of Baghdad
-X- 1930 -*Outward Bound
-X- 1940 -*Between Two Worlds
-X- 1950 -*Gojira
-X- 1960 -*Crack in the World
-X- 1970 -*Killdozer
-X- 1980 -*They Live
-X- 1990 -*Independence Day
-X- 2000 -*Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
-X- 2010 -*Ted

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
-X- First language -* Gojira, Japanese
-X- Second language -* Sector 7, Korean

-X- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film -* The Space Children
-X- Watch a film and its remake -* Outward Bound/ Between Two Worlds
-X- Watch a film based on a video game -*Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
-X- Watch a film based on a novel -*Moonraker
-X- Watch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category -*Superman, Special Achievement
-X- Watch a silent film -*The Thief of Baghdad
-X- Watch a Criterion version film - The Blob
-X- Watch a film with commentary -*Gojira
-x- Watch a film and at least two sequels -*Superman/ II/III/ IV
-X- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth -*Crack in the World
-X- Watch a film that takes place in space -* Lockout
-X- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea -*Leviathan
-X- Watch an animated film -*Paprika
-X- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen -*It Came From Beneath the Sea
-X- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone -*Alien Nation, set in 1991
-X- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury - The Halloween Tree
-X- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam -*12 Monkeys
-X- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band -*Robot Holocaust

Watch a film for each rating:
-X- G -* Star Trek: The Motion Picture
-X- PG -*Superman
-X- PG-13 -* Another Earth
-X- R -* The Thing
-X- X/NC-17(Optional) -* Playmates of the Apes
-X- Unrated -* The Thief of Bagdad

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-X- Alien invasion -* Body Snatchers
-X- Horror-The Exorcist 2: The Heretic
-X- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt -*Superman III
-X- Post-Apocalyptic -*The Postman
-X- Alternate History -*Pleasantville
-X- Robot/Android -* Screamers
-X- Immortality -* In Time
-X- Space Opera/Serial -* Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe
-X- Mutants (non-critter) -*Altered States
-X- Comic Book -*Superman
-X- Mad Scientist -* Death Becomes Her
-X- Comedy -*Ted
-X- Time travel -*Midnight in Paris
-X- Giant Critters -*Eight-Legged Freaks
-X- Prehistoric -* One Million B.C.
-X- Paranormal -* Between Two Worlds
-X- Kaiju -*Gojira
-X- Tech Noir -* TDKR

-X- Arthurian Fantasy -*Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
-X- Based on fairy tale -*Mirror, Mirror
-X- Urban Fantasy -* The Adjustment Bureau
-X- High Fantasy -* Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
-X- Sword and Sorcery -*Conan the Destroyer
-X- Dark Fantasy -*Exorcist II: The Heretic
-X- Martial Arts Fantasy -* Equilibrium

Watch a film starring:
-X- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson -*Marshall Thompson/ Cult of the Cobra
-X- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland -*Faith Domergue/ It Came From Beneath the Sea
-X- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow -*Sigorney Weaver/ Paul
-X- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot - Gloria Talbot/ I Married a Monster from Outer Space
-X-- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller -* Dick Miller/ Gremlins 2: The New Batch
-X-- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton -*David Warner/ Time Bandits
-X-- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell - Bruce Willis/12 Monkeys


Last edited by Gobear; 06-30-14 at 10:17 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 07:40 AM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

2012 Sci-Fi (and maybe some Fantasy) Challenge

1. 6/29: Species (DVD)
2. 7/1: Species II (DVD)
3. 7/2: Hunter/Prey* (Streaming)
4. 7/3: Starship Troopers (Blu)
5. 7/4: Starship Troopers 3: Marauder* (Streaming)
6. 7/4: The Incredible Melting Man* (Streaming)
7. 7/5: Omega Man* (Streaming)
8. 7/6: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1* (DVR)
9. 7/8: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2* (DVR)
10. 7/9: Conan the Barbarian 2011* (DVR)
11. 7/11: Immortals* (Streaming)
12. 7/12: Dinosaur Island* (Streaming)
13. 7/15: Alien Resurrection (DVD)
14. 7/16: Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Blu)
15. 7/19: Creepozoids* (DVD)
16. 7/27: The Thing* (2011) (DVD)


'*' = first time viewing.

Last edited by GoldenWheels; 07-30-12 at 12:20 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 08:12 AM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

2012 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge

DVD | Blu-ray | HD DVD | Theater | TV/DVR

☼ = First Time Viewing

Goals:
- 35 entries
- Jurassic Park Trilogy
- At least one TV season

June 30
01. The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)

July 1
02. The Final Cut (2004)
03. Ted (2012)
04. Cocoon (1985)

July 2
05. Ghosts of Mars (2001)

July 3
06. 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)

July 4
07. Omega Doom (1996)☼
08. Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992)☼
09. Doomsday (2008)

July 5
10. The Science of Sleep (2006)
11. Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995)
12. Knowing (2009)

July 6
13. Eavesdropper (2004)
14. Gamera 2: Attack of the Legion (1996)

July 7
15. The Fall (2006)

July 8
16. Gamera 3: The Revenge of Iris (1999)
17. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
18. Logan's Run (1976)

July 9
19. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

July 10
20. The Box (2009)

July 11
21. King Kong Escapes (1967)☼

July 12
22. Warehouse 13 - Season One:
- "Pilot"☼
- "Resonance"☼


July 13
23. Warehouse 13 - Season One:
- "Magnetism"☼
- "Claudia"☼


July 14
24. Warehouse 13 - Season One:
- "Elements"☼
- "Burnout"☼

25. The Stepford Wives (1975)☼
26. Warehouse 13 - Season One:
- "Implosion"☼
- "Duped"☼

27. The Mist (2007)

July 15
28. Warehouse 13 - Season One:
- "Regrets"☼
- "Breakdown"☼

29. Surrogates (2009)

July 16
30. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

July 17
31. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

July 18
32. The Stepford Wives (2004)☼

July 19
33. Warehouse 13 - Season One:
- "Nevermore"☼
- "MacPherson"☼


July 20
34. 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957)

July 21
35. Jonah Hex (2010)

July 22
36. Fire in the Sky (1993)☼

July 24
37. Falling Skies - Season Two:
- "Worlds Apart"
- "Shall We Gather at the River"

July 25
38. Falling Skies - Season Two:
- "Compass"
- "Young Bloods"

July 26
39. Body Snatchers (1993)☼
40. Falling Skies - Season Two:
- "Love and Other Acts of Courage"
- "Homecoming"

July 28
41. The Watch (2012)

July 29
42. The Happening (2008)

July 30
43. The Phantom (1996)

July 31
44. 9 (2009)

Checklist:
Spoiler:
Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
--- 1900(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1910(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1920 -
--- 1930 -
--- 1940 -
-X- 1950 - The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
-X- 1960 - King Kong Escapes (1967)
-X- 1970 - Logan's Run (1976)
-X- 1980 - Cocoon (1985)
-X- 1990 - Omega Doom (1996)
-X- 2000 - The Final Cut (2004)
-X- 2010 - Ted (2012)

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
-X- First language - The Science of Sleep (2006) - French
-X- Second language - Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995) - Japanese

--- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film -
-X- Watch a film and its remake - The Stepford Wives (1975) & (2004)
--- Watch a film based on a video game -
-X- Watch a film based on a novel - Logan's Run (1976)
--- Watch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category -
--- Watch a silent film -
--- Watch a Criterion version film -
--- Watch a film with commentary -
-X- Watch a film and at least two sequels - Gamera (1995), Gamera 2 (1996) & Gamera 3 (1999)
--- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth -
-X- Watch a film that takes place in space - Ghosts of Mars (2001)
--- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea -
-X- Watch an animated film - 9 (2009)
-X- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen - The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
-X- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone - 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
--- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury -
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam -*
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band -

Watch a film for each rating:
-X- G - The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
-X- PG - 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
-X- PG-13 - Cocoon (1985)
-X- R - Ted (2012)
--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
-X- Unrated - Doomsday (2008)

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-X- Alien invasion - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
-X- Horror - Ghosts of Mars (2001)
--- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt -
-X- Post-Apocalyptic - Omega Doom (1996)
--- Alternate History -
-X- Robot/Android - Omega Doom (1996)
-X- Immortality - The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
--- Space Opera/Serial -
--- Mutants (non-critter) -
-X- Comic Book - The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
-X- Mad Scientist - King Kong Escapes (1967)
-X- Comedy - Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992)
--- Time travel -
-X- Giant Critters - Gamera 2: Attack of the Legion (1996)
--- Prehistoric -
--- Paranormal -
-X- Kaiju - Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995)
-X- Tech Noir - The Final Cut (2004)

--- Arthurian Fantasy -
--- Based on fairy tale -
--- Urban Fantasy -
--- High Fantasy -
-X- Sword and Sorcery - The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
--- Dark Fantasy -
-X- Martial Arts Fantasy - The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Watch a film starring:
--- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson -
-X- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
-X- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
--- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot -
--- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller -
--- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton -
-X- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell - Surrogates (2009)

Last edited by jmsmath; 07-31-12 at 11:45 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 08:22 AM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

2012 Science Fiction & Fantasy Challenge



Man is an artifact designed for space travel. He is not designed to remain in his present biologic state any more than a tadpole is designed to remain a tadpole. ~William S. Burroughs

*= first time viewing
blue= personal BluRay
black= personal DVD
green= other

July 1st
1. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 3.21, "Hollow Pursuits" / 3.22, "The Most Toys" (1990)
2. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 3.23, "Sarek" / 3.24, "Ménage à Troi" (1990)
3. Fantastic Voyage (Richard Fleischer, 1966)*
4. Soylent Green (Richard Fleischer, 1973)*

July 2nd
5. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 3.25, "Transfigurations" / 3.26, "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I" (1990)
6. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.1, "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II" / 4.2, "Family" (1990)
7. Stargate (Roland Emmerich, 1994) - extended cut
8. The Fifth Element (Luc Besson, 1997)

July 3rd
9. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.3, "Brothers" / 4.4, "Suddenly Human" (1990)
10. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.5, "Remember Me" / 4.6, "Legacy" (1990)
11. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.7, "Reunion" / 4.8, "Future Imperfect" (1990)
12. Brazil (Terry Gilliam, 1985) - director's cut
13. Invasion of Astro-Monster (Ishiro Honda, 1965)* - original Japanese cut

July 4th - Happy Independence Day!
14. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.9, "Final Mission" / 4.10, "The Loss" (1990)
15. All Monsters Attack (Ishiro Honda, 1969)* - original Japanese cut

July 5th
16. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.11, "Data's Day" / 4.12, "The Wounded" (1991)
17. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.13, "Devil's Due" / 4.14, "Clues" (1991)
18. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (Tetsuya Nomura & Takeshi Nozue, 2005)
19. The NeverEnding Story (Wolfgang Petersen, 1984)

July 6th
20. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.15, "First Contact" / 4.16, "Galaxy's Child" (1991)
21. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.17, "Night Terrors" / 4.18, "Identity Crisis" (1991)
22. Things to Come (William Cameron Menzies, 1936)*
23. Source Code (Duncan Jones, 2011)
24. Futurama: Bender's Game (Dwayne Carey-Hill, 2008)*

July 7th
25. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.19, "The Nth Degree" / 4.20, "Qpid" (1991)
26. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.21, "The Drumhead" / 4.22, "Half a Life" (1991)
27. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.23, "The Host" / 4.24, "The Mind's Eye" (1991)
28. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 4.25, "In Theory" / 4.26, "Redemption: Part I" (1991)

July 8th
29. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.1, "Redemption: Part II" / 5.2, "Darmok" (1991)
30. Terror of Mechagodzilla (Ishiro Honda, 1975)* - original Japanese cut
31. Babylon 5: The Gathering (Richard Compton, 1993)* - TNT cut

July 9th
32. Babylon 5: 1.1, "Midnight on the Firing Line" / 1.2, "Soul Hunter" (1994)*
33. Invaders from Mars (William Cameron Menzies, 1953)*
34. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Chris Columbus, 2001)

July 10th
35. Babylon 5: 1.3, "Born to the Purple" / 1.4, "Infection" (1994)
36. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.3, "Ensign Ro" / 5.4, "Silicon Avatar" (1991)
37. Invaders from Mars (Tobe Hooper, 1986)*
38. Mighty Joe Young (Ernest B. Schoedsack, 1949)*

July 11th
39. Babylon 5: 1.5, "The Parliament of Dreams" / 1.6, "Mind War" (1994)
40. Babylon 5: 1.7, "The War Prayer" / 1.8 "And the Sky Full of Stars" (1994)
41. Sleeping Beauty (David Irving, 1987)*
42. The Wizard of Oz (Victor Fleming, 1939)
43. Quintet (Robert Altman, 1979)*

July 12th - Happy Birthday to me!
44. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.5, "Disaster" / 5.6, "The Game" (1991)
45. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.7, "Unification: Part I" / 5.8, "Unification: Part II" (1991)
46. Castle in the Sky (Hayao Miyazaki, 1986) - English dubbed version

July 13th
47. Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder (Peter Avanzino, 2009)*
48. Planet of the Apes (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1968)
49. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (Ted Post, 1970)*
50. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (Don Taylor, 1971)*

July 14th
51. Babylon 5: 1.9, "Deathwalker" / 1.10, "Believers" (1994)*
52. Hansel and Gretel (Len Talan, 1987)*
53. Brave (Mark Andrews & Brenda Chapman, 2012)*

July 15th
54. Superman: The Movie (Richard Donner, 1978) - extended cut
55. Babylon 5: 1.11, "Survivors" / 1.12, "By Any Means Necessary" (1994)*
56. Various short films - 99 minutes
Spoiler:
"A Trip to the Moon (Georges Méliès, 1902)
"The Cook in Trouble" (Georges Méliès, 1904)
"Tchin-Chao, the Chinese Conjuror" (Georges Méliès, 1904)*
"The Wonderful Living Fan" (Georges Méliès, 1904)*
"The Black Imp" (Georges Méliès, 1905)*
"The Enchanted Sedan Chair" (Georges Méliès, 1905)*
"The Hilarious Posters" (Georges Méliès, 1906)
"The Eclipse: Courtship of the Sun and Moon" (Georges Méliès, 1907)*
"Long Distance Wireless Photography" (Georges Méliès, 1904)*
"La Luna" (Enrico Casarosa, 2011)
"The Passenger" (Chris Jones, 2006)*
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (Otis Turner, 1910)
57. Never Let Me Go (Mark Romanek, 2010)*
58. Blade Runner (Ridley Scott, 1982)* - final cut
59. Babylon 5: 1.13, "Signs and Portents" / 1.14, "TKO" (1994)*

July 16th
60. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.9, "A Matter of Time" (1991) / 5.10, "New Ground" (1992)
61. Babylon 5: 1.15, "Grail" / 1.16, "Eyes" (1994)*
62. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Steven Spielberg, 1977)
63. The Terminator (James Cameron, 1984)*
64. Curse of the Aztec Mummy (Rafael Portillo, 1957)*

July 17th
65. Babylon 5: 1.17, "Legacies" / 1.18, "A Voice in the Wilderness: Part I" (1994)*
66. Babylon 5: 1.19, "A Voice in the Wilderness: Part II" / 1.20, "Babylon Squared" (1994)*
67. Babylon 5: 1.21, "The Quality of Mercy" / 1.22, "Chrysalis" (1994)*
68. Babylon 5: 2.1, "Points of Departure" / 2.2, "Revelations" (1994)*
69. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron, 1991)*

July 18th
70. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (J. Lee Thompson, 1972)* - unrated cut
71. The Robot vs. the Aztec Mummy (Rafael Portillo, 1958)*

July 19th
72. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.11, "Hero Worship" / 5.12, "Violations" (1992)
73. The Robot vs. the Aztec Mummy (Rafael Portillo, 1958) - MST3K version (1989)*
74. Babylon 5: 2.3, "The Geometry of Shadows" / 2.4, A Distant Star" (1994)*

July 20th
75. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (J. Lee Thompson, 1973)*
76. Babylon 5: 2.5, "The Long Dark" / 2.6, "Spider in the Web" (1994)*

July 21st
77. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.13, "The Masterpiece Society" / 5.14, "Conundrum" (1992)
78. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.15, "Power Play" / 5.16, "Ethics" (1992)
79. The Mummy Returns (Stephen Sommers, 2001)

July 22nd
80. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.17, "The Outcast" / 5.18, "Cause and Effect" (1992)
81. The Matrix (Wachowski Brothers, 1999)

July 23rd
82. First Man into Space (Robert Day, 1959)*

July 24th
83. Tarantula (Jack Arnold, 1955)*

July 26th
84. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.8, "Tabula Rasa" (2001)
-- Angel: 4.6, "Spin the Bottle" (2002)
85. Merlin: 1.1, "The Dragon's Call" / 1.2, "Valiant" (2008)*

July 27th
86. Babylon 5: 2.7, "Soul Mates" (1994) / 2.8, "A Race Through Dark Places" (1995)*
87. Babylon 5: 2.9, "The Coming Shadows" / 2.10, "Gropos" (1995)*
88. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (Timur Bekmambetov, 2012)* - theater

July 28th
89. Babylon 5: 2.11, "All Alone in the Night" / 2.12, "Acts of Sacrifice" (1995)*
90. Sinbad of the Seven Seas (Enzo G. Castellari, 1989)*

July 29th
91. Moon (Duncan Jones, 2009)*
92. The Fall (Tarsem Singh, 2006)*
93. Babylon 5: 2.13, "Hunter, Prey" / 2.14, "There All the Honor Lies" (1995)*
94. Babylon 5: 2.15, "And Now for a Word" / 2.16, "In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum" (1995)*

July 30th
95. Babylon 5: 2.17, "Knives" / 2.18, "Confessions and Lamentations" (1995)*
96. Babylon 5: 2.19, "Divided Loyalties" / 2.20, "The Long, Twilight Struggle" (1995)*
97. Babylon 5: 2.21, "Comes the Inquisitor" / 2.22, "The Fall of Night" (1995)*

July 31st
98. Babylon 5: 3.1, "Matters of Honor" / 3.2, "Convictions" (1995)*
99. Babylon 5: 3.3, "A Day in the Strife" / 3.4, "Passing Through Gethsemane" (1995)*
100. Star Trek: The Next Generation: 5.19, "The First Duty" / 5.20, "Cost of Living" (1992)
101. Halo Legends (Various, 2010)*

FINALIZED

Spoiler:
Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
-X- 1900 (No time limit but must be at least complete short film) - "A Trip to the Moon" (1902)
-X- 1910 (No time limit but must be at least complete short film) - "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1910)
--- 1920 -
-X- 1930 - Wizard of Oz (1939)
--- 1940 -
-X- 1950 - Tarantula (1955)
-X- 1960 - Planet of the Apes (1968)
-X- 1970 - Quintet (1979)
-X- 1980 - Invaders from Mars (1986)
-X- 1990 - Babylon 5: The Gathering (1993)
-X- 2000 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
-X- 2010 - Brave (2012)

Watch films in at least two languages other than English -- DONE
-X- Japanese: All Monsters Attack (1969)
-X- Spanish: Curse of the Aztec Mummy (1957)

-X- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film - The Robot vs. the Aztec Mummy (1958)
-X- Watch a film and its remake - Invaders from Mars (1953) & (1986)
-X- Watch a film based on a video game - Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
-X- Watch a film based on a novel - Soylent Green (1973), based on Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison
-X- Watch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category - Fantastic Voyage (1966), won Art Direction and Special Effects
-X- Watch a silent film - An Impossible Voyage (1904)
-X- Watch a Criterion version film - Brazil (1985)
--- Watch a film with commentary -
-X- Watch a film and at least two sequels - Planet of the Apes franchise
-X- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth - Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
-X- Watch a film that takes place in space - Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder (2009)
-X- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea - Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989)
-X- Watch an animated film - Castle in the Sky (1986)
-X- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen - Mighty Joe Young (1949)
-X- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone - Things to Come (1936)
--- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury -
-X- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam - Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Steven Spielberg
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band -

Watch a film for each rating -- DONE
-X- G - Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
-X- PG - The NeverEnding Story (1984)
-X- PG-13 - Stargate (1994)
-X- R - Never Let Me Go (2010)
--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
-X- Unrated - Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-X- Alien invasion - Invaders from Mars (1953)
--- Horror
-X- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt - The Matrix (1999)
--- Post-Apocalyptic -
-X- Alternate History - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)
-X- Robot/Android - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
--- Immortality -
--- Space Opera/Serial -
-X- Mutants (non-critter) - Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
-X- Comic Book - Superman: The Movie (1978)
-X- Mad Scientist - The Robot vs. the Aztec Mummy (1958)
-X- Comedy - Futurama: Bender's Game
-X- Time travel - Source Code (2011)
-X- Giant Critters - Tarantula (1955)
--- Prehistoric -
-X- Paranormal - Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
-X- Kaiju - Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)
-X- Tech Noir - Blade Runner (1982)

-X- Arthurian Fantasy - Merlin: 1.1, "The Dragon's Call" / 1.2, "Valiant" (2008)
-X- Based on fairy tale - Sleeping Beauty (1987)
-X- Urban Fantasy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.8, "Tabula Rasa" / Angel: 4.6, "Spin the Bottle"
--- High Fantasy -
--- Sword and Sorcery -
--- Dark Fantasy -
--- Martial Arts Fantasy -

Watch a film starring:
-X- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson - First Man into Space, Marshall Thompson plays Chuck Prescott
--- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland -
--- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow -
--- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot -
-X- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller - The Terminator (1984), Dick Miller plays the Pawn Shop Clerk
-X- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton - Hansel and Gretel (1987), David Warner plays Father
-X- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell - The Fifth Element (1997), Bruce Willis plays Korben Dallas

Last edited by mrcellophane; 08-05-12 at 10:41 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 09:27 AM
  #32  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

July 3rd
The Triagle (Sam Neill)

July 4th
Iron Giant

July 5th
Night Of The Comet

July 15th
Race Against Time

July 21st
In Time

Last edited by MScottM; 07-23-12 at 08:31 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 09:39 AM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge

First Time Viewings = Green


2012-07-01
01. Bigfoot (2012)
Syfy Channel
02. Arachnoquake (2012)
Syfy Channel
03. Piranhaconda (2011)
Syfy Channel
2012-07-02
04. Nude On The Moon (1960)
Nude On The Moon Special Edition DVD
05. Space Thing (1968)
Space-Thing Special Edition DVD
06. Wham Bam Thank You, Spaceman (1975)
Wham-Bam-Thank You, Spaceman Special Edition DVD
2012-07-03
07. Not Of This Earth (1957)
Roger Corman's Cult Classics: Triple Feature Sci-Fi Classics DVD
08. Not Of This Earth (1988)
Roger Corman's Cult Classics: Not Of This Earth DVD
09. Not Of This Earth (1995)
Not Of This Earth DVD
2012-07-04
10. I Am Number Four (2011)
The Movie Channel On Demand
11. Inception (2010)
Cinemax On Demand
12. Godzilla Vs. Megaguirus (2000)
Encore Family
2012-07-05
13. The Lost Skeleton Of Cadavra (2001)
Starz On Demand
14. Arachnophobia (1990)
Cinemax West
2012-07-06
15. Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park Collector's Edition DVD
16. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park Collector's Edition DVD
17. Jurassic Park III (2001)
Jurassic Park III Collector's Edition DVD
2012-07-07
18. 7 Faces Of Dr. Lao (1964)
Turner Classic Movies
19. They Live (1988)
ActionMax
20. Battle For Terra (2007)
Starz Kids & Family
2012-07-08
21. Howard The Duck (1986)
HBO Comedy West
2012-07-09
22. Event Horizon (1997)
Cinemax On Demand
23. Green Lantern (2011)
Cinemax On Demand
2012-07-11
24. The Devil And Max Devlin (1981)
Disney Family Movies On Demand
25. Gattaca (1997)
Encore Love
26. Laser Mission (1990)
Sci-Fi Classics DVD
Friday The 13th
27. The Thing (2011)
More Max West
2012-07-16
28. Paul (2011)
Cinemax On Demand
29. Men In Black (1997)
HBO On Demand
30. Starship Troopers (1997)
Movie Pass On Demand
31. Bruce Almighty (2003)
Cinemax On Demand
2012-07-17
32. In Time (2011)
HBO On Demand
33. Doppelganger (1993) Wild Card # 1
Showtime Beyond
2012-07-18
34. Starman (1984)
Movie Pass On Demand
2012-07-22
35. Aliens (1986)
Cinemax On Demand
36. Alien³ (1992)
Cinemax On Demand
37. Alien Resurrection (1997)
Cinemax On Demand
2012-07-23
38. Rebirth Of Mothra 2 (1997)
Encore Family
39. Rebirth Of Mothra 3 (1998)
Encore Family
2012-07-24
40. Contagion (2011)
HBO On Demand
2012-07-25
41. Enemy Mine (1985)
Encore
2012-07-26
42. The Gingerdead Man (2005) Wild Card # 2
Movie Pass On Demand
2012-07-30
43. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Cinemax On Demand
2012-07-31
44. Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Amazing Colossal Man (1957/1991)
DVDR
45. Mystery Science Theater 3000: War Of The Colossal Beast (1958/1991)
DVDR

Total = 45

21 First Time Views
2 MST3Ks


Wild Card Reasons

Doppelganger (1993) Wild Card # 1
This was listed as Sci-Fi by the program guide but turned out not to be listed as Sci-Fi (or Fantasy) on imdb.com or allmovie.com.

The Gingerdead Man (2005) Wild Card # 2
This is not listed as Sci-Fi (or Fantasy) on imdb.com or allmovie.com but Mister Peppers used a Wild Card for it & that's good enough for me.







My 2010 Lists - (B-Movie/Make-Your-Own/Historical/Sci-Fi/Animation/Criterion/Horror/Holiday)
My 2011 Lists - (TV On DVD/Academy Award/B-Movie/Make-Your-Own/Historical/Sci-Fi/Animation/Horror/Comedy/Holiday)
My 2012 Lists - (TV On DVD/Leap Day/Action/B-Movie/Make-Your-Own/Historical/Sci-Fi)

Last edited by KaBluie; 08-01-12 at 01:17 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 09:53 AM
  #34  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge

July 1
1.0 Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

July 3
2.0 The Terminator

July 4
3.0 The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

4.0 Kiki's Delivery Service

July 6-12
5.0 Ted

5.5 Lost - "Ab Aeterno"
6.0 Lost - "The Package"
6.5 Lost - "Happily Ever After"
7.0 Lost - "Everybody Loves Hugo"

7.25 Adventure Time - "My Two Favorite People"
Adventure Time - "Evicted!"

7.50 Adventure Time - "Ricardio the Heart Guy"
Adventure Time - "Trouble in Lumpy Space"

7.75 Adventure Time - "Tree Trunks"
Adventure Time - "Dungeon"

8.00 Adventure Time - "The Pods"
Adventure Time - "The Limit"

8.25 Adventure Time - "Go With Me"
Adventure Time - "The Eyes"

8.50 Adventure Time - "The Chamber of Frozen Blades"
Adventure Time - "To Cut a Woman's Hair"


9.0 Lost - "The Last Recruit"

July 13
9.50 The X-Files - "Pilot"
10.0 The X-Files - "Deep Throat"

July 14
10.5 The X-Files - "Squeeze"

11.0 Lost - "The Candidate"
11.5 Lost - "Across the Sea"

July 15
12.0 Lost - "What They Died For"

12.5 The X-Files - "Conduit"

July 16
13.0 The X-Files - "The Jersey Devil"
13.5 The X-Files - "Shadows"

July 17
14.0 The X-Files - "Ghost in the Machine"
14.5 The X-Files - "Ice"

July 20-21
15.0 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910) (13 min.)
The Magic Cloak of Oz (1914) (43 min.)
15.5 His Majesty, The Scarecrow of Oz (1914) (59 min.)

16.0 The X-Files - "Space"
16.5 The X-Files - "Fallen Angel"
17.0 The X-Files - "Eve"

18.0 Lost - "The End"

July 22
19.0 The Dreamer of Oz (1990)

July 23
20.0 Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Encounter at Farpoint"

July 24
20.5 The X-Files - "Fire"

July 25
21.0 Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Naked Now"

July 26
21.5 Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Code of Honor"

July 28-31
21.75 Macross - "Micro Cosmos"
22.00 Macross - "Love Concert"

23.0 Miracle Mile

24.0 Beasts of the Southern Wild

25.0 TRON
26.0 TRON Legacy
Total - 26
Total First Time Views - 5

Titles in Blue = Blu-Ray

Checklist
Spoiler:
Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
--- 1900(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
XXX 1910 - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910)
--- 1920 -
--- 1930 -
--- 1940 -
--- 1950 -
--- 1960 -
--- 1970 -
XXX 1980 - The Terminator (1984)
XXX 1990 - The Dreamer of Oz (1990)
--- 2000 -
XXX 2010 - Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
XXX Kiki's Delivery Service (Japanese)
--- Second language -

--- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film -
--- Watch a film and its remake -
--- Watch a film based on a video game -
--- Watch a film based on a novel -
--- Watch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category -
--- Watch a silent film -
--- Watch a Criterion version film -
--- Watch a film with commentary -
--- Watch a film and at least two sequels -
--- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth -
XXX Watch a film that takes place in space - Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Encounter at Farpoint"
--- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea -
XXX Watch an animated film - Kiki's Delivery Service
--- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen -
--- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone -
--- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury -
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam -*
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band -

Watch a film for each rating:
XXX G - Kiki's Delivery Service
XXX PG - TRON
XXX PG-13 - The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
XXX R - Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
--- Unrated -

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
--- Alien invasion -
--- Horror
XXX Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt - The Terminator
--- Post-Apocalyptic -
--- Alternate History -
XXX Robot/Android - Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Encounter at Farpoint"
--- Immortality -
--- Space Opera/Serial -
--- Mutants (non-critter) -
XXX Comic Book - The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
--- Mad Scientist -
XXX Comedy - Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
--- Time travel -
--- Giant Critters -
--- Prehistoric -
--- Paranormal -
--- Kaiju -
--- Tech Noir -

--- Arthurian Fantasy -
--- Based on fairy tale -
--- Urban Fantasy -
--- High Fantasy -
--- Sword and Sorcery -
--- Dark Fantasy -
--- Martial Arts Fantasy -

Watch a film starring:
--- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson -
--- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland -
--- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow -
--- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot -
--- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller -
--- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton -
--- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell -

Last edited by Greg MacGuffin; 08-18-12 at 10:01 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 11:07 AM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread


Blu-ray
Cable
Movie Theater


June 30
1.)Star Wars: Episode 1-The Phantom Menace

July 1
2.)Men In Black II

July2
3.)Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of The Clones

July 3
4.)Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge Of The Sith
5.)Event Horizon

July 4
6.)Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope

July 5
7.)Star Wars: Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back

July 8
8.)Freejack

July 9
9.)Tree Of Life
10.)Star Wars: Episode VI- The Return Of The Jedi

July 10
11.)The Omega Man

July 11
12.)The Butterfly Effect

July 12
13.)Altered States

July 15
14.)John Carter

July 16
15.)Lockout

Spoiler:
Checklist

Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
--- 1900(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1910(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1920 -
--- 1930 -
--- 1940 -
--- 1950 -
--- 1960 -
XXX 1970 - Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope (1977)
XXX1980 - Star Wars: Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
XXX 1990 - Event Horizon (1997)
XXX2000 - Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith (2005)
XXX 2010 - Tree Of Life (2011)

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
--- First language -
--- Second language -

--- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film -
--- Watch a film and its remake -
--- Watch a film based on a video game -
XXXWatch a film based on a novel - [b]The Omega Man[/color]
XXXWatch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category - Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope
--- Watch a silent film -
--- Watch a Criterion version film -
--- Watch a film with commentary -
XXX Watch a film and at least two sequels - Star Wars Episode I & II
--- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth -
XXX Watch a film that takes place in space - Event Horizon
--- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea -
--- Watch an animated film -
--- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen -
XXX Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone - Freejack
--- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury -
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam -*
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band -

Watch a film for each rating:
--- G -
XXX PG - Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace
XXX PG-13 - Men In Black II
XXX R - The Butterfly Effect
--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
--- Unrated -

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
--- Alien invasion -
XXX Horror- Event Horizon
--- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt -
XXX Post-Apocalyptic - The Omega Man
--- Alternate History -
--- Robot/Android -
--- Immortality -
--- Space Opera/Serial -
--- Mutants (non-critter) -
--- Comic Book -
--- Mad Scientist -
XXX Comedy - Men In Black II
XXX Time travel - Butterfly Effect
--- Giant Critters -
--- Prehistoric -
--- Paranormal -
--- Kaiju -
--- Tech Noir -

--- Arthurian Fantasy -
--- Based on fairy tale -
--- Urban Fantasy -
--- High Fantasy -
--- Sword and Sorcery -
--- Dark Fantasy -
--- Martial Arts Fantasy -

Watch a film starring:
--- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson -
--- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland -
--- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow -
--- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot -
--- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller -
--- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton -
XXX Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell - Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace

Last edited by acubfaninmd; 07-18-12 at 08:29 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 12:25 PM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

2012 Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge



List complete.
Total = 58
First time viewings = 37
Finished checklist!


Goals: Beat last year's total of 55, overindulge in Sci-Fi and Fantasy
* = First time viewing
format if not DVD


June 30
01. Getter Robo (1974) Ep. 28 - "A surprise attack! The Underground Three"* / Freedom (2006) - Ep. 1* / Ultraman (1967) Ep. 25 - "Mystery Comet Tsuiphon"* / Kamen Rider V3 (1973) Ep. 8 - "Watch Out V3! Beware the Terrifying Buzzsaw"*
When I can, I like to start out Saturday mornings with Anime and some Japanese live action shows. This weeks Ultraman was excellent featuring not one, not two, but THREE giant monsters and a mysterious radiation spewing red comet! And all in one half hour show. Things may have gotten a bit rushed at the end but our super-sized intergalactic hero managed to slice and dice his way to another Earth saving finish.
02. Creature Features (1984)* with John Stanley presents Battle Beyond the Sun (1963)
One of the last Creature Features shown in the San Francisco area from August of 1984 features a story about two rival power blocs attempting first flights to Mars in 1997. Francis Ford Coppola supervised a re-edit and dubbing of a Russian film. This version moves pretty slow with little interest except the space ship models and two bizarrely designed creatures. The host segments were surprisingly not comedy or even related to the film. They consisted of a visual tribute to comic book artist Russ Heath, an interview with Harry Dean Stanton who was pushing his latest film Repo Man and looked like he just wanted out of there, and an interview with SF author Harry Harrison who was pushing his new book West of Eden. The segments were interesting and I can why this show lasted as long as it did.

July 01
03. Crack in the World (1965)*
An attempt to harness the Earth's magma for energy goes wrong and starts a crack in the Earth's crust which spreads along a major fault line. Well integrated stock footage, spectacular effects and clever ideas make for a thrilling watch. In particular there's a very exciting sequence as they try to lower a nuclear bomb into a live volcano.
04. Hunter Prey (2010)
Low budget but top-notch story of a small group of soldiers pursuing an escaped prisoner of war across a desert planet. There are a few plot points you can take issue with but the acting is good and there is never a feeling of cheeseiness. Costumes and makeup are very effective. Highly recommended.
05.The Snow Devils (1966)* (Warner Archive Collection)
The Gamma One gang is assigned to find the source of an energy field which is melting the Arctic ice. Slow moving at times the first hour is spent on Earth. Once we get into space things pick up a bit and there's actually a kind of clever resolution. Not the best of the series.

July 02
06. The Colossus of New York (1958)
A surgeon transplants his dead son's brain into a robot body so the son can continue to work for the good of humanity. Much better than I remember from a kid-hood viewing. Then I thought it was kind of boring. While the action level is a little low and the plot is predictable, its far from boring with some interesting ideas being kicked around and some good performances. A piano only soundtrack often adds to the atmosphere and there are some genuinely eerie scenes. The end is satisfying to both kids and adults.

July 03
07. Donovan's Brain (1953)
A doctor removes the brain of a patient who just died and keeps it alive. The brain thrives and strange things begin to happen. Another movie I remembered as quite boring. While there isn't a lot of action I now find this to be very interesting. The main special effect, the brain, is a bit disappointing in some shots but in other scenes its glowing pulsations are very satisfying. Gene Evans, who is an actor I admire more with each role I see him in, does a fine job here. The female lead is future First Lady Nancy Davis (later Reagan)! She also does a good job.

July 04
08. Snow White and The Huntsman (2012)* In theater
Good fantasy film hits all the main points of the fairy tale while telling a darker, more epic story. Very enjoyable if a bit too long (and I know what I would have cut). There are some wonderful visuals, the acting ranges from one-note to very good, and the story is intriguing if a bit predictable. Worth seeing.
09. Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus (2009)* (Echo Bridge Sharks, Piranhas, & Monsters 6 Movie Pack)
Two prehistoric sea creatures escape from their ice prison in the Arctic and wreak havoc on the world's shipping. This is not a very good movie. The acting seems to get worse with each new character, the dialog is often laughable, the plot is stupid and predictable, and the big battle at the end just wasn't that good. Still, its slick and an easy watch with several bits of unintentional humor to help you on the way.
10. The People That Time Forgot (1977)*
A man leads an expedition to a strange, heated valley in Antarctica search for a friend who disappeared there years ago (in The Land That Time Forgot). Set shortly after the end of World War I this is a fun film full of adventures with dinosaurs, primitive tribes, and sacrifices to volcano gods. The dinosaurs range from pretty good to lame and there aren't really enough of them. Most of the trouble comes from the primitive tribes which have varying levels of technology. There are some really cool sets and a nice overall lost world vibe.

July 06
11. The Return of Godzilla (1984) R3 DVD
Entertaining story of Godzilla returning from a 30 year entombment and once again menacing Tokyo. The Big G destroys a Russian nuclear sub which involves both super powers while the Japanese unveil their latest weapon Super X. This is a more sober, straightforward approach especially when compared to the later films of the previous era. Also, there is less mass destruction -- its there but not with the wild abandon we'll see in later films. Its almost as if Toho is trying to say "Godzilla is back and he's not just for kids any more."

July 07
12. Getter Robo (1974) Ep. 29 - "Fight for the flood hell"* / Freedom (2006) Ep. 2* / Ultraman (1967) Ep. 26 - "The Monster Prince, Part 1"* / Kamen Rider V3 (1973) Ep. 9 - "What Is Destron's Hell Squad?!"*
Getter Robo was, I believe, the first combining robot. Each of the three pilots had his own aircraft and when the three vehicles physically combine they form one of three giant Getter Robo's. Which robot is formed depends upon which pilot is on top of the combination and reflects to some extent the pilot's own abilities and personality. The most famous combining robot to appear on US TV is probably Voltron and I think I've seen combining robots in some of the few Power Rangers shows I've seen.
13. Inception (2010)*
What if mutual dreaming were possible and could be used to discover a person's deepest secrets? A great premise developed in some interesting ways. Lots of action, but its almost just a background to the real story. All of the dream sequences struck me as being way too linear but then I've never seen anything close to a real dream on film. It may be impossible. Still this is a complex film full of great ideas both large and small. I've never been much of a DiCaprio fan but he's OK here and doesn't bring down the film.
14. Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) R3 DVD
Starting immediately after the battle in Tokyo at the end of the previous film, humanity tries to fight back with an anit-nuclear virus. Much more elaborate both in plot and special effects, this movie turned out to be much better than I remembered. There are lots of nice scenes although the I felt the subplot about various factions trying to get the an virus was just distracting. We are introduced to young psychic Miki Saegusa who appears in the rest of the Heisei series.

July 08
15. Unknown World (1951) (Mill Creek Nightmare Worlds D:12 S:B)
A group of scientists construct an earth boring machine and use it to search underground for possible refuges for humanity in case of atomic war. Straight forward tale without any fantastic menaces or underground kingdoms. The dangers are all natural and believable. Given the existence of such a vehicle things might well go just like this. The characters start out a bit stereotypical but added dimensions are revealed as the story progresses. The end is a bit arbitrary.
16. Mega Piranha (2010)* (Echo Bridge Sharks, Piranhas, & Monsters 6 Movie Pack)
Genetically engineered piranhas escape from a lab and begin growing and developing strange powers. To those who thought Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus was bad, you ain't seen nothing yet! Flat acting, stupid story, lame dialog, effects just barely above Birdemic level -- this is one stinker of a movie. And yet ... and yet, I had fun watching the darned thing. As absurdity piled upon absurdity, I couldn't stop laughing or watching. I will be seeking professional help as soon as possible.
17. Island of the Burning Doomed (1967) VHS Taped off AMC
Good story about a heat wave striking an isolated island in the middle of winter. The story focuses on the effects of the increasing heat and tension on the characters and the cast does a good job. The plot is reasonable and the special effects are adequate although the resolution is a bit weak.

July 09
18. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)* In theater
Good, fun reboot of the Spider-Man story. I had no problem with any of the changes from the previous films or the comic book. My biggest issue was that I had trouble liking Peter Parker since today's geeks are vastly different that the ones I'm comfortable with as portrayed by Ditko and Lee in the 1960's. Still, I got over it. Pretty good acting jobs all around.

July 14
19. SF shorts at Comic Con International*
Spoiler:
Times are approximate but do not include filmmaker's Q&A. Descriptions are taken from the Comic Con International website.
(12 min.) Giant Monster Playset A young boy receives a mysterious package. Upon opening it, he innocently plays with its toy monster contents. Simultaneously a gigantic beast appears, bent on the destruction of his own small town. The boy's older brother discovers the connection between the two and realizes only he can stop it.
(14 min.) El Cabro En La Lavadora (Goat in the Washer) A coming-of-age story about a Honduran girl living in the shadow of Americana, forced to come face-to-face with the technological progress around her and the changes within her.
(18 min.) Oliver Bump's Birthday A 12-year-old boy fated to die on his 13th birthday has to find a way to cheat death before the clock runs out.
(15 min.) The Batting Cage In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a lonely survivalist encounters a bombshell android. He plans to trade her for goods at the next outpost until a minor problem arises - he just may be falling in love with her.
(17 min.) Laura Keller, NB With global population at an extreme high, federal fertility lotteries now determine who can and can't reproduce. When one woman learns that she will be permanently sterilized, her faith in the system is shaken.
(25 min.) Advantageous Gwen is the spokesperson for a radical technology allowing people to overcome their natural disadvantages and begin life anew. But when her job and family are in crisis, will she undergo the procedure herself?
(25 min.) L5 - Episode One The crew aboard the spaceship Argo has just awoken to a nightmare. Having spent the last 20 years searching for a new home to rescue humanity from a dying Earth, they have mysteriously returned 200 years in the future to find our world abandoned.

July 17
20. Resident Evil (2002)*
A virus is released in a secure underground research facility and a team of corporate troopers is sent to investigate. Good action flick with a hint of a plot. Milla Jovovich makes the movie.
21. Doctor Mordrid (1992)*
Doctor Mordrid, sorcerer, has waited a century in New York to protect the world from the return of the evil Kabal who was once defeated by the Doctor. Fun story of good vs. evil sorcerers in modern NYC. Apparently begun as a Dr. Strange movie, enough changes were made to make this its own story. Jeffery Combs as Mordrid is a bit too low key for my taste and the resolution lacks much build up and turns out to be too easy. There is some decent stop motion work at one point. Very much worth seeing.
22. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) R3 DVD
Time travelers from Earth's future offer to prevent the creation of Godzilla but there are complications. Features the origins of Godzilla and Ghidorah. Kind of talky with a convoluted plot and slow to get to the monster bashing. Once things get started there is some nice mayhem, destruction, and kaiju combat. Story could imply that the previous two movies never happened but later films show that this is not the case.

July 18
23. Syngenor (1990)*
Artificial soldiers, "the perfect blend of man and machine" run amok due to incomplete programming. OK movie, seems to spend more time on corporate head's descent into madness than on the syngenor (synthetic genetic organisms). Unfortunately David Gale can't quite keep it interesting for the whole 90 minutes although he gives a good effort. The leads are barely acceptable.
24. Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)
Space aliens resurrect the dead to stop Earth's mad march to self destruction. OK folks, lets cut this movie some slack. Yes, its a bad movie but far from the worst movie ever made (The Creeping Terror, Manos, The Hands of Fate, and Sidehackers are all worse in my opinion). Some scenes, particularly those in the graveyard with Tor Johnson and Vampira, are pretty effective. I remember they scared the crap out of me when I first saw this movie somewhere around age 10 or so. As a matter of fact, whenever Tor Johnson was on the screen as a zombie I was ready to run. So yeah, a bad movie, but it worked pretty well for a kid in the 1960's.

July 19
25. Spaceballs (1997)*
Silly, fun movie that takes on several SF classics. Not one of Mel Brook's best but there were plenty of mirthful sounds coming out of my mouth while watching this. I'd seen bits and pieces before and I'm glad I finally got to see the whole thing.

July 20
26. The Atomic Man (1956)* VHS
A man is pulled from the Thames still alive but with a bullet in his back. When questioned his answers don't make any sense but he's not delirious and its soon discovered that he's an exact double of a noted nuclear physicist. Low key, English espionage drama with a strong dose of science fiction. Interesting rather than exciting there is a neat reactor set at the end. Faith Domergue plays a wise cracking news photographer and is quite appealing as always.

July 21
27. Getter Robo (1974) Ep. 30 - "The immortal bird revives"* / Freedom (2006) - Ep. 3* / Ultraman (1967) Ep. 27 - "The Monster Prince Part 2"* / Kamen Rider V3 (1973) Ep. 10 - "Secret of the Double Typhoon"*
An outstanding episode of Kamen Rider V3 this week as V3 wraps up his battle with mutants Lens-Ant and Razor-Starfish, both created by the evil Destron organization. Also featured were the motorcycle riding Hell Squad and a creepy haunted house complete with disfigured hunchback! This show is essentially the third season of the popular Kamen Rider franchise and V3 is the third Rider to appear. All of the Riders belong to the Henshin (or transforming) class of heroes. After completing a set of movements while calling out a particular phrase, they are able to change from their human to their super human form. Shazam!
28. 2009 Lost Memories (2002)*
In a world where Japan was an ally of the US in World War 2 and the atomic bombs were dropped on Berlin to end the war, the modern Japanese Empire includes Manchuria and Korea. Two investigators try to discover the motive for a seemingly senseless terrorist incident in Seoul. Very interesting story with good acting and some well done action sequences. The pacing slows as the movie goes on so near the end we see some of the slowest action ever. Things get very arty causing more impatience than suspense.
29. A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)*
The ghost of a young woman and a poor, foolish human fall in love. Chaos follows. Fun, satisfying story with lots of special effects most of which still hold up. The cast is very strong and most of the humor, which is not overdone, worked for me. Nicely filmed and very enjoyable. Recommended.
30. The Bride With White Hair (1993)*
A man and a woman, each trained to be a powerful fighter for their side, fall in love despite the fact that their respective groups are out to destroy each other. The course of true love does not run smooth. Powerful story, wonderful sets, a constant dream/nightmare like atmosphere all make this an excellent movie. The acting, especially from the leads is outstanding.

July 22
31. The Invisible Boy (1957) (Forbidden Planet 50th Anniversary Edition)
A computer scientist's son shows a sudden jump in intelligence after being left in the control room of a super-computer that his father developed. Child oriented but rarely childish most of the kid focused parts are amusing for adults as well. The story takes a surprisingly serious turn given the lighthearted beginning. A really solid SF picture that just happens to feature Robby the Robot.
32. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)*
Scientists searching for a reported sea monster discover an amazing submarine instead. Good movie. I've never read the novels, but seems to adds parts of Mysterious Island and then goes its own way in telling the origin of Captain Nemo. There's as much land adventure as undersea action but some of it is quite exciting. Nemo's rampage has far more personal reasons than in the Disney movie.
33. Woman In the Moon (1929)*
Very interesting (and very long!) story about the first successful rocket to the moon, directed by Fritz Lang. Seems to establish many of the standard plot devices used in so many of the rocket into space films of the 1950's from the countdown to technical details to crew composition. The depiction of the moon is far from accurate (breathable air, water, covered in a layer of sand) but their is just a hint of lunar creatures. The acting is very good although somewhat stylized and exaggerated in the typical silent style. Really needs to be seen by anyone interested in science fiction in film.

July 23
34. The Sword in the Stone (1963)*
Merlin meets young Arthur and teaches him several lessons that will help him to be a good king. Surprisingly this wasn't very involving. This Disney picture just lacks any magic at all. The animation is fine but the voice acting is bland and the story has no real conflict. Even the included Goofy short had more tension than this. Disappointing.
35. First Man Into Space (1958) with commentary*
Producer Richard Gordon and Tom Weaver provide general commentary about the making of the film, Gordon's earlier career, and a history of the space race especially around the time the film was released. Usually interesting but not outstanding with too much reading from the film's press kit.

July 24
36. Cosmic Voyage (1936)*
Russian film, released only with a music track, about the first flight to the moon. Very well done with a neat looking spaceship and stop motion animation for some of the scenes on the moon. Somewhat lighthearted in tone, none of the conflicts are as dramatic and those in Woman In the Moon but the vision of the moon is far more realistic. The copy I have, from Sinister Cinema, has occasional blocks of text that explain what is going to happen in the next part of the film. These can be kind of hard to read and sometimes cover an image, although usually an establishing shot. Ideally the Russian intertitles would have each been translated but that was obviously beyond the capabilities of the SinCin folks so this compromise was used and it does help you understand some of the story better. This is not a complaint. I got used to it pretty quickly but I know some folks might not be too happy with something like this.
37. Man Made Monster (1941) (Universal Horror Classic Movie Archive)
A scientist tries to determine why a man survived a power line accident when others died. The scientist's assistant sees the survivor as a way to prove his theory about electrically powered human beings! Lon Chaney Jr. is very good as the survivor. Lionel Atwill shines as the mad assistant. Short and sweet with basic but very effective makeup and special effects.

July 25
38. Existenz (1999)* (Echo Bridge 10 Movie Sci-Fi Pack)
A game designer must go on the run after an attempt is made on her life during a game demo session. Starts out strong but the end is a bit predictable. In retrospect many important motivations are unclear or just a little lame. Still entertaining while your watching it with several typical Cronenberg touches.
39. In the Year 2889 (1967)
Shortly after an atomic war a small group of people gather in a valley protected from radioactive fallout by terrain features. But something is lurking in the mists. A remake of Corman's The Day the World Ended and very faithful to the original but shot in color to flesh out a TV package. Everything is just not quite as good as the original. The mutant looks cheesy but kind of cool at the same time.

July 26
40. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)* In theater
After being a recluse for eight years, Bruce Wayne and Batman must return to save Gotham City. A good movie but too long. Bane is certainly not the villain The Joker was and some of his rants go on much too long. Anne Hathaway is a standout as Selina Kyle. This is certainly a worthy finish to the Nolan/Bale take on Batman and although I didn't always agree with the choices they made, what they came up with was always interesting.
41. Dark Portals: The Chronicles of Vidocq (2001)*
In Paris, in the first half of the 1800"s, a famous French detective investigates the strange deaths of three men all of whom were struck by lightening and all of whom were searching for the secret of eternal youth. Nice presentation of a slightly fantastical Paris. Convincing acting and a good story topped of by a couple of nice action sequences.

July 27
42. Dark Crystal (1982) VHS taped off Disney channel
An innocent young Gelfling us the only one who can heal the world and prevent evil from ruling forever. Its been a very long time since I saw this and forgot how good it is. The plot is a standard quest story but wondrous designs quickly draw you into this unique fantasy world. This is one of the few movies that I wish had been longer so more of the world could have been explored. As it is, it just seems to jump from one plot point to another just so it can get all the significant quest related items checked off.
43. Radar Men From the Moon (1952) (Chapters 1-7)
The rocket suit is one of my favorite devices in movie serials. Its elegant simplicity (Up-Down, On-Off, Fast-Slow) has always intrigued me. This is the second of four serials it appeared in and the first featuring the Commando Cody character. It it the only time Commando was played by actor George Wallace, who I think does a fine job with the roll. He is opposed by Retik, evil ruler of the moon with plans to invade the Earth, who is played by long time baddie Roy Barcroft. Commando is assisted by his two aids played by William Bakewell and the always lovely Aline Towne. This serial also introduces Cody's spaceship which is used in the next two chapterplays as well.
Spoiler:
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 1 "Moon Rocket" (20 min.) 6/30
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 2 "Molten Terror" (13min.) 7/01
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 3 "Bridge of Death" (13min.) 7/04
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 4 "Flight to Destruction" (13min.) 7/07
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 5 "Murder Car" (13min.) 7/17
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 6 "Hills of Death" (13 min.) 7/22
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 7 "Camouflaged Destruction" (13 min.) 7/27

July 28
44. Getter Robo (1974) Ep. 31 - "Hayato! Danger! Stand Up!"* / Freedom (2006) - Ep. 4* / Ultraman (1967) Ep. 28 - "Human Specimens 5 & 6"* / Kamen Rider V3 (1973) Ep. 11 - "The Claws of Evil Reach Out for V3!!"*
Freedom combines traditional character designs with modern computer animation in a story about the last remnant of humanity living in a domed city on The Moon. The story is pretty standard so far with a group of rebellious teens discovering evidence that Earth is not the devastated wasteland they were taught it is. We'll see how the last few episodes play out in the Animation Challenge which is just around the corner.
45. Deathstalker (1983)* (Roger Corman's Cult Classics Sword and Sorcery Collection)
A mighty warrior must collect three magical artifacts which will give him the power to defeat the evil wizard who currently rules the land. Basic acting but good sets, makeup, and action make for a fun film. All the sweat, nasty beasties, and evil sorcery a fan could ask for.
46. H.G. Wells' First Men In the Moon (1964) (The Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen: Legendary Science Fiction Collection)
Fun story about the first moon landing which took place in 1899. Harryhausen comes up with some great looking monsters once the Moon is reached.
47. The Power (1968)* (Warner Archive Collection)
Members of a committee of scientists who run a space medicine research lab begin dying in strange ways. One of the scientists comes to believe that the culprit is a person born far ahead of their time and who has powerful mental abilities. Excellent SF mystery thriller. Good cast and suspenseful script highlight this George Pal production.
48. Alien Resurrection (orig 1997, 2003 Special Edition)* (Alien Quadrilogy)
Two hundred years after Ripley died a clone of her is grown complete with the Alien Queen. OK, lots of action. Uber Ripley is pretty cool but the rest is mostly noisy. The Special Edition really isn't all that special.
49. The Day the World Ended (1956)
Shortly after an atomic war a small group of people gather in a valley protected from radioactive fallout by terrain features. But something is lurking in the mists. Much better than In the Year 2889. Better actors down the line (especially Richard Denning, Paul Birch, and Mike (Touch) Connors), director Corman's pacing is spot on and he creates a wonderfully creepy atmosphere at times using things like the sound of wind or thunder, other sound effects, and shots of dark storm clouds gathering. The mutant is kind of cheap and cheesy but shows imagination and is much more interesting than the one in the remake.

July 29
50. Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
A sinister carnival arrives in a small mid-western town one blustery October night and the townsfolk begin to disappear. Screenplay by Ray Bradbury based on one of his novels. Good but not great. There are nice evocations of small town life and childhood but overall there's something missing. Even the big revelation about the baddies is flat. The whole thing never seems to gel.
51. Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992) R3 DVD
An asteroid strikes Earth and causes earthquakes which reveal a giant egg. It also wakes up Godzilla and reveals a new monster, Battra. OK entry spends a lot of time (too much imho) on Mothra and the Cosmos. Some similarities to the original Mothra film. There is a pretty good kaiju free-for-all at the end with all three monsters going at it.
52. Gamera vs. Barugon (1966) on Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1991)* (MST3K Vol. XXI)
I remembered this as one of the more boring of the Gamera movies and hoped Joel and the bots could help. They certainly did. What I didn't recall was just exactly how little Gamera there was in this one.

July 30
53. Zardoz (1974)
In the future a barbarian type begins to question his god and his duty to his god. I know I saw this when it first came out but the only thing I remembered was the meaning of the title. OK film full of chants, waving hands, prisms, mirrors, and other kinds of pseudo psychedelics. There's a story here, one that's been told before but with some good twists but you do have to wade through a lot to get to it. Perhaps a child of its times that didn't age all that well.
54.The Green Slime (1968) (Warner Archive Collection)
An asteroid must be destroyed after it leaves its orbit and heads directly toward Earth. Love those green slimes. A hokey but wonderful space opera and seems to be, at least to me, clearly set in the Gamma One universe. A really nice transfer of a gorgeous print made this a joy to watch. Too bad its not a real DVD.

July 31
55. 30,000 Leagues Under the Sea (2007)* (Echo Bridge Sharks, Piranhas, & Monsters 6 Movie Pack)
A US atomic submarine sinks and an experimental deep sea craft is called upon for a rescue mission. Well, that was bad. Not as much fun as other Asylum movies due to the guy playing Captain Nemo. His voice sounded a bit like Michael Caine's but with an annoying edge to it and he was given to a lot of never ending rants that quickly became nails-on-the-chalkboard to my ears. Also they got pretty boring pretty fast. The rest of the cast wasn't any better but they weren't as annoying. Is there any role Lorenzo Lamas is capable of playing well? The undersea effects were OK.
56. Radar Men From the Moon (1952) (Chapters 8-12) and misc. shorts
A satisfying conclusion to Radar Men. In the last couple of chapters Retik is on Earth wearing his Purple Monster suit to match footage from the earlier serial. Science Fiction Theater was one of my top five favorite shows ever as a kid. Granted, its showing its age now but the story still held up very well. If only this could have an official DVD release! This show featured Kenneth Tobey and DeForest Kelley among other familiar faces.
Spoiler:

Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 8 "Enemy Planet" (13 min.) 7/28
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 9 "Battle in the Stratosphere" (13min.) 7/29
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 10 "Mass Executions" (Economy Chapter) (13min.) 7/29
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 11 "Planned Pursuit" (13min.) 7/30
Radar Men From the Moon Chapter 12 "Death of the Moon Man" (13min.) 7/30

A Trip to the Moon (1902)* (Kino The Movies Begin Vol. 1) (12 min.) 7/22

Science Fiction Theater (1955) - Season 1 Ep. 5 - "Y..O..R..D" (25 min.) VHS 7/31

57. Venus Wars (1989)*
Seventy-two years after Venus is colonized war breaks out between the nations of Ishtar and Aphrodia. Solid military SF with very good characters and well done battle scenes featuring futuristic armor.
58. Gall Force: Eternal Story (1986)*
The interplanetary war between the Solnoids and the Paranoids has gone on for centuries. A plan is developed to end the war but it may cost as many lives as any battle would. Very good movie full of neat space battles and interesting ideas. The characters are bit underdeveloped though. Also, why is it the annoying ones always seem to last the entire movie? Very much worth seeing.

Checklist:
Spoiler:
Checklist
*Watching enough shorts or TV to count as one entry, you can use that one entry as a check on the checklist, as long as each of them count for whatever you're checking. You can mix and match what you've seen to make a check, they all don't have to be grouped together as a single entry on your watch list.

3 Wildcards allowed

Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
-X- 1900(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) - A Trip to the Moon (1902)
-X- 1910(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
-X- 1920 - Woman In the Moon (1929)
-X- 1930 - Cosmic Voyage (1936)
-X- 1940 - Man Made Monster (1941)
-X- 1950 - Donovan's Brain (1953)
-X- 1960 - Crack in the World (1965)
-X- 1970 - The People That Time Forgot (1977)
-X- 1980 - The Return of Godzilla (1984)
-X- 1990 - Doctor Mordrid (1992)
-X- 2000 - Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus (2009)
-X- 2010 - Hunter Prey (2010)

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
-X- First language - Godzilla vs. Biollante Japanese
-X- Second language - 2009 Lost Memories Korean

-X- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film - Gamera vs. Barugon
-X- Watch a film and its remake - The Day the World Ended, In the Year 2889
-X- Watch a film based on a video game - Resident Evil
-X- Watch a film based on a novel - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
-X- Watch a film which won an Academy Award - Inception 2010 Best Achievement in Cinematography
-X- Watch a silent film - Woman In the Moon
-X- Watch a Criterion version film - First Man Into Space with commentary
-X- Watch a film with commentary - First Man Into Space
-X- Watch a film and at least two sequels - The Return of Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Biollante, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
-X- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth - Unknown World
-X- Watch a film that takes place in space - Battle Beyond the Sun
-X- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
-X- Watch an animated film - The Sword in the Stone
-X- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen - H.G. Wells' The First Men In the Moon
-X- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone - Battle Beyond the Sun (1963) takes place in 1997
-X- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury - Something Wicked This Way Comes
-X- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam - Plan 9 From Outer Space (EW)
-X- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band - Doctor Mordrid Produced and co-directed by CB

Watch a film for each rating:
-X- G - The Sword in the Stone
-X- PG - The People That Time Forgot
-X- PG-13 - Snow White and The Huntsman
-X- R - Resident Evil
--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
-X- Unrated - Hunter Prey

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-X- Alien invasion - The Snow Devils
-X- Horror - Resident Evil
-X- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt - The Colossus of New York
-X- Post-Apocalyptic - The Day the World Ended
-X- Alternate History - 2009 Lost Memories
-X- Robot/Android - The Invisible Kid
-X- Immortality - Dark Portals: The Chronicles of Vidocq
-X- Space Opera/Serial - Radar Men From the Moon
-X- Mutants (non-critter) - The Day the World Ended
-X- Comic Book - The Amazing Spider-Man
-X- Mad Scientist - Man Made Monster
-X- Comedy - Spaceballs
-X- Time travel - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
-X- Giant Critters - Mega Piranha
-X- Prehistoric - The People That Time Forgot
-X- Paranormal - The Power
-X- Kaiju - The Return of Godzilla
-X- Tech Noir - Existenz

-X- Arthurian Fantasy - The Sword in the Stone
-X- Based on fairy tale - Snow White and The Huntsman
-X- Urban Fantasy - Doctor Mordrid
-X- High Fantasy - Dark Crystal
-X- Sword and Sorcery - Deathstalker
-X- Dark Fantasy - Snow White and The Huntsman
-X- Martial Arts Fantasy - The Bride With White Hair

Watch a film starring:
-X- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson - Man Made Monster (LA)
-X- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland - The Atomic Man (FD)
-X- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow - Alien Resurrection (SW)
-X- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot - A Chinese Ghost Story (JW)
-X- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller - The Colossus of New York (RM)
-X- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton - Resident Evil (MR)
-X- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell - Island of the Burning Doomed (PC)

Last edited by omike; 08-01-12 at 04:36 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 12:56 PM
  #37  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread



2008 list (115 total)
2009 list (42 total)
2010 list (46 total)
Last year's list (42 total)



7/5/12

1) Eureka: "The Honeymooners," "Mirror Mirror"

7/6/12

2) The Snow Devils (1965)

7/8/12

3) Limitless (2011)

7/11/12

4) Eureka: "Double Take," "Founder's Day"
5) Eureka: "A New World," "All the Rage"

7/12/12

6) Haven: "Welcome to Haven," "Harmony"

7/14/12

7) Haven: "Consumed" / Ultimate Spider-Man: "Strange," "Me Time"

7/18/12

8) Eureka: "Just Another Day," "The Story of O2"
9) Eureka: "Crossing Over," "Momstrosity"

7/22/12

10) Haven: "Ball and Chain," "Fur"
11) Young Justice: "Agendas" / Ultimate Spider-Man: "Freaky," "Venomous," "For Your Eye Only"

7/24/12

12) Warehouse 13: "A New Hope" / Alphas: "Wake Up Call"
13) Eureka: "Stoned," "The Ex-Files"

7/24/12

14) Eureka: "I'll Be Seeing You" / Haven: "Sketchy"
15) Haven: "Ain't No Sunshine," "As You Were"

7/27/12

16) John Carter (2012)
17) Justice League Doom (2012)

7/28/12

18) Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

7/29/12

19) Freezer Burn: The Invasion of Laxdale (2008)
20) The Philadelphia Experiment (2012)

7/30/12

21) Warehouse 13: "An Evil Within" / Alphas: "The Quick and the Dead"

7/31/12

22) Buckaroo Banzai (1984)

Last edited by Dimension X; 07-31-12 at 11:11 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 03:15 PM
  #38  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

Indy24LA's 3rd Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge

Indy24LA'a 2011 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge
Indy24LA'a 2010 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge

Goal 25
* indicates first time viewing

June 30th
1. Alien 3*- Not very good, can't they at least go back and Lucas the bad CGI?
2. The Star Wars Spoofs* (2011)- Some funny stuff, but better enjoyed in spurts.
3. Body Snatchers (1993)- Interesting much smaller take on the Invasions of the Body Snatchers story.
4. The Thing (2011)- Yes it is a rehash of the original, but I liked this new one and the CGI.

July 1st
5. Godzilla Raids Again*- Average monster movie and it really suffers when zilla is off screen.
6. Godzilla vs the Thing- Sorry, but Mothra just looks stupid, of all the flying creatures they had to pick a moth?

July 4th
7. Galaxy Quest- One of the funniest Sci-fi movies ever... Rockwell owns this.
8. The Matrix- A game changer.

July 5th
9. Alien Resurrection*- Not very good at all, but I see the seeds of Firefly in it.
10. Clash of the Titans (2010)- For a fantasy swords & sandals, this is great.

July 6th
11. The Jacket- Nice little story that's like a smaller, quieter 12 Monkeys.

July 7th
12. Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster*- The most fun of the Godzilla movies so far.
13. Green Lantern (2011)- I don't get the hate, this is a solid good movie.
14. Prometheus*- Holes a plenty, but I loved this open ended film.

July 8th
15. AvP- I very good B version of the Alien and Predators franchises.
16. Invasion of Astro-Monster*- What, Mothra was asking for too much money?
17. Mr. Destiny- I love this little 90s gem.

July 9th
18. The Darkest Hour*- Not half bad, better than I had heard.

July 12th
19. Another Earth*- Very good, little slow but had big, interesting concepts.

July 13th
20. Freddy vs. Jason (WC)- Flat out fun and at least the stories tied into the 2 franchises.
21. Escape From the Planet of the Apes- Interesting the see the apes in "modern" times, but I had to root for the evil humans.
22. Star Wars- It's Star Wars, what else can you say?

July 14th
23. Twilight: Breaking Dawn part 1- I would have perfered more fighting and less honeymooning
24. Smallville*: Season 10, Ep 18 Booster & Ep 19 Dominion

July 15th
25. The Empire Strikes Back- The pinacle of the franchise
26. All Monsters Attack*- Yeah, guess this is where Godzilla jumps the shark
27. The Last Starfighter- Not a bad story, can't say the same about the video game effects

July 16th
28. Terror of Mechagodzilla*- Not bad, when are those aliens gonna learn not to sleep on Godzilla
29. Altered States*- Starts okay with some real science, then gets silly towards the end.

July 19th
30. Troll Hunter*- Well made and interesting, if they just didn't use trolls...

July 21st
31. Making of Star Wars/SPFX: The Empire Strikes Back*- I love watching these padded "making of's"
32. Batman Begins- Always a great choice to watch, follows the blueprint of a great director with a good script and great actors = great movie
33. The Dark Knight- Ledger makes this movie even greater than the 1st one

July 22nd
34. Ssssss*- Not bad actually, some thought was put into this (well, not the title)
35. Tron: Legacy- I really liked it, but the story isn't going to appeal to the masses
36. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- Not as good as the og, but this is how remakes should be, do something different

July 27nd
37. Mirror Mirror*- Pretty funny, good show by all the leads
38. After.Life* (WC)- Still not sure I got this, but if you are a Christina Ricci fan, this is a must see/own

July 28nd
39. Smallville*: Season 10, Ep 21 & 22 Finale
40. Return of the Jedi- Half of this is in line and as great as the 1st two, half is more prequelish

Last edited by Indy24LA; 08-01-13 at 08:56 AM.
Old 06-25-12, 03:54 PM
  #39  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

<tr

Goal: 100
Legend:
First Time Views *
Watched With Wife *
- June 30th -
1.)
The Thing (1982) (DVD) *
My Thoughts: Arg, picture boxed!!! I had a girlfriend once ask me why I bought widescreen movies when I only had a fullscreen tv. I told her that I would eventually have a widescreen tv and that I wouldn't have to re-buy anything since I had already bought all my movies in widescreen. Little did I know about all this fucking picture boxing! Regarding the movie it is my perpetual #2 greatest movie of all time (at least that is what Flickchart tells me). Also to any other fans out there I recommend checking out this analysis on YouTube.
(5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: (Disclaimer: Wife often dislikes awesome movies if tired) "They did not talk about where is that come from and I understand that's a contagious type but still just story just changing so quick. And I do not like ending and become a little silly and I was a little tired."
(3 out of 5)
2.)
Dark Star (1974) (DVD)
My Thoughts: Well this like almost all comedies didn't really age well. But for some reason I find the whole thing interesting in a conceptual way. The movie, plot, acting, effects, sets, ect are subpar but still, I was intrigued with the beach ball alien and the existential bomb conversation. Not enough to recommend the film but enough to warrant this re-watch.
(2.5 out of 5)
3.)
Metropolis (2001) (DVD) **
My Thoughts: When I was younger the Sci-Fi channel was constantly running the trailer for this movie (some sort of anime club where this was the first title you would get) and I was always somewhat intrigued by it. I never got it due to the stigma on anime but last year it was in the Big Lots $3 bin so I decided to give it a go. An above average if dated anime and as expected everything goes bat-shit crazy in the 3rd act. I liked it but probably not as much as I would have 11 years ago.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Pretty good but ending choto weird and need something ending. Sado ne? He tried to save her but he could not, I expected a little more happy ending. If ending is good i'm going to give them 4 but nah."
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 1st -
4.)
Sunshine (2007) (DVD)
My Thoughts: A dark Event Horizon-esk hard science space flick. The previous description would get me to buy any movie. And this one worked for me, not so sure about the sun addiction aspect but overall, interesting take on the genre. Ever since the first time I saw Alien I have always been intrigued by the derelict spacecraft. Yes it is always a bad idea to check it out but it is something I have always wanted to do.
(4 out of 5)
5.)
Inception (2010) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: It's eXistenZ for the masses. I could gush over this movie but you've seen it, you know. And if you haven't go see it already!
(5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Fuck confusing. ("OK hold on... OK I have "Fuck confusing".") I didn't say fuck, it is very confusing changing the scene all the time very difficult to follow the stories. E.ven they use the good actor and actress I am so confused and don't care about it I am glad to watch at home."
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 2nd -
6.)
Commentary For RoboCop (1987) (DVD)
My Thoughts: Not really a fan of split commentaries but this one was pretty good. I dug Verhoven's take on the material and his often humorous English (Cater-Pillar), makes me wish there were some Klaus Kinski commentaries. And the other participants had some interesting behind the scenes stories to contribute. I wonder how this commentary compares to the other non-Criterion ones available. Also on another note, Criterion e tu? With the picture boxing?
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 3rd -
7.)
Oblivion (1994) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Pretty good for a full moon movie, cheap and cheesy but compared to the trash they are turning out nowadays an excellent entry into their library. Also I love me some stop motion monsters.
(3 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Always same pattern, obviously creepy creature come out. I can guess the ending but this time George Takei is there so I can give them 3.0 star. I was wondering how much money they can make on this movie?"
(3 out of 5)
8.)
Dark Shadows (2012) (Theater)**
My Thoughts: I was really expecting this to suck but it was actually quite enjoyable. While I thought Burton's Alice in Wonderland fell sort of flat I really enjoyed this gothy period piece of his. Very reminiscent of the Adams Family (the house especially). I was enjoying this movie at about a 4/5 until the ending, it was just too by the numbers, it needed something extra. Also the movie felt a bit too tightened at places like we were missing some interesting exposition/development/whatever.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Johnny Depp movie almost always same ending but Johnny Depp is so so so cute. I cannot believe he is 40's and they use few famous people ne? I can guess the ending."
(3.5 out of 5)
9.)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) (Blu-Ray)
[size=1]My Thoughts: I haven't seen this movie since I was maybe 12 years old and even then it was vhs on a 27" tv. Today's viewing was like night and day, the movie still meanders a lot but it is beautiful. And it is a lot more thought provoking than I remember. It in fact got me really exited to see 2010 again, now if I can just find the BR for
- July 4th -
10.)
Independence Day (1996) (DVD)
My Thoughts: A classic from my childhood, a cheesy classic for sure but one that has always held a special place for me. And I know it is ridiculous but that 3rd act always gets me. Why they never sequalized this property is beyond me, seems like every few years they tease us with ID5 ideas but none have ever come to fruition these past 16 years. I think the first repo movie poster I ever bought was for ID4. The critic in me can't see anyone giving this movie over a 3.5 but... ah memories.
(4 out of 5)
11.)
Green Lantern 3D (2011) (Blu-Ray)**
My Thoughts: Well it did look fantastic on my 3DTV. It was pretty run of the mill though. Although that could be due to me being a Marvel Zombie from way back. I would be willing to give a sequel the benefit of the doubt though.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Ryan Reynolds is sexy but its the story contents it's very ordinary nothing special and a little disappointing. Hope I can see the sequel but seems this movie did pretty bad so I cannot expect it. I like Marvel better demo seems DC is older (followed by some unintelligible Japanese)."
(3.5 out of 5)
12.)
Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: A thorough commentary by the two main leads. A lot of interesting tid bits here but the track is bit heavy on the Kubrick idolizing. I have noticed as of recent that older actors give pretty good commentary, even if you don't agree with what they are saying, perhaps it comes from being a naturally good storyteller.
(4 out of 5)
- July 5th -
13.)
Cyber Ninja (1988) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: A so bad it's good affair. I kind of wish I had watched this for the B-Movie challenge as it would have been an awesome for it. Ridiculous robot ninjas, Power Ranger style badies and Japanese buildings that turn into Giant Robots! This reminds me of Robo Geisha but it is so much better. Only problem is that it seems a little kiddy but that might have a little something to due with dubbing.
(3.5 out of 5)
14.)
The Crazies (1973) (VHS)
My Thoughts: So I bought this movie around '98-'99 based on director name recognition and I didn't really care for it. So I watch it again every 4-5 years thinking that maybe this time things will be different. But they never are. It's just too boring, the disease is too mild and the acting (with 3 notable exceptions) too dull. I will give this movie credit for doing a lot of things way before similar movies did but that and those 3 interesting actors is about it (it takes a little more than ideas and faces to make a good movie). Fingers crossed for the remake though.
(2.5 out of 5)
15.)
Leviathan (1989) (VHS)
My Thoughts: My favorite of the late eighties underwater movies and yes that does include Abyss. An excellent fusion of Alien, The Thing and a few other flicks along with an 80's star studded cast. All of that being said this is probably the only 4/5 you are bound to see for this title.
(4 out of 5)
- July 6th -
16.)
The Last Sentinel (2007) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: A backlot post-apocalyptic Universal Solider knock off with Starbuck shoehorned in. And it surprisingly wasn't so terribly awful. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't good by any stretch of the imagination but it was interesting enough in an cheesy action sort of way. I remember when this came out back during the height of BSG-Fever that a lot of people really hated it due to the misleading cover. Kind of feels like an episode of Sliders, without the Sliders.
(3 out of 5)
17.)
The Shape Of Things To Come (1979) (DVD)**
My Thoughts: This cover wrote a check that the movie just couldn't cash. Now you got to remember 1979 is the year Alien came out so I was maybe a bit over jazzed to see this. Unfortunately the effects were awful, 50's/60's style done in almost the 80's. There were a few fun almost Barbarella moments but otherwise this one was also pretty boring. Maybe if I was drunk or listening to a rifftrax of this title...expectations were just too high.
(2 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "I did not expect anything great that beginning. And story wise mmm and robot creepy and I did not understand what they want to tell or what they want to say just no meaning."
(2 out of 5)
18.)
I Am Legend (2007) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: A great adaptation of this property with a few caveats. Obviously the CG monsters is the biggest detractor to this property. Also we are missing one of my favorite aspect of the other 2 adaptations the "Oh fuck, I have been killing these things for years and they are not quite as monsterish as I had thought." They kind of tired to hit on this last note but not very effectively IMO. Still a great movie though.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Pretty good pretty good. Demo dog died thats Will Smith thats his fault he shouldn't stay there then dog wouldn't die. They going to have sequel? I guess not. 2012 Sept 9th, not yet. (Which ending did you like?) Movie version is more I am Legend, match with the movie title and more... I don't know mysterious type but DVD version they can make the sequel."
(4.5 out of 5)
- July 7th -
19.)
He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe S01E01-04 (1983) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Oh no, wolf-bats! So I am a bit too young to have caught this while it was on TV. But as it is constantly referenced and WM had season 1 for $3 I though it would give it a go. It was fun and campy but the whole time I kind of wished I was watching TMNT. Guess you just had to be there.
(3 out of 5)
20.)
Highlander (1986) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: This movie has no business being as good as it is. It is completely cheesy, low budget, ridiculous trash but it really hits the spot. The flashbacks are a great juxtaposition to the current day gathering. The message of this one is a bit diminished by the sequels, this is one of those movies that was meant to be self contained. On a quality note, I know that the DVD is really old but man it looks awful, and even awful compared to VHS sourced DVDs. I think this one might warrant an upgrade.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Good but so many simmilar movie, cannot die and live forever. Name another of these cannt die, live forever movies. Black Shadow. ...Dark Shadows? He was a vampire!. Bit that guy is not normal people too, he is cannot die... City of Angel. He was an angel and he died. But he choose, if he angel then cannot die." (Then I gave up)
(3 out of 5)
- July 8th -
21.)
Arcade (1993) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Holy bad Tron of the nineties! How have I never seen this movie before?!?! A must see for ay child of the 90's, a bevy of recognizable faces, some awful/awesome 90's effects. Think Max Headroom meets the pinball story from Nightmares. I loved this movie, most won't, but it worked for me on so many levels. Now if I can just find a pack of square Jolly Ranchers. Oh and directed by Albert Pyun of 90's Capitan America failure fame.
(4.5 out of 5)
22.)
Dr. Alien (1989) (DVD)**
My Thoughts: Full Moon bringing the win here in the late 80's / early 90's. What we have here is an awesomely bad scifi sex comedy with plenty of great nudity. And some of those boobs even belong to Michelle Bauer & Linnea Quigley! I had a great time with this one, and highly recommend it to any fan of eighties sex comedies.
(4.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Thats one of the best full moon movie, except... what was that.. tunneler... what was that series...? Puppet Master is the best this is the second best Full Moon. Cute movie. Choto stupid but sexy stilly 4 star."
(4 out of 5)
- July 9th -
23.)
The Crazies (2010) (Blu-Ray)**
My Thoughts: Ah, now here is this property done right! A remake that is leaps and bounds ahead of the original. It's not boring, the disease is much worse and good acting this time around. This one is like a dark, no hope version of Outbreak, I would put it right up there with Contagion as one of my favorite disease movies.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Pretty good thats reming me of Jericho or Old Town Vincennes. It's very good I like it. I will give them 4 star but they need a little more I don't know deep story seems like that ending just try to escape."
(4 out of 5)
- July 10th -
24.)
Angel-A (2005) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Strangely compelling, this really reminds me of Six and Baltar from the BSG reboot. And not just because this girl is a dead ringer for an almost exactly dressed as the former but their weird relationship... The guy I could take or leave, he seems like a standard archetypal euro loser, but the girl is really hard to get out of your mind. And the movie being in French adds a certain air of... sordidness to it.
(3.5 out of 5)
25.)
Dark City (1998) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: I guess I didn't pay enough attention back when I originally saw this movie or perhaps the Director's cut adds quite a bit but I didn't remember almost any of this. It was great and I remember liking it when I first saw it too but I guess it just didn't leave much of an impression on me. This time in HD I don't think that will really hold true though. It was visually very exciting and very interesting and though provoking. Now I really want to revisit The Matrix and The Thirteenth Floor.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "I like it. But always some alien or creature or whatever is white face with hat and black jacket so that looks very obvious. And I think I watch those kind of movie before, that is very similar that change the memory stuff. "
(4 out of 5)
26.)
Outbreak (1995) (VHS)*
My Thoughts: Ah the nineties, back when everything always worked out, no matter how many attack helicopters where chasing you. I guess this was the last decade that we really felt invincible, before the dark times, before the empire (I mean 9/11). You would never see the town nuked or the virus getting out to a larger city. It might fall under the guise of a feel good virus movie. Solid if a bit glossy.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Very good I like it, many famous people. Monkey cute, I love it 4 star. Don't believe that general order, don't follow."
(4 out of 5)
- July 11th -
27.)
Commentary For Dark City (1998) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: While I don't always agree with Ebert he does give good commentary... or used to at any rate. Easily some of the best analytic commentary on disc. However I think it might have been fun to throw Jennifer Connelly into the booth with him on this one. Or even Linnea Quigley.
(4.5 out of 5)
28.)
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: I remember linking this one as a kid but yeah watching it now it plays pretty low brow, still fun though. Kind of like they tried to mix Highlander with Dune with a bit of dystopian future to top it off. It is visually pretty entertaining and I really liked the future corporation subplot. In fact that could have been a good movie all on it's own without the highlander propriety shoehorned in, and I wonder if maybe it even started that way.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Little disappointed because 2014 that looks nothing like 2014 at all and doesn't have that great story so I don't think thats much success at all."
(3 out of 5)
- July 12th -
29.)
Deepstar Six (1989) (VHS)
My Thoughts: I was fascinated with this VHS cover as a child, I would always gravitate towards it and Def-Con 4 in the video store. It has been awhile since I have seen this one and it was actually quite good. Aside from a few lackluster exterior underwater effects everything else was 80's good. Almost exactly mirroring Leviathan cast and plot progression wise it is an interesting watch so soon after the former.
(3.5 out of 5)
30.)
Of Unknown Origin (1983) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Robocop takes on his greatest challenge yet, a diabolically smart gigantic new york rat. I kind of feel like this myself myself sometime when I am hunting pests too, a bit cheesy but fun. Also I got to remember this mind fuck the guy does to Peter Weller in this movie; something like "Your only thinking about him 20% of the time but it's thinking about you 100% of the time because it has nothing better to do..."
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It's pretty good but this is not scifi movie. Why is that scifi? Very unrealistic. Give 3 star. that guy is a Robocop guy so it's a already have image Robocop. And that wife is nice ne? 'What happened? Ah we have party', I say what the heck this happen this house, thats what (I) gonna say."
(3 out of 5)
- Friday The 13th -
31.) - 34.)
Friday The 13th: S02E01-04 (1988) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: We have a Lewis/Cthulu Mansion/Night of the Demons episode, a voodoo episode, an insane asylum/evil radio episode, and a cult raise the dead/cursed coin episode. All enjoyable, the lewis episode the least so and the insane asylum the most so. They go a bit far on the "On no (insert main character) is dead" the first few episodes but some corny fun.
(3.5 out of 5)
35.) - 36.)
Jason X (2001) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: One of the first R rated movies I saw in the theater (that I didn't have to sneak into). I didn't care for this iteration the first few times I saw it but like with every F13th movie I seem to constantly be drawn back to it. And I dare say it holds up quite well, I would say even better than parts 5-9. I wouldn't even mind seeing a true sequel on Earth 2, seeing as the is last real Friday the 13th movie. Also before there was Jason X there was Apollo The 13th: Jason Takes Nasa!
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Ummm good but it's unrealistic and I understand they try to make more stories but it getting ridiculous. They cannot keep making that stories, nah. "
(3 out of 5)
- July 14th -
37.)
House (1977) (Blu-Ray)**
My Thoughts: What an awesomely weird movie. Very 70's and very Japanese mixed the sensibilities of over the top kids show with enough morbidness to make it interesting. I really liked this movie and not just because of the booze, it was different without being boring or pretentious.
(4.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Well... extremely creepy but secretly some famous people, director is famous now. Very creepy way to show love and I am so scared of white cat now."
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 15th -
38.)
Futurama (4 Random Episodes) (1999) (TV)
My Thoughts: I don't know how this show was ever canceled. Ot os easily one of the best animated shows ever. Not sure if the new seasons on Comedy Central really hold up to the first 4 seasons but it's better than not having them at all. That gets me thinking... I wonder when the next season of Archer starts...
(4 out of 5)
39.)
Escape 2000 (1982) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: I bought this on VHS as a kid because of the awesome cover but never really liked it until I bought the DVD some years later. A fun Aussie exploitation flick if you are in the right mood.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Too violentas, I don't understand why title is Escape 2000, does not make sense at all. And I do not understand the concept to make this movie just too violent does not have enough story. I don't understand why people make these no stories. "
(3 out of 5)
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Last edited by SterlingBen; 07-15-13 at 08:21 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 03:54 PM
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

-Revised
Goal: 80
Legend:
First Time Views *
Watched With Wife *
- July 16th -
40.)
Waxwork (1988) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: I like this movie it is almost an anthology. Kind of a Cabin in the Woods vibe at some points. And it's got the guy from Gremlins who I had sign my DVD during the 2010 October Horror Movie Challenge. The only down side is that it doesn't really do anything great. But there is enough here to take it over a meh rating.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Creepy strange very similar type of movie like this, not so special. Just creepy gross choto disappointed. Creepy music, it's not matching anything, they can make better."
(3 out of 5)
41.)
The Rocketeer (1991) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: The Iron Man of my youth. Plays pretty cheesy now but is still a fun ride. For some reason I kept getting this one mixed up with Forever Young in my mind, that maybe it was an old invention shelved for years but no Locke invented it it would seem.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Very good i like it. It's more realistic thats the best movie in July so far. I want to fly. "
(4.5 out of 5)
- July 17th -
42.)
Battleship (2012) (Theater)**
My Thoughts: I was kind of hoping the trailer wasn’t going to be indicative of the quality of this movie but yeah, a fairly accurate representation. It was flashy, brain dead, insult to one’s intelligence, kind of like a 90’s action movie except not quite as fun. The aliens were generic as a bad guy could possibly be, the lead is your typical anti hero douse. The only thing I can think of is they were really aiming at that 10 year old demographic. There were several kids in the theater I was in and they seemed to be enjoying it but to me it was just stupid, stupid, stupid.
(2 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Extremely unrealistic but somehow funny and good actors and actress. And I like ending. I can give them 3 star but always alien looks same I realize that, looks like Halo's game the same ne?"
(3 out of 5)
43.)
Bad Channels (1992) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: A passable cheesy affair. I watched the sequel last challenge; Dollman Vs The Demonic Toys and am a bit miffed at the liberties the took. I know it's Full Moon but come on it was a completely different girl! Got a hint of UHF in here and some decent 90's rock, not a bad way to spend 88 minutes.
(3 out of 5)
44.)
Coma (1978) (Blu-Ray)
My Thoughts: A great thriller and you never forget that coma room. I have this vivid memory of watching this on TNT Monster Vision with Joe Bob Briggs. And he was making fun of TNT the whole time, going on about how couldn't you have a commercial break right in the middle of the big chase and chiding them for what they cut out, ect. This is one of those movies that if you have never seen it do yourself a favor and do. Also $5 on BR with coupon at BB, why not?
(4.5 out of 5)
- July 18th -
45.)
MST3K: The Magic Voyage Of Sinbad (1953) (Internet)*
My Thoughts: In this one they are riffing an English dubbed Russian adaptation of Homer's tale. The movie was boring and the track wasn't the best. Perhaps I should have had a bit of the ye olde social lubricant. It probably didn't help that fantasy isn't my favorite genre. I did like all the references to 90's comedian Sinbad though.
(2.5 out of 5)
46.)
Cyber Bandits (1995) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: This sci-fi on a shoestring is chocked full of has beens and never will be's. It's basically a low tech rip off of Johnny Mnemonic just not nearly as fun. It does hold the interest slightly but I could think of much better uses of my time, like wasting it on DVDTalk!
(2.5 out of 5)
47.)
Backlash: Oblivion 2 (1996) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: ‘Well we have the set and the props for a few more days…. Lets make a sequel!’ Some movies do quite well with this formula , not so much here though. Pretty good when compared to Full Moon movies of late but that's not saying much. Felt like a cheesy sci-fi tv show, not so terrible but kind of meh. I do like that actress who plays Lash though (too bad they only went pg-13).
(2.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Creepy strange and if they make a sequal they should make better. Thats not anything better, strange but I am nice so I can give them 3 star. So creepy. Are you just giving them 3 stars because they gave us $2600? ...maybe."
(3 out of 5)
- July 19th -
48.)
Sucker Punch (2011) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: Lovely eye candy. I would re-watch this just as a demo for how awesome my tv can look. I am not sure how effective I really thought the plot was but I enjoyed this, even if mostly at a non-cerebral level.
(3.5 out of 5)
49.)
NeverEnding Story (1984) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: I love this movie, a great companion piece to Labyrinth & Dark Crystal. This one skews a bit younger and the luck dragon was a little creepier than I remember but overall a really good movie. And for those of you that have seen it check out this 20 year later followup.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It's good but I thought the boy is blond hair. I guess that is sequel. Pretty good demo almost like Labyrinth. I can give 3 star. "
(3 out of 5)
- July 20th -
50.)
The Day Time Stopped (1979) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Not so bad, a families summer home gets unstuck in time and they have to deal with aliens, dinosaurs, post apocalyptic wastelands, ect. Super cheesy with a lot of interesting retro effects. Also award winning dialog like: (Grandpa to grandson) "Steve you know what this is don't you? It's a time space warp." Too bad the transfer is so shitty.
(3 out of 5)
51.)
Hancock (2008) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: I really liked this movie it was a nice change of pace from other superhero properties. It is just too bad they didn't let it go full R, it could have been amazing. Nice of them to address the super load in the extended cut though (that scene really begged for a dark flashback).
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Umm thats better than first time. And first time it was... I kind of lost the story because of that movie theater accident. Demo it's pretty good I like it. I hope I can see squeal. Charlize Theron is pretty but she kind of look like Lindsey Lohan when she have makeup."
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 21st -
52.)
Corpse Bride (2005) (Blu-Ray)**
My Thoughts: I really had a hard time thinking about anything except necrophilia during this movie. Especially since the corpse bride was hotter than her living counterpart. Not quite as good as Nightmare Before Christmas but still highly enjoyable. Halloween themed children's programs always play better than other genres.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It's very cute but i do not understand why this is animation. I don't think that is kids story. That was ok, tim burton is creepy, i knew that, so I can give probably 3.5."
(3.5 out of 5)
53.)
The Cyclops (1957) (Internet)*
My Thoughts: So I found this one here on Youtube while looking to satisfy checklist actress Gloria Talbot. And while the movie was mostly a ho hum giant animal affair with a predictable plot twist, there was something quite interesting about this presentation. The retro toy commercials! Man there were some awesome toys in the 60's. They just don't may spy attaché case toys like they used to.
(3 out of 5)
- July 22nd -
54.)
End Of The World (1977) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: There is an interesting snippet on IMDB about how Christopher Lee regrets this movie and how he feels like he was tricked into being in it. I wanted to like this one but I felt myself more bored than entertained. Some decent effects here and there but the movie just needed something more.
(2.5 out of 5)
55.)
Le Voyage De La Lune (1902) (Internet)*
My Thoughts: I have seen portions of this film in various cinema documentaries but have never just sat down to watch it. It was quite interesting that they used a cannon to get to the moon but only gravity to return. The moon people were a bit silly by todays standards but a must watch for any tree fan of the silver screen.
(3.5 out of 5)
56.)
Highlander: The Final Dimension (1994) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Highlander 3 tries to do Rocky 3 while at the same time remaking Highlander 1. The results are a meh 90's semi-fantasy. The villain is lame, the kid and the woman are annoying, Christopher Lambert is really the only reason to watch this movie. I still find it amazing that some like this better than part 2.
(3 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Interesting. Well it's good but story mmm I like happy ending, thats good. Story it's not quite, I will say 3 star. I was expecting more Japan they did not."
(3 out of 5)
- July 23rd -
57.)
Frankenstein (1910) (Internet)*
My Thoughts: Well Mr. Edison I think you could have done a little better, the book had already been out for 90+ years at this point. An interesting piece of history with a surprisingly effective monster but it is just a little too paraphrased to be interesting next to the source material.
(2.5 out of 5)
58.)
The Invisible Man (1933) (VHS)
My Thoughts: I haven't seen this one for a long time, I forgot how crazy the original guy actually was. He smashes police officers heads in he derails trains, seems dark for one of these Universal classics. Might have to have a little Universal classics mini-marathon here during the OHMC.
(4 out of 5)
59.)
Aelita: The Queen Of Mars (1924) (Internet)*
My Thoughts: It was all a dream, no spoiler alert for you, you have had 88 years to see this obscure Russian movie. Ok no more silent films for awhile, at least not until I am completing the checklist for the OHMC. An interesting look at Russian life but I wish they had spent more time on Mars and less in impoverished Moscow. Odd that mars kind of has an American Jazz-era vibe to it, although that might be just me. Effective special effects and decent movie but pales in comparison to Metropolis.
(3 out of 5)
60.)
The Last Man On Earth (1964) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Watching Vincent price in this role kind of reminds me of my grandfather, I can totally see him diligently staking vamps every day. Of the 3 versions I think the "monsters" in this one were the most effective, they make the ending much more effective and it is defiantly more believable that Neville could have survived this long. One of if not my first budget DVD (back when $6 for 2 movies was outrageously low) and easily one of my favorite black and white horror/sci-fi/vincent price movie.
(4.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Ahh story is more realistic compared to the Will Smith I Am Legend but middle of the movie it is very slow I will say 3.5 cause they don't talk that much anything so its just slow slow movie."
(3.5 out of 5)
61.)
The Invisible Man Returns (1940) (VHS)
My Thoughts: Wow, Vincent Price looks so young! So this invisible man is not near as effective as Claude Rains. He is barely even menacing, this is the kind of white washed 'monster' movie I was expecting from Universal. And why the original was so surprising. A disappointingly average followup.
(3 out of 5)
- July 24th -
62.)
Laserblast (1978) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Wow, in the IMDB bottom 100, I should have saved this one for the B-Movie Challenge. I didn't think that was so bad, certainly not to be included in the worst 100 movies of all time, I guess these people have never seen Evil Bong 3-D. A surprising amount of familiar faces fill this so bad it's good flick. Premise: A man starts slowly turning into an alien each time he fires a mysterious space laser he found in the desert. Go in with the right frame of mind and you will be highly entertained, turtle-aliens and all.
(3.5 out of 5)
63.)
Omega Man (1971) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: Heston is my favorite Neville, but they went a bit too squirrelly with the infected. Still a great movie but it is more of a cheese classic than something like Planet of the Apes or Soylent Green. I loved the Neville as Jesus stuff at the end though, it really added an extra layer to the narrative. I have got to read the story this is based on.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It was good but kind of slow but thats more realistic, story wise. Demo I don't care about the ending, he died. Thats a second good, Will Smith number one, oldest one is the lowest."
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 25th -
64.)
Gorgo (1961) (DVD)**
My Thoughts: Not a great giant monster movie but it's fun to see one that isn't based in Japan. A bit of King Kong, Godzilla and just a dash of Jaws 3. I will try to catch the MST3K track on this for the next Summer Sci-Fi Challenge.
(3 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "Gorgo wa.. looks like Godzilla ne? Same ne? Demo the monster looks very very fake, demo good ending. People are mean but I personally like Godzilla series better. That seems fake."
(3 out of 5)
- July 26th -
65.)
Planet Terror (2007) (DVD)
My Thoughts: I didn't really care for Planet terror the first time around, some awesome bits but overall it was my least favorite part of Grindhouse. But now it seems to have grown on me, I wonder how much of that, if any, is due to watching the full version of the film. I still like Death Proof and the trailers better but this is a great over the top movie.
(4 out of 5)
66.)
Ray Bradbury Theater (4 Random Episodes) (1985) (DVD)**
My Thoughts: Not everything needs to be made into a short story. Bradbury seems to be really scraping the bottom of the barrels with these or perhaps they are just rejects he was smart enough to sell as television. Not a one of these was anything that I would consider entertaining. None of these first 4 starred any of the names on the cover so perhaps there is still some hope for this title.
(2 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "First 2 a great de I enjoyed, last two naaa. Since the last two was bad I can give only 3 star. Demo (I) like short story ne? "
(3 out of 5)
- July 27th -
67.)
2010: The Year We Made Contact (1984) (Blu-Ray)
My Thoughts: I like most people was expecting more 2001 the first time I saw this and was ultimately disappointed. In re-viewing this title though I think it is easily one of the best Sci-Fi sequels ever. Big fan of believable sci-fi and this one really opens up the predecessor, I could have gone for a bit more evil Hal and a bit less floating baby but I really enjoyed this movie. And you get Chief Brody cuddling with a cute little Soviet cosmonaut.
(4.5 out of 5)
68.)
The Cat From Outer Space (1978) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: An above average kids movie, yeah you can see the wires, the horrible stuffed cats and you can practically feel the trainer off screen telling the cat what to do but even with all of that it is still a fun movie. I think if I was a little less jaded on the subject of movie making I would really wonder how they accomplished this movie. Also it is too bad there are no outtakes, there has to be reels and reels of the stuff.
(3.5 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "This is the best movie in July, gato-san so cute. Best movie ever I can give 5 star. Cat speak, story's, not any gross or unrealistic creature, ending is cute, I love this."
(5 out of 5)
69.)
Deep Rising (1998) (DVD)
My Thoughts: I hated hated hated this movie when it came out. This was one of the fist big all CG monster movies so it was so the CG sucked and it signaled the end of an era. Watching it now is bitter sweet, the movie is cheesy and actually quite entertaining, it's just what it represents...
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 28th -
70.)
Our Man Flint (1966) (DVD)
My Thoughts: This is another one of those movies that I didn't really like when I first saw it, but to be fair that was a kid buying this because it was referenced in Austin Powers. Watching it is now it is easily the best send up to the bond films I have ever seen, sorry Austin. Coburn is a great know it all asshole, he has a lovely harem, pretends to be a Muslim terrorist, if you haven't seen this movie do yourself a favor and buy it. You cant go wrong with this bargain bin title.
(4 out of 5)
71.)
Mysterious Island (1961) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: I came into this movie with low expectations, thinking it would be just a lot of fights with stop motion creatures, and was completely blown away. Interesting story, great effects and about as good a transfer I have ever seen on an older title. Also I dig deserted island survival stories and the Nemo showed up! I am going to have to track down 20,000 Leagues, hope it is on blu-ray as well.
(4.5 out of 5)
72.)
Krull (1983) (DVD)**
My Thoughts: How have I never seen this before? Typically I am not much for fantasy but this was right up my alley. Not one of your traditionally good movies but a lovely bouquet of 80's cheese, with practical effects and a super young Liam Neeson. And to think I never would have seen this movie (at least not any time soon) if it hadn't of been for the Big Lots thread in this forum.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It was pretty good, Liam Neeson was very young. Place is interesting and spider was creepy. But I don't like that princess face and I don't like that prince face. Also Liam should be prince, that one eye guy very nice."
(3.5 out of 5)
- July 29th -
73.)
MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon (1956) (Internet)*
My Thoughts: Another Russian outing. I wasn't too thrilled by this one, seems that sci-fi/horror is MST3K's bread and butter, fantasy just doesn't play as well. The in-between skits were the best thing here. Although now that I ponder it a bit more, the climax battle was actually quite fun, not enough to save the entire movie but I would recommend watching at least the last 15 minutes of this one.
(2.5 out of 5)
74.)
Akira (1988) (DVD)
My Thoughts: The anime movie, even if you don't like anime at all you owe it to yourself to see at least this one. I have probably mentioned this is previous challenges but I like others actively didn't watch anime due to the weird freak stigma surrounding it. During my first year of college my roommate made me watch Evangelion and ever since then I have been much more inclined towards the genre. Not going out and starting a massive collection or anything but seeking out gems like this, Paprika, La Blue Girl, ect. So what was I trying to say... this is an anime you can watch and not feel creepy, go do it.
(4.5 out of 5)
More →
Part III Or Scroll ↓

Last edited by SterlingBen; 08-06-12 at 09:17 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 03:55 PM
  #41  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

-Revised
Goal: 80
Legend:
First Time Views *
Watched With Wife *
75.)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1959) (Blu-Ray)**
My Thoughts: This is what I wanted Prometheus to be like, sure there are a few monsters but it is not completely about monsters, it is about discovery. I found this movie deeply satisfying in a way I can't quite describe. I just like the idea of discovery, I would love to see a movie like this about an ancient alien city. I must admit to my hopes being markably lower due to the travesty of film by the same name that was the sequel to Alien From LA. I think I would enjoy spelunking, but I am just too worried about starving to death in the dark.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It is ok, that guy looks really like Sean Connery. I hate duck killed and some scenes and story wise that seems choto lame. Carlsbad (I) went."
(3.5 out of 5)
76.)
It! The Terror From Beyond Space (1958) (Internet)
My Thoughts: I remember hearing about the Alien controversy while seeing this on an old episode of Monstervision. At the time the connection seemed quite plausible. But watching it now, not so much. What we have here is basically a reject Creature From The Black Lagoon In Space. Also come on, using grenades on a spaceship?!?!
(2 out of 5)
- July 30th -
77.)
Commentary For Big Trouble In Little China (1986) (DVD)
My Thoughts: Who doesn't like BTILC? It is part of the essential Carpenter Trilogy, which now I am regretting not watching They Live for the challenge. On a personal note this movie actually represents one of the few good memories of my father, he had a dubbed of tv vhs that he would play for me when I was younger. But yeah that is about it...maybe fireworks at the river... Anyway great movie and an excellent commentary, recorded right after Russell filmed Solider and they have a really good time and provide lots of interesting side-stories/behind the scenes stories.
(4.5 out of 5)
- July 31st -
78.)
Scanners (1981) (VHS)
My Thoughts: I think I bought this movie because of that reference from Wayne's World. And it has always been a semi-favorate of mine. I can even remember when I was younger going around from video store to video store renting the sequels. An 80's classic.
(4 out of 5)
79.)
Super 8 (2011) (Blu-Ray)*
My Thoughts: I love this movie but it makes me feel so old that they are doing time pieces set in the 80's. And for a movie set in the 80's, they really could have gone all out with a practical alien instead of a CGI behemoth. But otherwise I loved every minute of this.
(4 out of 5)
My Wife's Thoughts: "It's good, thats my second time and that monster is that human? (No... it crashed in 1958...the crash was a pretty big plot point) thats a space people? Space Monster, but he seems to understand the people though"
(4.5 out of 5)
80.)
Commentary For Krull (2011) (DVD)*
My Thoughts: A decent commentary, I couldn't even tell they had dubbed the princess. As usual the director was dullish and the actors where where the real entertainment lies in the track. It is just too bad it is a split/combined recording, a get together probably would have been more fruitful.
(3 out of 5)
Checklist
Spoiler:

Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
-x- 1900 - Le Voyage De La Lune (1902)
-x- 1910 - Frankenstein (1910)
-x- 1920 - Aelita: The Queen Of Mars
-x- 1930 - The Invisible Man (1933)
-x- 1940 - The Invisible Man Returns (1940)
-x- 1950 - MST3K: The Magic Voyage Of Sinbad (1953)
...............The Cyclops (1957)
...............MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon (1956)
...............Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1959)
...............It! The Terror From Beyond Space (1958)
-x- 1960 - 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
...............Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
...............The Last Man On Earth (1964)
...............Gorgo (1961)
...............Our Man Flint (1966)
...............Mysterious Island (1961)
-x- 1970 - Dark Star (1974)
...............The Crazies (1973)
...............The Shape Of Things To Come (1979)
...............House (1977)
...............Coma (1978)
...............The Day Time Stopped (1979)
...............End Of The World (1977)
...............Laserblast (1978)
...............Omega Man (1971)
...............The Cat From Outer Space (1978)
-x- 1980 - The Thing (1982)
...............Commentary For RoboCop (1987)
...............Cyber Ninja (1988)
...............Leviathan (1989)
...............He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe S01E01-04 (1983)
...............Highlander (1986)
...............Dr. Alien (1989)
...............Deepstar Six (1989)
...............Of Unknown Origin (1983)
...............Friday The 13th: S02E01-04 (1988)
...............Escape 2000 (1982)
...............Waxwork (1988)
...............NeverEnding Story (1984)
...............Ray Bradbury Theater (4 Random Episodes) (1985)
...............2010: The Year We Made Contact (1984)
...............Krull (1983)
...............Akira (1988)
...............Commentary For Big Trouble In Little China (1986)
...............Scanners (1981)
...............Commentary For Krull (1986)
-x- 1990 - Oblivion (1994)
...............Independence Day (1996)
...............Arcade (1993)
...............Dark City (1998)
...............Outbreak (1995)
...............Commentary For Dark City (1998)
...............Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
...............Futurama (4 Random Episodes) (1999)
...............The Rocketeer (1991)
...............Bad Channels (1992)
...............Cyber Bandits (1995)
...............Backlash: Oblivion 2 (1996)
...............Highlander: The Final Dimension (1994)
...............Deep Rising (1998)
-x- 2000 - Metropolis (2001)
...............Sunshine (2007)
...............The Last Sentinel (2007)
...............I Am Legend (2007)
...............Angel-A (2005)
...............Jason X (2001)
...............Hancock (2008)
...............Corpse Bride (2005)
...............Planet Terror (2007)
-x- 2010 - Inception (2010)
...............Dark Shadows (2012)
...............Green Lantern 3D (2011)
...............The Crazies (2010)
...............Battleship (2012)
...............Sucker Punch (2011)
...............Super 8 (2011)

Watch a film for each rating:
-x- G - Dark Star
..........2001: A Space Odyssey
..........Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey
..........The Cat From Outer Space
-x- PG - The Shape Of Things To Come
............The Rocketeer
............Coma
............NeverEnding Story
............The Day Time Stopped
............Corpse Bride
............End Of The World
............Laserblast
............Omega Man
............2010: The Year We Made Contact
............Krull
............Commentary For Krull
-x- PG-13 - Inception
................Oblivion
................Dark Shadows
................Independence Day
................Green Lantern 3D
................I Am Legend
................Battleship
................Backlash: Oblivion 2
................Hancock
................Commentary For Big Trouble In Little China
................Super 8
-x- R - The Thing
..........Sunshine
..........The Crazies
..........Leviathan
..........The Last Sentinel
..........Highlander
..........Dr. Alien
..........The Crazies
..........Angel-A
..........Dark City
..........Outbreak
..........Commentary For Dark City
..........Highlander II: The Quickening
..........Deepstar Six
..........Of Unknown Origin
..........Jason X
..........Waxwork
..........Bad Channels
..........Cyber Bandits
..........Sucker Punch
..........Highlander: The Final Dimension
..........Deep Rising
..........Akira
..........Scanners
-x- X/NC-17(Optional) - Commentary For RoboCop
-x- Unrated - Metropolis
...................Cyber Ninja
...................He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe S01E01-04
...................Arcade
...................Friday The 13th: S02E01-04
...................House
...................Futurama (4 Random Episodes)
...................Escape 2000
...................MST3K: The Magic Voyage Of Sinbad
...................The Cyclops
...................Le Voyage De La Lune
...................Frankenstein
...................The Invisible Man
...................Aelita: The Queen Of Mars
...................The Invisible Man Returns
...................The Last Man On Earth
...................Gorgo
...................Planet Terror
...................Ray Bradbury Theater (4 Random Episodes)
...................Our Man Flint
...................Mysterious Island
...................MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon
...................Journey To The Center Of The Earth
...................It! The Terror From Beyond Space

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
-x- First language - Metropolis (Japanese)
...........................House (Japanese)
...........................Akira (Japanese)
-x- Second language - Angel-A (French)

Watch films in at least three formats (Blu-ray, DVD, streaming, etc.):
-x- First format, (DVD), (The Thing)
.................................(Dark Star)
.................................(Metropolis)
.................................(Sunshine)
.................................(Commentary For RoboCop)
.................................(Oblivion)
.................................(Independence Day)
.................................(Cyber Ninja)
.................................(The Last Sentinel)
.................................(The Shape Of Things To Come)
.................................(He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe S01E01-04)
.................................(Highlander)
.................................(Arcade)
.................................(Dr. Alien)
.................................(Angel-A)
.................................(Highlander II: The Quickening)
.................................(Of Unknown Origin)
.................................(Friday The 13th: S02E01-04)
.................................(Jason X)
.................................(Escape 2000)
.................................(Waxwork)
.................................(Bad Channels)
.................................(Cyber Bandits)
.................................(Backlash: Oblivion 2)
.................................(The Day Time Stopped)
.................................(Hancock)
.................................(End Of The World)
.................................(Highlander: The Final Dimension)
.................................(The Last Man On Earth)
.................................(Laserblast)
.................................(Omega Man)
.................................(Gorgo)
.................................(Planet Terror)
.................................(Ray Bradbury Theater (4 Random Episodes))
.................................(The Cat From Outer Space)
.................................(Deep Rising)
.................................(Our Man Flint)
.................................(Krull)
.................................(Akira)
.................................(Commentary For Big Trouble In Little China)
.................................(Commentary For Krull)
-x- Second format, (Blu-Ray), (Inception)
.........................................(2001: A Space Odyssey)
.........................................(Green Lantern 3D)
.........................................(Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey)
.........................................(I Am Legend)
.........................................(The Crazies)
.........................................(Dark City)
.........................................(Commentary For Dark City)
.........................................(House)
.........................................(The Rocketeer)
.........................................(Coma)
.........................................(Sucker Punch)
.........................................(NeverEnding Story)
.........................................(Corpse Bride)
.........................................(2010: The Year We Made Contact)
.........................................(Mysterious Island)
.........................................(Journey To The Center Of The Earth)
.........................................(Super 8)
-x- Third format, (Theater), (Dark Shadows)
.......................................(Battleship)
-x- Forth format, (VHS), (The Crazies)
..................................(Leviathan)
..................................(Outbreak)
..................................(Deepstar Six)
..................................(The Invisible Man)
..................................(The Invisible Man Returns)
..................................(Scanners)
-x- Fifth format, (TV), (Futurama (4 Random Episodes))
-x- Sixth format, (Internet), (MST3K: The Magic Voyage Of Sinbad)
.......................................(The Cyclops)
.......................................(Le Voyage De La Lune)
.......................................(Frankenstein)
.......................................(Aelita: The Queen Of Mars)
.......................................(MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon)
.......................................(It! The Terror From Beyond Space)

-x- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film - MST3K: The Magic Voyage Of Sinbad
.................................................................................................... .........MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon
-x- Watch a film and its remake - The Crazies (1973 & 2010)
..............................................The Last Man On Earth, Omega Man, I Am Legend
-x- Watch a film based on a video game - Arcade
-X- Watch a film based on a novel - I Am Legend
.................................................Of Unknown Origin
.................................................NeverEnding Story
.................................................Frankenstein
.................................................The Invisible Man
.................................................The Invisible Man Returns
.................................................The Last Man On Earth
.................................................Omega Man
.................................................Mysterious Island
-x- Watch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category - Inception
.........................................................................................2001: A Space Odyssey
.........................................................................................Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey
-x- Watch a silent film - Le Voyage De La Lune
..................................Frankenstein
..................................Aelita: The Queen Of Mars
-x- Watch a Criterion version film - Commentary For RoboCop
-x- Watch a film with commentary - Commentary For RoboCop
..................................................Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey
..................................................Commentary For Dark City
-x- Watch a film and at least two sequels - Highlander Series
-x- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth - Journey To The Center Of The Earth
-x- Watch a film that takes place in space - Dark Star
............................................................Sunshine
............................................................2001: A Space Odyssey
............................................................Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey
............................................................The Shape Of Things To Come
............................................................Jason X
............................................................Futurama (4 Random Episodes)
............................................................Le Voyage De La Lune
............................................................Aelita: The Queen Of Mars
............................................................2010: The Year We Made Contact
............................................................It! The Terror From Beyond Space
-x- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea - Leviathan
...........................................................................Deepstar Six
...........................................................................Battleship
...........................................................................Deep Rising
-x- Watch an animated film - Metropolis
........................................He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe S01E01-04
........................................Corpse Bride
........................................Akira
-x- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen - Mysterious Island
-x- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone - 2001: A Space Odyssey
.................................................................................................... .........................Escape 2000
.................................................................................................... .........................The Last Man On Earth
.................................................................................................... .........................Omega Man
.................................................................................................... .........................2010: The Year We Made Contact
-x- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury - Ray Bradbury Theater (4 Random Episodes)
-x- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam - Super 8
-x- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band - Oblivion
..........................................................Arcade
..........................................................Bad Channels
..........................................................Backlash: Oblivion 2
..........................................................The Day Time Stopped
..........................................................Laserblast

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-x- Alien Invasion - Independence Day
...........................Futurama (4 Random Episodes)
...........................Battleship
...........................Bad Channels
...........................End Of The World
...........................Krull
...........................Super 8
...........................Commentary For Krull
-x- Horror - The Thing
.................Leviathan
.................I Am Legend
.................The Crazies
.................Deepstar Six
.................Jason X
.................Waxwork
.................Corpse Bride
.................Frankenstein
.................The Last Man On Earth
.................Omega Man
.................Planet Terror
.................Deep Rising
.................It! The Terror From Beyond Space
.................Scanners
-x- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt - 2001: A Space Odyssey
..........................................Commentary For 2001: A Space Odyssey
..........................................The Last Sentinel
-x- Post-Apocalyptic - I Am Legend
..............................The Last Man On Earth
..............................Omega Man
-x- Alternate History - Akira
-x- Robot/Android - Metropolis
............................Commentary For RoboCop
............................Cyber Ninja
............................The Last Sentinel
-x- Immortality - Highlander
........................Highlander II: The Quickening
........................Highlander: The Final Dimension
-x- Space Opera/Serial - Oblivion
..................................The Shape Of Things To Come
..................................Le Voyage De La Lune
..................................Aelita: The Queen Of Mars
-x- Mutants (non-critter) - Leviathan
....................................I Am Legend
....................................Omega Man
....................................Scanners
-x- Comic Book - Commentary For RoboCop
........................Green Lantern 3D
........................The Rocketeer
........................Hancock
........................Akira
-x- Mad Scientist - Metropolis
..........................Frankenstein
..........................The Invisible Man
..........................The Invisible Man Returns
..........................Akira
-x- Comedy - Dark Star
...................Hancock
...................The Cat From Outer Space
...................Our Man Flint
-x- Time travel - Highlander II: The Quickening
........................The Day Time Stopped
-x- Giant Critters - Of Unknown Origin
..........................The Cyclops
..........................Deep Rising
..........................Mysterious Island
..........................Journey To The Center Of The Earth
-x- Prehistoric - Deepstar Six
.......................The Day Time Stopped
-x- Paranormal - Dark Shadows
........................House
-x- Kaiju - Gorgo
-x- Tech Noir - Dark City
.....................Commentary For Dark City
.....................Akira

-x- Arthurian Fantasy - MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon
-x- Based on fairy tale - Angel-A
..................................NeverEnding Story
..................................Corpse Bride
-x- Urban Fantasy - Highlander
............................Highlander II: The Quickening
............................Highlander: The Final Dimension
-x- High Fantasy - Sucker Punch
..........................NeverEnding Story
..........................Krull
..........................Commentary For Krull
-x- Sword and Sorcery - He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe S01E01-04
..................................MST3K: The Magic Voyage Of Sinbad
..................................Krull
..................................MST3K: The Sword And The Dragon
..................................Commentary For Krull
-x- Dark Fantasy - Krull
..........................Commentary For Krull
-x- Martial Arts Fantasy - Commentary For Big Trouble In Little China

Watch a film starring:
-x- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson - It! The Terror From Beyond Space
-x- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland - Outbreak
-x- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow - Independence Day
-x- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot - The Cyclops
-x- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller - Our Man Flint
-x- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton - Waxwork
-x- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell - The Thing
Awards
Spoiler:


Best Title Watched:
The Thing

Wife’s Best Title Watched:
The Cat From Outer Space

Worst Title Watched:
The Shape Of Things To Come

Wife’s Worst Title Watched:
The Shape Of Things To Come

Alien I Would Not Want To Piss Off:
Alien from Super 8

Coolest Cat:
Cringer from He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe
Runner Up:
Jake from The Cat from Outer Space

Best Surprise Boobs:
Almost every girl from Dr. Alien
Runner Up:
80's Holograms from Jason X

Me And My Wife Completely Agree On:
Metropolis (3.5)
Oblivion (3)
Dark Shadows (3.5)
Green Lantern 3D (3.5)
The Shape Of Things To Come (2)
The Crazies (4)
Dark City (4)
Highlander: The Final Dimension (3)
Gorgo (3)

WTF Award
House
Additional Statistics
Spoiler:
Number of 1st time viewings:
33 out of 80 (41%)

Number of titles watched with wife:
34 out of 80 (43%)

Most Watched From Decade:
1. 1980's - 20 out of 80 (25%)
2. 1990's – 14 out of 80 (18%)
3. 1970's – 10 out of 80 (13%)

Most Watched By Rating:
1. Unrated (Pre & Post MPAA) - 24 out of 80 (30%)
1. R - 24 out of 80 (30%)
3. PG - 12 out of 80 (15%)

Most Watched By Format
1.) DVD – 41 out of 80 (51%)
2.) Blu-Ray – 18 out of 80 (23%)
3.) Internet - 7 out of 80 (9%)
3.) VHS - 7 out of 80 (9%)

Highest Rated Viewings:
(4.5 out of 5 or better)
Commentary For Big Trouble In Little China (4.5)
Akira (4.5)
Mysterious Island (4.5)
2010: The Year We Made Contact(4.5)
The Last Man On Earth (4.5)
Coma (4.5)
House (4.5)
Commentary For Dark City (4.5)
Dr. Alien (4.5)
Arcade (4.5)
2001: A Space Odyssey (4.5)
Inception (5)
The Thing (5)

Wife's Highest Rated Of The Challenge:
(4 out of 5 or better)
I Am Legend (4.5)
Dr. Alien (4)
The Crazies (4)
Dark City (4)
Outbreak (4)
The Rocketeer (4.5)
The Cat From Outer Space (5)

My Lowest Rated Titles Of The Challenge:
(2 out of 5 or lower (1 being the lowest possible score))
Ray Bradbury Theater (4 Random Episodes) (2)
Battleship (2)
The Shape Of Things To Come (2)

My Wife's Lowest Rated Titles Of The Challenge:
(2.5 out of 5 or lower (1 being the lowest possible score))
The Shape Of Things To Come (2)


Last edited by SterlingBen; 08-06-12 at 09:18 PM.
Old 06-25-12, 09:27 PM
  #42  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

DVD BD Netflix TV *=first time viewing


July 1st
1. Arachnoquake (2012)*
2. Piranhaconda (2011)*
3. Doctor Who: Rose/The End of the World*

July 2nd
4. Doctor Who: The Unquiet Dead/Aliens of London*
5. Doctor Who: World War Three/Dalek*
6. Doctor Who: The Long Game/Father's Day*

July 3rd
7. Doctor Who: The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances*
8. Doctor Who: Boom Town/Bad Wolf*
9. Doctor Who: The Parting of the Ways/The Christmas Invasion*

July 4th
10. Independence Day (1996)
11. Message from Space (1978)*
12. MST3K: Gamera (1965)

July 5th
13. Doctor Who: New Earth/Tooth and Claw*
14. Doctor Who: School Reunion/The Girl in the Fireplace*
15. MST3K: Gamera vs. Barugon (1966)

July 6th
16. MST3K: Gamera vs. Gaos (1967)
17. MST3K: Gamera vs. Guiron (1969)
18. MST3K: Gamera vs. Zigra (1971)
19. Doctor Who: Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel
*

July 7th
20. Doctor Who: The Idiot's Lantern/The Impossible Planet
*
21. Doctor Who: The Satan Pit/Love and Monsters*
22. Doctor Who: For Her/Army of Ghosts*
23. Doctor Who: Doomsday/The Runaway Bride*
24. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

July 8th
25. Hellboy (2004)
26. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
27. The Space Children* (1958)
28. La Belle et la Bette (1941)
29. Doctor Who: Smith and Jones/The Shakesperean Code
*

July 9th
30. Doctor Who: Gridlock/Daleks in Manhattan*
31. Doctor Who: Evolution of the Daleks/The Lazarus Experiment*

July 10th
32. Doctor Who: 42/Human Nature*
33. Doctor Who: The Family of Blood/Blink*
34. Doctor Who: Utopia/The Sound of Drums*

July 11th
35. Doctor Who: Last of the Time Lords/Voyage of the Damned*
36. Doctor Who: Partners in Crime/The Fires of Pompeii
*
37. Doctor Who: Planet of the Ood/The Santarian Strategem
*

July 12th
38. Firefly: Serenity-Parts 1 & 2/The Train Job
39. Firefly: Bushwhacked/Shindig
40. Firefly: Safe/Our Miss Reynolds

July 13th
41. Firefly: Jaynestown/Out of Gas
42. Firefly: Ariel/War Stories

July 14th
43. Firefly: Trash/The Message
44. Firefly: Heart of Gold/Objects in Space
45. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)*
46. Doctor Who: The Poison Sky/The Doctor's Daughter*

July 15th
47. Barbarella (1968)*
48. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
49. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)*

July 16th
50. Doctor Who: The Unicorn and the Wasp/Silence in the Library*
51. Doctor Who: Forest of the Dead/Midnight*
52. Doctor Who: Turn Left/The Stolen Earth*

July 17th
53. Doctor Who: Journey's End/The Next Doctor*
54. Doctor Who: The Eleventh Hour/The Beast Below*

55. Doctor Who: Victory of the Daleks/The Time of Angels*


July 18th
56. Doctor Who: Flesh and Stone/The Vampires of Venice*

57. Doctor Who: Amy's Choice/The Hungry Earth*
58. Doctor Who: Cold Blood/Vincent and the Doctor*

59. Doctor Who: The Lodger/The Pandorica Opens*
60. Doctor Who: The Big Bang/The Impossible Astronaut*


July 19th
61. Doctor Who: Day of the Moon/The Curse of the Black Spot*
62. Doctor Who: The Doctor's Wife/The Rebel Flesh*
63. Doctor Who: The Almost People/A Good Man Goes to War*
64. Doctor Who: Let's Kill Hitler/Night Terrors*

July 20th
65. Doctor Who: The Girl Who Waited/The God Complex*

66. Doctor Who: Closing Time/The Wedding of River Song*

66.5. Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe*


July 21st
67.5 Dark City (1998)
68.5 Moon (2009)
69.5 District 9 (2009)
70.5 Dune (1984)

July 22nd
71.5 Brazil: The Final Cut (1985)
72.5 The Matrix (1999)
73.5 Close Encounters of the First Kind (1977)*

July 23rd
74.5 Children of Men (2006)

July 24th
75.5 The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)

July 25th
76.5 The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
77.5 Equilibrium (2002)

July 26th
78.5 Mad Max (1979)
79.5 Alphaville (1965)

July 27th
80.5 Zone Troopers* (1985)

July 28th
81.5 Battle Royale (2000)
82.5 Battle Royale II: Requiem* (2003)

July 29th
83.5 LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Ext.
84.5 LOTR: The Two Towers (2002) Ext.

July 30th
85.5 LOTR: The Return of the King (2003) Ext.

July 31st
86.5 Akira (1988)

Last edited by Cronenbergfan71; 08-04-12 at 05:23 PM.
Old 06-26-12, 02:52 PM
  #43  
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Darth Maher's 2012 Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List


☼ = First Time Viewing

July 1, 2012
1. Green Lantern☼ [2011, ThrillerMAX-HD]

July 8, 2012
2. RoboCop 2 [1990, HDNet Movies]

July 9, 2012
3. RoboCop 3☼ [1993, HDNet Movies]

July 13, 2012
4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show [1975, The Wilmette Theatre]

July 14, 2012
5. C.H.U.D.☼ [1984, DVD]

July 18, 2012
6. Batman Begins [2005, Blu-ray Disc]

July 20, 2012
7. The Dark Knight [2008, Blu-ray Disc]

July 23, 2012
8. The Dark Knight Rises☼ [2012, AMC Barrington 30]

July 25, 2012
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze [1991, Direct TV-HD]



Last edited by Darth Maher; 07-29-12 at 02:03 PM.
Old 06-26-12, 03:34 PM
  #44  
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
 
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

1 - Ancient Aliens
2-5 - The 4400 - season 1
6 - Salvage 1 pilot film
7 - MIB
8 - MIB 2
9 - Planet of the Vampires (1965)
10 - MIB 3
11 - Ice Age 4
12 - Prometheus
13 - The Lakehouse
14 - Super 8
15 - The Fourth Kind

Last edited by Trevor; 08-31-12 at 07:42 AM. Reason: Late numbering, sorry
Old 06-27-12, 09:45 PM
  #45  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge
blue=BluRay
* First time viewing

June 30th:

1. Dune (1984) *
2. Star Wars IV: A New Hope(1977)
3. The Outer Limits (1963) 1.02 / The Hundred Days of the Dragon/1.03 The Architects of Fear *

July 1st:

4. Independence Day w/Rifftrax (1996)
5. Star Trek Deep Space Nine 4.26 "Broken Links"/ 5.01 "Apocalypse Rising"*

July 2nd:

6. Earth Final Conflict 1.01 "Decisions" / 1.02 "Truth" *

July 4th:

7. Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)*

July 5th:

8. Earth Final Conflict 1.03. "Miracle"/1.04 "Avatar"*
9. Outland(1981)*

July 6th:

10. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

July 7th:

11. Marooned (1969)*

July 8th:

12. Children of Men (2006)*

July 9th:

13. The Quiet Earth (1985)*

July 10th:

14. Primer (2004)*
15. The Blob (1988)*

July 11th:

16. When Worlds Collide (1951)*
17. Battle Beyond the Stars (1980)*

July 13th:

18. The Book of Eli (2010)*

July 14th:

19. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)*
20. Capricorn One (1977)*

July 15th:

21. Fire in the Sky (1993)

July 16:

22. Starman (1984)*
23. Earth Final Conflict 1.05 "Old Flame"/ 1.06 "Float Like a Butterfly"*

July 17th:

24. Westworld (1973)*

July 18th:

25. Earth Final Conflict 1.07 "Resurrection"/ 1.08 "Horizon Zero"*
26. Predator (1987)

July 19th:

27. Planet of the Apes (1968)*
28. The Philadelphia Experiment (1984)*

July 20th:

29. Them! (1954)*
30. Tremors (1990)

July 21st:

31. Dreamscape (1984)*
32. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)*

Last edited by Qrusher14242; 07-22-12 at 03:32 AM.
Old 06-27-12, 10:56 PM
  #46  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

Total:8
Pace:49.6
New(Not counting TV):5/7(71%)
Denotes New

July
1st
1. Pitch Black(2000,Twohy) 6.5/10
2nd
2. You only Live Twice(1967,Gilbert)6.5/10
3. The Crow(1994,Proyas)7.5/10
3rd
4. The Invisible Invaders(1959,Cahn)4.5/10
4th
5. Planet of the Apes(1968,Schaffner)7/10
6. Phantoms(1998,Chapelle)6/10
5th
7. True Blood "We'll meet again" Twilight Zone " Eye of the Beholder"&"Terror at 20,000 ft"
8. The Amazing Spider-Man(2012,Webb)6.5/10
6th
9. Alphas "Pilot"
10. Iron Man 2(2010,Favreau)7/10
11. Bride of Frankenstein
7th
12. Megamind(2010,McGrath)7/10
8th
13. Sector 7(2011,Kim)4.5/10
14. Meatball Machine(2005,Yamaguchi)5/10
10th
15. How to train your Dragon(2010,DeBlois)8/10
11th
16. Spirited Away(2001,Miyazaki)8.5/10
12th
17. True Blood "Lets Boot and Rally/Hopeless"
13th
18. Friday the 13th VII(1988,Buechler)5/10
19. Sherlock Jr. (1924,Keaton) 8.5/10
14th
20. Not of this Earth(1988,Wynorski)4.5/10
16th
21. Fairyland: A Kingdom of Fairies(1903,Méliès)6/10
22. Piranha 3DD(Galager,2012)4/10
17th
23. Dr. Who "The Sound of the Drums/Last of the Time Lords"
18th
24. Dr. Who "Voyage of the Damned"
19th
25. Dr. Who "Partners in Crime/The Fires of Pompei
20th
26. Dr. Who "Planet of the Ood/The Sontaran Stratagem
21st
27. Dr. Who"The Poison Sky/Doctors' Daughter"
22nd
28. Persona(1966,Bergman) 6.5/10
27th
29. Sinbad "Episode1/2"
28th
30. Back to the Future Pt. 2
31st
31. True Blood "In the Beginning/Sombody that I used to know"


Extra: Twilight Zone"Monsters of Maple Street"

Spoiler:
Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
-x- 1900 Fairyland: A Kingdom of Fairies
--- 1910(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1920 -Sherlock Jr.
--- 1930 -
--- 1940 -
-x- 1950 - The Invisible Invaders
-X- 1960 - Planet of the Apes
--- 1970 -
-x- 1980 - Galaxy of Terror
-x- 1990 - The Crow
-x- 2000 - Pitch Black
-x- 2010 - The Amazing Spiderman

Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
-x- First language - Sector 7(Korean)
-x- Second language - Meatball Machine(Japanese)

--- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film -
--- Watch a film and its remake -
--- Watch a film based on a video game -
-x- Watch a film based on a novel - Planet of the Apes
-x- Watch a film which won an Academy Award - Planet of the Apes(Honorary)
-x- Watch a silent film - Sherlock Jr.
--- Watch a Criterion version film -
--- Watch a film with commentary -
--- Watch a film and at least two sequels -
--- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth -
-x- Watch a film that takes place in space - Pitch Black
-x- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea - Sector 7
-x- Watch an animated film - Spirited Away
--- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen -
--- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone -
--- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury -
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam -*
-x- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman -Not of this Earth

Watch a film for each rating:
-x- G - Planet of the Apes
--- PG -
-x- PG-13 - The Amazing Spiderman
-x- R - The Crow
--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
-x- Unrated - Invisible Invaders

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-x- Alien invasion - Invisible Invaders
-x- Horror -
--- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt -
--- Post-Apocalyptic -
--- Alternate History -
--- Robot/Android -
--- Immortality -
--- Space Opera/Serial -
--- Mutants (non-critter) -
-x- Comic Book - The Amazing Spiderman
--- Mad Scientist -
--- Comedy -
--- Time travel -
--- Giant Critters -
--- Prehistoric -
--- Paranormal -
--- Kaiju -
--- Tech Noir -

--- Arthurian Fantasy -
--- Based on fairy tale -
--- Urban Fantasy -
--- High Fantasy -
--- Sword and Sorcery -
--- Dark Fantasy -
--- Martial Arts Fantasy -

Watch a film starring:
--- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson -
--- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland -
--- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow -
--- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot -
--- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller -
--- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton -
--- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell -

Last edited by Darkgod; 08-01-12 at 07:32 AM.
Old 06-28-12, 06:58 PM
  #47  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

5th ANNUAL SCI-FI/FANTASY CHALLENGE
(and in my case, with a strong emphasis on 1970's made for TV movies)
Title in black bold = DVD/Blu Ray from my personal collection
Title in green bold = seen online
Title in purple bold = seen on regular TV broadcast
Title in blue bold = seen in movie theater during it's current run
* = first time viewing

July 1
1. Ark II
(1976) The flies / The rule / The tank / The slaves
2. Ark II (1976) The ballon / The mind group / The lottery / The drought
3. Ark II (1976) Wild Boy / The robot (Robbie the Robot makes a guest appearance in the episode, though here he's called "Alphie") / Omega (a very young Helen Hunt guest stars) / Robin Hood

July 2
4. Genesis II
(1973) Gene Roddenberry written made for TV movie and proposed pilot for a TV series. A man in suspended animation wakes up in a post-apocalyptic world where a race of mutants hold humans as slaves.
5. Planet Earth (1974) Sequel to Genesis II where we see the continuing adventures of Dylan Hunt (this time played by genre fave John Saxon), the man out of time, in a new world. In this "episode" Dylan and his team are captured by a society of women where men are drugged servants.
6. Strange New World* (1975) Yet another Gene Roddenberry made for TV movie meant as a pilot for a series. And again set in a post-apocalyptic future where (just like in Genesis II) scientists wake up after a prolonged sleep to find a world much changed. And yes, John Saxon stars as the hero. Not as good as Genesis II or Planet Earth in my opinion, but still worth a watch if you're into 70's SF, like me.
7. Where Have All the People Gone?* (1974) A solar flare kills most of the population of Earth in this made for TV movie starring Peter Graves and Kathleen Quinlan.
8. Ark II (1976) The cryogenic man / Don Quixote / Orkus / Launch of the Ark II (bonus feature)

July 3
9. The Clone Master
(1978) Made for TV movie about a scientist who clones himself. Rather slow moving in the first half but picks up pace once the clones are "born". The ending makes it seem like it may have been a pilot for a TV series.
10. Silent Running (1972) Groundbreaking SF film from the 70's that still holds up very well today. This is true Science Fiction, about ideas more than special effects. Very powerful stuff.

July 4
11. City Beneath the Sea
* (1969 TV pilot version) I understand that there is a second version of this film made in 1971. This is the 1969 version where a meteor threatens to destroy an underwater city.
12. The Last Child* (1971) In a near-future dystopian society, the government has strict rules about population control - one child per couple, no exceptions. After a couple loses their first child the woman becomes pregnant again, but the government says she has had her chance and must get rid of the baby. They refuse and becomes outlaws and make a run for Canada, where the laws are different. Pretty damn good made for TV movie that uses strong performances and a good story to overcome its small budget.
13. The Outer Limits* (1995-96) S1, The voice of reason / S2, The deprogrammers
14. The Champions* (1968) The beginning / The invisible man

July 5
15. The Questor Tapes
* (1974) And still another Gene Roddenberry made for TV movie intended as a pilot for a TV series (I've wathced 4 so far inn this challenge). This one about an android called Questor who is looking for his programmer to find out what his purpose is. Very talky and sometimes slow moving with a lot of fish-out-of-water scenes where Questor interacts with the puzzling ways of humans. An interesting premise, though, and one that might have made a good TV series.
16. The People* (1972) Made for TV movie about a schoolteacher who goes to teach at a secluded community and slowly finds out that the inhabitants are really castaway aliens with powers such as telepathy and levitation. William Shatner stars in a supporting role.
17. The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan* (1979) Fantasy romance about a woman (Lindsay Wagner looking gorgeous) who finds an aold dress in an attic that permits her to travel to the past where she has an affair with a painter. Yes, this also is a made for TV movie.
18. The Champions* (1968) Reply box No. 666 / The experiment

July 6
19. Bionic Ever After?
* (1994) I believe this is the last of the "Bionic reunion" made for TV movies where Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers reunite once again for an assignment. In this movie they are finally going to get married.
20. Race to Mars* (2007) TV miniseries - part 1 Discovery Channel mini series about man's first manned trip to Mars. The "Race" in the title refers to the fact that the Chinese have launched their own unmanned mission to the Red Planet. I found this to be a very good series that in spite of its 3 hour length and rather leisurely pace, is never boring. It presented the story in a very straightforward and almost documentary like manner that gave the movie a sense of realism. Also there were none of the usual SF clichés like a crew member that becomes an antagonist or characters behaving like absolute idiots (I'm talking about you, Prometheus). The problems that confront the crew are those associated with such a dangerous endeavor as a long range trip into space, equipment failure, stress and other unknown factors. Highly recommended.
20. Race to Mars* (2007) TV miniseries - part 2
21. The Champions* (1968) Happening / Operation Deep Freeze

July 7
22. The Champions
* (1968) The survivors / To trap a rat

July 8
23. The Amazing Spider-Man
* (2012) Pretty damn good reboot of the Spider-Man character which presents a younger cast. A LONG time is spent on Spider-Man's origin story but we still get plenty of web-swinging. Pet peeve: Why do ALL screen superheroes feel the need to remove their mask at every opportunity?
24. Gattaca (1997) Absolute classic film that has not aged a day since its release and in fact gets better with repeated viewings. Ethan Hawke is an "in-valid", a man whose genetic makeup is seen by society to be inferior, who cheats the system with the aid of another man's DNA (Jude Law) and finds work at Gattaca, to fulfill his dream of space exploration. Powerful stuff with lots of ideas explored.

July 9
25. The Stepford Wives
(1975) Still holds up after all these years. Forget the abysmal remake and see this one again.
26. The Champions* (1968) The iron man / The ghost plane
27. Game of Thrones* (2012) S2, The ghost of Harrenhall / The old gods and the new

July 10
28. The Champions
* (1968) The dark island / The fanatics

July 11
29. The Lathe of Heaven
* (1980) Made for TV movie that puts today's mega-million blockbusters to shame and proves what you can do with a good script and real talent. Based on the novel by Ursula K. Leguin, who served as advisor on the film, the story concerns a man whose dreams are able to shape reality. When he goes to a doctor to cure him of these dreams the doctor instead uses him for his own purposes, playing God and reshaping the world to his vision. Unfortunately the reality shaped by the dreams goes horribly wrong and attempts to fix things only makes it worse. Powerful stuff. It's on Youtube so see it while you can and before they take it down.
30. Supervan* (1977) Bottom of the barrel flick about 70's custom van culture. Why is it on this list? Because the titular Supervan is a solar powered, laser-shooting, futuristic van. Even if you have a high tolerance for bad movies like me, this one is pretty damn awful.

July 12
31. The Champions
* (1968) 12 hours / The search

July 13
32. The Champions
* (1969) The gilded cage / Shadow of the panther

July 14-15 - Nothing

July 16
33. Game of Thrones
* (2012) S2, A man without honor / The Prince of Winterfell

July 17
34. Night Slaves
* (1970) A group of townsfolk disappear each night under some sort of mind control only to return the following morning with no recollection of the events. One man (James Franciscus) is unaffected and tries to solve the mystery.
35. Idaho Transfer* (1970) I consider myself an expert on 70's SF, but I must admit that I had never even heard of this low-key time travel gem. A group of young people fearing some sort of eco-disaster in their own time escape to the future. The process of time travel is called "transfering", thus the title. I can't really say any more lest I spoil it for any other viewers but suffice to say that even though it has a very leisurely pace, it's never boring. The ending is quite a shocker!

July 18
36. The Incredible Hulk
, S3 (1979) Metamorphosis / Blind rage

July 19
37. The Incredible Hulk
, S3 (1979) Brain child / The slam

July 20
38. Game of Thrones
* (2012) S2, Blackwater / Valar Marghulis

July 21 - Goin' Ape Weekend!
39. King Kong
(2005) Incredibly bloated with characters and situations but incredibly enough, it keeps your interest even through the more than 3 hours of the extended version on DVD. Magnificent effects and very good acting all around with a special mention to Naomi Watts who just shines in every frame.

July 22
40. King Kong
(1933) Watching this again reminds me of what a true classic this is. Nothing more need be said.
41. Mighty Joe Young (1949) The creators of King Kong try to make lightning strike twice but this time with a much smaller and sympathetic ape who is friends with an attractive young woman. As in Kong, the ape is brought to America to be in a show but things go awry and he wreaks havoc. Much lighter in tone than Kong but very enjoyable. The stop motion effects are much better than in Kong, that's for sure, thanks to to the aid of the legendary Ray Harryhausen.

July 23 - Olivia Newton-John double feature!
42. Toomorrow
* (1970) Ten years before Xanadu Olivia Newton John starred in this little known sci-fi comedy about a musical group named Toomorrow (yes, with two "O"s) whose keyboard sounds are picked up by aliens. Goofy fun.
43. Xanadu (1980) Yes, I love this movie and I'm not apologizing. Olivia Newton John looking better than ever stars as a muse who helps a lowly painter realize his dreams. Fantastic songs by ONJ and Electric Light Orchestra.

July 24
44. Dune
(1984) Most people call this movie "flawed" or "a mess" but I just don't get it. Sure, the story is complex, but the elements to understand it are all there. Having said that I still believe this is one of the most inventive SF films of all time. The visuals are still stunning and the characters utterly fascinating. Having read the classic novel I can say that for the most part it's very faithful to the original story. I was lucky enough to have seen it in its original theatrical run back in the 80's and it blew me away then and it still does. I now own the film in regular DVD, extended cut special edition DVD and Blu Ray.

July 25
45. Creator
(1985) WILDCARD 1 The SF element here is very slight, thus the WILDCARD even though IMDB does have it listed as SF. A scientist (Peter O'Toole) tries to use cloning to bring his dead wife back to life. The movie, however is more of a romance since the main part of the film involves the relationship between O'Toole's young assistant (Vincent Spano) and a young woman (a very young Virginia Madsen).
46. Frank Herbert's Dune (2000) TV Mini Series part 1 Having read the novel, I can fairly say that this mini series really sticks closely to the story and has the adequate length to include all the plots within plots that the book is famous for as well as its philosophical undertones. The special effects may be a bit sketchy in parts but don't let that deter you from this fine film.

July 26
47. Frank Herbert's Dune
(2000) TV Mini Series part 2

July 27
48. The Dark Knight Rises
* (2012) Just brilliant!
49. Frank Herbert's Dune (2000) TV Mini Series part 3

July 28
50. Children of Dune
(2003) TV Mini series part 1 This mini series uses both Dune Messiah and Children of Dune for its story and I have to give it credit for not flinching on the many plot lines, characters and philosophical threads of the books. You really have to pay attention to get it all but it's worth the effort. There are some cast changes from the first Dune mini series (Lady Jessica, Duncan Idaho) as well as redesigned sandworms but it's all for the better. Epic stuff.

July 29
51. Children of Dune
(2003) TV Mini series part 2
52. The Incredible Hulk, S3 (1979) My favorite magician / Jake

July 30
53. Children of Dune
(2003) TV Mini series part 3

July 31
54. Phase IV
(1974) Another fine example of intelligent pre-Star Wars SF. A colony of ants acquires a collective mind and start expanding. A team of two scientists examine the phenomenon but soon find themselves pitting their wits against the ants who have them under siege in their geodesic dome.
55. The Andromeda Strain (1971) This is really one tense film and very well directed by Robert Wise. A group of scientists in an underground lab try to counteract an alien organism that kills instantly. Based on the novel by Michael Crichton.
56. Electric Dreams (1984) Cheesy 80's romantic comedy which gets a little dark towards the end. The story is about a home computer that acquires artificial intelligence after having champagne spilled on it - I kid you not. Saving grace is the lovely Virginia Madsen whom I'll watch in anything.
57. Planet of the Apes (1968) I decided to end the challenge with an undisputed classic (which I've seen several times, of course). Still holds up today. I saw this with commentary by Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter and makeup artist John Chambers but it's the worst commentary track I've ever heard - they probably speak for all of 15 minutes and the rest of the time they're silent with only the film's original audio playing!

That's it - 57 entries, not bad and I believe I surpassed myself from last year's SF/Fantasy challenge.
Here's my breakdown:
Seen from my own collection: 27 entries.
Seen online: 25 entries! All on YouTube.
Seen in the movie theater: 2
Seen on regular TV broadcast: 3

I'd also like to point out that my most watched decade was the 70's with 23 entries of which 10 were made for TV movies for which I have a soft spot.

Spoiler:
Watch one film from every decade, starting with the 1900s.
--- 1900(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1910(No time limit but must be at least complete short film) -
--- 1920 -
-X- 1930 - King Kong
-X- 1940 - Mighty Joe Young

--- 1950 -
-X- 1960 - The Champions (6 episodes)
-X- 1970 - Genesis II
-X- 1980 - The Lathe of Heaven
-X- 1990 - Bionic Ever After?
-X- 2000 - Race to Mars
-X- 2010 - The Amazing Spider-Man


Watch films in at least two languages other than English.
--- First language -
--- Second language -

--- Watch the MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic version of a sci-fi/fantasy film -
-X- Watch a film and its remake - Dune (1984) / Frank Hebert's Dune (2000)
--- Watch a film based on a video game -
-X- Watch a film based on a novel - The People (based on the novels of Zenna Henderson)
--- Watch a film which won an Academy Award -- any category -
--- Watch a silent film -
--- Watch a Criterion version film -
-X- Watch a film with commentary - Planet of the Apes
--- Watch a film and at least two sequels -
--- Watch a film that takes place underneath the Earth -
-X- Watch a film that takes place in space - Silent Running
-X- Watch a film that takes place on or under the sea - City Beneath the Sea

--- Watch an animated film -
-X- Watch a film with special effects by Ray Harryhausen - Mighty Joe Young
--- Watch a film that takes place in the "future" but the year has already come and gone -
--- Written by/starring/inspired by/or related in some way to the late Ray Bradbury -
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Ed Wood/Steven Spielberg/Terry Gilliam -*
--- Watch a film directed/produced/written by Roger Corman/Edgar G. Ulmer/Charles Band -

Watch a film for each rating:
--- G -
-X- PG - The Stepford Wives
-X- PG-13 - Gattaca
-X- R - Creator

--- X/NC-17(Optional) -
--- Unrated -

Watch a film in each of the following subgenres:
-X- Alien invasion - The Outer Limits (2 episodes dealing with alien invasion)
--- Horror
-X- Cyborg/Cybernetic revolt - Electric Dreams
-X- Post-Apocalyptic - Ark II (15 episodes)

--- Alternate History -
-X- Robot/Android - The Questor Tapes
-X- Immortality - Strange New World

--- Space Opera/Serial -
--- Mutants (non-critter) -
--- Comic Book -
--- Mad Scientist -
-X- Comedy - Supervan
-X- Time travel - The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan
-X- Giant Critters - King Kong (besides Kong himself both the 1933 and 2005 versions feature giant creatures)

--- Prehistoric -
--- Paranormal -
--- Kaiju -
--- Tech Noir -

--- Arthurian Fantasy -
--- Based on fairy tale -
--- Urban Fantasy -
-X- High Fantasy - Game of Thrones (2 episodes)
--- Sword and Sorcery -
--- Dark Fantasy -
--- Martial Arts Fantasy -

Watch a film starring:
--- Lionel Atwill/Mara Corday/Marshall Thompson -
--- Faith Domergue/Bruce Campbell/Donald Sutherland -
--- Jeff Goldblum/Sigorney Weaver/Stephen Chow -
--- Joey Wang/Maggie Cheung/Gloria Talbot -
--- James Coburn/Ross Martin/Dick Miller -
--- Michelle Rodriguez/David Warner/Tilda Swinton -
--- Natalie Portman/Peter Cushing/Bruce Willis/Kurt Russell -

Last edited by pagefrance; 08-01-12 at 12:35 PM. Reason: List update
Old 06-28-12, 08:10 PM
  #48  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread



5th ANNUAL SCI-FI/FANTASY CHALLENGE[

01. Safety Not Guaranteed 7-1 *
02. Chronicle BD 7-7
03. Rise of the Planet of the Apes 7-8
04. Ted 7-8 *
05. Were the World Mine 7-9 *
06. The Adventures of Spider-Man (IMAX) 7-10 *
07. Enter the Void BD 7-11 *
08. Altered States BD 7-11
09. Brainstorm BD 7-11 *
10. Orpheus (1950) BD / 7-12 *
11. Beasts of the Southern Wild 7-12 *
12. Arabian Nights (1974) BD 7-13
13. Wings of Desire [with commentary track *] BD 7-14
14. Godzilla (1954) (Japanese cut) [with commentary track *] BD 7-15
15a. Chasing UFO's [episode: UFO Crash Landing?] 7-16 *
15b. Futurama [episodes: The Bots and the Bees; A Farewell to Arms] 7-16 *
16. Darby O'Gill and the Little People 7-16 *
17. Outland BD 7-16 *
18. Atlantis: The Lost Empire 7-17
19. Journey to the Center of the Earth BD 7-18 *
20. The Island at the Top of the World 7-19 *
21. Terminator: Salvation [117min version *] BD 7-19
22. How to Train Your Dragon: Live Spectacular 7-20 WILD CARD #1
23. World on a Wire [Part 1] BD 7-21 *
24. Meatball Machine 7-22 *
25. Zazie dans Le Metro BD 7-23 *
26. Black Moon BD 7-23 *
27a. Chasing UFO's [episode: Abducted in Arizona] 7-24 *
27b. Warehouse 13 [episode: A New Hope] 7-24 *
28. The Dark Knight Rises (IMAX) 7-24 *
29. Zardoz 7-25 *
30. Ruby Sparks 7-25 *
31. Gremlins 2: The New Batch BD 7-25
32. Ricky 7-26 *
33. Wait 'Til You're Older 7-26 *
34. Heaven's A Drag 7-26 *
35. Wrath of the Titans [in 'Maximum Movie Mode' *] BD 7-26
36. The Faculty BD 7-26
37. Super 8 [with commentary *] BD 7-27
38. The Watch 7-27 *
39. Crack of the World 7-28 *
40. Master of the World 7-28 *
41. Carnosaur 7-28 *
42. Warrior of the Lost World [Mystery Science Theater 3000] 7-28 *
43. Star Warp'd: The Fandom Menace 7-29 * Wild Card #2
44. Island of Lost Souls BD 7-29 *
45. Godzilla: King of the Monsters! [with commentary *] BD 7-30
46. Mars 7-30 *
47. Gamer 7-30 *
48. The Sleeping Beauty (La belle endormie) / 2010 7-30 *
49. World on a Wire Part II BD 7-31 *
50a. Warehouse 13 [episode: An Evil Within] 7-31 *
50b. Ancient Aliens [episode: Unexplained Structures] 7-31 *
51. Tideland 7-31 *
52. Blood of a Poet 7-31 *
53. Testament of Orpheus 7-31 *
54. John Carter of Mars [with commentary *] BD 7-31
55. Total Recall BD (2012 remaster) 7-31
56. Dr. Chicken from Mars 7-31 * WILD CARD #3



* = first time viewing/listen

Last edited by Giles; 08-06-12 at 09:18 PM.
Old 06-29-12, 01:52 AM
  #49  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread

* First Time Viewing

July 2
1. Beetlejuice (1988)

July 14
2. Donnie Darko (2001)

July 15
3. Super 8 (2011) *

July 24
4. The Seventh Seal (1957) *

July 25
5. Gojira (1954) *

July 27
6. Solaris (1972) *

July 28
7. World on a Wire (1973) *

July 29
8. Watchmen (2009)

July 30
9. Blade Runner (1982)

July 31
10. Avatar (2009)

Last edited by Bladz; 08-01-12 at 03:33 PM.
Old 06-29-12, 10:04 PM
  #50  
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Re: 5th Annual Summer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge List Thread


LickTheABC's Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge! ('12 Edition)

1. 6/30 - John Carter (2012)
*** - Much better than I thought it had any right to be. Horrible ad campaign though.
2. 6/30 - Chronicle (2012)
** - While not terrible, I didn't think it was very good either. Very Akira-inspired, which was cool, but the "found footage" genre needs to die.
3. 6/30 - The Darkest Hour (2012)
* - Just dreadful. The less said, the better.
4. 7/1 - Immortals (2012)
** - Visually beautiful, narratively ugly.
5. 7/4 - Monsters vs. Aliens

Last edited by LickTheABCs; 07-04-12 at 12:31 AM.

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