Regular reader and friend Whitsbrain submits the last list before results are posted!
Whitsbrain writes:
"10. "Terror of Mechagodzilla" - Godzilla movies really aren't very good, but they are often spectacular and that's why I love them. This one features not only Big G and Mechagodzilla but also a dinosaur called Titanosaurus, aliens, and something called the "The Black Hole Third Planet". There's even a shocking twist! What else do you need, really?
9. "Phase IV" - An interesting movie full of striking imagery with truly amazing footage of ants in action. The futuristic desert laboratory is very '70s-cool and I really liked the mysterious way that the ants were altered. The mood and look of "Phase IV" reminds me of the great Robert Wise's 1971 thriller "The Andromeda Strain". The majority of the time it's kind of difficult to tell just what's going on with not only the ants but with the scientists as well. The ending is sort of satisfying...I guess. I can say that it's not a particularly happy one. It also doesn't exactly tie up all of its loose ends.
8. "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" - There are two versions of this film on the newest Blu-Ray release and of the two, I preferred the brutal "Unrated" cut. It brought a much darker tone. In fact, the TV version and the original cut end in such a manner that each sends the series off in an entirely different direction. Apes attack in what appear to be swarms, overwhelming the armed but outnumbered security forces. It's pretty amazing how the battles were coordinated, although they did occur in the dark of night, which had to help to cover up makeup and action sequence shortcomings.
7. "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" - Ah Spielberg...you fill me with wide-eyed wonder and dreams of cute, friendly aliens.
6. "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" - It seems the primary thing taken away from this movie is perceived parallels between this film's plot and McCarthy-era paranoia. I choose to view it as an alien invasion movie. Silly, unenlightened me. As the assimilation of humans by aliens grows, things get more desperate and frustrating. There's even moments of heartbreak as Bennel and Becky are separated. Even though the special effects are limited, they bring the perfect level of impact to the film. The ending is incredible.
5. "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" - This movie is quite a departure from the original TV series. Of course, the personalities we've come to enjoy are all here but the visuals are stunning, even "2001"-ish in their look. I was amazed at how long the director allowed us to tour the freshly redesigned Enterprise along with Kirk and Scotty. Your also allowed to marvel at the wonders of the alien spacecraft. Robert Wise really respects the viewer's capacity for an attention span. The way the crew was reassembled was thoughtful, too. There's even a surprising conclusion.
4. "Colossus: The Forbin Project" - A computer scientist and his staff develop a super computer that's assigned the task of the defense of the U.S. Once online, the computer gets a little help from a super computer developed by the U.S.S.R., and the problems begin. Things get interesting in a hurry as the computers decide that man is best not left to his own devices. This movie has a neat trick up its sleeve in that it doesn't really develop any of the characters before it launches into the story of the computer Colossus. Doctor Forbin is very smug and aloof in the beginning but as he struggles to regain control of the situation, he becomes more and more likable, even heroic. He and Dr. Cleo Markham become more than associates under the watchful eye of the peeping tom, Colossus. To add to the success of this movie, it comes complete with an awesome ending.
3. "The Andromeda Strain" - Terrific hard science fiction picture written by Michael Crichton and directed by Robert Wise. There is almost no action to be found but the urgency is relayed by the potential devastation close at hand. Some fine performances, great early '70s special effects and attractive sets make this a well spent two hours. The amazing and strange electronic score is by Gil Melle.
2. "Star Wars" - I'm still not crazy about categorizing this as Science Fiction, but I saw this six times during its original run as a young teen and I'm still a fan. I just wish the franchise hadn't reached the level of obsession it has in our culture.
1. "Alien" - The dark and cold atmosphere created by director Ridley Scott sets up a palpable sense of isolation and danger. One of the best scenes occurs when three of the crew members board a strange ship and find the fossilized remains of the craft's pilot, a giant, who is still frozen in time in his seat after being a host for the alien spawn. This scene alone demonstrates the wonders of great science fiction film making that is almost always forgotten or ignored in today's science fiction."
Whitsbrain: Brilliant list, and I loved reading your descriptions. I n particular, I admire how you compare Phase IV to The Andromeda Strain. You're right: there is a clinical aspect to both films which is cerebral, and compelling.
I am also with you on your preference for Conquest's original (unblinking...) ending!
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