Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--"Unknown World" (1951)

Be Advised: This review may contain **spoilers**

Starring: Victor Kilian as Dr. Morley, Bruce Kellogg as Wright Thompson, Otto Waldis as Dr. Max A. Bauer, Dick Cogan as Dr. George Coleman, Marilyn Nash as Dr. Joan Lindsey

I've read a lot of reviews of the 1951 Science Fiction classic "Unknown World," the majority of which were negative. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it.

And we do have to remember this a low-budget B-movie.

Directed by Terry O. Morse (Godzilla, King of the Monsters!--1956), "Unknown World" is the story of a group of scientists and a rich adventure seeker who, due to a fear of the extinction of humanity because of "The Bomb," set out on a journey down inside the Earth to find a safe haven.

The story immediately reminded me of "The Core" & "Journey To The Center Of The Earth." Even so, this movie can't be compared to those. That would be like comparing a moped to a Harley Davidson motorcycle. They are similar products, but from two different worlds with different purposes. Though the story isn't all that original, I thought it was fairly tight and flowed as it should've. There were a few minor holes, but, being low-budget, they aren't big enough or numerous enough to be outright bad.

The acting...well, lets just say I expected a lot worse. The actors (and actress) weren’t the top echelon of talent but did pretty well. These types of Science Fiction movies are notorious for overacting. If anything, there was more "underacting."

"Unknown World" did have some suspense and the musical score added to it. The right music at the right time actually had me on the edge of my seat a few times. Once I realized it, I thought, "This isn't supposed to happen when you watch a B-movie!"

The special effects were typical. Not great, not bad. What especially impressed me was the scene of the underground "world" they eventually find. It actually looked like an exotic alien planet that could wow even the most hard-to-impress Science Fiction fan (among whom I count myself).

As a low-budget film, "Unknown World" is a movie I would recommend for good, solid entertainment. Possibly in the top 5-10 of Science Fiction B-movies I've seen.

My rating: 4 out of 5 (B-Movie Scale)

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Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--Invaders From Mars (1953)

Be Advised: This review may contain **spoilers**

The title whips up all kinds of wild and fanciful images in the minds of Science Fiction fans. Unfortunately, after seeing the movie, the only thing that my imagination whips up is a feeling of joy that it’s over.

When I sit down to watch a classic Science Fiction movie I’ve never seen before, I have high hopes but a bit of trepidation as well. Many of the classics from the 1950’s (the “Golden Age” of Science Fiction) are superb…others, not so much. Sadly, I must include 1953’s Invaders From Mars as the latter. I know many Science Fiction fans saw this movie when they were kids. However, I didn’t. I suppose if I had, I would feel different. After all, the story is told from a child’s perspective.

Don’t get me wrong. I am truly a fan of classic Science Fiction movies. But I won’t hype a film just because it was made long enough ago to be considered a classic.

Invaders From Mars , directed by William Cameron Menzies, has many problems. To begin with the story felt incomplete, like they were in a hurry to make the movie even if the writers weren’t finished with it yet. Martians land, take over people, make them destroy things and try to murder others because…well, we’re never told why. I guess the Martians simply didn’t like the way Earth looked as they were traveling by and decided to wreck havoc on us. Oh, and, we never know for sure if the aliens are from Mars (unless you simply believe it because the title says so). When the Army gets involved, they believe the Martian invasion story way too easily…as if they were expecting it and waiting for it to happen.

The story is very slow in the beginning, taking too long to set the story up with to many different “abductions”. The middle, though not long time-wise, seemed to take forever as we’re deluged by continuous stock footage of tanks being readied...to take on the Martian threat. The last third of the movie does move quicker with some action scenes and a sense of urgency. But when we finally see the Martians, it’s very obvious that it’s just men in loose fitting, green costumes. If you look closely, you can see the zipper going down their backs.

I did like the Martian “Supreme Being” who is basically a green head and shoulders with tentacles flowing out from both sides. The shifty eyes were really sinister and engaging. The “Supreme Being” is the only thing about the Martians that seemed more than just quickly thrown together to get the movie going.

The acting was so-so as the supporting cast left a lot to be desired. The expressions looked truly forced, and in delivering the lines, they actually seemed to be trying too hard. There were performances by some that were good. They delivered their lines with believability and passion. The father (Leif Erickson), the mother (Hillary Brooke) and the psychologist (Helena Carter) all portrayed their characters very well. Of course, these were the stars.

The ending was particularly disappointing:

Just before the alien ship blows up, everybody runs for their life. Young David (Jimmy Hunt) has flashbacks as he runs and runs and runs and runs….

Finally, David is suddenly awakened from sleep during a storm and looks out of his bedroom window just in time to see a strange, glowing craft crash near his backyard (the exact same scene as in the beginning). He realizes it was just a dream.

Maybe in 1953 the fact that the whole thing turns out to be a dream was acceptable. But today, it makes me feel like I was cheated, like I was lured in with blown-up promises and then told it was all a lie.

Then again, maybe it wasn’t so acceptable. The ending was re-shot for the British version. In it, the whole thing was not a dream. Instead, the boy’s parents were going to be okay and it was all over. Why? Because they didn’t think the Europeans would accept it as a dream.

Overall, Invaders From Mars was decent entertainment but left a lot to be desired. Though there were some saving graces, they’re not enough for me to recommend it…unless you’re a fan of not-so-good Science Fiction movies from the 1950’s.

My rating: 2/5

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My Favorite Science Fiction Spaceships

Okay. I know all over the Internet you can find Science Fiction related blogs that have posts like, "The Best Science Fiction Ships," or "The Top Whatever Ships In Science Fiction." Don't worry though. This isn't going to be the same old regurgitated kind of post. Though it is vaguely similar (because it is a list of Science Fiction Ships), this is simply my personal favorite science Fiction movie Ships (no TV ships, except the ones that have been both on TV and in movies. I'll post those at a later date).

There are no specific reasons for the ships listed, i.e. they're the biggest...baddest...fastest...coolest...sexiest, etc. They are just some of the ones I personally like. Don't ask me why because I can't tell you. I just like them.

There is no particular order. No #1 or #10. The ships are listed as I think of them. So, please, don't complain because a particular ship is listed before or after another. And, though I do encourage and want
comments, please don't get offended if a ship you think I should list isn't listed. That would be your favorite list. This is mine.

Enough with the preliminaries. On to the meat of this post...


Discovery One--2001 A Space Odyssey

The Event-Horizon--Event Horizon

The Icarus--Planet of the Apes

Imperial Star Destroyer--Star Wars

Klaatu's Ship--The Day The 
Earth Stood Still(Original)

NESA Protector--Galaxy Quest

United Planets Cruiser C57D--Forbidden Planet

The Nebuchadnezzar--The Matrix

Satellite Love MST 3000

Mellineum Falcon--Star Wars

Leonov--2010 A Space Odyssey

Nostromo--Alien

Scimitar--Star Trek Nemesis(Shinzon's Ship)

 

Serenity--Serenity

War of The Worlds Alien Ship (Original)

Valley Forge--Silent Running

Enterprise-E--Star Trek Nemesis,First Contact, & Insurrection)

So...these are my favorite Science Fiction movie ships. As you can see, they're from all across the board. Ships from the 1950's, to more recent ships. Like I said, this just my list of favorites. I would love to hear about yours...especially if it differs from mine.

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Science Fiction? What's The Point?

I have friends that enjoy Science Fiction. They're not as big a fan as I am, but we are able to have sane, thought-provoking conversations. We also enjoy occasional time together to watch a SF movie or TV show.

Then there are the others.

I recently had a short, quick conversation with a non-SF fan friend of mine. Here's how it went:

Me: "Why don't you like Science Fiction"
Friend: "Science Fiction?"
Me: "Yeah. What do you have against it?"
Friend: "I don't have anything against it. Don't we have enough science? Why do we need Science Fiction. Honestly, what's the point?"

With that response, I was completely caught off-guard. So the conversation abruptly ended and the topic changed.

Later, I got to thinking about my friend's question. Just what is the point of Science Fiction? To be honest, I'm not completely sure how to answer that. Without a doubt, Science Fiction is great entertainment (well...most of the time). But there has to be more to it, right? Well, let me say one thing that I am adamant about: without Science Fiction, our world would be a much, much different place.

Why?

Consider how many scientists, from physicists to geneticists to astronomers, have been (and will be) influenced by the many different SF creations we've had in the past. Just visit some of the great institutions known for scientific advancement, like MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and ask around. They'll tell you. These people have said if not for not for watching or reading Science Fiction when they were younger, they wouldn't be asking the questions they are now...which, in turn, leads to new discoveries, new technologies, and even new branches of science.

Science Fiction is surely an entertainment medium, and there's nothing wrong with that. But the most important aspect of it is that it showcases possibilities for a better future which inspires people to strive to create that future.

As they say, "Today's Science Fiction is tomorrow's science fact."

So, to answer my friend's question, at least partly, no we don't have enough science. And that is the point of Science Fiction.

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A Personal Thank You

 I recently wrote about fellow Science Fiction enthusiast Steve Davidson's great website, The Classic Science Fiction Channel. After some email communication, Steve invited me to become part of the Editorial staff at TCSFC. I was honored to accept.

I want to take the time to publicly thank Steve for entrusting me with the duties of helping add content and build his creation.

So...thank you Steve! Here's hoping I can continue to play a part in this great service you've created for Science Fiction fans around the world.

I wish nothing but the greatest success and long future for The Classic Science Fiction Channel.

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A Christian's Perspective On Science Fiction

 In a recent article, "Beware of Science Fiction" the author of the article ("the author" from here on) cites quotes from some of the top Science Fiction names in the history of the genre that, for the most part, confirms their atheism. While there may be no disputing these authors, and surely others as well,  had no use for Christianity, the conclusion the author draws on Christianity and the genre as a whole seriously troubles me. Actually, it infuriates me!!

But I'll try to stay cal here.

I am, and have been for 20 years, a Bible believing Christian. I am also a HUGE Science Fiction fan. And I don't deny either. Or one because of the other. There's no hiding the fact that I am a Christian Science Fiction fan. Whether anybody else likes it or not.

Yes, I do have to deal with individuals that claim to be Christians and look down on me because of my love of Science Fiction. The bottom line for me is...I love God first.

I think the real issue here is more about the fact that being a Christian is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In that relationship, if my love of Science Fiction is revealed to me to be wrong or a bad thing, I'll give it up in a heartbeat. But I won't tell anybody else that God wants them to do the same. I was a Science Fiction fan before I became a Christian. And God knew that. In 20 years time, God has not impressed upon me to shun my beloved genre.

A few points on Science Fiction form my Christian perspective is as follows:

1. The imagination of the writers of Science Fiction is a testament to the awesome creativeness of God since, I believe, He created the Human mind. And Science Fiction is the most creative of any fiction out there (pun intended).
2. The awesome display of possible other worlds and environments reminds me of just how magnificent God's creations are. And we don't really know what those other worlds are like. But we do know there are other worlds. Just look at the universe that real science can see!

Some Christians believe Science Fiction is negative and some don't. But to paint all Christians that are Science Fiction fans as "bad" or misinformed (which is the underlying message in the article) is sadly narrow-minded.

You simply cannot condemn the entire genre as inherently evil because some of the individuals involved were or are atheists. That's just the opinion of a part of the genre.

My conclusions on the matter are that the author is most likely not a fan of Science Fiction to begin with. If he were to spend some time with the genre, he just may see things differently. Then again, maybe the author should distance himself from the genre altogether.

Oh, and there are plenty of strong Christians that are some of the most creative minds behind the genre!

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Steam Trek: The Moving Picture (Star Trek Parody)

Have you ever wondered what Star Trek would've been like if it had been made during the Silent Movie Era? All I can say is thank God it didn't arrive until the late 1960's!

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The Beyond - SciFi Tribute

I don't necessarily agree with all the Science Fiction (which is nothing new from me, right?) displayed in this Tribute video. But, as they say, you have to take the good with the bad. That said, I think it's a great visual representation of some of the best Science Fiction has offered over the last several years.

I think there are some that could be added as well. But, of course, you can't have everything in one video clip. I do want to thank YouTube user wleizero (http://www.youtube.com/user/wleizero) for taking the time to put this up.

Here's to much more top-notch Science Fiction in this new decade!

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Science Fiction Magazine Internship

 Here's a great opportunity with a leading Science Fiction magazine. Locus is offering part-time internships! Instead of me trying to explain it, here's what the Locus website itself says:

Locus, the leading monthly trade journal covering science fiction, fantasy, and horror, offers part-time unpaid internships to enthusiastic science fiction readers. 

Tasks may include running errands (must be comfortable driving a minivan), general office work (mailing, filing, faxing), customer service, occasional proofreading, grant research, grant proposal writing, archival work and cataloging, data entry, etc. You will become familiar with all aspects of the magazine, including photo colorbalancing, page layout, and small-business administration. The position is well suited to a recent graduate or current college student interested in journalism and literature.

Requirements:

• Driver's license and good driving record
• Good phone manner
• Ability to follow through with tasks under stress
• Basic knowledge of Word and Excel
• Familiarity with the science fiction genre
• Photoshop, Quickbooks, and InDesign skills a plus

To apply, please email a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in science fiction to locus@locusmag.com.

Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. College credit is possible through Peralta. This is an unpaid position. Hard work will be rewarded with insider knowledge and occasional meals. Job location is in the hills of Oakland, California; we strongly prefer local applicants who have their own transportation. 

If you go for this I wish you the best of luck. If you get an internship, drop me a line and let me know.

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The Classic Science Fiction Channel...

THE CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION CHANNEL

If you're like me, you are (at least somewhat) disgusted with the offerings
of The Sci-Fi Channel (or SyFy as the've decided to call themselves). And,
if you're like me, you enjoy the classic Science Fiction---real Science Fiction.
From the days when Science Fiction was used to tell great stories or introduce
us to new ideas and concepts that got us thinking about the world around us
and the possibilities that may lie elsewhere. Not just an excuse to blow things
up.

I've Searched...

I've searched and searched for those classic movies and TV shows. I have
found some, but nowhere near what I've looked for. Some examples: First  
Spaceship On Venus, Target Earth, Journey To The Seventh Planet,  
Space Patrol, & Tom Corbett Space Cadet.


...And Found...


What if I told you there was a place where these classic Science Fiction
movies & TV shows can be found? A place that is growing day-by-day,
doing all the time consuming and frustrating work. And all simply because
of a deep passion and love of our genre.


If somebody had told me that a few days ago, I would've said, "Yeah. Right!
It would take an entire SG team to do that. Nobody would do something like
that without getting paid."


...The Classic Science Fiction Channel!


I'm here to tell you that it's true! Thanks to the efforts of a true Science
Fiction fan, we now have: The Classic Science Fiction Channel. There are
many classics to find, as well as some of the better modern offerings. And
some you may not have thought about. I won't tell you any though, you
need to check it out for yourself.


ENGAGE!


If you are truely a Science Fiction fan, you owe it to yourself and the entire
Sci-Fi community to visit & bookmark this website & help spread the word.


Don't wait.


Quickly transport your mouse to: The Classic Science Fiction Channel.

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Been In Stasis...Need Your Help...

I've been in stasis for awhile now and I need your help.

The Sci-Fi Dude is for You. Without your readership, there would be no point in it (other than to write down my thoughts, musings and insights on the world of Science Fiction...for myself).

So...I would like to ask you what You would like to see posts on The Sci-Fi Dude about. Would you like to see more Science Fiction Character posts? Science Fiction Classics? Science Fiction TV? Science Fiction Movies? Or would you rather see new and different topics? The chioce is Yours. If it's Science Fiction related, I'll consider any and all suggestions and do my best to work on as many of them as I can.

Send me your suggestions. Don't be shy. Simply click the "Contact" link on the top of the page (please don't use the reader reactions/comments link for this).

I'm really looking forward to your suggestions.

All hailing frequencies open!

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What's Coming Up On The Sci-Fi Dude

Thought I would let you know what you can expect from The Sci-Fi Dude in the future.

I'm trying to catch up my Science Fiction movies and will be posting reviews as soon as I can. Some of the movies I'm planning to watch are "First Spaceship On Venus," (1960) "Killers From Space," (1954) "Assignment: Outer Space," (1960) "The Phantom Planet," (1961) and "Battle Of The Worlds." (1963) There Are also some TV shows I need to catch up on, including "Dark Skies." (1996)

I'm doing some reading too. Mostly short story anthologies. The one I'm currently making my way through is "The 1978 Annual World's Best SF," edited by Donald A. Wollheim. I'll be doing some write-ups on the authors like Harlan Ellison & Clifford D. Simak & Joe Haldeman, as well as some thoughts on the stories.

There are several Science Fiction websites, from blogs to review sites to sites dedicated to one movie or TV show or author. I'll be thoroughly checking out all the Science Fiction based websites that I can and will post my reviews and critiques.

Basically, I'm emersing myself in all forms of Science Fiction and will be cluing you in on my thoughts.

If there is a particular Science Fiction movie, TV show, author, or website that you'd like me to check out, or just something you think I may not know about, click on the "Contact" link at the top of the page and send me an email.

The Sci-Fi Dude is going to be busy for awhile! Anybody got a time machine I can use? :)

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Science Fiction Movies And TV or Books?

Sometimes, I have a hard time deciding between watching a Science Fiction movie or TV show and reading a Science Fiction book.

Both have their advantages.

Movies and Television allow us to see the cool technologies, special effects and our favorite heroes.

Books offer us the opportunity to use our imagination. We come up with our own idea of what these things look like in our minds.

Which do you prefer? Seeing someone else's vision, or creating your own.

Joey Phillips
"The Sci-Fi Dude"

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Science Fiction's Arthur C. Clarke--A Celebration Of A Full Life

With the recent passing (Tuesday March 18, 2008) of Science Fiction writing legend Arthur C. Clarke, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on some of the positive aspects of his life.

Of course, Clarke is best known for his Science Fiction novels and short stories, but there was much more to the man.

I've compiled a list of some of his accomplishments throughout his life. Let's not dwell on the fact that he is no longer with us. Let's celebrate a full life. A life filled with accomplishments that few can attain.

• After World War II, Clarke served as chairman of the British Interplanetary Society

• Began writing full-time in 1951

• Was a citizen of the UK and Sri Lanka

• Was a member of the Underwater Explorers Club

• Predicted a "global library" for 2005 (think, "Internet")

• The Science Fiction Writers of America(SFWA) named Clarke a Science Fiction Grand Master In 1986

• First Chancellor of the International Space University from 1989 to 2004

• From 1979 to 2002 served as Chancellor of Moratuwa University in Sri Lanka

• Law professor Glenn Reynolds nominated Clarke for a Nobel Peace Prize In 1994

• The 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter is named in honor of his works (2001: A Space Odyssey, etc.)

• Honorary Board Chair of the Institute for Cooperation in Space, a space advocacy organization originally founded by Dr. Wernher von Braun

• Clarke was a distinguished vice-president of the H. G. Wells Society

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of Arthur C. Clarke's life and accomplishments. If there are items you think should be included in the list, let me know via the contact link on the right. I may write a more detailed article on Clarke's many accomplishments.

Joey Phillips
"The Sci-Fi Dude"

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Top Ten Science Fiction Movies of The 20's & 30's

Filmmaking was just coming into it's own in the 1920's and 1930's. But Science Fiction had long been popular in literary form. It was only natural the two would come together. Some of those early Science Fiction films formed the basis of all that followed--even to this very day.

Following, in chronological order, are ten of the best Science Fiction movies from that early era, with a little about each one.

1) The Lost World (1925)
The first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's
classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures
still roam.

Directed by:
Harry O. Hoyt

Starring:
Wallace Beery as "Prof. Challenger"

2) Metropolis (1927)
It is the future, and humans are divided into two groups:
the thinkers, who make plans (but don't know how anything
works), and the workers, who achieve goals (but don't have
the vision).

Directed by:
Fritz Lang

Starring:
Alfred Abel as "Joh Fredersen"

3) Woman in the Moon(aka By Rocket to the Moon) (1929)
A scientist discovers that there's gold on the moon,
he builds a rocket to fly there, but there's too much
rivalry among the crew to have a successful expedition.

Directed by:
Fritz Lang

Starring:
Willy Fritsch as "Wolf Helius"

4) Just Imagine (1930)
In 1980 a man from 1930 is brought back to from the dead. He
is taken on a tour of the magical wonders of 1980. He travels to
Mars where he discovers even more unbelievable things

Directed by:
David Butler

Starring:
El Brendel as "Single O"
Maureen O'Sullivan as "LN-18"

5) Frankenstein (1931)
--It can be said that Frankenstein is Horror. But it is considered
by many to be the first true United States Science Fiction film.

Classic in which an obsessed scientist assembles
a living being from parts of exhumed corpses.

Directed by:
James Whale

Starring:
Boris Karloff as "Frankenstein's Monster"
Colin Clive as "Dr. Henry Frankenstein"

6) The Invisible Man (1933)
Finding a way to become invisible pushes a scientist to
murderous insanity.

Directed by:
James Whale

Starring:
Claude Rains as "The Invisible Man"
Henry Travers as "Dr. Cranley"

7) Things to Come (1936)
A second world war spanning several leaves the world
in devastation. Civilization is rebuilt and humans attempt
space travel.

Directed by:
William Cameron Menzies

Starring:
Raymond Massey as "John Cabal" / "Oswald Cabal"
Sir Cedric Hardwicke as "Theotocopulos"

8) The Invisible Ray (1936)
Visionary scientist Janos Rukh convinces a group of
scientists and supporters to mount an expedition to
the African continent to locate and study an ancient
meteorite of great significance.

Directed by:
Lambert Hillyer

Starring:
Boris Karloff as "Dr. Janos Rukh"
Bela Lugosi as "Dr. Felix Benet"

9) The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936)
An ordinary man suddenly finds that anything he says
comes true. Except he can't change the opinions or
feelings of other people.

Directed by:
Lothar Mendes

Starring:
Roland Young as "George McWhirter Fotheringay"

10) Lost Horizon (1937)
After a plane crash crash, a group trying to get away
from upheaval in China, is rescued and taken to Shangri-La.
But is this mythical utopia all it's been made out to be?

Directed by:
Frank Capra

Starring:
Sam Jaffe as "High Lama"
Jane Wyatt as "Sondra Bizet"

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Stargate Atlantis' Paul McGillion: Justice & Conformation

Justice

It seems that J.J. Abrams has seen the error of his ways. He passed over Paul McGillion for the role of Scotty in the new Star Trek movie.

Now, according to a report in the Welland Tribune of Ontario, Canada, Abrams has offered McGillion a role in the movie.


It's not Scotty, but it's still a bit of justice.

Conformation

In my last post, I suggested the stasis of Dr. Carson Beckett might be a sign of a more permanent return.

The Welland Tribune reported, in the previously mentioned article, McGillion and Dr. Beckett have been confirmed for at least five episodes in the next season of Stargate Atlantis.

I just love conformation!

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Stargate Atlantis: Two Great Things!

This past Friday at 10pm was a glorious time for me! It was the newest episode of Stargate Atlantis.

And with this episode, two great things happened.

First was the continuing appearance of Michael Kenmore (the Wraith turned Human turned Wraith), brilliantly portrayed by Connor Trinneer. I’m sure most of you know Connor was Charles “Trip” Tucker on Star Trek Enterprise. By far my favorite Enterprise character.

Could there be a character any farther from Trip than Michael? I don’t see it. This proves what I’ve said since the first season of Enterprise: Connor Trinneer is in the upper echelon of acting talent today.

I hope Michael continues to be a recurring character on Atlantis. He’ll be a big asset in keeping that Gate open.

Now, the second great thing from that episode was the return of Dr. Carson Beckett (since J.J. Abrams made a huge blunder not casting Paul McGillion as Scotty in the new Star Trek movie, a return to Atlantis is the next best thing).

Yes. He’s a clone. So what? At least he’s not a Replicator. Dr. Beckett (my favorite character—yea, I know. I’m probably in the minority) completes the Atlantis team with his blend of decency yet fear of the unknown, something he’s not afraid to admit, much unlike his close friend, Dr. Rodney McKay.

Before I saw the episode, I was expecting him to be a Replicator, thus, probably, a one off appearance.

But maybe the Science Fiction God’s are smiling on us.

Dr. Beckett is now in stasis with Atlantis’ medical team working overtime to find a cure for the degeneration of his cloned cells.

This makes me think that there may be a recurring return of Dr. Beckett to Atlantis. I’m hoping for a full-time return.

I know Rodney could really use a friend, back from the dead or not.

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Star Trek '09: Anton Yelchin Receives Blessing From Walter Koenig

In this interview with Leonard Maltin, Anton Yelchin (Pavel Chekov in the new Star Trek movie) discusses meeting with Walter Koenig (who originated the character)...

Star Trek | Anton Yelchin | Secret's Out

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Just a quick note to remind everybody that the Straight-To-DVD movie, "Stargate: The Ark of Truth" is schedualed for release on March 11. I'll be posting a review in the next few days.

A quick synopsis of the plotline:

"As SG-1 searches for an Ancient artifact which they hope can defeat the armies of the Ori, they learn more Ori ships are about to be sent through the Supergate to launch a final assault on Earth. Daniel discovers that the artifact, the Ark of Truth, may be in the Ori home galaxy, and SG-1 embarks aboard the Odyssey to find it, and pre-empt the attack. The I.O.A has a plan of their own and SG-1 ends up in a distant galaxy fighting two powerful enemies."

[from an MGM press release in January]

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The Top 15 “Not-Science-Fiction” Shows On The Sci-Fi Channel

Recently, I read a post at PardonCheney.com entitled, “An Open Letter To The Sci-Fi Channel,” which got me thinking.

The line between what is and what isn’t Science Fiction seems to be blurring. And The Sci-Fi Channel is largely responsible. So I thought we’d take a look at what passes for Science Fiction on the television channel that bills itself as being devoted entirely to Science Fiction.

Following is a list of the top 15 “not-science-fiction” shows that are a big part of the Sci-Fi channel’s lineup and what they should really be classified as:

1. The X-Files (Paranormal)
2. Who Wants To Be a Superhero? (Game/Reality Show)
3. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! (Bizarre)
4. Anime (Action?)
5. Ghost Hunters (Paranormal)
6. Ghost Hunters International (Paranormal)
7. Destination Truth (Urban Legend/Paranormal)
8. ECW (Wrestling)
9. Haunted (Paranormal)
10. Jericho (Action)
11. Kingdom Hospital (Horror)
12. The Scariest Places On Earth (Horror)
13. Beastmaster (Fantasy)
14. Guinea Pig (not sure about this one…)
15. Scary…But True (Horror)

Don’t get me wrong. I like some of these shows (X-Files, Jericho). But they’re not really Science Fiction. Real Science Fiction is Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, Flash Gordon, Eureka, Doctor Who, etc.

So, what do you think? Am I way off base here? Am I being too picky? Is this overly harsh on The Sci-Fi Channel?

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