Infini (2015)

While I try to keep my excitement tempered as I prepare to check out Star Wars: The Force Awakens tomorrow, I was definitely in a Sci-Fi mood as I worked on some paperwork for school. To help quench my mood, I decided to check out the 2015 entry Infini, a darker flick from that genre.

Plot/ An elite 'search and rescue' team transport onto an off-world mining-facility to rescue Whit Carmichael, the lone survivor of a biological outbreak.

As I sat down to watch this one, I really had no expectations. What I found was something much better than I would have expected featuring a tremendously atmospheric and claustrophobic Sci-Fi flick that I wish I had watched earlier. This one has a lot to like, with outstanding sets, solid production values, enjoyable characters with decent performances, and a nice blend of special effects. Yes, the scripting was a touch wordy in spots and there were a few head scratching moments, but those were minor in comparison to the rest of the movie. In the end, this one is well worth watching and a movie that much better than some of the other Sci-Fi entries that populates the market. If you are a true fan of science fiction, give it a shot; you should enjoy it.

41 (2012)

Having taken my final quiz in my class, I decided that I wanted to watch something with a medieval feel. While searching for something in that genre, I stumbled on a time travel flick that I had never heard of. While this film did not take me back to the era that I had hoped for, it was one of the better indie flicks that I have seen in some time. That movie, and my next review, is the 2012 low budget entry 41.

Plot/ A young man discovers a hole in the floor of a local motel that leads to yesterday.

When I stumbled upon this one, I had no idea what to anticipate. What I found was definitely different than what I would have expected, as this one did not play out like any of the typical time travel movies that I have come across. Personally, I love the subject, and believe that we today are living inside some type of time ripple, because that is the only thing that can explain the strange occurrences that are plaguing society. This is an excellent film, that features an intriguing storyline that is both layered and thought provoking, as well as some solid cinematography and a perfect soundtrack the creates an outstanding atmosphere. Yes, the dialog was uneven in spots and some of the scenes felt forced (especially the ones centered on the police), but those flaws were easily overlooked. In the end, this low budget flick was a joy to watch and a movie that should have definitely received more fanfare than it did. Check it out!

Interstellar (2014)

Yesterday, I found myself stuck at the softball field for the first scrimmage of 2015. Of course, I realize that was the first of what will be many more over the next couple of months, and I am OK with that. Now it is time to get back to the blog. Next up, is a movie that I had waited to see for some time, 2014s Sci-Fi epic Interstellar.

Plot/ In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. A team of explorers travels through a wormhole in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival.

Interstellar was one of the few movies that I was disappointed to miss in the theatre. Now, having viewed it, I definitely want to kick myself in the ass for not making more of an attempt. This Sci-Fi epic is one of the more thought provoking movies I have seen in some time, and in many ways will stand the test of time. Not only is this movie well made, with beautiful cinematography and a brilliant soundtrack, the acting, directing, and effects create a perfect atmosphere. More importantly, the storyline is layered in such a way that the arcing love story is woven into the darkness is tremendous and full of emotion. In the end, this is a movie that must be seen and embraced. Yes, there are some I believe moments, but those are definitely easy to overlook and should be. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for? Find it, and check it out!

Stargate (1994)

Over the past few days, I have been part of some interesting conversations on Nibiru and hollow earth. While both subjects are fascinating, they are no more fascinating than our own ancient histories, where cultures such as the Egyptians and Mayans create intricate artifacts that have stood the test of time. How did they accomplish that? Who really knows, but Stargate (1994) does venture into one possibility.

Plot/ An interstellar teleportation device, found in Egypt, leads to a planet with humans resembling ancient Egyptians who worship the god Ra.

Stargate is such an amazing story and does provide a science fiction explanation to some of the real life mysteries that haunt our ancient past. While there is an interesting and layered plot, some solid performances and the cinematography and score blend together in a seamless fashion, it is the historic detains of the story that draw me in every time. As a researcher, the potential questions (and answers) it brings to life makes it a must see, Plus, the action and atmosphere are not bad either. Sure, if you are closed minded, it may not appeal to you as it does to me because you must suspend reality to accept the possibilities, but that is part of the realm of science fiction that makes the genre amazing. In the end, this movie may not be for everyone, but if you are open minded and love plot driven science fiction this one is for you. Give it a shot!

I'll Follow You Down (2013)

This has been a weird week, with one of my students convinced that time travel is, in fact, taking place in this day and age. While I do not discount the idea or theory, I personally would love to see it for myself. Ironically, walking through Family Video, I stumbled on a movie with a similar theme, the 2013 entry, I’ll Follow You Down.

Plot/ After the disappearance of a young scientist on a business trip, his son, and wife struggle to cope, only to make a bizarre discovery years’ later - one that may bring him home.

Talk about a movie that was a huge surprise. While I did not know what to expect with this sci-fi / drama, I was at least hopeful that it would not be trash, and it was not. While it did lack blockbuster effects, it did not need them. Complete with outstanding cinematography, solid performances, and an intriguing storyline that drew you in, this atmospheric entry was definitely worth watching. Rooted in a believable context, the idea of time travel and wormhole theory is covered in a manner that many could at least understand, while adding enough emotion to draw the casual viewer past the scientific theories presented. In the end, I'll Follow You Down is one of the better Sci-Fi / drama entries I have seen in some time and was an entertaining watch. If you have not seen it, you should definitely check it out!