Starship Troopers (1997)

As I took a day of quiet from the park, it was nice to be able to sit back and relax. To help pass that time, I was able to find an entertaining flick from the past to help maintain focus. That movie is the 1997 entry Starship Troopers.

Plot/ In the distant future high school kids are encouraged to become citizens by joining the military. What they do not know is that they will soon be engaged in a full-scale war against a planet of alien insects. The fight is on to ensure the safety of humanity.

I know that this one came out some time ago and has had mixed reviews that range for horrendous or magnificent. Personally, I love this film adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel. While it is not a perfect film, suffering from cardboard characterizations and performances, and a combination of genres that will definitely turn off some viewers, there are enough positives that will offset any of these issues. The effects are decent and the alien bugs are awesome. Plus, the social context of the film features some deep-rooted insights into the cultural differences that plague society as a whole. In the end, this Sci-Fi/Horror blend is a movie that continues to get better with age and a movie that should be seen. Yes, it is not for everyone, but it is a film that is worth watching.

Snowpiercer (2013)

As I am sitting here laughing at the excuses being made by democrats as to why they are taking a beating today at the polls, I decided that I needed relax and prepare for tomorrow’s #MillionMaskMarch. While I cannot take off to join in the festivities, I will have my mask on hand all day. Next of for review, the 2013 surrealistic flick Snowpiercer.

Plot/ Set in a future where a failed climate-change experiment kills all life on the planet except for a lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, where a class system emerges.

When I saw this, I honestly expected some type of global warming propaganda piece, and while there were some of those overtones, what I found was much better than I would have expected. This post apocalyptic movie has a lot going for it; some of which I definitely did not see coming. The performances were solid, the cinematography works and there are some atmospheric moments. More importantly, it takes on many of the social issues that often go overlooked in films of this type. Sure, there are some head scratching moments with some plot holes, but within this type of surrealistic environment, those are to be expected. In the end, this is a movie that will either be loved or hated. Personally, I found it an entertaining trip into the post apocalyptic landscape that could be created if these global warming nuts get their way. Give it a shot, you could definitely do a lot worse.

 

Radio Free Albemuth (2014)

While I have never been a huge fan of Science Fiction writings, I could be changing my approach. This next movie comes from the mind of author Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner) and offers a glimpse of the reality we are living in today (even if the sheep want to ignore it). Next up for review is the 2014 film Radio Free Albemuth.

Plot/ Berkeley record store clerk Nick Brady begins to experience strange visions from an entity he calls VALIS that cause him to uproot his family and move to Los Angeles where he becomes a successful music company executive. With the help of best friend, science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick himself and a mysterious woman named Silvia, Nick finds himself drawn into a dangerous political-mystical conspiracy of cosmic proportions. 

Let me start by saying that I have never read this book and cannot tell you how close the adaptation is to what was written. Although, in this case, I may decide to pick it up and read it, as the idea and storyline definitely felt real and reminded me of some of the weirdness we are experiencing in society today. This was an entertaining journey to watch with an intriguing and layered storyline, solid performances, outstanding characterizations, great visuals and a big budget feel. Sure, as a character and story driven movie, it does lack a tremendous amount of action, but that does nothing to bring the film down. In the end, this mixture of political and theological intrigue, conspiracy theories, and historical philosophical and subliminal messages plays out in an educational and entertaining manner, and is a must see for everyone. Check it out!

V for Vendetta (2005)

I decided last weekend that it was time for a small vacation from blogging. It seemed as though everything I had been watching had started to run together in my mind. When you couple that with trying to buckle down to finish the scripting for my Operation Paul Revere short, I just needed the break. That being said, it was time to jump back in. My evening selection is the 2005 action classic V for Vendetta.

Plot/ A shadowy freedom fighter known only as "V" uses terrorist tactics to fight against his totalitarian society. Upon rescuing a girl from the secret police, he also finds his best chance at having an ally.

Let me start by saying that watching this today was even better than the first time I watched it. Honestly, there were some elements that seemed more important in the social construct today than years before. Maybe is was the sense of liberty, or maybe the lawless totalitarian oppressive nature of society. This was one of the best action films I have seen, as it had a tremendous script to match the rather intelligent and political storyline. The acting is solid and combined with the tremendous visuals and action, this is a movie that must be watched and enjoyed. In the end, this is a movie that will stand the test of time as a true piece of action history. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for!