My Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies of All Time
By Ken Parker
You ever see a list of top movies or TV
shows and barely recognize any of the list? Or perhaps you see
movies and shows so obscure or so odd that you wonder how would
someone pick those? I know some reviewers go out of their way to
make picks that are controversial. Also some people love to show
that they are more of an expert and stay away from the classical
choices. For the most part they just have their own opinion and may
choose less obvious picks.
With that said, the following movie is
probably the number one movie on this list with the least amount of
familiarity. It will probably be by most controversial pick. Very
few people have seen it and less have it on their top list. In my
opinion it is an outstanding movie in many ways.
#14 – Sunshine (2007)
IMDB Story Summary
50
years into the future, the Sun begins to die, and Earth is dying as a
result. A team of astronauts are sent to revive the Sun - but the
mission fails. Seven years later, a new team are sent to finish the
mission as they are Earth's last hope. Written
by harpster_2004@yahoo.co.uk
Danny Boyle (28 Days Later) directed this film which features
a realistic space mission to save the Earth. The cast nears
perfection including Cillian Murphy (Inception), Rose Byrne
(X-Men First Class) and Chris Evans (Captain America).
The effects are outstanding and the music ranks as one of my favorite
soundtracks of all time (Composed by John Murphy).
On the surface, the movie deals with a mission gone astray due to
human error and then turns into a bit of a slasher film (believe it
or not). But digging deeper one can see a movie focusing on the
power of the sun. Whether it is the science of the sun's enormity
and importance to the human race or the individual reaction in the
face of a greater power, be that the sun or even God. The Sun's
power can infect people in different ways, turning some to an almost
peaceful contentment and others to the edge of madness. Could the
changes in the crews stem from the confines of the ship or the
importance placed on their shoulders?
I have to point out while looking down my list that visuals are not
the only thing with a common theme. Music is very important and many
of my list have soundtracks that are superb and John Murphy's music
in this is near the top for me. On a personal note, this music
helped me cope through a very tough but miraculous period of my life
while my baby girl was in the NICU. Listening to this music and its
uplifting qualities, as seen in the film, helped quite a bit.
Sunshine, I would argue, has similarities to 2001: A Space
Odyssey with a mission gone wrong and a overwhelming presence
ultimately shaping the outcome of the people involved. It may not be
seen in the same company as 2001 but I think Sunshine
is much more than the 'slasher movie' label it sometimes receives
because of the final reels of the film.
It may sound like this film deserves to be higher on the list and
maybe it does but it is going up against some movies that have stood
the test of time so for now, here it is.
How many times have I seen it - 5-6 times
Do I have it on DVD/Bluray - Actually, no. I just traded the DVD in and have yet to get my Blu-Ray upgrade.
Just a heads up - this trailer annoyingly has some big spoilers in it.
My favorite scene - spoiler!!
I had to include a link to this scene - watch it in HD - great stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp7z8Gvexas&feature=related
A little obscure, perhaps, but an excellent choice.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm glad that the music helped you get through a tough time in your life (yes, it's a gorgeous score), I'll debate the inclusion of this film on anyone's top sci-fi list. The script is abysmally, blindingly stupid; the characters are bickering idiots who get themselves into dire and/or fatal circumstances for no good reason whatsoever. Visually, it's very pretty; and, yes, the soundtrack (except for that awful I Am Kloot song at the end-- why directors shouldn't be allowed to make musical choices, as a rule, unless their last names are Scott or Kubrick) is wonderful. The rest is an utter embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I knew going into this one that there was going to be some criticism of the film. It is not one of those untouchable classics that many of the films on my list are.
ReplyDeleteI also see your point about the fact that their mission was put at risk due to a stupid mistake but I think this points to a rare quality in films that I admire greatly, human error and fallibility. The decision to change the mission is hotly contested. One person makes a stupid error, something that could easily have been done by anyone under massive amounts of pressure. It may be a bit convenient that the mistake was made without any fail safes in place. As for the bickering, I love this as it seems almost natural and real. A better example of this crew mechanic is in Alien when everyone is talking over one another when trying to make the decision to investigate the signal. Anyhow - that is how I see it. Thanks again for reading and taking part. I enjoy the feedback.