Eye on Sci-Fi - Ex Machina, Helix and Cube

Early May 2015

By Ken Parker

Star Wars Day - I don't celebrate Star Wars day.  I don't watch the films and I certainly do not wish anyone Happy Force or whatever.  I sort of get it but choose not to take part.  With that said, there is much more to celebrate this year with a new Star Wars film coming in December.  This is the film that everyone wants to see and it is finally coming.  The promotion is fast and furious now and beside some disturbing news of the spin-off movies, all is going to plan.  My interest is rising for this film and I may attempt a midnight showing even.

I like the look of this film so far.  It does look like the Star Wars Universe but more like the original trilogy instead of the CG trilogy.  This is a good thing.

I am also all in on the spin-off films, although I am not a big fan of movies that tell a tale of the past.  The CG trilogy told a tale that we already knew the result and with the spin-off of Boba Fett (the spin-off that is in the works) will be of some interest but won't really change much.  Fett still ends up being eaten (unless they change this which is a strong possibility.)

I guess my next thing is to set up some time to re-watch the original trilogy before the end of the year. Perhaps my daughter will be ready for these movies.  I may have to convince her with ice cream and popcorn!

'Ex Machina' Review: I Robot, You Jane?

A pretty face (Alicia Vikander as Ava) is only part of the story in "Ex Machina."

A funny thing happened on the way to Sci Fi Blockbuster Season - a movie that is definitely worth your time hit theaters to little acclaim.

If you've been overwhelmed by the publicity and rumors surrounding "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Terminator: Genisys," "Tomorrowland," "Fantastic Four," "Ant-Man" and a certain superhero movie that doesn't come out for nearly another year (we're looking at you, Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne), you may have missed the artistic and critical success that is "Ex Machina."

No, the future of all humanity is not at risk (not yet, anyway).

No, you're not going to witness spandex-clad heroes battling armies of high-tech warriors (although artificial intelligence is the centerpiece of the plot).

Instead, "Ex Machinia" is smartly written, well-acted and edgy. In other words, it's an actual Movie rather than an Event.

Ex Machina Teaser Trailer

April 10, 2015