Sci-Fi Films - My Favorites

• 20 Favorite Sci-Fi Movies - a woman's choice.
  
  Okay, let me explain. In general, I believe most sci-fi lists are made by men. Because the myth exists that only men like and or/know and/or appreciate and/or even understand good sci-fi movies. To that I say: bah!!
  Okay, but now I've got to back up that bah!
  
  I've just been reading several male-oriented sci-fi lists here at the Guardian newspaper, and also, here, on Adrian McKinty's blog, so I thought hey, I love sci-fi films of a certain sort (not crazy about exploding stomachs), why not make my own list? I'm a woman - I've loved sci-fi films since I was a kid, so I thought I'd take a whack at it.
  
  Even though the lists appear to me to be male-oriented, I do wonder about the inclusion of The Wizard of Oz. Not the first film that springs to mind when you think sci-fi, even for a woman.
  If it were a fantasy list, then of course it's included, but sci-fi? Here I agree with Adrian.
  (Hmmm, I think I'll do a 10 Best Fantasy Films later.)
  
  Halloween Week is a good time to watch sci-fi films anyway, since most of them have the scary and wary Halloween vibe.
  
  This is not a written in stone list, just some favorite sci-fi films I've loved over the years. Unlike some list-makers I'm not inclined to fight to the death over my choices.
  
  In no particular order, just as the titles occurred to me:
  
  War of the Worlds - strictly the 'original' with Gene Barry. Despite Ann Robinsons 'lost little screechy girl - 1950's version', I still love the film and its garish use of color.


• When Worlds Collide - I remember this being on a double-bill with WOTW at my local theater. 25 cents for two movies and ten cartoons. And I also remember thinking, even as a very young kid, that it was funny that there were no black or brown or yellow people among the 'saved'. I still loved the film. I forgave the film-makers their social sins.


• Star Wars - When I first saw this in theater, I remember being dazzled. Can't ask for too much more than that. The first film in the trilogy is still my favorite. Though I love the first third of the third film a helluva lot.


• Dark City - an unheralded film with Rufus Sewell and, oddly, William Hurt. A very noir and very creepy sci-fi experience.


• E.T. - Adrian is simply wrong about this film. When that kid's bicycle suddenly soars up into the air, your heart goes with him. Again, I ask: how much more do you want from a film?


• Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Only because of the last half of the film and the amazing way music is used throughout and that beautifully odd little boy.


• This Island Earth - Because of Jeff Morrow and the whole intriguing script. This is one film that could, I believe, be remade successfully. I'm surprised no one's tried it.


• The Day the Earth Stood Still - the original, of course, with Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal. Michael Rennie, to me, was always the ideal man from space - he had 'the look'.


• Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home - A wonderful, intelligent film that stands on its own though it is very much part of the Star Trek franchise. Captain, there be whales here. Love it.


• Star Trek - the new one with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto. Quinto, especially, is amazing as Spock.


• Planet of the Apes - The original. The scene in the cornfield is still a nightmarish vision.


• Starman - with Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen. It's all in Jeff Bridges' expressive face.


• Independence Day - Will Smith, need I say more? The special effects are quite good, too.


• The Day After Tomorrow - Climate run amok. Great special effects and Jake Gyllenhaal.


• 2001 - A Space Odyssey - How many times have I seen this film and I still can't make any sense out of it. But that doesnt' stop me appreciating it. Plus I love Hal's oh-so-soothing voice.


• The Thing - The original in b/w, with its not-so-hidden, anti-communist message. Love it. I must say too that I always thought the direction by a guy named Christian Nyby was very quirky and a bit ahead of its time.


• Jurassic Park - This film still amazes, still has a kind of odd grandeur.


• The Fifth Element - Love all the orange, the flying taxis, Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich. Gary Oldman almost succeeds in ruining the film, but I overlook his scenes. I still ask: what is that plastic thing on his head?


• Back to the Future - Christopher Lloyd is the iconic mad scientist. Michael J. Fox is pretty good too.


• Galaxy Quest - I'm not a Tim Allen fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I loved this film anyway. Alan Rickman, as always, is wonderful. Enrico Colantoni as a gentle, yet tightly wound alien is superb.