Dune: Part Two, a science fiction film, explores the enduring human traits of power-seeking and religious fervor, highlighting their timelessness despite technological advancements. The movie’s themes of power, ideology, and environmental concerns resonate with contemporary issues, prompting reflection on the persistence of human nature.
An Overview of the science fiction films nominated for Oscars in 2024.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an attempt to recreate the feelings of the old franchise. But, without the Spielberg magic, it feels stale and old. (2.5*)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is a VFX masterpiece and the last in a trilogy of super-hero movies that are actually relatable and human scaled. Still, it isn’t as good as the last one.
The Creator is a disappointing science fiction movie that could have had a great story but instead gets lost in the special effects. (2.5*)
Godzilla Minus One is a monster movie but it is also a surprisingly good personal drama that tells us much about Japanese national character. (4*)
Nimona may not be the best in animation, but it tells an important message about gender identity. (3.5*)
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a sequel and like the original, it isn’t for everyone. If you are into comic book action heroes go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of other movies to see. (3*)
Poor Things, the story of a baby’s mind in an adult woman’s body, is probably the most bizarre movie I’ve ever seen. It is also one of the best. (5*)
First of this year’s genre reviews, we look at three science fiction films, two of which are must-views!
Avatar: The Way of Water is a visual spectacle, a story setting up the next three sequels, and, yes, long.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever starts with the death of the former Black Panther and moves through nearly three hours of sometimes beautiful, sometimes action packed, scenes but with so many obligations to fulfill that it is ultimately unsatisfying.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is an insane look at one woman’s romp through the multiverse as she learns what is really important about life. (4.5*)
An overview of this year’s Science Fiction genre nominees and my recommendations, including two from last year.
(2.5*) Free Guy – Some good acting can’t quite save this fairly shallow movie.
(3.5*) Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is thrilling and a lot of fun to watch. It also involves a compelling story of family dynamics.
(4*) Spider Man No Way Home has great visuals but also tells a human-level story. A surprisingly good comic-book movie.
(0.5*) The Mitchells vs the Machines is quite possibly the worst movie I’ve ever seen and certainly the worst one this year.
(4 Stars) No, Not Best Picture But a Satirical film with a not-so-funny message.
(5 Stars) A stunning sensory experience and quite likely the next Star Wars.
An Overview of 2021’s Science Fiction Movies including a look at 2020.
(4 Stars) Much better than the critics say. Beautiful imagery and sounds and a story with a twist.
(3 Stars) The film doesn’t hang together real well, but there are some great songs and terrific visuals.
(2.5 Stars) Family Entertainment and a refreshing unique style of animation.
(3.5 Stars) A sensory delight, but if you want to follow the plot, bring a notepad.
(3.5 Stars) I suppose if you are a Star Wars buff, you will be disappointed. But for the rest of us, it is just plain fun.
Three movies listed in the genre, but only one meets my criteria. Still, they are all fun to watch.
(3.5 Stars) Visually stunning and terrific sound. But not up to Kubrick standards!
(3 Stars) A bit deep for those on the edge of the comic book world, but the different animation styles, all in one movie, are fascinating.
(2 Stars) An outdated sequel that tries too hard to be relevant. Might be good for families with young children.
(3.5 Stars) Amazing Visual Effects, but the story, with 72 characters, is too big to wrap your mind around, unless you already know the comic book world well.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.