From: Jason Joel Thompson (jasonjthompson@home.com)
Date: Tue Dec 19 2000 - 21:14:32 MST
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Fabulich" <daniel.fabulich@yale.edu>
> Chris Russo wrote:
>
> > That's it, let's go. Time to put up your dukes.
> >
> > The Matrix is the best sci-fi action movie... *ever*:
> >
> > 1. The Matrix
> > 2. Terminator II
> > 3. Aliens (the second one, for those who may not notice the "s")
> >
> > Oh, Emlyn. What to do with you?
Yikes.
Fun flicks, but your list betrays, it must be said, a preference for style
over substance. (Both T2 and A2 were flashy sequels to gritty, substantive,
genre defining movies.)
However, lets face it, with regards to the genre in question, style IS a
major issue. And I *really* liked all the movies on your list. Big time.
However, I'd have to say that the top three movies that had the most impact
on the genre of sci-fi action, left the biggest ripples, and are, really,
the best three of all time, are:
1. The Empire Strikes Back
Ok, I'm cheating here. Star Wars did it first. But this is where Lucas
really got it right. No other single movie has as successfully transported
us to a universe so epic, so mythical, and so tremendously rich of story and
milieu. ATATs storming the surface of Hoth, Luke in the caves of Dagobah
(creepy,) The Imperial pursuit into the asteroid field, Cloud City-- and
were you aware that Darth Vader is Luke's father?! Dude, The Matrix has
got -nothing- on this baby.
2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Again, a sequel, but we all know the first one sucked. Why's this on my
list?
a.) Two words: STAR TREK. This is one of the big grand daddys of the genre.
'Nuff said.
b.) Epic Cinematic Storytelling. This one turns the screws on you right at
the start and doesn't let up. Ricardo is totally and cunningly over the
top-- one of the finest super-villains of all time. The space-ship battles
in this one *still* look good. (Go figure. Makes you realize that CG still
has a long ways to go.) The score in this movie kicks ass-- epic
gladiatorial space combat opera. The action is -smart-, they keep throwing
in little twists to keep you on your toes. Things crawl into people's ears!
Spock dies!
If you haven't seen this one in a while, do yourself a favor, grab the DVD
and turn the volume up.
3a.) Brazil.
Okay, this one's personal preference: it clearly didn't have big-time impact
on the genre. In fact, it probably doesn't even qualify as Sci-Fi action.
But this is a brilliant, brilliant movie and one of my all time favorites of
all time favoriteness.
3b.) The Matrix
Seldom has a movie so clearly captured, redefined and cinemized the action
sensibilities of its era. This flick -oozes- savvy style. The
cinematography! John Gaeta should be made President. The script is not
particularly brilliant, but lord, the implementation...! Here's the flick
that makes green filters, flo-motion, mirrored surfaces, black leather and
cell phones impossibly cool. It will likely be remembered as the defining
Virtual Reality flick, and it will be endlessly copied. But why, oh why,
are they making a sequel to this movie?!
Runners Up:
Blade Runner -- Wow. This is one of the best looking and sounding movies of
all time. Probably will be for the foreseeable future. Repeat: wow.
Alien -- The first, best, creepiest, most atmospheric monsters-in-space
movie ever.
T2 -- This movie kicks ass; who needs a plot when you've got Arnie and
unrelenting action?
Back to the Future -- I LOVED this movie. I still do. Come on dude, it's
got a time traveling DeLorean.
Highlander -- Is this Sci-Fi? A *classic.*
Clockwork Orange -- This one got in my head.
--
::jason.joel.thompson::
::founder::
www.wildghost.com
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