Looking for a good sci-fi flick that doesn't involve superheroes or monstrous, acid bleeding aliens? Here's three picks I think you should consider.


Andrei Tarkovsky's classic science fiction film is a patient, atmospheric film about three men who journey to a forbidden, remote place where an mystical presence known as "The Room". This is in an abandoned area call "The Zone" where all dreams come true. The men, led by one called "Stalker" carefully cross through the Zone.

The plot doesn't sound like much but this is a rich film. Please note, it is very slow moving, Tarkovsky's eye hangs on to scenes and settings far longer than other directors would dare. His apparent lingering shots are deceptive, at first they may seem intrusive and unnecessary but his shots and editing make this a intimate movie, allowing us to catch the details and feel of his scenes. This is a unique film, I can't say I have seen anything else like it. But again, be warned, this is not for everyone, you have to be able to sit for long stretches to make it through the whole thing.



Yes, it hasn't dated well and good chunks of the production are silly and unfortunate. The central premise, there's a breed of immortals living among us who have been battling with each other for generations in order for there to only be one left who will take on some kind of savior role, is interesting. The logical flaws in the premise are well avoided and director Russell Mulcahy (Resident Evil: Extinction) smartly depends on the flashy sword fighting and historic settings to disguise the idiocy of his plot.

While the film as a whole is a hollow but enjoyable mess, but the film's main flaw, lead actor Christopher Lambert is just awful. His lifeless performance drags his parts of the production down and he has the elocution of Keith Richards with a mouthful of peanut butter. It's always a little hard to struggle with a movie where it's hard to understand the lead, then again, I'm a little silly that way. Why would I recommend a movie where there's serious logic issues and the lead sounds like he's speaking his own made up language? As a whole, and taken on its own terms, this is still a fun, albeit stupid flick. The areas where it fails are made up for in personality and simple action. Not much of a recommendation I know, but a recommendation it is.



Former math student/engineer Shane Carruth put together this award winning film on a $7,000.00. Carruth has made one of the most interesting sci-fi films in a decade. Unfortunately, he has also made one of the most confusing as well. This time-travel movie gives us non-geeks a look into what these misfits do when no one is watching. On one level it is incredibly interesting watching these guys perform their marvelous acts of geekery. On the other, I had no idea what the heck they were saying the whole time.

There is much to recommend this movie, it is smartly laid out and darn interesting. It is slow and some audiences who want flash and bang in their movies may balk at the lazy pace.

Labels: movie recommendations