Saturday, January 30, 2010

Favorite Technology Movies

This is a part of a multi-post on: Best Films On Technology

Here's more about the best of the best, and movies that you should not miss.These are the films that have not just a great story, but a theme that carry over time and generation. These have been very well directed and have been ahead of its time and have spawned countless other films and even genres.

Please feel to free to comment on what you think about this list and why something in this list should or should not be there!




1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
The more I watch the movie, the more I marvel at it. Its not-so-subtle themes of evolution, AI, and extra-terrestrial life though covered by countless other films, have never been more thought provoking (with literally little to say).
The ending is spectacular and probably why all of it made so much sense (or no sense to many).
It is Kubrick's masterpiece, although he has done many other excellent films.
2. Terminator 2
If you were not afraid of cops, you certainly were after Terminator 2. James Cameron's highly successful film was a non-stop thriller ride and had cutting edge special effects that was dynamite in the movie and all the way to the bank making it one of the most successful films even today.
Arnold's best movie to date and probably the one that won him the California governorship.
3. Gattaca
Gattaca went unnoticed for a lot of people, but this quiet movie hit me like a perfect storm. The underlying identity theme, the 'you are not good enough' story line, and the post-modern futuristic world was powerful to keep me thinking for months and years. The film also had excellent acting that is rare in so many sci-fi movies and did not rely on action and explosions to make its mark.
4. The Matrix
The horrendous sequels to the Matrix could not extract it from this list. The coolness factor in the film was not just the leather and vinyl, or the special effects, or the kungfu, or the action sequences, or even the badass
sentient agents, but the fact that the Wachowski brothers gave themselves the license to do whatever they wanted with the inherent 'matrix' idea.
5. Mad Max - Road Warrior
Despite the fact that Mel Gibson has lost all dignity, I still remember that as a kid no movie was as kick-ass as the Road Warrior. The crashing, burning, flying, boomeranging action in the film are some of the best ever. The strange characters, the Australian desert, and that crazy accent gives it an out-of-this-world feel. It still holds up against the big budget action and sci-fi films and hence walks into this list.
6. Back To The Future (I)
Name me any other sci-fi movie that is also funny, has a great story, great music, eccentric characters taken from your own town, and a (literally) high-wired climax that's memorable and still does not need any geek status to enjoy. Back to The Future made sci-fi accessible for all and also made it fun. It opened up the doors for everyone else to enjoy a sci-fi and be able to relate to the experience.
7. Akira
This powerful Anime based on the extremely popular manga series is not a 'cartoon' and not really for kids either. With overt tones of ESP, gang wars, anti-government, and terrorism, this film was ahead of the curve in many ways. Its detail to production, art, sound, and complexities in the storyline makes it a forerunner for not just animation films, but films in general. (Please watch it in Japanese to appreciate the details in voice and facial expression.)


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Friday, January 29, 2010

Technology Films - Yet to See

This is a part of the post: Best Films on Technology
This individual post is more about the films on technology that I have heard good things about, but have not had the time to see.
If there are more films that you think I should include in the list, please post a comment or contact me:



YET TO SEE
Moon (2009)
Rollerball (1975)This ones come highly recommended.
Is it out on BlueRay, yet?
Ghost in the ShellAlso something, I should have seen in
the theater.
Solaris (1972)I did see the 2002 version, and it
reminded me of 2001: Space Odyssey.
Anything that resembles my favorite
Sci-Fi gets thrown out the door.
But I am willing to give the 1972
version a try.
Sleeper (1973)
Stalker (1979)
Logans Run (1976)One of the coolest movie posters!



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Technology Films - Didn't like as Much

This is a part of the post: Best Films on Technology
This individual post is more about the films on technology that I know that people liked or even loved, but I did not feel the same. These were certainly not BAD films, but they did not connect with me for some reason or another.
Please feel free to comment on why you think any of these deserve to be on another list:



Did Not Like em As Much As Others Did

Donnie Darko
ETI liked it OK as a kid and like it even less now.
Fahrenheit 457
Read the book. Its gripping! The movie is just OK.
GhostbustersMy friends love the movie. My first impression (in a small TV) was not very good and it has not changed much over time. It is funny though.
Minority ReportSuch a cool concept. Such a waste!
Pleasantville
The AbyssCutting edge technology, but not enough to keep me interested and coming back for seconds.
Truman Show
Great concept and good acting even, but something did not work.
V for Vendetta
Another great concept, but some of it was a bit hokey.



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Technology Films - Also Very Good

More coming soon
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Technology Films - Close to the Top

More coming soon
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Saturday, January 2, 2010