Favorite Theme Tune -- Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek always had great themes. They always were so much more epic than any other show I watched. This is my favorite Jerry Goldsmith's theme from Star Trek: The Motion Picture was used for this show, and it quickly became known as simply the theme for Star Trek: TNG.
Showing posts with label Memes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memes. Show all posts
March 1, 2012
February 29, 2012
Episode 21 - Star Trek V: Kirk vs. God
In this episode of the Flashbacks Podcast I talk about one of the more disliked Trek movies. Star Trek V gets attacked a lot, and most of those attacks are warranted. However, in this episode I try to show why there are parts of it that I think are really good. It has some of the best character moments of the franchise, and Jerry Goldsmith's score is simply beautiful.
Are those things enough to make me like this movie? Listen to find out!
Are those things enough to make me like this movie? Listen to find out!
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 29
Best Pre-1980s Sci-Fi -- Star Trek: The Original Series
I've written at length during this challenge about how much I love Star Trek so this will be brief. Plus I did do a whole podcast episode about The Original Series so if you want to hear my thoughts on it check it out! Lets just say that I find it very impressive that a show that was cancelled after 3 seasons turned out to be the beginnings of one of the greatest and most widely loved franchises of all time. It launched five more series, and as of now 12 movies. Not to mention a ton of comics, and fan fiction.
Love this show.
I've written at length during this challenge about how much I love Star Trek so this will be brief. Plus I did do a whole podcast episode about The Original Series so if you want to hear my thoughts on it check it out! Lets just say that I find it very impressive that a show that was cancelled after 3 seasons turned out to be the beginnings of one of the greatest and most widely loved franchises of all time. It launched five more series, and as of now 12 movies. Not to mention a ton of comics, and fan fiction.
Love this show.
February 28, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 28
A Great Sci-Fi B-Movie -- Plan 9 From Outer Space
Ed Wood is known for making some of the worst movies of all time, and this his is masterpiece. If you've never seen it you should definitely check it out. Also check out Tim Burton's film Ed Wood. It's one of my favorites.
Plan 9 From Outer Space is about aliens who use a special technology to raise the dead in order to assist them in taking over the world. It's a really interesting and different idea for a genre that was being done to death at the time.
People joke that this is the worst movie of all time, but in reality it's in the same group as Rocky Horror. It's a bad movie, but it's a GREAT bad movie. Don't get me wrong, this movie is bad, but compared to some of the movies Syfy puts out these days this movie is brilliant
Ed Wood is known for making some of the worst movies of all time, and this his is masterpiece. If you've never seen it you should definitely check it out. Also check out Tim Burton's film Ed Wood. It's one of my favorites.
Plan 9 From Outer Space is about aliens who use a special technology to raise the dead in order to assist them in taking over the world. It's a really interesting and different idea for a genre that was being done to death at the time.
People joke that this is the worst movie of all time, but in reality it's in the same group as Rocky Horror. It's a bad movie, but it's a GREAT bad movie. Don't get me wrong, this movie is bad, but compared to some of the movies Syfy puts out these days this movie is brilliant
February 27, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 27
Nastiest Villains -- The Daleks
The Doctor's oldest and meanest villain are the Daleks. They made their first appearance in the 2nd serial of the franchise, and have been a menace ever since.
Some what based on the Nazis, they believe they are the highest and greatest form of life in the universe, and their goal is to wipe out anyone who is not a Dalek. Their famous attack phrase of "Exterminate" haunts all who encounter them and for most it's usually the last thing you hear.
While the Doctor seems to defeat them again and again, they are partly responsible for the destruction of the Time Lords, and countless others. They might look silly(yes that's a plunger), but they are terrifying.
LOVE THESE GUYS!!
The Doctor's oldest and meanest villain are the Daleks. They made their first appearance in the 2nd serial of the franchise, and have been a menace ever since.
Some what based on the Nazis, they believe they are the highest and greatest form of life in the universe, and their goal is to wipe out anyone who is not a Dalek. Their famous attack phrase of "Exterminate" haunts all who encounter them and for most it's usually the last thing you hear.
While the Doctor seems to defeat them again and again, they are partly responsible for the destruction of the Time Lords, and countless others. They might look silly(yes that's a plunger), but they are terrifying.
LOVE THESE GUYS!!
February 26, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 26
Best Battle -- Colony Fleet vs. Cylons above New Caprica
This was one of the most amazing sequences in history. The image above is what I see as one of the greatest moments in all of Sci-Fi History by the way.
This battle was the rescue mission to save the people stranded on New Caprica. Humans had made that their new home until the Cylons came and occupied it. It took a long time, and was a dangerous mission but both Adamas finally decided it was time to attack and get those motherfraking humans off that motherfraking planet!
So many great scenes. Galactica falling through the atmosphere and then jumping away, the Pegasus being used as a torpedo to take out two Baseships, and of course the after math of this battle lasted many episodes.
If I had to choose this topic everyday I might pick a different battle every day, but this is the one I chose today. And hey, it makes sense.
This was one of the most amazing sequences in history. The image above is what I see as one of the greatest moments in all of Sci-Fi History by the way.
This battle was the rescue mission to save the people stranded on New Caprica. Humans had made that their new home until the Cylons came and occupied it. It took a long time, and was a dangerous mission but both Adamas finally decided it was time to attack and get those motherfraking humans off that motherfraking planet!
So many great scenes. Galactica falling through the atmosphere and then jumping away, the Pegasus being used as a torpedo to take out two Baseships, and of course the after math of this battle lasted many episodes.
If I had to choose this topic everyday I might pick a different battle every day, but this is the one I chose today. And hey, it makes sense.
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 25
Funniest Sci-Fi - Spaceballs
When I was a kid I watched this movie all the time. I actually saw it before I saw Star Wars if you can believe it!
I didn't get so many of the jokes, and I'm so surprised my parents let me watch this movie so much. I'm pretty sure I learned the word "shit" from this movie. Phrases like "Take only what you need to survive" became family jokes and I still laugh whenever I hear things like "We've been jammed" or "Merchandising!"
If you've never seen this then you must be from an other galaxy or something because this is one of the all time greats.
Oh and R.I.P. John Candy
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 24
Who's the #1 Captain -- Jean-Luc Picard
He may not have gotten all the ladies like Kirk, and he may not have had stones like Sisko, but this guy was epic. While he was far more diplomatic, and thoughtful than Kirk he also never shied away from a fight. Picard often won battles with words though. Clever diplomatic phrasing to the Romulans and Cardassians got him out of a lot of tough spots, but he also could go full on diplomatic ambassador style. A brilliant mediator he certainly was, especially when it came to the Klingons. He stood up to the omnipotent being Q several times, and saved humanity from...himself.
Interestingly, my two favorite Picard moments didn't even happen while he was serving on the Enterprise. I won't go into it here, but those moments are from episodes "Family" and "The Inner Light".
See Star Trek, when you cast a brilliant Shakespearean actor you get brilliance.
Interestingly, my two favorite Picard moments didn't even happen while he was serving on the Enterprise. I won't go into it here, but those moments are from episodes "Family" and "The Inner Light".
See Star Trek, when you cast a brilliant Shakespearean actor you get brilliance.
February 23, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 23
Favorite CosPlay Oufit -- Spock
Yes that's me. How awesome do I look?
Yes that's me. How awesome do I look?
February 22, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 22
Coolest Alien Race -- Time Lords
They come from the planet Galiffrey, Before they were all wiped out(almost all that is) they spent their day watching over the universe making sure that time was protected. They didn't interfere unless it was necessary, well most of them anyway.
They can see all of time and space, and they use that knowledge to create the coolest space ship ever...THE TARDIS!
Oh, and according to on specific Time Lord they invented black holes.
Too bad they're all gone, these guys knew how to party.
February 21, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 21
Best Adaptation of a Sci-Fi Book -- 2001: A Space Odyssey
This film is one of the most fascinating and confusing films of all-time. While the book is a bit different, I think it still is a brilliant adaptation for the simple reason that Arthur C. Clarke was deeply involved with the film making. He helped Stanley Kubrick make this true masterpiece of science fiction.
This film is about many things. Evolution, human nature, human endeavors, dependency on technology, where we've been, and where we are going.
I probably will some day do a whole podcast episode about this movie because there is so much here that it needs epic focus and examination. If this is one of those movies that you've always wanted to see but never found the time, then check it out. I warn you though, it's very slow in parts and could even be called "boring" depending on your mood and setting. I would suggest watching it with someone who has seen it before. That way they can help you to enjoy the more cryptic aspects of it.
P.S. the sequel, 2010 is also very good and actually follows the book more closely.
This film is one of the most fascinating and confusing films of all-time. While the book is a bit different, I think it still is a brilliant adaptation for the simple reason that Arthur C. Clarke was deeply involved with the film making. He helped Stanley Kubrick make this true masterpiece of science fiction.
This film is about many things. Evolution, human nature, human endeavors, dependency on technology, where we've been, and where we are going.
I probably will some day do a whole podcast episode about this movie because there is so much here that it needs epic focus and examination. If this is one of those movies that you've always wanted to see but never found the time, then check it out. I warn you though, it's very slow in parts and could even be called "boring" depending on your mood and setting. I would suggest watching it with someone who has seen it before. That way they can help you to enjoy the more cryptic aspects of it.
P.S. the sequel, 2010 is also very good and actually follows the book more closely.
February 20, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 20
Favorite Alien Invasion Movie/Series -- War of the Worlds(1953)
War of the Worlds is probably the most famous alien invasion story and this was the first time it was brought to the big screen. Obviously based on H.G. Wells' classic book it was the inspiration for virtually every single alien invasion story. Instead of the English countryside, or New Jersey this version had the Martians invade Los Angeles.
Like most alien invasion movies of the 1950s it was really about the treat of communism and the fear that was felt by ordinary people during that time. The Martians kill without mercy or warning, and their first victims are unarmed men trying to make peaceful contact.
Steven Spielberg would direct a remake of the movie in 2005 staring Tom Cruise. While I enjoyed that movie and think it was closer to the book in its interpretation of the story, but this one is the better one in my opinion. While it might not be the BEST alien invasion movie ever, I love the original book, and of course the love Orson Welles' radio play. This movie is great 1950s sci-fi and I think it holds up very well.
War of the Worlds is probably the most famous alien invasion story and this was the first time it was brought to the big screen. Obviously based on H.G. Wells' classic book it was the inspiration for virtually every single alien invasion story. Instead of the English countryside, or New Jersey this version had the Martians invade Los Angeles.
Like most alien invasion movies of the 1950s it was really about the treat of communism and the fear that was felt by ordinary people during that time. The Martians kill without mercy or warning, and their first victims are unarmed men trying to make peaceful contact.
Steven Spielberg would direct a remake of the movie in 2005 staring Tom Cruise. While I enjoyed that movie and think it was closer to the book in its interpretation of the story, but this one is the better one in my opinion. While it might not be the BEST alien invasion movie ever, I love the original book, and of course the love Orson Welles' radio play. This movie is great 1950s sci-fi and I think it holds up very well.
February 19, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge -- Day 19
Empire or Rebel Alliance -- Rebel Alliance (I guess)
I never really thought about it. As most people know(and as this meme has shown) I'm a much bigger Star Trek fan. But I'm doing this challenge, and that means answering each question put to me.
I never really thought about it. As most people know(and as this meme has shown) I'm a much bigger Star Trek fan. But I'm doing this challenge, and that means answering each question put to me.
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge -- Day 18
Best Use of SFX on the Small Screen - FRINGE
Once again probably not THE BEST, but this needs to be mentioned. Since the end of Season 2 Fringe has gone along with doubles of most the main characters. Sometimes they share scenes and even shots. It's some of, if not the best work in this regard that I've ever seen. Seen in TV, or Film.
It's a real shame that this perfection is what might cost Fringe a fifth season. This kind of greatness costs a lot of money, and shows that get low ratings on Fridays are not worth all the money it seems. If this is the last season of Fringe, then that's really sad, but they can never take away the amazing special effects work.
Once again probably not THE BEST, but this needs to be mentioned. Since the end of Season 2 Fringe has gone along with doubles of most the main characters. Sometimes they share scenes and even shots. It's some of, if not the best work in this regard that I've ever seen. Seen in TV, or Film.
It's a real shame that this perfection is what might cost Fringe a fifth season. This kind of greatness costs a lot of money, and shows that get low ratings on Fridays are not worth all the money it seems. If this is the last season of Fringe, then that's really sad, but they can never take away the amazing special effects work.
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge -- Day 17
Best Use of SFX on the Big Screen - Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Okay let me be clear. I know that this is probably not THE BEST ever use of special effects on the big screen. I mean there's Avatar, and Jurassic Park, and LOTR, and Star Wars I get it. I chose this because I couldn't figure out how to actually gauge this. I mean is it best looking? That's not really fair to older movies, plus CGI starts to look like crap after a few years. Go look at the original release of The Phantom Menace and tell me that CGI doesn't look horrible now even though it was groundbreaking and stunning back then.
I chose Who Framed Roger Rabbit? for this very reason. The movie was made in 1988 and still to this day looks amazing. It's seamless and the toons fit into this world better than almost any big time CGI does today. I worry about a possible remake, or sequel since they would demand massive uses of CGI, or motion capture. While movies like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Hugo, and the upcoming Hobbit look amazing, I honestly thing they would be inferior to this now 24 year old masterpiece.
To add to this, not only is the SFX work perfect, but the way the real people interact with the toons(who clearly were not there during filming) is again some of the best I've ever seen. I dare you to watch this movie and not truly believe that these cartoons were not actually there during filming. That is the true magic that this movie achieved, and it will live on forever.
Okay let me be clear. I know that this is probably not THE BEST ever use of special effects on the big screen. I mean there's Avatar, and Jurassic Park, and LOTR, and Star Wars I get it. I chose this because I couldn't figure out how to actually gauge this. I mean is it best looking? That's not really fair to older movies, plus CGI starts to look like crap after a few years. Go look at the original release of The Phantom Menace and tell me that CGI doesn't look horrible now even though it was groundbreaking and stunning back then.
I chose Who Framed Roger Rabbit? for this very reason. The movie was made in 1988 and still to this day looks amazing. It's seamless and the toons fit into this world better than almost any big time CGI does today. I worry about a possible remake, or sequel since they would demand massive uses of CGI, or motion capture. While movies like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Hugo, and the upcoming Hobbit look amazing, I honestly thing they would be inferior to this now 24 year old masterpiece.
To add to this, not only is the SFX work perfect, but the way the real people interact with the toons(who clearly were not there during filming) is again some of the best I've ever seen. I dare you to watch this movie and not truly believe that these cartoons were not actually there during filming. That is the true magic that this movie achieved, and it will live on forever.
February 16, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge -- Day 16
A Great Quote -- "Roads? Where We're Going We Don't Need Roads"
No explanation needed.
No explanation needed.
February 15, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge - Day 15
Which Spaceship Would You Want to Own or Fly - The TARDIS
Bigger on the inside and travel anywhere in time and space? Yeah this was an easy decision.
Bigger on the inside and travel anywhere in time and space? Yeah this was an easy decision.
February 14, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge -- Day 14
An Under-rated Sci-Fi Gem -- Sunshine
Sunshine from Danny Boyle is a great film. It tells the story of a mission to the Sun in an effort to save planet Earth. The science and reasons for the mission are discussed briefly, but I think it's smart that they don't go to much into what happened to the Sun to prompt this mission. The mission itself and the issues they run into are very realistic. From the way the ship is constructed, to the "Oxygen Garden" a lot of what is seen in this movie could really work on a real mission. The end of the movie gets a little insane, and horror movie like and I think it could done without that, but it is exciting.
The score of this movie is one of my favorites and really adds the appropriate sense of danger and wonder that is expected when it comes to the Sun. While the Sun is the giver of all life on Earth, it also is a giant ball of fire. There really is no better analogy for the giver life and bringer death than a star. The cast of the movie makes me smile. You have Chris Evans, Cillian Murphy, and a very creepy Mark Strong.
If you haven't seen this one, then check it out.
Sunshine from Danny Boyle is a great film. It tells the story of a mission to the Sun in an effort to save planet Earth. The science and reasons for the mission are discussed briefly, but I think it's smart that they don't go to much into what happened to the Sun to prompt this mission. The mission itself and the issues they run into are very realistic. From the way the ship is constructed, to the "Oxygen Garden" a lot of what is seen in this movie could really work on a real mission. The end of the movie gets a little insane, and horror movie like and I think it could done without that, but it is exciting.
The score of this movie is one of my favorites and really adds the appropriate sense of danger and wonder that is expected when it comes to the Sun. While the Sun is the giver of all life on Earth, it also is a giant ball of fire. There really is no better analogy for the giver life and bringer death than a star. The cast of the movie makes me smile. You have Chris Evans, Cillian Murphy, and a very creepy Mark Strong.
If you haven't seen this one, then check it out.
February 13, 2012
30 Day Sci-Ci Challenge -- Day 13
Favorite Flavor of Star Trek -- The Next Generation
This was the Star Trek I grew up with. I used to watch it with my dad, and we went to all the TNG movies together. We also got all the episodes on VHS when they came out. I remember 2 episodes came on each tape, and we got one each month. When one would arrive we would watch it right away, and then put it on a shelf. That shelf still has all the tapes on it. It's a nice collection, and since it's complete I'm quite proud of it.
I love all of Star Trek, even Enterprise, but none of the series get to me the way TNG does. It was the last installment of Trek that was directly created by Gene Roddenberry and I think it shows. Yes it's nice and alittle too perfect. That's how he viewed the future! He actually believed that technology and science would better all humanity and launch us to the stars. With TNG he had to recreate Star Trek, and by placing it about 100 years after TOS it needed to be even better. Where TOS has more militaristic, but idealistic about civil rights, TNG had to be more diplomatic and broad in all forms.
This was the Star Trek I grew up with. I used to watch it with my dad, and we went to all the TNG movies together. We also got all the episodes on VHS when they came out. I remember 2 episodes came on each tape, and we got one each month. When one would arrive we would watch it right away, and then put it on a shelf. That shelf still has all the tapes on it. It's a nice collection, and since it's complete I'm quite proud of it.
I love all of Star Trek, even Enterprise, but none of the series get to me the way TNG does. It was the last installment of Trek that was directly created by Gene Roddenberry and I think it shows. Yes it's nice and alittle too perfect. That's how he viewed the future! He actually believed that technology and science would better all humanity and launch us to the stars. With TNG he had to recreate Star Trek, and by placing it about 100 years after TOS it needed to be even better. Where TOS has more militaristic, but idealistic about civil rights, TNG had to be more diplomatic and broad in all forms.
February 12, 2012
30 Day Sci-Fi Challenge -- Day 12
Yeah I know It's Rubbish But I LOVE It - The Day After Tomorrow
This is a disaster movie that is in rare form. Usually in natural disaster movies they discover some big threat, it builds as the movie goes on, and then in the end they use some crazy made up science thing to stop it, or they just use nuclear weapons. However, in The Day After Tomorrow they are like "oh, this is happening...we're all frakked". They don't try and stop it, or even save anyone they just run away. Which is what one would normally do.
Now of course Denis Quaid(who is a brilliant climatologist) sets out to save his son, his hot girlfriend and black friend, and a number of other people who decide staying alive is more important than preserving books. I mean who needs books? Just buy a Kindle from our friends at Amazon! OR click the link to the left and get a free Audiobook from our friends at Audible!
This is a disaster movie that is in rare form. Usually in natural disaster movies they discover some big threat, it builds as the movie goes on, and then in the end they use some crazy made up science thing to stop it, or they just use nuclear weapons. However, in The Day After Tomorrow they are like "oh, this is happening...we're all frakked". They don't try and stop it, or even save anyone they just run away. Which is what one would normally do.
Now of course Denis Quaid(who is a brilliant climatologist) sets out to save his son, his hot girlfriend and black friend, and a number of other people who decide staying alive is more important than preserving books. I mean who needs books? Just buy a Kindle from our friends at Amazon! OR click the link to the left and get a free Audiobook from our friends at Audible!
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