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Sci-fi movie marathon!

Started by Michael Harris20 · · 👁 8 views · 76 replies

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Participants Michael Harris20Patrick MartinRyan Roberts31Rebecca Peterson3briskhound2Susan HernandezSean Bailey75dustyfalcon122jadetiger37vivideagle7Brandon Fox2Edward Price6Lawrence Booth2Angela Davis4Richard Wilson4bluenomad2feralharbor8frozenwolf25Jessica Morris6Rachel Hall29Michael Jackson10Scott Allen33Sam WatsonSophia Grant39
jadetiger37 jadetiger37 Member
23 messages
joined Mar 2015
#21 ·
Michael Harris20 said:Why aren't we getting movies like we did back in '94 or '95 anymore? You know—real thrillers, dramas, crime flicks... instead, every single year it's just a handful of Avatars, Avengers, Spiderman, Batman, Maze Runner, Planet of the Apes, and suddenly that's considered a massive hit...

Is it because nobody knows how to make a decent movie anymore, or have we just burned through every good idea until all we have left is filming stuff about what the "future" might look like?...

The answer is pretty damn simple...

It is all about the money! — basically, the big production studios are holding the baton and calling all the shots when it comes to the "cinematic direction."..

There was actually talk about this at last year's Oscar ceremony.. Basically, they’re playing it safe by dumping hundreds of millions into a budget where a return of over $500 million is practically a sure thing.. This means sticking to films with huge fanbases, recognizable franchises rooted in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genre (with Pan being the weird exception that they just keep butchering for some reason 🙂) and animated features..

The whole point is that this "safety net" strategy follows the theory that it's better to sink cash into special effects and build a movie around them—ensuring high ticket sales—rather than hiring a top-tier actor to carry a quality drama or thriller. With those, there's zero guarantee you'll see any profit, let alone an enormous one, no matter how masterpiece-level the film actually is..

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/ — here's the cold, hard proof
(Titanic is the outlier, but hey, besides being a one-of-a-kind flick, you've got James Cameron behind it, so... 🙂)

Because, let's be real here—stuff like Avengers, Captain America, Batman, Spiderman, etc.; way, way, WAY more people are going to show up for those than for something like The Godfather, Forrest Gump, or life is beautiful—regardless of how shallow the plot might be in those first bunch of blockbusters..

I drifted a bit off-topic, but I'm still answering the question from the original post..
briskhound2 briskhound2 Regular
411 messages
joined Mar 2009
#22 ·
Amanda Garcia57 said:Not really. It’s weird to me how people can just obsess over things that have zero basis in reality—to actually admire them and even put them on a pedestal as some kind of life ideal. Some people crave (brutal) reality, while others just want fantasy. Strange. I don't get it.

"Zero basis in reality"? From what I gather, all those chemical processes for producing water and oxygen are right there, along with the creation of arable soil... so, technically... I haven't seen the movie, but if it sticks to the book, the only Sci-Fi element is the whole setting being on Mars and having a ship capable of such a long haul. Fifty years ago, Star Trek was pure Sci-Fi in every sense, yet today we've got high-speed elevators, interactive home computers, smartphones, and tablets... it happens. But since you brought it up, what about Fifty Shades of Grey? That sounds more like your speed, I guess, since it's "realistic"? Kinky sex is a thing in the real world, and there are plenty of people out there who go for it. Not to mention it's (again) just the fantasies of some immature girl who, totally obsessed with that Twilight bullshit, cooked up her own version of what she calls "real"...
Sean Bailey75 Sean Bailey75 Member
29 messages
joined Jan 2014
#23 ·
jadetiger37 said:The answer is actually quite straightforward...

It’s all about the money! It comes down to where the production studios hold the conductor's baton and dictate the "cinematic direction."

There was even talk about this during last year's Oscar ceremony. Essentially, studios are playing it safe by pumping several hundred million dollars into a budget, knowing that a return of over $500 million is practically guaranteed. This usually means films with massive fan bases, recognizable franchises rooted in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genre (with the exception of Pan, which I honestly don't know why they keep butchering 🙂), or animated features.

The core issue is that this "safety net" follows a specific theory: it's better to dump cash into visual effects and build a movie around them to ensure high ticket sales, rather than investing in a top-tier actor to carry a quality drama or thriller. With those, you just don't have the same certainty of turning a profit—let alone an enormous one—no matter how brilliant the film might be.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/ — here is the concrete proof
(Titanic is the outlier, but let's be honest, besides being a unique masterpiece, it's also a Cameron film, so... 🙂)

Because, let's be real—movies like Avengers, Captain America, Batman, or Spider-Man will draw in way, way more people than something like The Godfather, Forrest Gump, or Life is beautiful, regardless of how shallow the plots might be in those first few examples.

I expanded the topic a bit, but I'm still building off the question raised in the original post.

Look, if we're being honest, most of those massive blockbusters are essentially kids' movies. I mean, realistically, I don't see how Harry Potter, Marvel's Avengers, Lord of the Rings, or Minions would ever be taken seriously as Sci-Fi. Even Avatar is technically an animated film. In my opinion, if we're going to lump everything into Sci-Fi, then we could just as easily put the Mockingjay series or Blade Runner into the Sci-Fi category instead of teen movies. All animation and all fantasy could fit under Sci-Fi. Even if the plot is silly or unrealistic, you could argue it belongs in Sci-Fi simply because the script isn't Real.
Ryan Roberts31 Ryan Roberts31 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Oct 2015
#24 ·
Benjamin Ruiz60 said:What? You never discuss the movies you watch with friends? Or do you just not have any? I don't see the issue.

It’s incredible how far human malice and petty sabotage can go once someone runs out of actual arguments.

It's obvious you're lacking parental affection if you watch films just to force social interaction, grab attention, earn trust, or maybe even beg for a little love—or "socialize," if you want to use the nicer term.

Unlike you, I watch movies simply because I enjoy them.
Sean Bailey75 Sean Bailey75 Member
29 messages
joined Jan 2014
#25 ·
briskhound2 said:So there's "no basis in reality"? From what I understand, all the chemical processes required to produce water and oxygen are right there, just like how arable soil is formed. I haven't actually seen the movie, but if it stays true to the book, the only Sci-Fi element is the fact that everything is set on Mars and that a spacecraft capable of such a long journey exists. Fifty years ago, Star Trek was pure Sci-Fi in every sense, yet today we have high-speed elevators, interactive home computers, smartphones, and tablets. But since you brought it up, what about 50 Shades of Grey? That seems more like your kind of flick, I'd assume, because it's "real," right? Kinky sex is everywhere these days, and people who prefer it are practically a dime a dozen. Not to mention, it’s (once again) just the fantasy of some immature housewife who, obsessed with that Twilight bullshit, cooked up her own version of what she calls "realistic."

Great post. 👍

Is it even worth watching '50 Shades of Grey,' or did it accidentally turn into unintentional Sci-Fi?
vivideagle7 vivideagle7 Active Member
135 messages
joined Oct 2014
#26 ·
Amanda Garcia57 said:That’s an interesting question. I don't have the answer, but Sci-Fi seems to be incredibly popular. I guess it's because there's an audience out there that gravitates toward themes that have nothing to do with everyday life—you know, with reality. If you dive deep into fantasy, you're drifting far away from what's actually happening, and by extension, far away from life itself.

The whole thing is kind of worrying.

What a load of nonsense.

An artist tells the truth through lies. Personally, I think 90% of Sci-Fi is garbage, but your generalization here is just unbelievable 🙏

I mean, look at movies like 2001, Metropolis, Solaris... they're all Sci-Fi, and they all convey massive universal truths through "fantasy." Actually, people who watch or read those kinds of smart films and books often realize more about reality than if they didn't watch them at all. Here's a basic example: one of the classics of realism, The Raincoat by Gogol, uses fantasy elements to reveal the truth, because sometimes certain messages can be shown much better through "fantasy" than they can be delivered directly.

And honestly, I feel for you if you don't have any imagination or dreams left.
Michael Harris20 Michael Harris20 MemberOP
12 messages
joined Mar 2014
#27 ·
vivideagle7 said:You’re a poor soul if you don't have any imagination or dreams left.

I don't know... I guess I'm just frustrated by how everyone today is obsessed with conspiracy theories, Orwellian nightmares, anti-consumerism, or whatever else... It feels like that's where all these movies come from—the idea that some superhero is going to fly in and save a corrupt society because he's the only righteous one left. Or those tropes about living on an island in a hundred years where they sort you into clans based on psych tests. Honestly, it's no wonder someone gets caught up in that mindset, thinks they're Batman, and ends up taking a rifle to a crowded street...

I'm not sure... maybe I'm just overthinking it. But it really hit me today while I was browsing a movie streaming site... out of at least 100 films, 50 of them were some kind of Sci-Fi....... Either there are hardly any people left on Earth, or it's an apocalypse, or a guy is stuck alone on Mars, or we're fighting animals, or we've migrated to a different planet.😵

We want blockbusters to be more like "Home Alone" or "Ace Ventura," not Transformers.☕

....ps... the creators of Back to the Future didn't get much right regarding 2015, which makes you wonder about all these fantasies and who is actually being unrealistic when they're filming... 😁
Susan Hernandez Susan Hernandez Active Member
58 messages
joined Dec 2011
#28 ·
Amanda Garcia57 said:It’s honestly unbelievable how far human malice and cheap sabotage can go once someone runs out of actual arguments.

Look, I'm not playing games with you. But if you think I'm a jerk, then yeah, I guess I am. 😁 For goodness' sake, Watching movies and talking about them... that's what socialization is all about. You’re twisting my words regarding watching Sci-Fi movies... sure, it’s about socializing. But your comments and the way you titled this thread? They are just screaming with flaws. It makes it way too easy for people to turn your own logic against you.

It’s pretty obvious you're lacking parental love if you watch movies just to force your way into social circles, try to grab someone's attention, win their trust, or maybe even beg for a little affection—or "socialize," as you so eloquently put it.

What kind of social pressure are you even talking about? You mean posting on a forum? Maybe that counts as high society to you, sweetheart, but you're still stuck in high school. As you get older, you'll realize the world doesn't revolve around your family, your classroom, or your little circle of friends. Especially when you actually screw up.

Unlike you, I only watch movies because I actually enjoy them.

Unlike you, I only bother discussing movies I actually enjoy watching. Wasting your time on a film you hate is just a total waste of life, and starting a thread about movies you can't stand is—to put it in terms you might actually grasp—just being a complete brat. It’s pathetic. 😁
Brandon Fox2 Brandon Fox2 Member
32 messages
joined Sep 2008
#29 ·
There's definitely an influx, but it’s mostly just bad Sci-Fi movies! You see endless amounts of low-quality footage featuring frantic teenagers because everyone thinks they can shoot their own version of > using nothing but a smartphone and a few bucks. Then you have these so-called dystopian adolescent films aimed at a teenage audience—everything from > and > to the >—that all feel exactly the same. It’s even similar to those pathetic reboots like > or >, where it feels like rookie writers try to push themes of brotherhood and diversity by changing > into a girl from >, making > African American, and so on, so it’s almost expected that > becomes gay. I guess these movies are either super cheap amateurish junk, or they're incredibly expensive messes overloaded with > that serves no purpose other than being irritating rather than spectacular. There is so much work by >, >, >, and > that remains unadapted... I wonder if anyone will ever actually tackle their stories, or if we're just stuck with endless, uninspired remakes and reboots?
Rebecca Peterson3 Rebecca Peterson3 Member
26 messages
joined Jan 2015
#30 ·
Amanda Garcia57 said:Everything seems to be labeled as "art" these days. Even blatant lies, deception, and pure fantasy. Personally, I can't wrap my head around those three being categorized as art, nor would I ever classify them as such. For me, this kind of "art" acts as a barrier—one I intend to maintain for as long as possible. After all, everything we consume eventually becomes a part of us, and falsehood, deceit, and fantasy are nothing more than toxic substances poisoning our very souls. Though, I suppose there are plenty of people who actually enjoy the high...

Pretty much every single film out there—with the exception of a documentary—is built on lies, deception, and fantasy (just like any good work of fiction). You can either embrace it or reject it. As for me, I quite enjoy that toxicity; it’s been successfully poisoning my soul for years now...
Edward Price6 Edward Price6 Active Member
97 messages
joined Feb 2017
#31 ·
Amanda Garcia57 said:Not really. It's weird how people can love things that have no basis in Real life, admire them, and even put them on a pedestal as life ideals. Some souls crave (harsh) reality, while others want fantasy. Strange. I just don't get it.

I think people who insist so much on reality are just limited. Think how much the human race would have progressed without Sci-Fi (Jules Verne, anyone?).
So many Sci-Fi ideas that once seemed impossible or unreachable are just everyday reality now.

It's the same for living on Mars, or for more open-minded folks, parallel universes, time travel, and so on. There was an article recently about possible collisions between parallel universes based on cosmic background radiation. Sure, it's just theory and probes will have to explore further, but without an open mind and without Sci-Fi, there is no progress.
So, your inability to understand why someone could love Sci-Fi so much is totally incomprehensible to me. Even if it feels like total nonsense to you. You can go ahead and believe the Earth is a flat disc.

She's trolling. She's testing certain topics. Just ignore the nonsense.
Edward Price6 Edward Price6 Active Member
97 messages
joined Feb 2017
#32 ·
Reading through the old posts now, jeez!
I've seen this before in Real life.
The next thing this person will ask is: What is the meaning of life to you?
Then they'll try to pull us into some cult.
Save yourselves while you can!
Lawrence Booth2 Lawrence Booth2 Regular
297 messages
joined Sep 2022
#33 ·
It’s weird... I could have sworn there were actually a decent amount of Sci-Fi movies out today
Angela Davis4 Angela Davis4 Member
14 messages
joined May 2012
#34 ·
Michael Harris20 said:Why does it feel like we aren't seeing movies like those from '94 or '95 anymore? You know, actual thrillers, dramas, or crime stories... instead, every single year we just get a handful of Avatars, Avengers, Spider-Man, Batman, Blade Runner, or Planet of the Apes, and suddenly they're treated like massive hits...

Has nobody actually learned how to make a decent movie lately, or have we simply exhausted every creative avenue to the point where we can only produce films speculating on what the "future" might look like?...

Actually, high-quality dramas, crime stories, and thrillers are still being produced. Furthermore, unlike your seemingly unmissable 90s, we now have access to incredible crime, thriller, and drama series. In fact, you arguably have more options to watch today than you ever did in the 90s. It seems to me that you aren't actually frustrated with the genres themselves, but rather with how much certain franchises dominate the spotlight.
Ryan Roberts31 Ryan Roberts31 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Oct 2015
#35 ·
William Kern24 said:They’re filming really great dramas, crime shows, and thrillers now too. Plus, unlike those 90s shows you clearly haven't moved on from, there are actually excellent crime/thriller/drama series available today. You have more options than you ever did in the 90s. It seems to me you just dislike how popular a certain genre has become, not the genre itself.

Any examples of really great dramas, crime shows, or thrillers?

Thanks in advance.

At most, one really good drama gets made a year, and I’m not even sure about the crime or thriller stuff.
Rebecca Peterson3 Rebecca Peterson3 Member
26 messages
joined Jan 2015
#36 ·
May I proceed?
I shall simply list a few exceptionally fine pieces.

everyone in my family
force majeure
ptit quinquin
la chambre bleue
anime nere
foxcatcher
it follows
***what we do in the shadows
Coherence
enemy
bad deals
blue ruin
hwayi a monster boy
magical girl
the one i love
youth...

***a horror comedy, though I experienced it more as a drama...
Edward Price6 Edward Price6 Active Member
97 messages
joined Feb 2017
#37 ·
Lawrence Edwards58 said:Can I?
I'll just list some great ones.

everyone in my family
force majeure
ptit quinquin
la chambre bleue
anime nere
foxcatcher
it follows
***what we do in the shadows
Coherence
enemy
bad deals
blue ruin
hwayi a monster boy
magical girl
the one i love
youth...

***horror comedy, but I felt it more like a drama

Oh, don't pick Coherence.
She's allergic to Sci-Fi.
And It follows is questionable because it isn't real.
Enemy too, I mean, how can one person be in two places at once?!

So, only Real stuff works. And if possible, in real time.
Rebecca Peterson3 Rebecca Peterson3 Member
26 messages
joined Jan 2015
#38 ·
Hey Edward Price6, there is absolutely nothing Real about this movie. I mean, the whole premise where Meg Ryan is just looking for a husband and happens to stumble right into some lonely, ripped guy who's also searching for a woman... it’s completely unrealistic, not to mention everything else about it.
Ryan Roberts31 Ryan Roberts31 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Oct 2015
#39 ·
Lawrence Edwards58 said:Am I allowed?
I'll just list a few great ones.

everybody in our family>


My God, does this psychiatry stuff really count as a great drama? It feels like they just gathered people from mental hospitals and filmed them like some cheap reality show.
Lawrence Edwards58 said:force majeure

You have to be joking. You're calling this mindless, empty, boring movie a great drama?
Lawrence Edwards58 said:ptit quinquin

Is this a movie or a miniseries?
Lawrence Edwards58 said:la chambre bleue

Enough. I always end up running into some troll with an attitude problem. Do us all a favor and get a life. Jeez, the standards here are incredibly low. If you keep trolling, you're getting ignored by me.

anime nere
foxcatcher
it follows
***what we do in the shadows
Coherence
enemy
bad deals
blue ruin
hwayi a monster boy
magical girl
the one i love
youth...

***horror comedy, but I experienced it as a drama
Angela Davis4 Angela Davis4 Member
14 messages
joined May 2012
#40 ·
Amanda Garcia57 said:Can anyone suggest some really great dramas, crime shows, or thrillers?

Thanks in advance.

I can usually pick out one really good drama per year, but I'm honestly not even sure when it comes to crime or thrillers.

There are plenty to choose from, really. But what kind of drama are we talking about when you say it's "really good"? If I knew your specific taste, wouldn't it be much easier for me to figure out where we stand and give you a solid recommendation?

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