The Sci-Fi Dude

Star Trek Online Free to Play & A Game Trailer...

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:55:00 +0000

Since Star Trek Online launched their F2P, I thought I'd share a trailer from the game.

Sign up to play for FREE here.

"The Time Element" 1st Twilight Zone pilot Rejected by CBS...

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:14:00 +0000

This is the script/show that didn't sell "The Twilight Zone" to CBS. But it was picked up by Desilu as a one time show. After seeing the success of "The Time Element" CBS gave Rod Serling another chance and the episode, "Where Is Everybody" became the first (and historical) episode of the greatset Science Fiction anthology series in Television history.

Continuing Stargate Atlantis: DVD Movie or TV Mini-Series?

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Since the fifth and final season of “Stargate: Atlantis” in 2008, there has been the debate over continuing the story lines in some fashion. It mainly centers on having a TV mini-series for closure to the series, or having DVD movies.

To me, a TV mini-series would feel too much like finality (which, I guess, is the point of closure). Once the mini-series is over and off the air, there’s no room left for more stories. On the other hand, a movie always leaves things open for a future. There’s a chance there could be sequels (case in point: the SG-1 movies, “Stargate: The Ark of Truth” followed by “Stargate: Continuum” followed, seemingly, by “Stargate: Revolution”).

I know some will say that with movies you only get one story at a time. This is true. At the same time, that’s really what a mini-series is, just in an expanded nature. With movies you can have “bigger” and more focused stories. Not to mention, the story flows better.

Aside from the story issue, the biggest thing is, like I said above, the finality of a TV mini-series. So I guess it comes down to this: Do you really want “Stargate: Atlantis” to end or continue?

Keep in mind, this is just my opinion...what’s yours?

Note: For those that may not know, there is already a “Stargate: Atlantis” movie planned. It is tentatively titled “Stargate: Extinction.” But it, like the SG-1 movie, “Revolution,” has been put on hold by TPTB...supposedly because of the current status of the economy...and the fact that “Stargate: Universe” bombed and is being canceled.

Obscure British Science Fiction TV Shows--Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:08:00 +0000

Here is the second of three posts on those little-known or forgotten British Science Fiction TV shows. This and the next part will list eleven of these shows.

You may expect all of these to be in the Classic Science Fiction range, which a lot of fans consider to be from the 1950's and earlier. And there are some classics from the 50's. But there are some from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's as well. Case in point is the first one in today's list: 1991's "Dark Season" starring Kate Winslet.

O.K. Enough rambling. On to the second part of the list:

1991 British Science Fiction TV Show Dark Season

Dark Season (1991)
Time Is The Enemy (1958)
Secret World Of Polly Flint (1981)
Children Of The Stones (1977)
Man Dog (1972)
The Trollenberg Terror (1956)
Plateau Of Fear (1961)
The Lost Planet (1954)
Return To The Lost Planet (1955)
Century Falls (1993)
Edge Of Darkness (1985)

Truthfully, some of these obscure British Science Fiction TV shows are better than others, but they all deserve a watch. You owe it to yourself to see them if you can.

I plan to see as many of them as I can and write up some reviews. I haven't seen them all, but the ones I have seen I'll watch again if I can find them so my reviews will be "fresh."

Don't forget to leave a comment and tell me of your memories of any of these shows---or anything else you like to say. :)

Obscure British Science Fiction TV Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:31:00 +0000

The British have been involved in Science Fiction since...well, let's just say...a long time. But it seems that, at least in the last sixty years or so, their biggest influence has been in Science Fiction television.

1973 British Science Fiction TV Show Moonbase 3

So I came up with a list of 32 shows that are either little-known or simply forgotten. Most of these British Science Fiction TV shows are short serials of three to seven parts/episodes. But that doesn't make them any less quality entertainment.

I'll share the list with you and you tell me if you know of or remember any of them. It would be great if you would share your memories, good or bad, of the ones you remember.

I'm going to break this down into three posts so you don't have too much to read at one time. Now on to the list:

Time Express (1979)
Moonbase 3 (1973)
Bliss (1995)
First Born (1988)
Space School (1956)
The Nightmare Man (1981)
The Changes (1975)
The Escape of R.D. 7 (1961)
Voodoo Factor (1959)
Legend of Death (1965)

Ther are more than 32 of these great forgotten British Science Fiction TV Shows. But, quite honestly, the research to find them has been long and tiring. In the future, I may (O.K. probably will) continue the search. If you know of any, leave a comment and let me know so I can add to my list.

Look for the 2nd and 3rd parts of this post in a few days.

Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--"Journey To The Seventh Planet" (1961)--A No Brainer!

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:29:00 +0000

Be advised---this review may contain **spoilers**

I read lots of other reviews of classic Science Fiction movies and I’m surprised by most of them. The majority of the time, my opinions are the exact opposite. So it's no surprise that it works that way with the 1961 classic Science Fiction movie, "Journey To The Seventh Planet", starring John Agar and directed by Sidney Pink.

Truthfully, it wasn't the best Science Fiction movie I've seen, but it definately wasn't the worst either. There were many elements that I thought were very good for a low-budget 1960's Science Fiction movie and there were some that were pretty lame. Let's start with the lame...you know, save the best for last.

The special effects were the worst thing about the movie, though some of it was decent. My biggest complaint is the "monsters." The Cyclops/Dinosaur thing was done bad. Stop-motion animation but not anywhere close to the legendary Ray Harryhausen. In reality, I don't think it was needed at all. The same goes for the giant spider---which was nothing but footage from "Earth vs. The Spiders." The sound effects were simply cheesy. On the flip side is the malevolent brain that was, of course, the "bad guy." The effects used efficiently portrayed the evilness that the brain needed in the movie. Believable? Maybe, maybe not. That's an individual conclusion. But it did make it worth the characters effort to battle against and defeat it. My favorite effect was the weapons they used. The guns seemed to shoot out bolts of electricity, which I don't recall ever seeing in another Science Fiction movie (please let me know if you know of another).

The musical score was good enough, though not really top-notch. Actually the music was pretty standard for Science Fiction Movies of the time. It didn't really heighten the suspense or add to the story at all.

The story, human minds taken over by an unknown, alien force, wasn't all that original except the fact that the astronauts own memories were what almost defeated them.

Now, what I thought was the best part of "Journey To The Seventh Planet." The acting. It was superb for a low-budget Science Fiction movie. The acting made the characters (and the story) believable. They exhibited passions and secret fears and desires. The dialogue was delivered just right and flowed smoothly, making it seem less like a movie and more like watching a video of a group of people that didn't know there were on camera. The acting is what saves this movie from the depths of the Science Fiction abyss right beside "Plan 9 From Outer Space." If the acting had been typical of this type of movie, it would be almost pointless to watch.

Ultimately, I think "Journey To The Seventh Planet" is well worth watching. If you can overlook the wasted special effects, you'll be treated to a very good Science Fiction movie. Just don't let the evil brain get you.

My rating: 4 out of 5 (B-movie scale)

Watch The Trailer For "Journey To The Seventh Planet"

Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--"First Spaceship On Venus" (1960)

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:39:00 +0000

With most Science Fiction movies I watch, I either like them or I don't. Rarely do I run across one that has me still trying to decide which it is hours after I see it. But "First Spaceship On Venus" turned out to be one of them.

Before I saw it, I had high expectations, especially considering it was based on a Stanislaw Lem story. Then I found out that Lem disowned the movie and my expectations dropped like a rock thrown out of an airplane! I'm not sure how closely the story was based on Lem's (and, I confess, I've never read it), but there wasn't much originality.

After the first few minutes, "First Spaceship On Venus" seemed like a documentary but it did eventually progress into a decent movie. I thought it was going to be another one of those long, drawn-out, boring Science Fiction movies (an example here). Well, it did seem rather long, but it was interesting enough to keep my interest (which isn't easy for any movie).

I won't speak much to the acting because, quite frankly, some of it was good and some was downright bad. And I don't think it was the writing this time, or the directing. But the (bad) acting just felt more like a lack of talent. You can tell they tried their best. Unfortunately, it wasn't good enough.

The special effects...ah, that's where "First Spaceship On Venus" shines! The Venusian landscape, with it's virbrant color and unusual, wispy, cloud-like vapors oozes a sense of realism! Especially top-notch for the time period. And, of course, there's the spaceship, The Cosmostrator (background...image at top}. Probably the coolest ship I've ever seen in a Science Fiction movie. The only real issues I had was that little tank-with-somewhat-of-a-head robot. That was childish and silly looking. Also, it didn't portray much in the way of heat. Remember, Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth, so it wold be much, much hotter.

It's important to note that this was a German/Polish collaboration. The original version (Der Schweigende Stern) was some 130 minutes long while the US version was cut down to around 78 minutes. This explains the issue I had with with the editing that made the movie jump around like it didn't know where it was supposed to go. It also explains the horrible dubbing attempt. But I won't count points off for those.

I'm still not sure if I like it more than I don't but, overall, "First Spaceship On Venus" surpassed my expectations. I definitely recommend watching it. It's a good way to spend your spare time on a clear night when Venus is shining.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 (B-Movie scale)

Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--"First Man Into Space" (1959)

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:32:00 +0000

Be Advised: This Review May Contain **Spoilers**

Made 10 years before the Moon Landing, the question of "First Man Into Space" is a particularly poinient one. How far can a man go into space and what might be the effects on him? These are questions that NASA surely asked before attempting to go to the Moon. Granted, the film's answer to the question is a bit far-fetched, but important nonetheless.

"First Man Into Space" is the story of reckless Navy test-pilot Lieutenant Dan Prescott (Bill Edwards) who disobeys orders (and possibly common sense) by pushing not one, but two untested rocket-planes beyond their limits. He pays the price for his recklessness when the second rocket-plane, the Y-13(pictured above), travels over 250 miles into space. The Y-13 runs into some cosmic asteroid dust and transforms him into a being that cannot breath in Earth's atmosphere.

I have to say the most redeeming quality of this movie is the acting. No doubt many will disagree with me, calling the acting lame, etc. But for a low-budget film, I think it's more than adequate. The best performance goes to Bill Edwards(pictured above with Marla Landi). Edwards does a good job of making us sympathize with the creature he becomes (as well as not like the man he was). He gives us a strong portrayal of the plight and confusion of a creature that has been unwillingly changed, one that has needs it doesn't understand. Marshall Thompson("It! The Terror from Beyond Space") is convincing as Dan's responsible and level-headed brother, Commander Charles Prescott. He is the anti-Dan, portraying the typical, by-the-book Naval Officer. But, at the same time, shows caring and sympathy for Dan's girlfriend, Tia Francesca, at the loss of the man she planned to marry. Probably the weakest of the lead acting is Marla Landi, who is Tia. Her portrayal of Tia isn't bad by any means, just a little weaker than the others. To be honest, I feel the weakness of Marla's performance is due to the writing...a character needs to be strongly written for the portrayal to be strong.

The special effects in "First Man Into Space" were rather sparse, so if that's why you watch Science Fiction, classic or otherwise, you'll be disappointed. The best of the special effects are when Dan and the Y-13 are spiraling out of control after coming in contact with the asteroid dust cloud. Even so, the effect does look cheap. It seems that instead of the Y-13 spiraling down, it's actually the camera being rotated up, around, and down. For a 1950's low-budget film not really that bad but it does look strange and disappointing 51 years later.

Bill Edwards as "The Monster" w/Marshall Thompson

The story was actually pretty cool, giving us an example of what can happen if we are so driven to be #1 that we are willing to do anything, including risking our life, to get there. I wish there had been more background on the brothers, even if it was interspersed among the dialog. I think more background of Dan and Charles would've lent more credibility to the actions of the characters. Was Dan always reckless and irresponsible or did he experience something that changed him and made him that way? The same for Charles. Did he always want to be a Navy Officer or did he have dreams of being something else? Maybe he joined the Navy because his father wanted him too. I know these questions, and the answers that would have been needed, would lengthen the film, but that's not a bad thing considering "First Man Into Space" runs short at only 78 minutes.

As with any film, there were things that could have been done different, even better. But if you are a fan of classic Science Fiction, I think you'll have a good time with "First Man Into Space." I recommend watching this film. Just don't let yourself be turned into a blood-thirsty alien!

My rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 (B-Movie scale)

Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--"Assignment: Outer Space" (1960) --Death By Film!

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Be Advised: This Review May Contain **Spoilers**

DEATH BY MOVIE!

I try. I swear, I really do. I try to find some reason to write a positive review of every movie. But some just won't let me. It's almost as if they were made just to give the world of Science Fiction something bad.

Case in point: "Assignment: Outer Space" from 1960.

I realize this was an Italian-made, B-movie. I don't hold B-movies to the same standards as "A-movies." But even a B-movie can have some life to it. Even they have some budget. The producer(s) of "Assignment: Outer Space" must not have been able to convince a real movie studio it was worth investing in. I bet they broke open the kids' piggy bank. That would be about right---a budget of around $1.37.

Where do I begin? How about the story itself?

It's the story of a reporter that is assigned to cover a routine check of infra-radiation in the M:12 Galaxy in 2116. He winds up traveling around in a spaceship trying to help avert a disaster that is about to annihilate life on earth. A fairly standard if not way overdone story. But not done well...even for 1960.

The musical score is minimal at best and not effective. In short, it would've been no worse without any music whatsoever.

The special effects--what there were--were horrid!

"Assignment: Outer Space" had plenty of cheesy melodrama but no suspense and almost no emotion. The acting made the characters seem so bored they were worse than a Vulcan with no logical work to do.

Some of the technology was so outright dumb, I wonder if anybody involved in making this movie had any idea what science and technology were...even in 1960.

The reporter supposedly had been on many trips to the moon and had taken training before he left earth. Still, he was scared stupid at the thought of being in space.

To get from one ship (or space station) to another they didn't use a transporter-type device or even a shuttle of some kind. So how do they do it? Simple. They just jump out of the ship and float toward their intended target. No guidence system of any kind, no booster rockets, not even a tether. Yet they always make it just fine. Maybe in 2116, we'll all have GPS imbedded in our brain. Yeah. That would work!

To travel to do "space work" they fly around in "Space Taxi's." In one scene, the reporter and Al are flying around in an asteroid belt so the reporter can get some pictures. These "Space Taxi's" do not have enclosed cockpits. They're Convertibles with the top down--in space!

Half of the dialog seemed to be there just fill in holes in the script. It didn't move the story along very well at all. However, there was one exchange between the reporter and Al, near the beginning, that I thought was amusing:

Reporter: "The coffin was much too small. Couldn't you have found me a bigger one to sleep in?"
Al: "We don't have one, Leech."
Reporter: "Why'd you call me that?"
Al: "No offense, kid. It just means out here you're a parasite."

Now that was funny! But I think the movie was supposed to be serious.

There were many inconsistancies in the plot but I don't want to bore you as much as the movie did me, so I'll leave them out.

Is there anything about "Assignment: Outer Space" that I particularly liked? Actually, yes. The ship was pretty cool!

Overall, "Assignment: Outer Space" was a boring, slow-moving movie with no real entertainment value. If you have the chance to yawn through this movie, trust me, you'd be better off watching "Plan 9 From Outer Space."

You wont fall asleep quite so fast.

My rating: 1/2 out of 5 (B-movie scale)

The Crotchety Old (Science Fiction) Fan Needs Our Help!!

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:02:00 +0000

I just found out that my friend Steve (of The Classic Science Fiction Channel) has had his blog, The Crotchety Old Fan, hacked and un-indexed by Google! Steve really knows what he's talking about when it comes to Science Fiction and he needs our help. Keith Graham offers some tips to help Steve on his blog.

Steve works tirelessly on his sites and we need to do everything we can for him.Having his site hacked must be like having a very sick child. I can't say that I've been there, but I know if I ever get there, Steve would be there to help. If there is any Science Fiction site you should read every day, it's Steve's The Crotchety Old Fan. But you can't do that if it's not there.

Science Fiction fans need to stick together in today's world of SF knock-offs and unimaginative creations........

So be sure to check out Keith Graham's blog for some things we can do for Steve and see his post on COF about this.

Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--"Unknown World" (1951)

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Be Advised: This review may contain **spoilers**

Starring: Victor Kilian as Dr. Morley, Bruce Kellogg as Wright Thompson, Otto Waldis as Dr. Max A. Bauer, Dick Cogan as Dr. George Coleman, Marilyn Nash as Dr. Joan Lindsey

I've read a lot of reviews of the 1951 Science Fiction classic "Unknown World," the majority of which were negative. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it.

And we do have to remember this a low-budget B-movie.

Directed by Terry O. Morse (Godzilla, King of the Monsters!--1956), "Unknown World" is the story of a group of scientists and a rich adventure seeker who, due to a fear of the extinction of humanity because of "The Bomb," set out on a journey down inside the Earth to find a safe haven.

The story immediately reminded me of "The Core" & "Journey To The Center Of The Earth." Even so, this movie can't be compared to those. That would be like comparing a moped to a Harley Davidson motorcycle. They are similar products, but from two different worlds with different purposes. Though the story isn't all that original, I thought it was fairly tight and flowed as it should've. There were a few minor holes, but, being low-budget, they aren't big enough or numerous enough to be outright bad.

The acting...well, lets just say I expected a lot worse. The actors (and actress) weren’t the top echelon of talent but did pretty well. These types of Science Fiction movies are notorious for overacting. If anything, there was more "underacting."

"Unknown World" did have some suspense and the musical score added to it. The right music at the right time actually had me on the edge of my seat a few times. Once I realized it, I thought, "This isn't supposed to happen when you watch a B-movie!"

The special effects were typical. Not great, not bad. What especially impressed me was the scene of the underground "world" they eventually find. It actually looked like an exotic alien planet that could wow even the most hard-to-impress Science Fiction fan (among whom I count myself).

As a low-budget film, "Unknown World" is a movie I would recommend for good, solid entertainment. Possibly in the top 5-10 of Science Fiction B-movies I've seen.

My rating: 4 out of 5 (B-Movie Scale)

Classic Science Fiction Movie Review--Invaders From Mars (1953)

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:42:00 +0000

Be Advised: This review may contain **spoilers**

The title whips up all kinds of wild and fanciful images in the minds of Science Fiction fans. Unfortunately, after seeing the movie, the only thing that my imagination whips up is a feeling of joy that it’s over.

When I sit down to watch a classic Science Fiction movie I’ve never seen before, I have high hopes but a bit of trepidation as well. Many of the classics from the 1950’s (the “Golden Age” of Science Fiction) are superb…others, not so much. Sadly, I must include 1953’s Invaders From Mars as the latter. I know many Science Fiction fans saw this movie when they were kids. However, I didn’t. I suppose if I had, I would feel different. After all, the story is told from a child’s perspective.

Don’t get me wrong. I am truly a fan of classic Science Fiction movies. But I won’t hype a film just because it was made long enough ago to be considered a classic.

Invaders From Mars , directed by William Cameron Menzies, has many problems. To begin with the story felt incomplete, like they were in a hurry to make the movie even if the writers weren’t finished with it yet. Martians land, take over people, make them destroy things and try to murder others because…well, we’re never told why. I guess the Martians simply didn’t like the way Earth looked as they were traveling by and decided to wreck havoc on us. Oh, and, we never know for sure if the aliens are from Mars (unless you simply believe it because the title says so). When the Army gets involved, they believe the Martian invasion story way too easily…as if they were expecting it and waiting for it to happen.

The story is very slow in the beginning, taking too long to set the story up with to many different “abductions”. The middle, though not long time-wise, seemed to take forever as we’re deluged by continuous stock footage of tanks being readied...to take on the Martian threat. The last third of the movie does move quicker with some action scenes and a sense of urgency. But when we finally see the Martians, it’s very obvious that it’s just men in loose fitting, green costumes. If you look closely, you can see the zipper going down their backs.

I did like the Martian “Supreme Being” who is basically a green head and shoulders with tentacles flowing out from both sides. The shifty eyes were really sinister and engaging. The “Supreme Being” is the only thing about the Martians that seemed more than just quickly thrown together to get the movie going.

The acting was so-so as the supporting cast left a lot to be desired. The expressions looked truly forced, and in delivering the lines, they actually seemed to be trying too hard. There were performances by some that were good. They delivered their lines with believability and passion. The father (Leif Erickson), the mother (Hillary Brooke) and the psychologist (Helena Carter) all portrayed their characters very well. Of course, these were the stars.

The ending was particularly disappointing:

Just before the alien ship blows up, everybody runs for their life. Young David (Jimmy Hunt) has flashbacks as he runs and runs and runs and runs….

Finally, David is suddenly awakened from sleep during a storm and looks out of his bedroom window just in time to see a strange, glowing craft crash near his backyard (the exact same scene as in the beginning). He realizes it was just a dream.

Maybe in 1953 the fact that the whole thing turns out to be a dream was acceptable. But today, it makes me feel like I was cheated, like I was lured in with blown-up promises and then told it was all a lie.

Then again, maybe it wasn’t so acceptable. The ending was re-shot for the British version. In it, the whole thing was not a dream. Instead, the boy’s parents were going to be okay and it was all over. Why? Because they didn’t think the Europeans would accept it as a dream.

Overall, Invaders From Mars was decent entertainment but left a lot to be desired. Though there were some saving graces, they’re not enough for me to recommend it…unless you’re a fan of not-so-good Science Fiction movies from the 1950’s.

My rating: 2/5

My Favorite Science Fiction Spaceships

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Okay. I know all over the Internet you can find Science Fiction related blogs that have posts like, "The Best Science Fiction Ships," or "The Top Whatever Ships In Science Fiction." Don't worry though. This isn't going to be the same old regurgitated kind of post. Though it is vaguely similar (because it is a list of Science Fiction Ships), this is simply my personal favorite science Fiction movie Ships (no TV ships, except the ones that have been both on TV and in movies. I'll post those at a later date).

There are no specific reasons for the ships listed, i.e. they're the biggest...baddest...fastest...coolest...sexiest, etc. They are just some of the ones I personally like. Don't ask me why because I can't tell you. I just like them.

There is no particular order. No #1 or #10. The ships are listed as I think of them. So, please, don't complain because a particular ship is listed before or after another. And, though I do encourage and want
comments, please don't get offended if a ship you think I should list isn't listed. That would be your favorite list. This is mine.

Enough with the preliminaries. On to the meat of this post...

Discovery One--2001 A Space Odyssey

The Event-Horizon--Event Horizon

The Icarus--Planet of the Apes

Imperial Star Destroyer--Star Wars

Klaatu's Ship--The Day The
Earth Stood Still(Original)

NESA Protector--Galaxy Quest

United Planets Cruiser C57D--Forbidden Planet

The Nebuchadnezzar--The Matrix

Satellite Love MST 3000

Mellineum Falcon--Star Wars

Leonov--2010 A Space Odyssey

Nostromo--Alien

Scimitar--Star Trek Nemesis(Shinzon's Ship)

Serenity--Serenity

War of The Worlds Alien Ship (Original)

Valley Forge--Silent Running

Enterprise-E--Star Trek Nemesis,First Contact, & Insurrection)

So...these are my favorite Science Fiction movie ships. As you can see, they're from all across the board. Ships from the 1950's, to more recent ships. Like I said, this just my list of favorites. I would love to hear about yours...especially if it differs from mine.

Science Fiction? What's The Point?

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:35:00 +0000

I have friends that enjoy Science Fiction. They're not as big a fan as I am, but we are able to have sane, thought-provoking conversations. We also enjoy occasional time together to watch a SF movie or TV show.

Then there are the others.

I recently had a short, quick conversation with a non-SF fan friend of mine. Here's how it went:

Me: "Why don't you like Science Fiction"
Friend: "Science Fiction?"
Me: "Yeah. What do you have against it?"
Friend: "I don't have anything against it. Don't we have enough science? Why do we need Science Fiction. Honestly, what's the point?"

With that response, I was completely caught off-guard. So the conversation abruptly ended and the topic changed.

Later, I got to thinking about my friend's question. Just what is the point of Science Fiction? To be honest, I'm not completely sure how to answer that. Without a doubt, Science Fiction is great entertainment (well...most of the time). But there has to be more to it, right? Well, let me say one thing that I am adamant about: without Science Fiction, our world would be a much, much different place.

Why?

Consider how many scientists, from physicists to geneticists to astronomers, have been (and will be) influenced by the many different SF creations we've had in the past. Just visit some of the great institutions known for scientific advancement, like MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and ask around. They'll tell you. These people have said if not for not for watching or reading Science Fiction when they were younger, they wouldn't be asking the questions they are now...which, in turn, leads to new discoveries, new technologies, and even new branches of science.

Science Fiction is surely an entertainment medium, and there's nothing wrong with that. But the most important aspect of it is that it showcases possibilities for a better future which inspires people to strive to create that future.

As they say, "Today's Science Fiction is tomorrow's science fact."

So, to answer my friend's question, at least partly, no we don't have enough science. And that is the point of Science Fiction.

A Personal Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:16:00 +0000

I recently wrote about fellow Science Fiction enthusiast Steve Davidson's great website, The Classic Science Fiction Channel. After some email communication, Steve invited me to become part of the Editorial staff at TCSFC. I was honored to accept.

I want to take the time to publicly thank Steve for entrusting me with the duties of helping add content and build his creation.

So...thank you Steve! Here's hoping I can continue to play a part in this great service you've created for Science Fiction fans around the world.

I wish nothing but the greatest success and long future for The Classic Science Fiction Channel.

A Christian's Perspective On Science Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

In a recent article, "Beware of Science Fiction" the author of the article ("the author" from here on) cites quotes from some of the top Science Fiction names in the history of the genre that, for the most part, confirms their atheism. While there may be no disputing these authors, and surely others as well, had no use for Christianity, the conclusion the author draws on Christianity and the genre as a whole seriously troubles me. Actually, it infuriates me!!

But I'll try to stay cal here.

I am, and have been for 20 years, a Bible believing Christian. I am also a HUGE Science Fiction fan. And I don't deny either. Or one because of the other. There's no hiding the fact that I am a Christian Science Fiction fan. Whether anybody else likes it or not.

Yes, I do have to deal with individuals that claim to be Christians and look down on me because of my love of Science Fiction. The bottom line for me is...I love God first.

I think the real issue here is more about the fact that being a Christian is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In that relationship, if my love of Science Fiction is revealed to me to be wrong or a bad thing, I'll give it up in a heartbeat. But I won't tell anybody else that God wants them to do the same. I was a Science Fiction fan before I became a Christian. And God knew that. In 20 years time, God has not impressed upon me to shun my beloved genre.

A few points on Science Fiction form my Christian perspective is as follows:

The imagination of the writers of Science Fiction is a testament to the awesome creativeness of God since, I believe, He created the Human mind. And Science Fiction is the most creative of any fiction out there (pun intended).
The awesome display of possible other worlds and environments reminds me of just how magnificent God's creations are. And we don't really know what those other worlds are like. But we do know there are other worlds. Just look at the universe that real science can see!

Some Christians believe Science Fiction is negative and some don't. But to paint all Christians that are Science Fiction fans as "bad" or misinformed (which is the underlying message in the article) is sadly narrow-minded.

You simply cannot condemn the entire genre as inherently evil because some of the individuals involved were or are atheists. That's just the opinion of a part of the genre.

My conclusions on the matter are that the author is most likely not a fan of Science Fiction to begin with. If he were to spend some time with the genre, he just may see things differently. Then again, maybe the author should distance himself from the genre altogether.

Oh, and there are plenty of strong Christians that are some of the most creative minds behind the genre!

Steam Trek: The Moving Picture (Star Trek Parody)

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:18:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what Star Trek would've been like if it had been made during the Silent Movie Era? All I can say is thank God it didn't arrive until the late 1960's!

The Beyond - SciFi Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:37:00 +0000

I don't necessarily agree with all the Science Fiction (which is nothing new from me, right?) displayed in this Tribute video. But, as they say, you have to take the good with the bad. That said, I think it's a great visual representation of some of the best Science Fiction has offered over the last several years.

I think there are some that could be added as well. But, of course, you can't have everything in one video clip. I do want to thank YouTube user wleizero (http://www.youtube.com/user/wleizero) for taking the time to put this up.

Here's to much more top-notch Science Fiction in this new decade!

Science Fiction Magazine Internship

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:24:00 +0000

Here's a great opportunity with a leading Science Fiction magazine. Locus is offering part-time internships! Instead of me trying to explain it, here's what the Locus website itself says:

Locus, the leading monthly trade journal covering science fiction, fantasy, and horror, offers part-time unpaid internships to enthusiastic science fiction readers.

Tasks may include running errands (must be comfortable driving a minivan), general office work (mailing, filing, faxing), customer service, occasional proofreading, grant research, grant proposal writing, archival work and cataloging, data entry, etc. You will become familiar with all aspects of the magazine, including photo colorbalancing, page layout, and small-business administration. The position is well suited to a recent graduate or current college student interested in journalism and literature.

Requirements:

Driver's license and good driving record
Good phone manner
Ability to follow through with tasks under stress
Basic knowledge of Word and Excel
Familiarity with the science fiction genre
Photoshop, Quickbooks, and InDesign skills a plus

To apply, please email a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in science fiction to locus@locusmag.com.

Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. College credit is possible through Peralta. This is an unpaid position. Hard work will be rewarded with insider knowledge and occasional meals. Job location is in the hills of Oakland, California; we strongly prefer local applicants who have their own transportation.

If you go for this I wish you the best of luck. If you get an internship, drop me a line and let me know.

The Classic Science Fiction Channel...

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:41:00 +0000

THE CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION CHANNEL

If you're like me, you are (at least somewhat) disgusted with the offerings
of The Sci-Fi Channel (or SyFy as the've decided to call themselves). And,
if you're like me, you enjoy the classic Science Fiction---real Science Fiction.
From the days when Science Fiction was used to tell great stories or introduce
us to new ideas and concepts that got us thinking about the world around us
and the possibilities that may lie elsewhere. Not just an excuse to blow things
up.

I've Searched...

I've searched and searched for those classic movies and TV shows. I have
found some, but nowhere near what I've looked for. Some examples: First
Spaceship On Venus, Target Earth, Journey To The Seventh Planet,
Space Patrol, & Tom Corbett Space Cadet.

...And Found...

What if I told you there was a place where these classic Science Fiction
movies & TV shows can be found? A place that is growing day-by-day,
doing all the time consuming and frustrating work. And all simply because
of a deep passion and love of our genre.

If somebody had told me that a few days ago, I would've said, "Yeah. Right!
It would take an entire SG team to do that. Nobody would do something like
that without getting paid."

...The Classic Science Fiction Channel!

I'm here to tell you that it's true! Thanks to the efforts of a true Science
Fiction fan, we now have: The Classic Science Fiction Channel. There are
many classics to find, as well as some of the better modern offerings. And
some you may not have thought about. I won't tell you any though, you
need to check it out for yourself.

ENGAGE!

If you are truely a Science Fiction fan, you owe it to yourself and the entire
Sci-Fi community to visit & bookmark this website & help spread the word.

Don't wait.

Quickly transport your mouse to: The Classic Science Fiction Channel.

Been In Stasis...Need Your Help...

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:59:00 +0000

I've been in stasis for awhile now and I need your help.

The Sci-Fi Dude is for You. Without your readership, there would be no point in it (other than to write down my thoughts, musings and insights on the world of Science Fiction...for myself).

So...I would like to ask you what You would like to see posts on The Sci-Fi Dude about. Would you like to see more Science Fiction Character posts? Science Fiction Classics? Science Fiction TV? Science Fiction Movies? Or would you rather see new and different topics? The chioce is Yours. If it's Science Fiction related, I'll consider any and all suggestions and do my best to work on as many of them as I can.

Send me your suggestions. Don't be shy. Simply click the "Contact" link on the top of the page (please don't use the reader reactions/comments link for this).

I'm really looking forward to your suggestions.

All hailing frequencies open!

What's Coming Up On The Sci-Fi Dude

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Thought I would let you know what you can expect from The Sci-Fi Dude in the future.

I'm trying to catch up my Science Fiction movies and will be posting reviews as soon as I can. Some of the movies I'm planning to watch are "First Spaceship On Venus," (1960) "Killers From Space," (1954) "Assignment: Outer Space," (1960) "The Phantom Planet," (1961) and "Battle Of The Worlds." (1963) There Are also some TV shows I need to catch up on, including "Dark Skies." (1996)

I'm doing some reading too. Mostly short story anthologies. The one I'm currently making my way through is "The 1978 Annual World's Best SF," edited by Donald A. Wollheim. I'll be doing some write-ups on the authors like Harlan Ellison & Clifford D. Simak & Joe Haldeman, as well as some thoughts on the stories.

There are several Science Fiction websites, from blogs to review sites to sites dedicated to one movie or TV show or author. I'll be thoroughly checking out all the Science Fiction based websites that I can and will post my reviews and critiques.

Basically, I'm emersing myself in all forms of Science Fiction and will be cluing you in on my thoughts.

If there is a particular Science Fiction movie, TV show, author, or website that you'd like me to check out, or just something you think I may not know about, click on the "Contact" link at the top of the page and send me an email.

The Sci-Fi Dude is going to be busy for awhile! Anybody got a time machine I can use? :)

Science Fiction Movies And TV or Books?

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:23:00 +0000

Sometimes, I have a hard time deciding between watching a Science Fiction movie or TV show and reading a Science Fiction book.

Both have their advantages.

Movies and Television allow us to see the cool technologies, special effects and our favorite heroes.

Books offer us the opportunity to use our imagination. We come up with our own idea of what these things look like in our minds.

Which do you prefer? Seeing someone else's vision, or creating your own.

Joey Phillips
"The Sci-Fi Dude"

Science Fiction's Arthur C. Clarke--A Celebration Of A Full Life

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:32:00 +0000

With the recent passing (Tuesday March 18, 2008) of Science Fiction writing legend Arthur C. Clarke, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on some of the positive aspects of his life.

Of course, Clarke is best known for his Science Fiction novels and short stories, but there was much more to the man.

I've compiled a list of some of his accomplishments throughout his life. Let's not dwell on the fact that he is no longer with us. Let's celebrate a full life. A life filled with accomplishments that few can attain.

After World War II, Clarke served as chairman of the British Interplanetary Society

Began writing full-time in 1951

Was a citizen of the UK and Sri Lanka

Was a member of the Underwater Explorers Club

Predicted a "global library" for 2005 (think, "Internet")

The Science Fiction Writers of America(SFWA) named Clarke a Science Fiction Grand Master In 1986

First Chancellor of the International Space University from 1989 to 2004

From 1979 to 2002 served as Chancellor of Moratuwa University in Sri Lanka

Law professor Glenn Reynolds nominated Clarke for a Nobel Peace Prize In 1994

The 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter is named in honor of his works (2001: A Space Odyssey, etc.)

Honorary Board Chair of the Institute for Cooperation in Space, a space advocacy organization originally founded by Dr. Wernher von Braun

Clarke was a distinguished vice-president of the H. G. Wells Society

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of Arthur C. Clarke's life and accomplishments. If there are items you think should be included in the list, let me know via the contact link on the right. I may write a more detailed article on Clarke's many accomplishments.

Joey Phillips
"The Sci-Fi Dude"

Top Ten Science Fiction Movies of The 20's & 30's

noreply@blogger.com (Joey Phillips) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:57:00 +0000

Filmmaking was just coming into it's own in the 1920's and 1930's.
But Science Fiction had long been popular in literary form. It was
only natural the two would come together.

Some of those early Science Fiction films formed the basis of
all that followed--even to this very day.

Following, in chronological order, are ten of the best Science
Fiction movies from that early era, with a little about each one.

1) The Lost World (1925)
The first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's
classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures
still roam.

Directed by:
Harry O. Hoyt

Starring:
Wallace Beery as "Prof. Challenger"

2) Metropolis (1927)
It is the future, and humans are divided into two groups:
the thinkers, who make plans (but don't know how anything
works), and the workers, who achieve goals (but don't have
the vision).

Directed by:
Fritz Lang

Starring:
Alfred Abel as "Joh Fredersen"

3) Woman in the Moon(aka By Rocket to the Moon) (1929)
A scientist discovers that there's gold on the moon,
he builds a rocket to fly there, but there's too much
rivalry among the crew to have a successful expedition.

Directed by:
Fritz Lang

Starring:
Willy Fritsch as "Wolf Helius"

4) Just Imagine (1930)
In 1980 a man from 1930 is brought back to from the dead. He
is taken on a tour of the magical wonders of 1980. He travels to
Mars where he discovers even more unbelievable things

Directed by:
David Butler

Starring:
El Brendel as "Single O"
Maureen O'Sullivan as "LN-18"

5) Frankenstein (1931)
--It can be said that Frankenstein is Horror. But it is considered
by many to be the first true United States Science Fiction film.

Classic in which an obsessed scientist assembles
a living being from parts of exhumed corpses.

Side Note: 1935's The Bride of Frankenstein picks up at the end
of Frankenstein

Directed by:
James Whale

Starring:
Boris Karloff as "Frankenstein's Monster"
Colin Clive as "Dr. Henry Frankenstein"

6) The Invisible Man (1933)
Finding a way to become invisible pushes a scientist to
murderous insanity.

Directed by:
James Whale

Starring:
Claude Rains as "The Invisible Man"
Henry Travers as "Dr. Cranley"

7) Things to Come (1936)
A second world war spanning several leaves the world
in devastation. Civilization is rebuilt and humans attempt
space travel.

Directed by:
William Cameron Menzies

Starring:
Raymond Massey as "John Cabal" / "Oswald Cabal"
Sir Cedric Hardwicke as "Theotocopulos"

8) The Invisible Ray (1936)
Visionary scientist Janos Rukh convinces a group of
scientists and supporters to mount an expedition to
the African continent to locate and study an ancient
meteorite of great significance.

Directed by:
Lambert Hillyer

Starring:
Boris Karloff as "Dr. Janos Rukh"
Bela Lugosi as "Dr. Felix Benet"

9) The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936)
An ordinary man suddenly finds that anything he says
comes true. Except he can't change the opinions or
feelings of other people.

Directed by:
Lothar Mendes

Starring:
Roland Young as "George McWhirter Fotheringay"

10) Lost Horizon (1937)
After a plane crash crash, a group trying to get away
from upheaval in China, is rescued and taken to Shangri-La.
But is this mythical utopia all it's been made out to be?

Directed by:
Frank Capra

Starring:
Sam Jaffe as "High Lama"
Jane Wyatt as "Sondra Bizet"