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How I Live Now-Movie Review 07/21/2014

Posted by Films to consider in Academy of Science Fiction, Based on a novel, British, British Independent Film Awards, Movies, Science Fiction.
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How I Live Now (British) 2013
Based on the novel by Meg Rosoff

Directed by Kevin Macdonald
Starring Saoirse Ronan and George MacKay

Nominated for a few awards:
NOMINATED, Saturn Award-Best International Film, United Kingdom; Best Performance by a Younger Actor
(Ronan), Academy of Science Fiction
NOMINATED, Best Actress (Ronan); Most Promising Newcomer (Harley Bird), British Independent Film Awards

A dystopian story, set in the near future. Daisy (Ronan) is a troubled American teenager sent to live with her three cousins in the English countryside, where the adult supposedly in charge (her aunt) is often absent because of work. As Daisy warms to her surroundings, she develops romantic feelings toward Eddie (MacKay), the eldest cousin. When they receive reports that the war breaking out in the world will soon reach their doorstep, the cousins must rely on themselves to survive.

Saoirse Ronan earlier appeared in Atonement, for which she received nominations for Best Supporting Actress from both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, among others. She also appears in the 2011 film Hanna. How I Live Now is geared more to a teen audience; with that said, it’s okay for what it is.

101 min. Rated R.

 

Oblivion-Movie Review 06/17/2014

Posted by Films to consider in Action/Thriller, American, Golden Trailer Awards, Science Fiction.
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Oblivion (American) 2013

Directed by Joseph Kozinski
Starring Tom Cruise, Andrea Riseborough, Melissa Leo, and Morgan Freeman

Nominated for several awards, including:
NOMINATED, Best Action Film, Golden Trailer Awards

In the year 2077, Jack Harper (Cruise) and his girlfriend Victoria (Riseborough) are on a dangerous patrol mission on what is left of planet Earth. They’re looking forward to their imminent return to Titan, where life will be more enjoyable. But Jack is troubled by some flashbacks that seem like they are actual memories. A chance meeting, seemingly with someone from his past, brings Jack to the brink of grasping what is real–or maybe what might have been real.

Although the storyline is somewhat confusing, it does get tied together in the end, and the special effects and soundtrack make up for any lack in that respect. Worth a look-see if you enjoy this type of movie, which I do occasionally!

125 min. Rated PG-13.

The Adjustment Bureau-Movie Review *** 04/27/2014

Posted by Films to consider in Academy of Science Fiction, Action/Thriller, American, Based on a short story, Black Reel Awards, Bram Stoker Awards, Drama, George Nolfi, Movies, People's Choice Awards, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
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The Adjustment Bureau (American) 2011 ***
Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick

Directed and screenplay written by George Nolfi
Starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, and John Slattery

Among a few other nominations:
WINNER, Best Supporting Actress (Blunt); NOMINATED, Best Science Fiction Film, Saturn Awards, Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
NOMINATED, Outstanding Supporting Actor (Mackie), Black Reel Awards
NOMINATED, Bram Stoker Award-Screenplay (Nolfi),Bram Stoker Awards
NOMINATED, Favorite Drama Movie, People’s Choice Awards
NOMINATED, Bradbury Award, (Nolfi-writer/director), Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

David Norris (Damon), a politician on the rise, accidentally finds out from the “Adjustment Bureau” that he is not meant to be with Elise (Blunt), a dancer he fell in love with after a few minutes of conversation.

A fast-paced and interesting movie that combines a believable romance with a quirky sci-fi/action story about the forces that shape our lives: human decision-making and chance versus the possibility of other powers-that-be. [Note: said “other powers-that-be” must wear hats of some sort or other!!! I’m just saying . . .]

As a side note, Matt Damon claims this is his first romantic lead role, and he proves himself up to the task; Emily Blunt, who had no formal dance training prior to getting herself prepped for this role, does too.

Highly recommended.

106 min. Rated PG-13.

 

District 9-Movie Review 06/05/2010

Posted by Films to consider in Australian, Movies, Science Fiction, South African language film, Thriller.
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District 9 (South African/Australian) 2009

Among numerous other awards and nominations:
Nominated, Best Picture; Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects; Best Editing, 2010 Academy Awards
Nominated, Best Screenplay, Golden Globes

Directed by Neill Blomkamp
Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
Produced by Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and Carolynne Cunningham

From the very first moments of this sci-fi film, filmed on location in South Africa, I was taken in by it. Presented as a mix of documentary and storytelling, the premise is that a spaceship full of about one million ailing aliens hovers above the city of Johannesburg. Humans take them off the ship and extend humanitarian aid – for a time. More than 20 years later, with the alien population nearly doubled, the authorities decide they must be moved away from the city. Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), intent on doing his new job at Multinational United (MNU), is in charge. He gets a lot more involved than he planned.

A chilling and, for the most part, subtle commentary on human nature. Film 2 is mentioned in the special features, and I’m looking forward to it.

Caution: Rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language (although the violence is abstract enough that I didn’t find it disturbing)

112 min.

For more information about the film:
http://www.d-9.com/