Classic Ross Amico

Tag: Sci-Fi

Destination Moon & Sci-Fi Nostalgia

We made it there and back again last night in our discussion of “Destination Moon” (1950). But unlike the astronauts in George Pal’s scrupulously scientific sci-fi classic, we were blithely unconcerned about stripping down our vessel for the return journey. For one thing, with a cup of coffee in me, there was no chance of running out of fuel. Hence, another two-hour conversation about a 90-minute movie.

Highlight of the night: when Roy’s dad joined us by telephone to share his recollections of seeing the film in the theater on its original release as a ten year-old boy – the same age Roy and I were when we first saw “Star Wars.”

Check out the movie, if you’ve never seen it, and marvel at everything they got right, even as you acknowledge everything they didn’t, years before anyone had ever been to space. And note the difference in tone from that of the grim world we live in today. A more hopeful time? Or an optimistic pose to suit the story?

Then enjoy our exchange, with contributions from Mr. Bjellquist and viewer commenters, at the link.

Next week, we’re very excited to welcome Patrick Read Johnson, whose own youthful obsession with science fiction propelled him to a career in Hollywood. His pet project, “5-25-77” (2022), reflects his coming-of-age as an aspiring filmmaker in a small Midwestern town around the time of the release of “Star Wars” (on May 25, 1977). A couple of weeks ago, we used the film as a springboard to discuss our own boyhood fascinations with “2001,” “Planet of the Apes,” “Star Wars,” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and how they informed our parallel experiments making Super-8 films.

Now we’ll have a chance to hear all about Johnson’s career (including his work on the “Dragonheart” franchise) and hopefully plenty of behind-the-scenes morsels, like the details of his real-life meetings with Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra, and Steven Spielberg – and what it was like to be one of the first people to be shown a rough cut of “Star Wars” before it ever reached a theater.

Bring your nostalgic awe to the next Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner, and bring your questions to the comments section, when we livestream on Facebook, YouTube, etc., next Friday evening at 7:30 EST!

https://www.facebook.com/roystiedyescificorner

January 21, 2023
5-25-77 Film Memories Sci-Fi & Filmmaking

We received a nice shout-out on Friday night from Patrick Read Johnson, whose film 5-25-77 (2022) spurred many fond recollections of our own formative years as amateur filmmakers. Like Johnson, we were beguiled by the modern sci-fi renaissance, exemplified by boundary-pushing films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Planet of the Apes.” It was an era that reached its glorious apotheosis with the release of “Star Wars” on May 25, 1977 – hence, the title of Johnson’s film – and later that same year, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

We all had the calling, but Johnson had the talent, the drive, and the good fortune to make it all the way to Devil’s Tower, so to speak. If you’re a lover of film, a sci-fi geek, a child of the ‘70s, or just a sucker for coming-of-age stories, do make it a point to check out “5-25-77.” There’s probably a lot in it that you’ll be able to relate to.

Then eavesdrop on Roy and my Friday night conversation, in which we were joined by fellow amateur filmmaker-of-yore Joe Metz, with added observations from some of our former cast members. To the rest of the world, it may come across as so much navel-gazing and so many inside jokes, but for us, it was a very special Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner. Feel free to listen in at the link.

We hope to see you in the comments section for the next installment, and a return to form, when we livestream on Facebook, YouTube, etc., this weekend, with time and topic (Friday or Sunday evening at 7:00 or 7:30 EST) to be determined!

https://www.facebook.com/roystiedyescificorner

January 8, 2023
Lathe of Heaven 1980 Sci-Fi Gem Review
We have our “Viewer’s Choice” selection for the next “Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner.” Thanks to Jack Dailey for his suggestion of “The Lathe of Heaven” (1980).

Ursula K. Le Guin personally oversaw this no-budget TV adaptation of her mind-bending 1971 novel that somehow succeeds in being one of the most absorbing sci-fi films you will ever see. What’s even more astonishing is that it was remastered from the only available source: a two-inch Quadruplex videotape copy. So this really is an example of some rather flimsy technology conveying some very weighty ideas. Hollywood, take note: it really is all about the story, dammit. The film made a huge impression when it first aired, becoming the second most requested program in PBS history.

“The Lathe of Heaven” supports Shakespeare’s observation that we are such stuff as dreams are made on. Also, we should be careful what we wish for.

Watch it at the link (because the copy on YouTube stinks and I can’t find it streaming legally anywhere else), and for the love of Mike, avoid the James Caan remake!*

https://archive.org/details/the-lathe-of-heaven-1980

Then tune in tomorrow, as we discuss just how weird Portland can get. Bring your hacky sacks to the comments section, for the next Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner. We’ll risk destruction on “The Lathe of Heaven,” when we livestream on Facebook, this Friday evening at 7:30 EDT!

https://www.facebook.com/roystiedyescificorner
- PLEASE NOTE: I posted this this morning, before I learned of Caan’s death. No disrespect intended. He was a fine actor, who will be remembered for his work during one of the greatest eras in American film. R.I.P.
July 7, 2022
The Terminator Still Haunts From 1984 Sci-Fi

“The Terminator,” the film, may be a little creaky – as it was, even back in 1984 – but there’s something about the Terminator, the character, that defies time. In this case, quite literally.

Roy and I will don our ray-bans to talk about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career-defining role as a cyborg assassin from the future, as we wrap up our by no means exhaustive series of discussions about time-travel sci-fi.

The music is pretty terrible, the acting is bad, the budget is low, the logic is loopy, and the haircuts are quintessentially ‘80s. But extra points for Stan Winston’s animatronic and Gene Warren Jr.’s stop motion effects, which IMHO really are special, and for the inclusion of so many sturdy cars of the era. (Okay, maybe not the Gremlin.) Those pressed my nostalgia buttons more than anything. The mass shootings, alas, have lost their allure.

An implacable menace is indeed the stuff of nightmares. And no, I’m not speaking about writer-director James Cameron, who is on track to spend the rest of his life filming “Avatar” sequels. You can’t argue with success. But you know I will.

We’ll be providing plenty of ingredients for you to mix up your plastique in the comments section, on the next Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner. It will be an incendiary encounter with “The Terminator,” when we livestream on Facebook, this Friday evening at 7:00 EDT!

https://www.facebook.com/roystiedyescificorner

A record store? With a classical section??? Time travel MUST be involved!

April 28, 2022
Flash Gordon Camp Classic or Space 1999 Lost Universes

When “Flash Gordon” was released in 1980, many were inclined to view it as a “Star Wars” cash-grab. George Lucas’ interstellar success may have made a feature length “Flash Gordon” possible, but in no way is “Flash” attempting to track the Millennium Falcon through hyperspace.

On the contrary, the film revels in its comic strip origins, as a gaudy spectacle that is all about elevating camp production design and celebrating its own proto-pop pulpiness. Like the overripe performances of the actors themselves, “Flash” knows just what it is all about, with a deliberate tongue-in-cheek vibe and a subversive, foreign film sensibility – a surreal blend of high and low style, go-for-broke fashion, Mediterranean sensuality, and kink.

The heightened artificiality and lightness of touch make the film seem like one big party, underscored by Queen’s giddy, hilarious soundtrack. FLASH! AH AHHHHHHHHH!!

Clearly, there’s a lot to say about Flash Gordon – wholly befitting of the savoir of the universe. Enjoy last night’s overstuffed conversation, with special guest Jon Haag – and collectibles – here:

Join Roy tomorrow at a special time, as he welcomes authors David Hirsch and Robert E. Wood, who will talk about their new release, “To Everything That Might Have Been: The Lost Universes of ‘Space: 1999.’” The book draws on recently-discovered documentation and correspondence regarding the early days and development of the cult-favorite TV series, shedding new light on how exactly “Space: 1999” came to be.

“Space: 1999” fans will be over the moon for the next Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner. Bring your Eagles to roost in the comments section, when they livestream on Facebook, THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT 3:00 EST!

https://www.facebook.com/roystiedyescificorner

March 5, 2022

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