The Andromeda Strain (1971)

3.5 / 5 Feb '11
Tagline: The picture runs 130 minutes!... The story covers 96 of the most critical hours in man's history!... The suspense will last through your lifetime!
Directed by: Robert Wise
Written by: Michael Crichton, Nelson Gidding
Actors include: Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olson
Genre: Sci-Fi
Length: 130 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Conceptually this is very interesting, and the documentary style likely creeped out many. The plot is about an alien virus that is discovered near New Mexico. Then we are treated to what would happen in the next few days as they try to discover the virus and how to treat it, and learn of the disaster it could cause. It's visually very well made, everything is stark and put together, though some of the strange camera ideas and whatnot definitely scream of the times. I think what works so well as this feels like it could happen, they go about portraying the story in a very realistic way. Where it lacks is that it's just too darned long, I could do with an hour less and be far more satisfied. This is a slow moving film with purpose and I do recommend it to fans of vintage sci-fi, particularly to see how influential this must have been. I did feel a little disappointed but I certainly don't regret watching it.

Availability:  On DVD

The Haunting (1963)

3 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline: You may not believe in ghosts but you cannot deny terror
Directed by: Robert Wise
Written by: Shirley Jackson, Nelson Gidding
Actors include: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson
Genre: Horror
Length: 112 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I really despised the remake so getting around to watching this was a real chore. The worst part is, I know this is considered a classic but I found it to be dullsville! Obviously House on Haunted Hill [The House on Haunted Hill] is quite similar as I believe both are based upon Shirley Jackson's tale "The Haunting Of Hill House" but I really thought that the other one was so much better than this. This was as dry as a bone, the parts that were supposed to be chilling I thought were laughably stupid and I was cheering for the house to get anyone. I guess silly noises and doors slamming just aren't my cup 'o tea, I am a rather difficult sell on most haunted house tales though. A bunch of people who don't know each other were invited to the house that is haunted. Our lead character Eleanor (who is annoyingly played by Julie Harris) has left her miserable life behind and is desperate to stay in the house. The one thing this does have going for it is atmosphere, it's a great gothic style setting and the staircase is something to see. I wouldn't take my word on this film as I seriously don't understand why it deserves all of the love it gets at all, and I seem to be in the extreme minority with my opinion. Watch it I guess but don't be surprised if you end up doing some major yawning.

Availabilty:  On DVD

The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)

4.5 / 5 Dec '09
Tagline:  A robot and a man . . . hold the world spellbound with new and startling powers from another planet!
Directed by: Robert Wise
Written by: Edmund H. North, Harry Bates
Actors include: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller
Length: 92 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Although certainly heavy handed and riddled with morality it's still a fascinating science fiction classic. I think what makes it so special (and frightening) is that it feels like this is the way it would play out in reality unfortunately. Right off the hop we are informed of a UFO flying overhead which quickly lands on earth. Everyone gathers to see the alien (who likes just like a Man) and a Robot who come out of the spacecraft. The Man proclaims he brings peace but of course our lousy people shoot at him and he starts to get a more realistic portrayal of what is wrong with earth. See the Man is able to infiltrate society and befriends a nice Mother and young Boy who help him on his quest. He wishes for our Nations to unite for the news they have brought us, but when they learn of our reluctance to join hands the mood is changed. The Robot looks particularly cool as does the spacecraft although rather simply designed they are very effective. The characters are compelling and it's a very easy film to watch to say the least. I do think there are better early science fiction films but this one should appeal to a wider audience as it really does make a great point. Definitely worth your time no matter what kind of films you like!

Availability:  On DVD and Blu-Ray