Must-See Sci-fi

May 15, 2018

According to actor and film historian De Forest, the most memorable sf movies are those that defy expectations. Referred to as "the impossible genre," virtually all sf films question our world and reality, pushing logical boundaries by asking, "What if?" The purpose of this book is not to list the greatest or most popular sf films but rather to highlight those that linger in audiences' minds. The 50 "unforgettable" titles profiled in this thoughtful but subjective list range from one of the earliest sf films A Trip to the Moon (1902) to the more recent Arrival (2016). Also included are "far-out facts" and "mind-blowing moments" from each movie. The overviews are succinct, providing context but no spoilers. VERDICT Recommended for film general film enthusiasts, particularly fans of the sf genre.--Gary Medina, El Camino Coll., Torrance, CA

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2018
With the vast array of online streaming services making movies more widely available, compiling lists of films in their respective genres becomes an almost impossible feat for any film buff. Science fiction has always been a technically innovative movie genre, building visually stunning worlds and special effects that make the unreal believable. Turner Classic Movies, a brand with gravitas, puts together in one volume a master list of 50 must-see films for sf fans and film enthusiasts. Listed in chronological order, starting with George M�li�s' ground-breaking A Trip to the Moon (1902), film historian De Forest's selection includes such classics as The Blob (1958), Alien (1979), and District 9 (2009). This beautifully constructed resource covers each film in five-to-ten page chapters that include original poster art, production credits, stunning stills (in color when available), and an essay on the film's importance to the genre. Marginalia accompanies each entry to heighten curiosity, and a robust index makes for easy research use. De Forest takes exquisite care in making this list a master guide to the enduringly popular sf movies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)