sci fi | Fifth about The Seventh

Upside Down (2012)

March 15, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Upside Down: an interesting concept does not a good film make. While the idea allows for some mesmerizing visuals (even thought the way colors are dealt with almost put those to waste), there is little else that works here. The love story, which should be the core of the film, is poor and unengaging (as well as metaphorically unrelated to the original concept); the writing further shows its limitations by telling rather than showing at least one crucial piece of […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: romance, sci fi

Looper

January 15, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Looper: the story is almost too smart for its own good; “almost” being the operative word here. A mind-bender as only a time-travel film can be, it’s a fun film nevertheless, a mix of noir and western in a sci-fi setting, one that keeps you thinking about the story for a while. Good looking cast, good looking film.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: sci fi

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Prometheus

January 13, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Prometheus: while the questions posed here are certainly provocative, the answers provided are not as interesting; nevertheless, they still raise this film above the generic space horror. Everything looks absolutely fantastic, and the cast, for the most part, sells everything well. The one exception is Noomi Rapace, which is a big issue, as she is the one of most to sell.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: horror, sci fi

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Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

January 13, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

‎Seeking a Friend for the End of the World: science fiction films very often provide great windows into human nature (make no mistake, this is a very low key sci-fi, but it is one), because they take us to a extreme setting. This one does so with delicacy. Steve Carell, as many other comedians before him, proves himself up to the task of a more serious role.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: romance, sci fi

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The Hunger Games

January 13, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

The Hunger Games: there is a level of discomfort with this film that comes from the story: how barbaric is a society that does that to children? The discomfort, from a story point of view, goes even beyond that, but any comments would entail spoilers. The film feels a tad overlong; luckily, Jennifer Lawrence is more than capable of holding any frame she is part of.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: action, sci fi

Melancholia

January 13, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Melancholia: another rigorous exercise of the dark side of the human soul by the master. Despite the camera that is too alive, there are a lot of strikingly beautiful images to be seen. However, as in fact is usually the case, the great acting does not make it any less unbearable to watch (which is not saying this is a bad movie at all, just that it digs too deep). Control and the illusion thereof would describe it better.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: drama, sci fi

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In Time

January 13, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

In Time: the smart concept deserved a better movie. The low-tech, retro sci-fi is pleasant enough, but the story devolves into the usual “many oppressed by few” theme that has been done time and time again. Additionally, the film takes itself way too seriously, without any humor whatsoever: it’s hard to believe that no one would enjoy themselves, even in such a bleak world.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: sci fi

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Metropolis (1927)

January 13, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Metropolis: the sheer ambition (thematically and aesthetically, not to mention the scale of it) of this film should help its place in the movie pantheon. The fact that it succeeds makes it a guarantee. Of course, the changes in film language since it was made makes it a less than simple watch, but this is a major work of art in all possible filmmaking facets.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: sci fi, top

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes

January 12, 2013 by Felipe Rosa

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: as far as summer fare goes, this is indeed an above average effort. The special effects look great, and the story is good enough, with some Jurassic Park vibe to it. However, they really should have either get rid of Freida Pinto’s character or making it meaningful, as it serves no purpose whatsoever.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: sci fi

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