Jurassic Park (1993)

 The first in the franchise based on Michael Cricton’s books, this is where it all began. John Hammond has recreated dinosaurs. He wants Ian Malcom, Alan Grant, and Ellie Sander to sign off on his park, but when the fences fail it’s a fight for survival from T Rexes and velociraptors. One of my favorite movies of all time. A fun piece of trivia: Steven Spielburg says that one of the highlights of his life is when his effects on Jurassic Park were praised by special effects legend Ray HarryHausen.

Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

The aliens are invading the Old West. A small town’s only hope is Jake who lands in their village with no memory by an alien device strapped to his arm. The only thing capable of defeating the aliens. Corny in the extreme but still a fun movie. 
 

The Thing From Another World (1951)

 Although the 1982 remake is probably better known, this movie is still a great science fiction horror movie! A group of scientists and military personnel discover a space ship in the arctic. They soon find that the alien needs their blood to survive and it’s a fight for survival! I prefer this version and the special effects are pretty good for 1951. 

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

 A Godzilla movie from Japan. It follows kamikaze pilot who did not make the suicide run that he was supposed to do. Instead he “refilled” on a base that was attacked by Godzilla. When he gets back to Japan he is ostracized because he did not make the suicide run against the Allies. He finds a small child and a woman and takes him in but is reluctant to make a family with them because he no longer has honor. When Godzilla attacks again, he goes out to fight and perhaps regain his honor. A decent movie and I was impressed that they actually criticized the government. You could watch it in black and white or full color. The black and white was fun because it reminded the viewer of the original Godzilla movie. Godzilla is not benevolent in this movie!

Parallel Experience by Morgyn Leri

 After the events of the first Avengers movie Tony Stark and Stinger Apini switch places. They are both then trying to get back to their respective worlds. It’s a fun little crossover!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18504820

Into Darkness (2013)

 

One could argue that this is a remake of the Wrath of Khan. Not as good as the original but still ok (and better than the last movie in this trilogy). Khan is still a formidable villain even if the Enterprise crew doesn’t have the emotional weight associated with it that we had in the original movie. And, as in the original, there is a part of you that feels just a tiny bit bad for him. 

Creation Descending by Jack Lovejoy

 

Centuries ago there was an apocalypse. People now live in Saluston. But there is danger in Saluston and now the hunger Derek must lead his people into the world. A fun book if a little fantastical.