Planet X by Michael Jan Friedman

 

On Xhaldia people are mutating into strange beings with extraordinary powers. The Enterprise is sent to discover what is going on. Along the way they get help from beings from different reality. The Uncanny X Men. A wonderful crossover novel that pays tribute both to the X Men and Star Trek. I love the relationship between Storm and Picard and the one between Wolverine and Worf. This is the third book in the series, the first two being graphic novels. This one is the direct sequel to Star Trek/X-Men: Second Contact. An enjoyable book.

War of the Worlds (1953)

 

In my humble opinion the best official movie version of this classic story. (Orson Wells’ radio play is also pretty good and Independence Day is basically an unofficial remake). Dr. Clayton Forrester is fishing near Linda Rosa, California when a strange object crashes in the desert outside of town. It is Martians that have come to take over the world. Forrester’s love interest is the lovely Sylvia. Sylvia has two important roles in the story: to scream in appropriate parts and to wax sentimental about how this must be a Judgement from God. I love this movie. It is definitely a product of its time, but can be enjoyed for what it’s worth. Just don’t watch it from a secular/feminist lens! Here’s the entire movie in 30 seconds as performed by bunnies:

http://www.angryalien.com/1005/wowbuns.asp

Super Friends (1973-1985)

 

Perhaps one of the first cartoon versions of the Justice League, this is where I was first introduced to many of DC’s iconic characters. I knew about Superman and Wonder Woman, but this was my first introduction to Batman, Aquaman, and the Green Lantern. I liked this iteration of Batman because he was not so broody as he was in later adaptations (and I guess in the comics too).  I also learned of other heroes like the Wonder Twins. I watched these out order, relying on the reruns on Cartoon Network. I think my favorite season was season 4. This was when we were introduced to the Legion of Doom with many of DC’s most iconic villains like Lex Luthor and Cheetah. It’s a fun romp down memory lane! 

Treasure Planet (2002)

 

The movie is based on the classic novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. Jim Hawkins meets an old pirate who gives him a map to a hidden treasure on a far away planet (in this case). He is warned to stay away from the cyborg (again in this version of the tale). The visuals in this animated feature is quite impressive as they combine science fiction elements with the historical context of the original novel. For instance, the space ships resemble sailing ships. One of my favorite adaptations of Treasure Island by far. 

Superman (1978)

 

By far one of the best versions of Superman. Although I love Henry Cavill,  Christopher Reeve will always be my Superman. This movie is just as campy as you could like from a 1970’s superhero movie. It also raises all the questions that I always wondered about Superman. Why can no one recognize Superman as Clark Kent when he takes off his glasses? Why does his home planet take away his superpowers? How does everyone know that kryptonite will take away his powers? You can’t really watch a Superman film and expect these questions to be answered. Really you just need to enjoy the movie for what it’s worth. This is an origin story for Superman, starting on the planet Krypton where Clark’s father Jor-El decides to send his son Kal-El to earth. He is found by Jonathan and Martha Kent and is raised as their son Clark. His main nemesis in this movie is the evil Lex Luthor who wants to cause the West Coast to fall into the sea so that his desert property becomes oceanfront. Superhero mayhem ensues. 

Back to the Future (1985)

 

In the year 1985, teenager Marty McFly goes to visit his eccentric friend Doc Brown. Brown has managed to build a time machine in a DeLorean with plutonium that he has stolen from terrorists. When the terrorists come to kill Brown, McFly runs away and is transported to 1955. He meets younger versions of his parents and Brown. He enlists Brown’s help in returning to his own time all while trying not to change the past. The first and last movies are the best ones in this franchise. I never much cared for the second one.

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (1999)

 

I really have mixed feelings about the prequel series. On the one hand, I grew up on the original trilogy so I know what happens. I know that the adorable little Anakin Skywalker becomes one of the most notorious villains in science fiction history. I feel that the special effects are subpar to the original series because Lucas relies too much on early CGI instead of the great practical effects that they had in the original. But there are some good things too. I really like Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi. I like Qui-Gon Jinn as a character. And It was wonderful to once again dive into that galaxy far far away. I recently rewatched Phantom Menace with a friend. Because I knew that it did not compare to the original trilogy, I was able to enjoy it for what it was. The prequel trilogy along with the show The Clone Wars is essentially Darth Vader’s origin story. It shows the decisions and circumstances that corrupted the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and led him to give into the Dark Side of the Force to become Darth Vader. We know the outcome, but it is interesting to see the path that led there.

Enjoy this song by Weird Al that gives you the entire plot in 5 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcjgJSqSRU