Revisiting the Classics -- Logan's Run

Today we have the 1976 cult classic, Logan's run, starring Michael York and Jenny Agutter.

The story takes place in the future following an unspecified apocalypse. The remnants of humanity live inside a domed city where they have everything they could ever want. There's just one rule: Upon turning 30, everyone must die. Once the crystal in your hand starts blinking red, you're done. The only possible way to save yourself is to take part in a bizarre, nonsensical ritual called Carrousel, though even after watching the movie I still have no idea what's supposed to be happening during it. Some choose to flee, and it's up to the local security force to terminate the "runners". One such Sandman (as these executioners are called) is Logan. Together with his best friend Francis, he hunts runners with sadistic glee. In his mind they are not killers; they are simply ending the existence of people too stupid to take part in Carrousel, and having fun doing it.

As you can probably imagine--assuming the title didn't already give it away--this carefree life soon comes to a halt for Logan. The city's central computer suddenly drops a bombshell on him: Over 1,000 runners are unaccounted for, and it's up to him to find them. The computer believes they are hiding in the mythical city of Sanctuary, and decides to set off Logan's crystal so he can pose as a runner and gain their trust. Once he has done that, he is to destroy Sanctuary. But Logan soon comes to see things from the runners' perspective, and he teams up with runner/digitized hooker Jessica to get to Sanctuary and help them. All the while they are being hunted by Francis who believes Jessica has brainwashed Logan. Do they have what it takes to bring down the system?

Logan's run is one of the most bizarre movies I've ever seen. It's also wildly imaginative. It features very diverse and colorful settings, from the city's interior (which looks like a futuristic Las Vegas to me), to freaky night clubs, to sewers, to an arctic freezer, to...well, I won't spoil the rest. The film plays out like a very long episode of the original Star Trek series, but with way more nudity (in one nutty scene Logan and Jessica are accosted by a band of naked people); I honestly don't know how they got away with a PG rating. I don't normally like anything campy, but it definitely works for this movie.

As for the acting...well, Logan's Run doesn't exactly set a new bar here. Several scenes in the movie are unintentionally funny due to the actors' reciting their lines weird. I don't know what went wrong with Farrah Fawcett's character, but she comes across as mentally impaired during a scene that's supposed to be serious. 

In my opinion, though, it's all part of the film's charm. You can't really take Logan's Run seriously, but that's OK. And at the end of the day, you get a memorable sci-fi movie with classic memes such as "Life day! Renew!"

http://www.amazon.com/Logans-Run-Michael-York/dp/B0013LL2Z2/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1376086430&sr=1-2&keywords=Logan%27s+run

Revisiting the Classics -- Red Dwarf

Today I'm here to tell you about the 1988 BBC series Red Dwarf. It ran periodically for many years, topping out at 61 episodes and 9 seasons (or Series).

Series One begins with frenemies Dave Lister and Arnold Rimmer serving as crew members aboard the titular city-sized starship. One day it is discovered slovenly Lister has been keeping a pregnant cat aboard against regulations. Rather than destroy the felines, he elects to go into suspended animation as punishment. However, when he finally emerges, he is told by the ship's dry-witted AI Holly (who, despite the name, is a disembodied bald man) that three million years have passed. A radiation leak killed off everyone else. Not to worry, though; Holly has brought back Rimmer as a hologram (he wears a silver H on his forehead so we don't forget). Why Rimmer? Simple: he was the person Lister spent the most time with, even if they spent most of that time hurling insults at one another.

Lister and Rimmer soon discover they're not the only ones left after the radiation leak. They encounter a bizarre man who somewhat resembles an Anne Rice version of pop icon Prince. Turns out the cats evolved into people over the millions of years Lister was in stasis, and this colorful character with a massive wardrobe is one of them. Lister, Rimmer, Holly and Cat set a course for Earth--assuming there is still an Earth--and suffer through one hilarious misadventure after another. And though Series One is pretty much confined to the ship, later episodes feature more diverse sets, and the characters even get to go outside thanks to a VR program and time travel.

This show has a lot going for it. The stories, written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, are delightfully insane and frequently make you question your sanity. One particularly memorable episode involves different parts of Lister's psyche taking on human form and then ultimately committing suicide. I also like Howard Goodall's diverse score which accompanies each episode. The opening theme is serious sci-fi fare, while the ending features a catchy pop tune reminiscent of 70's kid shows.

But it's really the characters that keep you watching. From lovable loser Lister to hopelessly downtrodden Rimmer to gonzo Cat to either-super-intelligent-or-super-incompetent Holly to wacky android Kryten, Red Dwarf is full of strong personalities that play well off each other. And while there are only the handful of crew members mentioned above, many episodes have guest characters in the form of holograms, cat people, AIs, MST3K-esque robots and hallucinations. Let's just say a ship the size of the Red Dwarf holds many surprises.

Yes, Red Dwarf is that nutty. Go watch it. Now.

http://www.amazon.com/Red-Dwarf-I-Various/dp/B00007AP31/ref=sr_1_15?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1374875777&sr=1-15&keywords=Red+Dwarf

Revisiting the Classics -- Woman in the Moon

A while back I took a fresh look at Fritz Lang's 1927 sci-fi masterpiece Metropolis. Today I'm telling you about his 1929 followup, Woman in the Moon. As the title suggests, Lang and wife/writer Thea von Harbou (who also wrote Metropolis) turned their attention to outer space for this one.

In 1896, Professor Manfeldt proposed that the moon contains vast deposits of gold. The idea sounded ridiculous to his colleagues and he was laughed out of all scientific circles. Three decades later his protege Helius declares he has built a rocket and will fly to the moon. However, he isn't the only one interested in Manfeldt's research. A sinister cabal of businessmen steals their combined research and informs Manfeldt and Helius they have built their own rocket in order to take the moon gold for themselves. Their agent, Mr. Turner, presents Helius with an ultimatum: "Come with us to the moon aboard our rocket...or not at all!" To make good on their threat, they bomb the hanger containing Helius' rocket. Determined to go to the moon, and left with no other options for doing so, he agrees to join Turner aboard the cabal's rocket. Accompanying them are Manfeldt, best friend Hans Wendigger, his fiance Friede (the titular woman), and stowaway boy Gustav. What will they discover when they land on the moon? You'll just have to watch to find out.

Woman in the Moon is less ambitious in scope than Metropolis. It has a much smaller cast and smaller sets, and the score consists largely of beautiful piano melodies as opposed to the full orchestra of Lang's previous science fiction film. Fortunately, the story is strong, and less campy than Metropolis (no android belly-dancers here). I like the characters, particularly Helius and his steely resolve during the climax (too bad Wendigger ends up being a spiteful, cowardly tool). Also, the film quality, while a bit grainy, is consistent throughout.

Also worth mentioning is the attention to detail the film makers committed to when they shot this. Lang and von Harbou managed to pull off a relatively feasible flight to the moon involving a two-stage rocket forty years before it actually happened. The story uses details such as the G-forces during lift off, the necessary conservation of oxygen, and the use of thrusters to counter gravitational forces. Yes, there are many scientific inaccuracies in the film, but it's impressive how many things they got right.

At the end of the day, I think I still prefer Metropolis because of its grandeur. However, I really like Woman in the Moon as well. It is another cinema classic from a stellar husband and wife duo.

http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Moon-Klaus-Pohl/dp/B00064AEXI/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_3_006Q

Revisiting the Classics -- Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: Do you Remember Love?

Today I'm here to tell you about an anime that never got a proper American release. It is (deep breath) Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: Do you Remember Love? Based on the Macross anime (which got turned into the first part of Robotech), the 1984 movie is an alternate retelling of that series.

We begin the story five months after the alien battleship-turned-UN Spacy battleship Macross was warped via space fold to the far reaches of the solar system during a battle with the invading Zentradi forces. As Do you Remember Love? starts, expert UN Spacy pilot (and occasional idiot) Hikaru and his wing men are fighting off a Zentradi attack inside the Macross (which doubles as a human city). Hikaru disobeys orders from his commander (and reluctant love interest) Misa Hayase, separating from his comrades to rescue imperiled pop star Lynn Minmay. This leads to a love triangle between Hikaru, Minmay and Misa. Said love triangle might also be the key to defeating the Zentradi who are confused as hell by human culture (AKA Protoculture).

Do you Remember Love? is worth watching because of the differences between it and the TV series. Hikaru doesn't meet Minmay until after she becomes a celebrity; Roy Fokker no longer has the stupidest death in recorded history; the Zentradi men and women are at war with each other instead of simply segregated; Earth is even less fortunate this time around, if you can believe that. There is also considerably more nudity and violence than I remember being in the series.

While this movie was never officially brought to America, you can pick up the region-free DVD with English subtitles on Amazon for cheap. If you enjoyed Macross or Robotech, you should definitely check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Macross-Super-Dimension-Fortress-Remember/dp/B0056KOCDA/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1_Q5PG

Revisiting the Classics -- Mobile Suit Gundam

Here it is, the one that started it all: the 1979 anime Mobile Suit Gundam.

The story takes place in the year 0079 of the Universal Century. Mankind has spread out across the solar system, taking up residence inside floating cities called Sides. One of them, Side Three, decides they've had enough of the Earth people calling the shots, and proceeds to wage a war of independence against the Earth Federation, even going so far as to drop one of the colonies on the planet. Side Three--now calling themselves the Principality of Zeon--gains an early advantage because of their mobile suits, giant robots with a pilot inside each one.

The first episode introduces us to Amuro Ray, a 14-year-old engineering prodigy who lives happily with his family on Side Seven. His world is changed forever, however, when Zeon attacks the colony and he discovers the Federation has been developing their own mobile suits there in order to turn the tide of war. In order to protect his friends and family, Amuro hops into the most advanced mobile suit ever created: The Gundam. Despite having never piloted anything like this before, Amuro learns quickly and soon becomes a member of the prototype Federation spaceship White Base, fighting alongside a crew of colorful characters. Does he have what it takes to defeat Zeon's greatest pilot, mysterious masked-man Char Aznable, AKA the Red Comet? Is Amuro truly a Newtype? Will he ever see his family again? Just who is Char? To find out the answers to these questions, you'll have to watch.

I've enjoyed the various Mobile Suit Gundam anime since I first started watching this one in high school, and it remains my favorite. Before 1979, giant robot anime were all about unique machines fighting evil. But with Mobile Suit Gundam, things changed. Giant robots were now merely another tool of war, and the distinction between good and evil wasn't so clear (a fact many Gundam characters found out the hard way). The soldiers in this war had to figure out just what they were fighting for, and whether or not they were on the right side. Furthermore, the series challenged us to decide if it's acceptable to force children to fight our battles. We may survive, but their innocence won't.

You can pick up the first part of this show online. Unfortunately, Bandai--the distributor--went out of business and so the second half of Gundam is rare and hard to find. You can get it on Amazon but you'll have to pay an arm and a leg for it. If you can find it for a good price, though, I heartily recommend you get it. It has a strong story, memorable characters, and a powerful message.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gundam-Complete-Collection-Legends/dp/B005F96UNW/ref=pd_cp_mov_0

Revisiting the Classics -- Galaxy Express 999

Today I have dug up another anime gem for you: Galaxy Express 999. It was a TV series followed by several movies based on said TV series in the late 1970's. Since the TV series was recently released in America for the first time, I thought I'd do my part to help bring in new fans.

The protagonist is an adolescent boy named Tetsuro Hoshino who lives on future Earth. He spends his times in the slums living below the more well-off citizens, but dreams of boarding the famous Galaxy Express, an intergalactic train which travels the galaxy. One day he attempts to steal a ticket to board one of the space-faring locomotives but gets caught and subsequently chased by station security. He is saved by a mysterious woman with long blonde hair and a Russian-style fur outfit. She identifies herself as Maetel, and asks Tetsuro why he is so intent on boarding the Galaxy Express. He tells her he wants to travel to the Andromeda galaxy and acquire a machine body so he can kill the robotic Count Mecha who murdered Tetsuro's mother. Maetel offers to get him on board one of the trains, the 999, if he will allow her to accompany him on his journey. Tetsuro readily agrees and together they set out across the Sea of Stars.

I've always loved Galaxy Express 999. It, more than any other science fiction I've experienced, so completely captured the wonder of space travel. This is due in part to the whimsical, exaggerated character designs of creator Leiji Matsumoto. Characters run the gamut from beautiful, sorrowful women (such as Shadow and Claire) to comically deformed men (like Tochiro). The most compelling of 999's cast (namely Maetel, along with space pirates Harlock and Emeraldas) were so popular they got their own prequels and spin-offs. Furthermore, the haunting musical score and somber narrator give emotional and nostalgic weight to one boy's journey to become a man. And along the way, we must ask ourselves if it's truly worth becoming an android to live forever, or if, perhaps, human life has more meaning than we think.

Ultimately, though, words fail to do it justice. You really should check it out for yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_8?url=search-alias%3Dmovies-tv&field-keywords=galaxy+express+999&sprefix=Galaxy+E%2Cmovies-tv%2C235&rh=n%3A2625373011%2Ck%3Agalaxy+express+999

Revisiting the Classics -- Haibane-Renmei

Last week I dug up an anime gem called Serial Experiments Lain. Yoshitoshi ABe, who did the character designs for that series, went on to create the anime I'm telling you about today: Haibane-Renmei. It is a tale of love, loss, mystery and redemption.

The story takes place in a mysterious town that is surrounded by a huge wall. Within the town is Old Home, a residence for people with wings and halos. One day, a cocoon is discovered in an unused room of Old Home, and a young girl emerges from it. She awakes in a bedroom to discover she has no memories of her life before popping out of the cocoon. The residents of Old Home, mostly other young women, explain to her that this is commonplace and she, like them, is a mysterious angelic creature called a Haibane. One of the Haibane, the chain-smoking Reki, names her Raka. Soon, wings burst from Raka's back and she is given a halo (which, in a particularly humorous scene, has to be taped to her head because it has trouble attaching itself to her). From there, she becomes a member of the mysterious Haibane-Renmei [Charcoal Feather Federation]. As you can imagine, she has many questions. Just what are the Haibane and what is their purpose? Why do none of the Haibane have any memories of their pre-cocoon life? What lies beyond the walls? Where is this strange town actually located? What's the deal with the masked Haibane-Renmei overseers? And what happens during the Day of Flight? As Raka becomes closer to the various Haibane, she discovers the answers she seeks are few and do not always bring happiness.

There is so much to like about Haibane-Renmei. The story is heartfelt and thought-provoking (though as with Serial Experiments Lain it doesn't explain everything). The characters are compelling. The soundtrack, composed by Kou Ootani, is a beautiful orchestral score which evokes feelings akin to standing in the breeze of a warm summer day. Those looking for plenty of action should keep looking, however; for all the fantasy trappings, this series remains for the most part a drama. Nonetheless, if you have an open mind and are looking for something different--and high-quality--you'd be hard-pressed to find a better anime than this. It's really the cream of the crop.

                                                                 Available on Amazon

Revisiting the Classics -- Serial Experiments Lain

Looking for something that will change the way you view the world around you? Try the epic anime Serial Experiments Lain.

Lain Iwakura was just a normal, albeit somewhat disconnected teenager until the day her classmate committed suicide. That should be the end of it, but Lain starts receiving messages from her. "I have simply abandoned my body," the email says. How can a dead person be sending computer messages? How are Lain and the computer network called the Wired involved in all this? Why are complete strangers seeing religious visions of Lain? Who are the creepy men in black standing watch outside Lain's house? And why, oh why, does Lain's family act like zombies most of the time?

Serial Experiments Lain is one of the greatest and weirdest animes of all time. It piles on layers (pun intended; it calls each episode a "layer") of hard science and surreal imagery to create a compelling story you'll be thinking about for the rest of your life. It's been close to a decade since I first watched this series and I'm still trying to figure it out. Hell, I've seen entire web pages dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of Lain. Suffice to say, Philip K. Dick would appreciate the warnings this series gives us about technological advancement.

At the center of it all, ultimately, is a sympathetic character who seeks both her identity and love from those around her, though her goals cannot be achieved without great sacrifice. If you're looking for something besides the typical moè anime or giant robot series and don't mind working through bizarre and possibly metaphorical imagery, check out Serial Experiments Lain.

Bargain Bin Spotlight -- Godzilla Raids Again

I've decided to do a new feature where I point you towards quality sci-fi experiences for cheap. First up: Godzilla Raids again, the 1955 sequel to Godzilla (or Gojira, if you prefer). The radioactive lizard has returned to once again terrify Japanese citizens, only now he's set his sights on the southwestern city of Osaka. This movie marks the first time Godzilla is pitted against another giant monster, namely Anguirus the spiked dinosaur. Too bad the humans are all out of Oxygen Destroyer; it would have really come in handy.

For me, the charm of Godzilla movies has always been in its hilariously bad (though not at the time) production values. There's a reason these old movies are much more fondly remembered then the 90's American CG Godzilla; watching two guys in rubber suits awkwardly wrestle each other while trampling miniature buildings is as entertaining now as it ever was. While Japanese special effects technology has drastically improved over the years (see Godzilla 2000), it's the old cheesy monster movies I like best.

You can pick this remastered DVD up at Wal-Mart for $5. It's a good deal. PSST--don't forget to watch the bonus documentary about the men inside the suits.