Thunderbird 6: flying a bit higher than its predecessor
David Lane, “Thunderbird 6” (1968) Despite the box office failure of “Thunderbirds Are Go”, United Artists had enough faith in the British television show’s creators Gerry…
Science Fiction Films
Thunderbirds Are Go: no, the film didn’t go well at all
David Lane, “Thunderbirds Are Go” (1966) Based on the famous British children’s television puppet action adventure series “Thunderbirds”, this film could have garnered an international audience…
British Films, North American Films
Tenet: beneath the gloss and sci-fi gibberish, a banal plot with flat characters appears
Christopher Nolan, “Tenet” (2019) For an example of how not to make a blockbuster sci-fi thriller, Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” must surely rate as the number one…
Oppenheimer: intriguing character study / legal drama on the use and misuse of power
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” (2023) Aside from all the Hollywood fanfare fluff surrounding its release, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is actually an intriguing character study and legal drama…
Infinity Pool: character study satire on the decline of Western culture and values
Brandon Cronenberg, “Infinity Pool” (2023) Take away the extreme violence, the scenes of sleazy sex and the over-acting and what we end up with is a…
Home in Time: time travel, the consequences of bad behaviour, free will and reconciliation in comedy sci-fi short
Patrick Hagarty, “Home in Time” (2019) In time for Christmas, this amusing sci-fi comedy short about a married couple preparing for family Christmas at their home…
Apotheosis: grit, determination and resilience win over inborn gifts in polished sci-fi short
Max Pearce, “Apotheosis” (2022) A very polished short film, with similarities in themes and plot to the better-known movie “Gattaca”, itself not a great money-maker on…
Eureka! – dealing with depression with comedy and skilful acting
Laura Moss, “Eureka!” (2019) I confess, I saw this comedy sci-fi fantasy short because Karen Gillan, star of Doctor Who and of various films in the…
Jettison: a parable on the US exploitation of soldiers using time-space travel
J J Pollack, “Jettison” (2021) A young woman, Rebka (Madison Wilson), restless and bored with life on the family farm, eagerly joins the United States Space…
The Simulation: light-hearted comedy and kitsch look hide a dark heart
Faye Fillingham, “The Simulation” (2021) Initially this short seems light-hearted and amusing but on repeated viewings its dark heart is gradually revealed. A young woman, Agatha…