Together, sci-fi and cinema can combine to help us analyze the human condition on an epic scale.
All the most obvious films are included yes,Forbidden Planet,2001andETare all present and correct.
However, the book does its best to encompass a century of SF in a fresh, comprehensive way.
The writing is serious without being staid.
Some picks are made because of their groundbreaking special effects Trons computer animation,The Invisible Mans matte process.
Inclusions likeGalaxy Questshow that SF isnt just about soul-searching; it can be fun as well.
With their terse taglines and lurid colors, these illustrations are the books main selling point.
Its almost worth the cover price to own mini-versions ofWar Of The Worlds,Planet Of The ApesandBrazilposters.
The same cant said for the film stills, which are occasionally soft or muddy.
EvenChildren Of Men, the most up-to-date entry, is a blur.
This and a few unforgiveable errors in the text lose the book a star or two.
Worst example: did you know thatA New Hopeis episode VI in theStar Warssaga?
Neither did we, but reviewer Mikel Koven apparently thinks so.
101 Sci-Fi Movies You Must See Before You Die isout now.
Rating:
3 out of 5
