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The Effects of Avatar

     James Cameron's epic is now officially the biggest movie ever. Avatar has passed Titanic to take the #1 spot among the highest grossing films of all time, both in the U.S. and internationally (Gone With the Wind still reigns when inflation is taken into account). So what does this mean for the future of the film industry, and for the future of science fiction in particular? Avatar was always pegged as a game-changer, but now it's time to ask, "what game?" and "what changes?"  ...read more

2010 SIFF Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Film Festival

     Seattle is a great nominee for the home of science fiction. Perhaps the most futuristic of American cities, Seattle's look and feel is thoroughly modern. Several cutting edge tech companies call Seattle home, and of course we have that snazzy Space Needle (is that retro-futuristic yet?). This city is also home to the Sci-Fi Museum and Hall of Fame (a co-sponsor of this festival). All of these things combine to make Seattle a great place for a fan of science fiction to live, but perhaps the biggest reason is the annual Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Film Festival.  ...read more

2010 Sci-Fi Movie Preview

     After the incredible year that was 2009, 2010 will undoubtedly feel like a letdown as far as sci-fi films are concerned. Avatar is a front-runner for best picture, with District 9 and Star Trek also likely under consideration. This coming year is unlikely to see as many critically acclaimed sci-fi films, nor as many blockbusters from the genre.  ...read more

Sci-Fi Link's Best of 2009

     2009 was an excellent year for science fiction and fantasy cinema. Like every year there were some stinkers, but there were also several sci-fi films that rank among the best films of the year overall. Science fiction will have a presence at the Academy Awards this year, and not just in technical categories. There were exceptional genre films at all levels of budget, with terrific indie and blockbuster films. Below is Sci-Fi Link's list of the top 10 sci-fi films of the year.  ...read more

Sci-Fi Oscar Chances

     With the expansion of the best picture field from 5 to 10 films, there is increased speculation that genre films will be up for more than just technical awards this year. The Academy, distraught over relegating itself to irrelevance last year by ignoring The Dark Knight, seems ready and willing to include at least a couple of mainstream blockbusters as nominees. But which such blockbusters are truly worthy of inclusion?  ...read more

Un-Steady Cam: The Handheld Movement in Sci-Fi

     Tripods are so last millenium. Modern sci-fi films simulate the excitement of action with a camera that shakes and bobs so much you can hardly tell which way is up. For some the effect is exciting, for others sickening. But is the shaky-cam just a visceral technique or is there something to it as an artistic choice? The answer of course is both, depending on the film.  ...read more

2009-2010 TV Season Rundown

     The 09-10 television season is already under way. It's a pretty good time for sci-fi fans, with a multitude of new and returning programs finding their way into your homes. The following is a summary of what's old and new, what's coming and what already came and went. What will you watch on Friday nights--Stargate Universe or Dollhouse? Map out your viewing schedule, starting here.  ...read more

First Thoughts on James Cameron's Avatar

     Eager fans of James Cameron's upcoming blockbuster Avatar have finally gotten a taste of the sci-fi epic. Last Friday, approximately 15 minutes of the unfinished film was shown in select IMAX 3D theaters for free to those who signed up online. Also made available that day was the first Avatar trailer, of course not in 3D. The verdict so far? Moderate disappointment. Let's look at why.  ...read more

Mid-year Sci-Fi Report

     Yes, it's really July already. So how are things stacking up so far in 2009 for sci-fi fans? Exactly as I predicted in my 2009 preview? It's time to review the year so far and to look ahead to the future of the genre and of Sci-Fi Link as well.  ...read more

One-Dimensional Characters and Racial Stereotypes in Transformers 2

     When you're making a big budget summer action film, the presence of one-dimensional characters is pretty much a given. With little time to give to character development, it's more likely that most of the people populating the movie will be characterized according to types. The new Transformers film resorts to this method with unrelenting enthusiasm. Leading and supporting characters alike are defined by types, often racially-based. Most of it is fairly harmless--just a way to quickly introduce a character and skip ahead to the action.  ...read more