Movies - TV
Critically-Panned Sci-Fi Movies That Are Actually Worth Your Time
By BRENDAN KNAPP
The Black Hole
Roger Ebert called “The Black Hole” a talky, melodramatic, gimmick; he’s right, but that doesn't take away from the vivid visual work that won the movie two Oscars or John Barry's fun, futuristic score. Audiences may laugh at some of the robot designs that didn't age well, or the voices behind them, but it's still a journey worth taking.
Metalstorm
“Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn” may have been “desperately hustled onto celluloid” as Gary Arnold of The Washington Post suggested, but it's still done with enough care to stand out among the era’s many post-nuclear landscapes. The slo-mo fight sequences drag and the chases go nowhere, but there's plenty of cinematic sparkle.
The Ice Pirates
Vincent Canby of The New York Times called “The Ice Pirates” an “exceedingly jokey science fiction film.” While its low-brow sci-fi satire may be polarizing, few "Star Wars" spinoffs from this era show this kind of thoughtfulness with their prop usage, set design, space-age costumes, and commitment from extras and side characters.
Invaders from Mars
“Invaders from Mars” was panned by Paul Attanasio of The Washington Post for not being as scary as the original; however, effects master Stan Winston immerses the audience in a wondrous practical effects-laden alien environment. It's a treat to see hands-on craftsmanship of this level, even if it only makes moviegoers smile and not scream.
Alien 3
Marc Savlov of The Austin Chronicle wrote about “Alien 3,” “Director [David] Fincher is best known for his music videos and his MTV sensibilities are in full evidence, right down to the film's breakneck pace and jagged editing.” However, this is Fincher making his directorial debut, and his fast-paced editing is a style he’s become known for.