Top 5 SCFI Classic Films

The world is a better place for its futuristic cinematic look into the future and in some instance a look into the past. This list is comprised of cult classics and modern day favorites. Enjoy!

5. The Terminator (1984) spawned the classic memorial phrase "I'll Be Back." Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, an A cyborg, was the most exciting film of its time. The delivery of such a brut and unfeeling character sent to earth to destroy one person was horrifying. A mission for which the alien A cyborg pursued relentlessly. The target was a lone woman called Sarah Connor. Sarah is protected by the man named Kyle Reese who would father the future saver child for whom she is being sought for early demise in order to prevent her from every bringing the child into the world. Failure to destroy Sarah Connor meant that her future offspring would lead the human race in a future war with a race of machines. Therefore, the child had to be prevented from existence before that could ever happen. Directed by James Cameron this larger than life film is tremendous in every way. The portrayal of a woman as more than a damsel in distress was almost before its time. Sarah was innocent but became stronger by the minute and the Terminator ... well he did come back in Terminator 2 Judgment Day.

4. The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) starring David Bowie is a vivid look at the life of Thomas Jerome Newton, a humanoid alien, who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He appears harmless somehow and yet is forever of a menacing presence to all whom he encounters. He makes a grand attempt to fit into the society at large to achieve his mission. But, life gets a little complicated when he meets a woman who falls head over heels for him. David Bowie produces a surreal yet poignant performance which makes this role and film unforgettable. Director Nicolas Roeg delivers great direction of this cult masterpiece to make is one of many all time favorites.

3. Minority Report (2002) starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell was a brilliant look at the ramifications to creating a world without crime. The premise of the film is that of a society which police’s its self to the extent of preventing crimes before it has actually occurred. Set in the year of 2054 A.D. crime is eradicated completely from Washington D.C. An elite law enforcing squad "Precrime" aided by three genetically altered humans called "Pre-Cogs" track crimes and criminal intent of the mind in order to keep the streets safe. However, the once believed foolproof system proves to be penetrable when a crime is committed and an innocent man is framed for the crime. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is action and more action from beginning to end. Tom gives one of his best performances ever. The film went onto receive praise and a nomination for Oscar.

2. Escape From New York (1981) a true cult classic starring Kurt Russell and Lee Van Cleef is a dark look at the world ala World War III between the United States and Russia. As the war has taken its toll both sides looking for a peaceful resolution to put an end to the upheaval and an unlikely hero emerges from out of the ashes of war when he is offered to rescue the Commander and Chief. The offer would grant this hero a full pardon from his criminal past making it an offer he does eventually find hard not to refuse. The hero is the once special forces soldier turned armed robber and prisoner named "Snake" Plissken played by Kurt Russell. Plissken is given 24 hours to complete this task and so the ride of a lifetime in cinematic terms begins. Directed by John Carpenter this film is a raw and dark look at America ravished by war in every way. Both Kurt Russell and John Carpenter at their utmost best.

1. Blade Runner (1982) tops this list for so many reasons. This film is described as a cyberpunk vision of the future world and beyond. There is a gloriously real haunting feeling about this film shot in futuristic terms. It was more than before its time to say the least when it was released in 1982. The brilliance of director Ridley Scott brought forth what can only be described as a masterpiece. Starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer, Blade Runner took cinematic feature length films into a new realm of its own. Harrison Ford gave a stunning performance as Deckard, a blade runner, sent to track down and terminate 4 replicants aka the bad guys. The film that took move goers by storm went onto received 2 nominations for Oscars.

'Atonement' leads Golden Globes with 7 nominations

Atonement has sweep the board in leading with seven Golden Globe Award nominations Thursday morning. The World War II-era romance film has taken top nod for best drama and is clearly seen to be this years favorite in much the way Babel was last year. The Globe nominations are renown for being the lead up to Oscar nomination set almost in stone films to be contenders. The most highly praised Golden Globe best drama winner especially often do go onto take top honors at the Academy Awards.

Atonement, based on the novel by Ian McEwan, is a stunning tale of a young girl whose lie then separates two young lovers in the midst of an imminent war. Film landed coveted nominations for both lead actor and lead actress as well as in supporting actress and director categories. Atonement stars Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, 13-year-old Saoirse Ronan, and is directed Joe Wright (the recent Pride & Prejudice). Atonement also received nods for its screenplay written Christopher Hampton and musical score by Dario Marianelli's.

Charlie Wilson's War, starring Tom Hanks and Julia Robert received the second most nominations with five nods including both the lead actor and supporting actress nominations. The film is based on the true life story of a maverick politician who redirects money to Afghanistan to fight the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Other nominations for this film are best musical/comedy and West Wing's Aaron Sorkin for screenplay.

The acclaimed Michael Clayton was not to be overlooked from day one of its release and today’s nomination has more than affirmed that very fact without a doubt. Thrillers No Country for Old Men and the bloody musical Sweeney Todd are also among the Globes top nominations. It comes as no surprise the “MIGHTY” Ridley Scott’s American Gangster is amongst the nominees giving a Globe run for lead actor to Denzel Washington. Washington also has his directorial film The Great Debaters in the running for best drama category along side American Gangster.

The great and impeccable Cate Blanchett has received two nominations for supporting actress for her version of Bob Dylan in the offbeat biopic I'm Not There and lead actress for her warring monarch in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Others nominated in the supporting actress category along with Blanchett are Julia Roberts, and Saoirse Ronan, Amy Ryan, and Tilda Swinton.

Well deserved nominations for supporting actor goes to Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilson's War, John Travolta in Hairspray, and Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton. In the directors category the contenders are Tim Burton, Joe Wright, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for No Country for Old Men, Julian Schnabel for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Ridley Scott for American Gangster.

Ang Lee awarded for his film 'Lust, Caution' at the 44th Golden Horse Awards

With an illustrious career already under his belt, Taiwan born Ang Lee with honors Saturday in his native country for his spy thriller "Lust, Caution" which took seven prizes, including best film, director and actor at the Golden Horse Awards.
The reserved director closed his acceptance speech by chanting "Go Taiwanese film!"
The triumph of "Lust, Caution" at the awards ceremony came at no surprise after the film’s success in both Taiwan and China. The film is noted for its steamy sex scenes which has revived interest in celebrated writer Eileen Chang, who wrote the short story on which the movie is based.

The awarded "Lust, Caution," is about an undercover activist who seduces the Japanese-allied spy chief in World War II-era Shanghai to later carry out his assassination. The praise this film has derived also suggests a triumphant return to Chinese-language film for Lee. Lee who is no stranger to Hollywood successes has been previously awarded states side for films like "Brokeback Mountain.” He said of his home land win, "I feel very warm in the heart to receive everyone's affirmation."

Lee confessed at a news conference on Saturday that he had to edit a line in "Lust, Caution," at the request of Chinese censors, to make its main female character emerge less of a traitor to the Chinese. In all "Lust, Caution" won seven of the 11 prizes it was nominated for on Saturday. Congradualations!

Review: Affleck directs powerful `Gone'

Check out Ben Affleck’s new found direction. After taking what seemed to be a no way back long walk from the very media circus that became his horrendously over exposed relationship with Jennifer Lopez, Affleck continues to bounce back with style and with his latest gig as Director. He has turned his had to a directorial debut worthy of praise and true recognition. He was most recently honored at the Venice Film Festival last year for a stunning performance in the acclaimed film Hollywoodland. Well, done Ben. And, even more excellent is your efforts to preserve a personal life kept well and truly out of the public and away from the media circus eye. Now that's real class!