tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post5686402511072979936..comments2024-03-27T21:18:33.034+00:00Comments on Fabled Lands: Stories that resonateDave Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-80726751226278928382020-07-26T19:19:27.328+01:002020-07-26T19:19:27.328+01:00"You look good here". "That's n..."You look good here". "That's not me". Excellent. Not quite sure how I miss these things. Thanks, Dave!Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-27210888774433361292020-07-26T15:21:32.106+01:002020-07-26T15:21:32.106+01:00Better than DVD, they're all on YouTube, Andy:...Better than DVD, they're all on YouTube, Andy:<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzjR0yL4f0YDave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-11912502260035994072020-07-26T11:31:20.548+01:002020-07-26T11:31:20.548+01:00They look good, Dave, although Posh Nosh doesn'...They look good, Dave, although Posh Nosh doesn't appear to have been released on DVD. That basket is starting to brim again!Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-67125338874932359542020-07-26T11:04:51.308+01:002020-07-26T11:04:51.308+01:00Look Around You -- a great classic I'd forgott...Look Around You -- a great classic I'd forgotten, Andy. In a similar vein: People Like Us and Posh Nosh.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-68000883895443990252020-07-26T10:23:54.974+01:002020-07-26T10:23:54.974+01:00Gattaca was definitely in the "too much to dr...Gattaca was definitely in the "too much to drink" category. I can't remember a thing about it. I thought I had Brazil, on that shelf as well, but can't find it.<br /><br />Having sorted S&S and Sci-Fi, there's just Horror left, Dave! Or did we sort that previously? The Exorcist holds number one spot. However, I think our lists will be much more divergent, as I've about five zombie films on mine! As good as Shaun as the Dead is, I don't get how that sometimes gets categorised as Horror though. Very loosely related (to some of the cast), I watched a comedy series called Look Around You the other day. Hit and miss but worth a look if you haven't seen it.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-3442117811259201182020-07-26T00:24:26.104+01:002020-07-26T00:24:26.104+01:00Gattaca! Oh, that's definitely on my top 20 li...Gattaca! Oh, that's definitely on my top 20 list, Andy.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-56696778228320672442020-07-25T21:45:30.253+01:002020-07-25T21:45:30.253+01:00I've just gone into my study, Dave (I say stud...I've just gone into my study, Dave (I say study, room with loads of bookcases - there is no desk) and looked at my "didn't think was brilliant but I want to watch it again before I die in case I've somewhat underrated it and don't want to have to buy it again 20 years later or didn't get it or had too much to drink when I watched it or it was quite good but not quite good enough to get into my permanent collection", shelf, and have Gattaca, Cypher, Arrival and Colossus The Forbin Project on there. I then glanced across at my permanent collection and saw Capricorn One. I may have to reset my system.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-58816440990475937872020-07-25T19:33:28.682+01:002020-07-25T19:33:28.682+01:00Love him or loathe him, I agree, Dave, Edge of Tom...Love him or loathe him, I agree, Dave, Edge of Tomorrow and Minority Report were both pretty good. I have to say I didn't actually mind War of the Worlds either. At least comparative to the recent BBC debacle, that is. Does Mad Max count as Sci-Fi? Not sure, perhaps not.<br /><br />Self/less. 19% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes! Ok, I'll give it a go. Your 100% record is on the line! I'll do just that re Primer.<br /><br />Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-19191454881332307142020-07-25T19:12:10.379+01:002020-07-25T19:12:10.379+01:00Oh, and Andy, you will need the infographic for Pr...Oh, and Andy, you will need the infographic for Primer. The timeline is seriously, mind-buggeringly complicated to figure out. Not that that will stop you enjoying it, but after watching it do an internet search. Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-31176922237734520392020-07-25T19:10:45.319+01:002020-07-25T19:10:45.319+01:00I ought to include Minority Report (Tom is turning...I ought to include Minority Report (Tom is turning out to be in a lot of these) and Robocop, certainly. Oh, and Self/less. I must have used up the spare slots by now...Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-36834731900693257662020-07-25T17:37:19.389+01:002020-07-25T17:37:19.389+01:00Fair enough re the morons, Dave! I'll add tha...Fair enough re the morons, Dave! I'll add that and Primer then. Oh, and Frequency, thought I'd seen it but perhaps not. The only obvious ones I think you've missed (or perhaps rather would be in mine) are Predator and Robocop, assuming the former is allowed. The sequel to 2001 was better than I thought it would be thinking about it, albeit it's been a long time since I've seen it.Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-21160557587175236202020-07-25T14:16:24.750+01:002020-07-25T14:16:24.750+01:00Terminator definitely way better than its sequel i...Terminator definitely way better than its sequel in my book. As for Alien, I like the original but in my headcanon there were no more.<br /><br />Passengers is the 2016 version, yes, Andy -- what can I say, the reviewers are morons. And Arnie TR, mos' def. 2001 -- of course! I told you I needed those five gaps. Now what are other four I forgot? Maybe Primer is one...Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-67601045810247034842020-07-25T11:14:37.293+01:002020-07-25T11:14:37.293+01:00I would say the first Terminator edges it although...I would say the first Terminator edges it although both would be in my top 20. Although as with having a preference for Aliens over Alien, the margin is probably so tight as to make it unnecessary to split them. It's rather like comparing Chablis with Sancerre. <br /><br />I've had a bit more time to look at your list, Dave. A few questions if I may? Passengers, is that the 2016 film? It doesn't get great reviews? Android, Europa Report and Predestination all look interesting, I'll take a look at those. I can't remember whether I've seen all the Quatermass IV, that's a maybe. Assume the Arnie Total Recall? I remember being disappointed at the time, although a more recent viewing of it improved my opinion somewhat. I'm not sure it qualifies as Sci-Fi, but I've a soft spot for The Hidden.<br /><br />I notice 2001 is absent, Dave. Is that deliberate or omission?!<br />Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-2625149155920654042020-07-25T06:27:50.331+01:002020-07-25T06:27:50.331+01:00In the brief to the Dave Morris character in the e...In the brief to the Dave Morris character in the early FL books, terminator 1 was cited as being better than its sequel. Not sure if that's enough to get it into the top 2020? Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03848530930786042468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-42483808229495943782020-07-23T22:32:55.544+01:002020-07-23T22:32:55.544+01:00Keep 'em coming, Dave! A few entries there th...Keep 'em coming, Dave! A few entries there that beg the question, what counts as sci-fi, or at least primarily? To give best example out of your entries, Alien vs Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-71176879718016016072020-07-23T18:17:38.633+01:002020-07-23T18:17:38.633+01:00Ooh... it changes as fast as I think about it, And...Ooh... it changes as fast as I think about it, Andy. Call it Morris's Uncertainty Principle. Some random thoughts -- well, Blade Runner, obviously, and the original Alien. Oblivion. Passengers. Edge of Tomorrow. Ex Machina. Android. Europa Report. District 9. Frequency. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Twelve Monkeys. Predestination. Total Recall. Quatermass IV. I'll have a different list by tomorrow -- and I left five gaps because I know I'll think of more!Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-63841445037489808932020-07-23T17:28:45.383+01:002020-07-23T17:28:45.383+01:00You've gone and said it now, Dave! Any chance...You've gone and said it now, Dave! Any chance we can have that top 20 list please?!Andy Fletcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735277481108984596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-82348078035057033472020-07-23T11:00:10.537+01:002020-07-23T11:00:10.537+01:00No argument from me on that score. Like you I pref...No argument from me on that score. Like you I prefer the originals but the only one I thought was really any good was Empire Strikes Back, and even that isn't in my SF movies Top 20.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-18816784208683812312020-07-23T10:50:27.156+01:002020-07-23T10:50:27.156+01:00Star wars is massively overrated;the originals wer...Star wars is massively overrated;the originals were OK (though only OK), the rest are just dross, particularly the most recent outings. I know it's not really relevant to anything in your post Dave, but I feel it needs to be said. Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03848530930786042468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-54119671804696582072020-07-21T12:40:23.501+01:002020-07-21T12:40:23.501+01:00According to Wiki he's called Elnor, which I&#...According to Wiki he's called Elnor, which I'd say is close enough to assume the Picard writers were taking the piss. But the fellow in Cerberus was called Elrod (of Melvinbone IIRC). Paz still has my copies, of course.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-17512150400624483712020-07-21T12:28:30.752+01:002020-07-21T12:28:30.752+01:00He's not called Elrod. I only called him that ...He's not called Elrod. I only called him that because you called him Elrond, and I remembered the Elric/Foghorn Leghorn hybrid from Cerebus. I don't remember what he was called, but suffice it to say that he was trained to be an unbeatable martial artist by the aforementioned warrior nuns... Paul Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13825399893084157058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-5955151757077380102020-07-20T17:43:24.720+01:002020-07-20T17:43:24.720+01:00I just made the mistake of looking at the Wiki pag...I just made the mistake of looking at the Wiki page, got as far as "Picard goes to a temple of warrior nuns" and had to reach for the sick bag. If the artificial life storyline is what I think it is, it seems to crop up in almost all genre TV/movie sci-fi these days. And if they have to have a character called Elron (Elrod? Elrond?) couldn't they have based him on L Ron Hubbard? That would have been unexpected, at least.<br /><br />I'd rather see Cumberbatch as Melrose than as Khan, certainly. (You know what I'm going to say: they should have cast John Lone.)Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-60862152904866837992020-07-20T01:19:29.654+01:002020-07-20T01:19:29.654+01:00Just had my reply wiped when I pressed Preview. Oh...Just had my reply wiped when I pressed Preview. Oh joy.<br /><br />Abbreviated version: nah to the tantalizing. Artificial life. And you know how badly that gets handled.<br /><br />Petrick Melrose is great, as you say, but it's toff-junkie porn and knows it (in last night's episode Patrick shouting 'I fucking hate the rich!').<br /><br />Best thing in Picard is Santiago Cabrera who plays a role steeped in cliche (the Han Solo type) but makes it fresh, as well as adding amusement with his roles as his ship's assorted hologram programs (like the one in Voyager). But still not good enough to make up for Elrod.Paul Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13825399893084157058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-1822527081964046632020-07-19T17:00:57.905+01:002020-07-19T17:00:57.905+01:00The road to Usenanu, may it never end. (Actually, ...The road to Usenanu, may it never end. (Actually, it never did...)<br /><br />I liked Patrick Melrose, mainly because it was brilliantly written, acted and directed, and I simply didn't register the toff-junkie aspect (my unchecked privilege, no doubt) though in Edward St Aubyn's defence it's the only junkie experience he knows.<br /><br />"A show setting up a moral dilemma that hinges almost entirely on the arbitrary rules the show itself has set up." That's the most tantalizing thing I've heard about Picard so far. I'm sure it would annoy the hell out of me, but I'm almost curious to watch it just to find out what that is.Dave Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14468228790874490693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2141372262111342844.post-17926763797700551422020-07-19T15:33:17.522+01:002020-07-19T15:33:17.522+01:00I have gone there so that you don't have to......I have gone there so that you don't have to...<br /><br />I wouldn't say that it was 'about Trump'. On the other hand, it is very obviously about the idea of offering assistance to refugees, from both moral and practical points of view. So it is Roddenberrian in the 'bloody hell, this is an obvious bit of allegory' sense.<br /><br />There's a sort of interesting plot twist surrounding the whole issue of the failure to offer help to refugees. But equally one of the major themes of the show, which I will not spoil -- if not for your benefit but for anyone else who might want to watch it -- is a classic case of a show setting up a moral dilemma that hinges almost entirely on the arbitrary rules the show itself has set up.<br /><br />I enjoyed bits of it, in that 'role-player recognising odd stuff that might happen in a game' sort of a way, but I would not urge you to prioritise it over something you actually do want to watch. I have lots of good stuff to watch, and rather regret the time I spent on it. Even Patrick Melrose, which I am watching now, while being an indulgent bit of toff-junkie porn, had a nice bit of resonance in the shape of a gecko that Melrose keeps seeing. It's done quite subtlely, with a good payoff when you discover the significance of the gecko.<br /><br />Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Elrod character in Picard is bloody ridiculous: one of those ideas that an infantile Hollywood bully comes up with and the grown-ups in the room can't manage to persuade him to dispense with.<br /><br />I seem to be listed as unknown, so I'll just say that it's me, on the Road to Usenanu.Paul Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13825399893084157058noreply@blogger.com