Tom DeMichael

www.readingbifrost.com

This novel is separated into sections that focuses on different themes of science fiction- such as mad scientists (Sci-Fi-entists and Their Experiments). Within that section is a page or two on the history of how that theme has been portrayed in movies, and then it lists movies that follow that theme (Ghostbusters, Re-Animator, Jurassic Park…). It gives a Synopsis, cast list, a quick recap of the movie, and an afterwords that states why that particular movies stands out from others and gives a few behind-the-scenes facts (original cast choices, box office numbers, sequels…)

One of my favorite sections in the book is “Sci-Fi Spaceships”. It starts with a brief history on rockets (real and fictional) and moves on to show and explain the designs of spacecraft from different movies- complete with blueprint pictures- and explains what it took to create the craft on screen.

The next sections are dedicated to the masters themselves: the people that pull everything together to make the film. Included are brief biographies of Monster Maker Rick Baker, makeup artist Ve Neill, and directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

Finally in the end the author (seemingly reluctantly) lists his top five favorite sci-fi movies of the last forty years and what he thinks is the top five best sci-fi films of the last forty years.

Overall, this would make a good coffee table book for any sci-fi film buff.… (mehr)

A collection of encyclopedic entries about some of the best post-1970s Sci-Fi films (and just a few of the worst). There's a section at the beginning of book of Sci-Fi authors/writers that have greatly impacted the film genre and a few segments at the end that include some of the best writers, directors, special effects masters, and make-up artists as well. The movies are divided by theme (such as time travel or robots) and each entry includes a detailed synopsis of the film and a blurb about its influence in general. I found some older Sci-Fi stories that I want to read and films that I may have originally overlooked. Recommended for Sci-Fi fans and movie buffs.

Net Galley Feedback… (mehr)