Collected Sci-Fi Notes

1. Saw District 9 last weekend. I was going to do a full review, but for a couple of reasons I won't. I'll just say that it was very very good...for a movie. Near-perfect CG, interesting storyline, a good characterization of the aliens, etc. But, as it was a movie, it had some "movie"-like aspects that I try to avoid. I tried to explain a bit when I reviewed the Star Trek movie. Suffice it to say I prefer the (modern!) TV format for a sci-fi fix. Nonetheless, it was money was well spent.

2. When there's been time, I've been watching the commentaries on BSG S 4.5, and have covered nearly all of the material in the first 3 (out of 4) discs. What's been learned:

• Sometimes a Great Notion was written before the writer's strike, which could explain why it's still got some of the old BSG "pow" from before.
  
• From the RDM podcasts, it sounds like the writers were in fact (as I suspected) overextended between BSG and The Plan and Caprica. It was admitted that they in fact made Adama throw one or two too many temper tantrums, but it was because they were so distracted that every time seemed like the first.
  
• Islanded in a Stream of Stars makes a hell of a lot more sense in its extended version, both on its own and for developments in the finale.
  
• Edward James Olmos is a man of few words. Unfortunately, this made his director's cut commentary for Islanded very boring indeed.

3. I am going to give Defying Gravity a try this week, as there's only 5 eps to spin up on. If I like it, I'll start reviewing it.

4. I've joked about it, but it's actually true: what I really want to go as for Halloween is The 456. But aside from the fact that its construction may lie a bit outside of my time and abilities, I don't think the organizers of the events I would be attending would appreciate my costume vomiting blood and mucus on the walls of their establishment.

Still, a girl can dream.

Tags: sci-fi
Mood: calm