I have noticed copies of a series called “Jam Films” at my local video store here in Japan, and was curious enough to hire it the other day. It was great, short films (my favourite) all by different Japanese directors. I love this idea, and have two more DVD sets to watch, yipee!
Here is a trailer for the whole series.
I am a little obsessed with Apocalyptic Film and Literature (better known as Sci-Fi, although I’d never call it that - too many negative connotations). So, I figured I should go and see I Am Legend, a film based on Richard Matheson’s first novel of the same name. I have not read the book, but the plot summary on Wikipedia already reads far more exciting than the film turned out to be.
The marketing team did an awesome job in selling this film. The images on the trailer of fighter jets blowing up Brooklyn Bridge so Manhattan can be quarantined were so promising, but compared to 28 Weeks Later (a film of very similar narrative, but on a waaayyy lower budget) the film was lacking. On another note, does anyone else think it would be handy to have Will Smith around when the real apocalypse comes? He is so convincing when he’s saving the world.
Anyway, in my despair I have devised a hot and not list for Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Film and Literature:
HOT:
George Orwell - 1984
28 Weeks Later
Heroes - Season One (In this ‘hot’ I will also include the Days of Future Past Uncanny X-Men storyline, since it is totally ripped off towards the end of the season, but Peter Petrelli does it so much better).
Children Of Men
Steven King’s The Stand (Cheesy, but awesome)
Return To Oz (Walter Murch’s first and only film)
The New Battlestar Gallactica
War Of The Worlds (H.G.Wells)
Akira
NOT:
Apocalypto (this is even worse than I Am Legend)
The X-Files (how frustrating was it towards the end!)
The Matrix 2 and 3 (bah)
The Day After Tomorrow
War Of The Worlds (Steven Spielberg Styles)
And now, for your viewing pleasure:
