reiher@UCLA-LOCUS.ARPA (07/14/84)
From: Peter Reiher <reiher@UCLA-LOCUS.ARPA> More news from Filmex. The programmers grouped together five science fiction and fantasy shorts made within the last couple years in Canada and the US, under the title "A Science Fiction Omnibus". The films are between 13 minutes and half an hour in length, and, as might be expected, are uneven in quality. "The Plant" is a film from Canada about an unusually virulant houseplant taken in by a lonely fellow. Eventually, it takes over his house. The stop-motion effects are well done, and well integrated, and there's nothing wrong with the film, but it's a bit thin. "Quest" is based on an original Ray Bradbury story, and is directed by Saul and Elaine Bass. Saul Bass is the fellow responsible for the credit sequences of the James Bond films, and many other films. The story concerns a world in which people live for only eight days, and a boy who is sent out to open a set of doors which will allow light to flow through and give the people longer lives. He must overcome many obstacles on the way. The imagry is truly dazzling in this little short, and it includes some first class model and matte work, as well as a good miniature effect. The story, unfortunately, is overly familiar. None the less, the splendid effects made this the audience's favorite, and mine as well. "Renascence", on the other hand, drew hisses and boos. Half an hour of a nasty fellow killing off a young woman and reviving her so that she can do his household chores and serve as his victim again. The photography, in black and white, was good, and the actors played there parts as well as possible, but it's far too long and repetative. "Strange Tangents" combines some pretty good effects with what is truthfully the worst acting I've ever seen on a movie screen, and I've seen over 3000 films. The writing also stinks. The whole is obviously an attempt to showcase the special effects talents of the makers. The story concerns a sorceress' attempt to recover a crystal from a far dimension before her master croaks. There's a lot of good effects, setting aside some second rate and unnecessary stop motion photography of a salamander (apparently literally a Ray Harryhausen reject creature). There are four speaking parts, and all of the actors would be booed off the stage at a junior high school play. "The Final Hour" concerns a convicted space commander on his way to his last appeal before he is executed fo murder. He must save the two person vessel he is travelling on from disaster, and also attempt to escape. A set of final twists is totally without impact. There are no special effects worth speaking of (other than lots of sparks and smoke), and the sets were either copied from Roger Corman's sf films or perhaps are even the same sets slightly disguised. Not really worth the trouble. Overall, I highly recommend "Quest" (if you know someone who programs for conventions, tell him/her that it's a sure hit), would suggest seeing "The Plant" if you don't have to go out of your way to do so, and recommend "Strange Tangents" for those interested in special effects, even when they're all a film has going for it. No need to walk out of "The Final Hour" if you happen to find yourself watching it, but don't bother looking for it. Avoid "Renascence" at all costs. Peter Reiher reiher@ucla-cs.arpa