Science Fiction Movie Archives - Page 2 of 10

Movie Review: Brian and Charles

Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / November 11, 2025

This movie was labeled as sci-fi, but the robot was the only science fiction bit about it. All the same, I enjoyed this movie.

Brian and Charles is a quirky and charming British film set in the picturesque countryside of Wales. Brian, a lonely inventor living in his cottage, spends his days tinkering and building bizarre creations. Some of his inventions, like the flying cuckoo clock, are hilariously absurd. That bit still makes me chuckle. While billed as a comedy, the film isn’t without its darker moments.

Needing companionship more than anything else, Brian eventually constructs a robot from spare parts, including a washing machine for the abdomen. The robot names itself Charles and quickly becomes more than a machine. His evolution is funn, especially when he moves into the moody teenager phase. Charles develops his own life goals which don’t always align with Brian’s. But their friendship is always heartwarming, funny, and occasionally heartbreaking.

Parts of the story are totally predictable, but the combination of quirkiness, charm, and sweet messages makes Brian and Charles worth watching. It’s a lighthearted, endearing movie, and one beer is more than enough to enjoy it fully. Yes, charming and delightful.

Here’s the trailer:

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Movie Review: Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark

Movie Review / M Pax / October 17, 2025

Starring Christopher Judd, Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark delivers exactly what you’d expect from a film with that title—plus a few unexpected gems.

I went into this one hoping Judd would drop a signature “Indeed” at some point. Sadly, no dice. Had he done it, this movie might’ve earned a bonus half-beer deduction. Even without it, though, this film is still packed with sharky fun.

The Asylum knows what its audience wants: destruction, mayhem, and ridiculous chaos. And on that front, they absolutely deliver. There were several moments where I laughed out loud at the sheer absurdity—and I mean that in the best possible way. Sharky shenanigans? Top tier.

Now, I won’t spoil the major twist that reeled this beer rating down from a 2.5 to a very enjoyable 1.5. But I will mention one minor spoiler (last warning!). When the megalodon batted a torpedo back at a submarine like a boss? Fabulous. Just one of many gloriously over-the-top moments.

If you’re a fan of the disaster-shark genre—and let’s be honest, who isn’t—you’re going to enjoy this one. Ridiculous in the best way, Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark is a solid 1.5 beer movie. Pop a cold one and dive in.

Here’s the trailer:

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Sci-Fi Worth Watching: Star Trek’s Section 31 Movie review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / September 27, 2025

Section 31 is a fun romp through the grittier side of Star Trek, led by the always-splendid Michelle Yeoh. I enjoy seeing a rougher edge to the usually polished Trek universe, and this movie scratches that itch.

There’s an interesting team of misfits working together to stop a dangerous weapon, which gave it a Guardians of the Galaxy vibe—minus the edgy soundtrack. The opening offered some insight into Georgiou’s character, but the plot missed the mark with the arc involving San, the boy from her past. After all the damage she inflicted, his burning hatred felt right. His change of heart later on seemed far too fast and not quite earned. I also would have liked more about why Georgiou started to change in the mirror universe. I know she changed some upon encountering Discovery, but I still think more insight into Georgiou is needed for this change.

While there’s a lot to like about the plot and the twist on the usual Trek story, the movie still ultimately fell back into familiar territory: once again, the fate of the galaxy was at stake. I wish they’d raise different stakes now and then instead of always going so big.

Spoilers Ahead!
If you don’t want spoilers, stop reading now.

First, the arc with San: the beginning showed Georgiou as cold-hearted and ruthless, and San’s hate rang true. His sudden turnaround and rekindled love with her felt forced and unearned.

Second, the Hunger Games-style contest among children? It felt too familiar, like borrowed territory rather than a fresh idea. I honestly expected young Georgiou to laugh it off as a tall tale she’d heard. It didn’t quite fit.

The mole intrigue was fun, but the plot kept distracting itself . I rolled with it because, in my opinion, a movie’s first job is to be fun—but still, when they somehow survived after the explosion and came back into focus… I definitely rolled my eyes.

As for the ending: while sappy and hokey, it was fine. But after such an edgy beginning, I wished the tone had matched better from start to finish. I think Georgiou sacrificing herself for one universe—or finding a way to repair the mirror universe—would have made for a stronger, more satisfying redemption arc.

Still, if you want a gritty, action-filled Star Trek adventure with plenty of Michelle Yeoh badassery, Section 31 delivers. I’d say one beer is enough to have fun with this one.

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Sci-Fi Worth Watching: Ro & the Stardust #MovieReview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / September 12, 2025

If you’re a fan of heartwarming, short films with a sprinkle of sci-fi, Ro and the Stardust is a must-watch. The film, set on a distant planet in the future, follows Ro as she helps her terminally ill grandmother build a rocket in a scrap yard. Her grandmother’s dream? To launch into space and die among the stardust—her final wish before passing.

The story is simple, yet deeply touching. It’s a beautiful exploration of family, dreams, and the emotional bond between Ro and her grandmother. Though it’s a short film, it’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after the credits roll. There’s something about the gentle, yet profound narrative that makes it hard not to fall in love with the characters.

The aesthetic, which immediately reminded me of Bagdad Cafe—one of my all-time favorites—adds to the charm of the film. It has that unique, quiet energy.

If you’re looking for a quick, emotional ride that leaves you with a warm feeling, Ro and the Stardust is definitely worth your time. It’s short enough that you won’t have time to get bored but impactful enough to make you reflect on the beauty of life and letting go. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a sweet, emotional tale with a dash of futuristic charm.

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Science Fiction Movie Review: Bionic Showdown

Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / August 15, 2025

If you were a fan of the original Six Million Dollar Man or The Bionic Woman TV shows from the 1970s, this movie is a delightful trip down memory lane. Somehow, I completely missed Bionic Showdown when it aired back in the late ’80s—but better late than never.

Our favorite bionic heroes return, still doing what they do best: running in slow motion with those iconic sound effects. (Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I missed that “ch-ch-ch-ch” sound until I heard it again.) It brought a nostalgic grin to my face.

The plot? Predictable and comfortably familiar. Nothing groundbreaking, but that’s not really the point. It’s all about the vibe. Oscar Goldman is back too, but wow—is he always this dramatic? I might have to rewatch the series to double-check whether he’s always been this intense or if the the plot of the movie just turned him up a notch.

One fun surprise was spotting a very young Sandra Bullock in the cast, already showing signs of the charisma that would launch her career.

In short, this movie is a warm, campy hug for fans of the original series. It’s not high art, but it doesn’t need to be. Nostalgic and fun, Bionic Showdown clocks in at a solid 1.5 beers—just enough to kick back and enjoy without questioning the logic of bionic espionage.

Here’s the trailer:

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Evolution Roars On. Jurassic World: Rebirth Spoiler-Free Review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / July 18, 2025

Scarlett Johansson Leads a New Era of Dinosaur Thrills in a Film That Echoes the Classics

Movie Review: Jurassic Park 2025

If you liked the other Jurassic Park movies, you’re going to like this one. It delivers exactly what fans come for: pulse-pounding action, thrilling dinosaur encounters, and a familiar sense of awe. The story is good enough to support the spectacle. It’s not the main draw, but it gets us where we need to go: dino chaos with some heart.

And oh, the dinos! The T-Rex was as horrifying as ever, and, oh wow, the mutant. It was terrifying. Several scenes had my heart racing in a delicious way. The filmmakers didn’t hold back. You’ll get your fill of teeth, claws, chases, and close calls.

Scarlett Johansson was a solid choice for the lead. She brings strength and emotion to a role that’s more about reacting to prehistoric mayhem than delivering Shakespeare, but she finds room for quiet moments that land well. If you’re looking for a deeply philosophical or intricate plot, this isn’t the place. But Jurassic Park has always been more about survival, spectacle, and the wonder of science gone wrong.

There are several emotional moments that deliver, but it’s not at all sappy. But Jurassic Park never has been. I’ve always felt more emotion for the dinos than the people. Fans of the franchise will catch the echoes of the original films: “Welcome to Jurassic Park,” “We spared no expense,” “Life is the essence of chaos,” and yes, “Life will find a way.” Echoes of Ellie Sattler, “These are aggressive living things that have no idea what century they’re in, and they’ll defend themselves, violently if necessary.”

They’re not quoted outright, but they’re there in the pacing, the dialogue, and the themes. Rebirth is respectful of its roots without being overly self-referential.

Although it’s not a Jaws crossover, they really missed an opportunity to sneak in, “We need a bigger boat.” It would have fit right in. And that’s all the spoiler I’m going to give.

Jurassic World: Rebirth is not a reinvention, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this franchise in the first place. Like most movies of this genre: leave your logic and sense of reality at the door for a fun ride. So, I give it the coveted ‘beer is optional’ rating. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know I love my dino movies.

Here’s the trailer:

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