As a lifelong connoisseur of science fiction and fantasy films, I must say that these three movies are absolute gems from the ’90s. Each one offers a unique take on the genre, with captivating narratives, mesmerizing visuals, and stellar performances.
For many years, humanity has been captivated by the concept of extraterrestrial life. This fascination quickly found its way into Hollywood, and it’s remained a popular theme ever since. Thankfully, science fiction authors have numerous approaches when crafting alien narratives. Some films depict aliens aiming to conquer Earth, others are interested in plundering our resources, while some just plan genocide. In other cases, humans encroach on their territory, prompting them to defend themselves. Sometimes, these beings are portrayed as friendly as well.
Over the years, countless captivating alien films have been created, and the ’90s witnessed a surge in figures professing peaceful visits from other worlds, although not every claim held true. The increased interest from viewers and progress in CGI fueled directors’ fascination with extraterrestrial visitors. However, as with any feast, not all offerings are equally appetizing. Among the many ’90s projects exploring human-alien hostility or partnerships, the following ones stand out.
10 Men in Black (1997)
In the universe of “Men in Black”, numerous extraterrestrials inhabit our planet, disguised as humans. These aliens are under surveillance by a clandestine organization called the Men in Black (MIB). The MIB’s key agents include Agent K (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones) and the newly inducted Agent J (Will Smith), previously an officer with the NYPD. Their work is generally straightforward until a sinister alien emerges, intent on acquiring a powerful energy source called “The Galaxy”.
Addressing Immigration Through Aliens
Barry Sonnenfeld’s movie skillfully combines sharp critique of extraterrestrial issues with biting satire on immigration themes. The makeup and art direction teams excel in this production, while the camera seamlessly follows the two agents, capturing both their tense energy and the chaos surrounding them. This was an unparalleled opportunity for Will Smith, but he was matched by Tommy Lee Jones and a talented ensemble of actors who delivered exceptional facial expressions during the numerous dialogue-heavy scenes.
Additionally, it’s quite uncommon to find a film in which its lead actor creates a hit single exclusively for the production. However, Will Smith managed to pull this off.
9 Dark City (1998)
The movie titled Dark City commences with a conventional narrative setup but significantly improves from there. Our protagonist, John Murdoch (played by Rufus Sewell), wakes up in a hotel only to realize he’s wanted for crimes he can’t recall committing. Tormented by the possibility of his own insanity or guilt, he embarks on a quest for the truth. During this investigation, he uncovers an intriguing underbelly governed by extraterrestrial beings known as the Strangers.
Visually and Philosophically Rich
Lovers of the genre will struggle to find a more chilling and intricate film than “Dark City,” as it heavily employs Kafka-esque storytelling methods throughout. Yet, its visual appeal is undeniable. Its cinematography, plot, and overall ambiance are rumored to have significantly impacted “The Matrix,” while its architectural design is said to have been inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 film “Metropolis.
Steering clear of stunning vistas and fear, an underappreciated science fiction film is brimming with philosophical depth. It echoes heavily with Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, as city inhabitants are subtly imprisoned without awareness of their control. Moreover, it incorporates elements from Greek mythology, where deities consistently meddle with humans, giving off an impression of a cleverly crafted film. If possible, do give it a watch.
8 Starship Troopers (1997)
In Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel “Starship Troopers”, the story unfolds in the 23rd century where humans find themselves engaged in a fierce conflict against a race of enormous alien insects called Arachnids. The Earth, at this time, is governed by the United Citizen Federation, a government established through stratocracy due to the failure of democracy. As an infantry sets out on a mission to distant planets to escalate the war against the aliens and ultimately eliminate the threat, they soon realize that the task proves more challenging than anticipated.
Examining War and Politics Using Alien-Human Conflict
Enhanced by breathtaking visuals and soundscapes (a significant portion of the film’s budget was allocated for these aspects), this extraterrestrial storyline combines elements of monster horror and military drama. The recurring theme of fascism gives the plot a warlike pace, while the suspense of the mission heightens the dramatic tension on stage.
Going further, this work stood out for its thoughtful criticisms of the military-industrial establishment, extreme right militarism, reactive aggression, and chauvinistic patriotism. It certainly felt like it was visionary or before its time. So, if you’re ready to embark on a voyage, Starship Troopers is the journey for you.
7 Mars Attacks! (1996)
In the movie “Mars Attacks!”, the President humorously expresses his disinterest in conflicts as he says he doesn’t want any trouble. However, when Martians invade Earth and encircle all major cities, the President, played by Jack Nicholson, and his team initially wait to determine if the Martians are peaceful. They even send emissaries to greet the visitors, but the Martians mercilessly destroy them. Assuming it was a cultural mishap, the President extends an invitation to the Martian leaders to address Congress, but instead, they eliminate the legislators as well. From then on, the struggle begins in earnest.
Ruthless Martians in a Comical Story
Stepping away from the gloominess that defined Tim Burton’s earlier films in the ’80s and early ’90s, this venture into comedy was a refreshing change, and it certainly paid off! The stellar cast, including Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox, Pam Grier, and Natalie Portman, among others, immersed themselves completely in their roles, ensuring that the performance aspect was never a concern.
The stop-motion animation technique for depicting Martians might not have been the most effective option, but it was compensated by an abundance of humor and a catchy soundtrack – famously including “Escape (The Pina Colada Song),” a ’70s hit that gained even more popularity after James Gunn utilized it in Guardians of the Galaxy.
6 Contact (1997)
Following the success of “Back to the Future”, director Robert Zemeckis demonstrated that he was brimming with brilliant concepts. In 1997, he bestowed another treat upon sci-fi enthusiasts in the form of “Contact”. This movie chronicles the journey of Dr. Ellie Arroway (played by Jodie Foster), a SETI scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial life and is subsequently chosen for the historic first contact. However, her mission is met with numerous challenges, including high-ranking officials determined to uphold bureaucracy and religious zealots who are apprehensive about the implications such a mission might have on spirituality.
Blurry Lines Between Reality and Fiction
From the suspenseful first act to a bittersweet finale, Contact is chock-full of bendy, edge-of-your-seat thrills. To maintain an air of authenticity, Zemeckis went to Very Large Array (VLA) near Socorro, New Mexico, to film this riveting sci-fi thriller, which seamlessly merges the basics of astronomy with breathless, Hollywood-style entertainment.
Over two dozen journalists from CNN news network were featured in the film as well, lending it an astonishing level of realism – one could even call it the most convincing alien movie ever produced. Furthermore, the production delves deeply into the potential conflict between faith and scientific inquiry, offering a compelling depiction of what might transpire if first contact were to occur.
5 Independence Day (1996)
In the movie “Independence Day”, after enduring several demanding months, U.S. Marine Captain Steven Hiller (played by Will Smith) along with his Black Knights fighter squadron unit, are seen enjoying their Independence Day break. However, their joy is short-lived as they receive a string of alarming news. A colossal extraterrestrial mothership has entered Earth’s orbit and released saucer-shaped spacecraft (each approximately 24 kilometers in diameter) over the world’s significant cities. Hiller then receives the ominous phone call, summoning him and his team to return to duty and protect Los Angeles.
Earth Isn’t So Independent Here
In collaboration with the movie Twister, Independence Day is often recognized as igniting a trend in Hollywood films from the late ’90s to early 2000s that focused on massive destruction. This is because it was created by the renowned disaster mastermind, Roland Emmerich. When the nerve-jolting movement of an alien spaceship strikes you, it’s a sure sign that Emmerich’s film filled with dread and despair has seeped into your consciousness.
The movie skillfully avoids typical clichés found in later imitations by creating a threatening ambiance and relying on “show less, scare more” approach. Enhancing the chaos is an award-winning score performed by a 90-piece orchestra and a choir of 46, as mentioned by Filmtracks, making it classic ’90s blockbuster material.
4 Galaxy Quest (1999)
In Galaxy Quest, actors from a TV series called “Galaxy Quest,” set in a fictional ’70s sci-fi universe, find themselves with an unusual routine: attending conventions and fulfilling other duties expected of them. However, the plot takes an intriguing twist when a race of aliens named the Thermians, who are unfamiliar with the concept of fiction, approach them for aid in resolving a crisis in their galaxy. The Thermians genuinely believe that the show’s events are real and that the cast can perform the feats attributed to their characters.
Fandom, with all Its Joys and Woes
Among the many Star Trek spoofs, Galaxy Quest stands out as an absolute riot, and what’s even better is that a series adaptation is now underway. In a remarkable turn of events, this parody has garnered immense affection from fans of the original franchise, so much so that at the 2013 Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas, Galaxy Quest was voted as the seventh-best Star Trek movie.
The sci-fi movie delves beyond mere amusement and visual effects. On a profound level, it examines both the virtuous and detrimental aspects of fandom. Whether it’s the enthusiasts at fan gatherings or the persistent intrusions by extraterrestrials, the actors from the popular show can never truly relax as they are constantly identified with their roles.
3 The Fifth Element (1997)
The Fifth Element
Another Essential Bruce Willis Film
A significant triumph for filmmaker Luc Besson, known for his work on Nikita, The Fifth Element stands out as an engaging, skillfully acted blockbuster that explores unconventional challenges faced by a common individual in a turbulent and potentially dangerous setting. Remarkably, the director sparked debate by integrating political aspects of a sexual nature into the narrative. Fortunately, this controversial decision didn’t detract from the overall quality of the film.
In summary, this sci-fi film boasts exceptional production values due to its Oscar-nominated sound editing and captivating cinematography. Milla Jovovich delivers a standout performance as Leelo, culminating in an unforgettable climax. Despite some rough spots, like Chris Tucker’s Razzie nomination for Worst New Star, these flaws are quickly overshadowed by the film’s fast pace and intense sense of urgency.
2 Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
In the 24th century of Star Trek: First Contact, the crew aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E has been maintaining vigilance along the Romulan Neutral Zone. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) defies orders and confronts an extraterrestrial race called the Borg. Unbeknownst to him, this alien group intends to journey back to the 21st century to thwart Earth’s first encounter with an alien species – the Vulcans. To accomplish their objective, the Borg seize control of the Enterprise.
A Wholesome Addition to the Franchise
This film, steeped in camaraderie, sincerity, and devotion, earns a worthy spot among the esteemed works of director and actor Jonathan Frakes in his prolonged franchise. Notably, the Borg remain as formidable as extraterrestrials can be. The Borg queen, in particular, is intriguing, embodying a mix of deadly danger and alluring charm. Fans are bound to appreciate the significant enhancement in special effects. Unlike the somewhat mechanical appearance of earlier episodes, First Contact capitalizes on the advancements in special effects technology from the ‘90s.
1 Stargate (1994)
Stargate reimagines ancient Egyptian legends by incorporating an engaging extraterrestrial tale. Professor Daniel Jackson (James Spader) joins forces with seasoned Col. Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell) to decipher the enigma of a cosmic gateway leading them to a planet reminiscent of ancient Egypt. Upon arrival, they discover that the ruling power is a despot named Ra (Jaye Davidson), who alone holds the key to their departure. To enhance their chances of leaving, Jackson and O’Neil try to persuade the inhabitants that Ra should be overthrown.
A Unique Alien Species for a Change
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for this ’90s classic that vividly encapsulates the breathtaking Egyptian culture in a swirl of vibrant colors and pulsating energy. The actors deliver stellar performances, with Millie Avital truly shining among them. Moreover, director Roland Emmerich skillfully keeps the tension high as the story progresses, ensuring an engaging cinematic experience.
Significantly, much like an exceptional film, Stargate sparked a television series that surpassed its source material in quality. While the storyline could have been more layered, every other aspect was flawless, making the science fiction genre richer with this gem included.
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2024-10-21 02:32