EdMorbius’s Film Reviews
24 Films have been rated or reviewed by EdMorbius.
Arrival (2016)
Thoughtful, moving film by Villeneuve, based on a remarkable novella (Story of Your Life, by Ted Chiang) that appropriately won both the Theodore Sturgeon & Nebula awards. Merits a double feature with Forbidden Planet, showcasing innovative cinematic SF.
Forbidden Planet (1956)
Of course I recommend it. My pen–name betrays me. I own models of Robby and the C57D; plus a CD of the groundbreaking music/sound design by Louis & Bebe Barron, shamefully denied eligibility for an Oscar. I agree with Tubbs & Anon..
Cinema Paradiso (1990)- THIS (123 min) version is the best. A (50 minutes longer) Director's Cut shatters the qualities listed here, adding a bitter tragedy, so view it only as a 'less is more' lesson on editing. The director should have trusted earlier audiences.
Color Out of Space (Colour Out of Space) (2019)
Universally reviled. If you are a fan of HPL, then a good, faithful adaptation called Die Farbe (The Colour) is available through Kanopy (via your local public library). Very atmospheric, & I thoroughly recommend it.
Timescape (1991)- Arguably Twohy’s best SF movie. It’s NOT about aliens, just odd tourists in a small town; with brisk pace & relatable characters (mainly Daniels & Richards). Time travel is central, with the most satisfying twonky (paradox) I have seen since Time Bandits.
Brainstorm (1983)
Notable as Natalie Wood's last film (she died in mysterious circumstances before it wrapped). That, and Trumbull's ambitious technical innovations, mean it is remarkable it was completed!
Miracle Worker, The (1962)- I consider this amongst the 15 best movies of all time. Screenplay brilliantly adapted by William Gibson from his stage play, and directed by Arthur Penn (Bonnie & Clyde). The award–winning performances are unforgettable.
Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)- Byron Haskin (who directed War of the Worlds) released this with Mars canals yet to be disproved in mid–70s). So he could claim: "SCIENTIFICALLY AUTHENTIC…". A Blu–ray edition has commentary by Robert Skotak (who did SFX for Abyss & T2).
Into the West (1993)- Magical maybe. But the "PG" rating did not forewarn viewers of the grungy realism of gypsy poverty, plus the Garda beating up a suspect in their police station. Parents: be prepared. The scenes with the white horse were indeed beautiful.
Magnificent Seven, The (1960)- It launched the careers of several acting newcomers; and is filled with energy from the remarkable and propulsive musical score by the (then) up–and–coming composer Elmer Bernstein (Man With the Golden Arm; To Kill a Mockingbird).
- DVD
$20$15
©2026 AroVideo | Using the Catalogue | Feedback Opens in a new window | Terms of use Opens in a new window | Privacy Policy Opens in a new window | AroVideo on Twitter AroVideo on Facebook
