RAGING BULL

a film Directed by Martin Scorsese.

From the splendid opening theme: the Intermezzo from Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana”, we are told by the filmmaker that this picture is one of weight and meaning.

Scorsese utilizes slow-motion shots of Jake LaMotta shadow-boxing to emphasize the amount of training involved in professional fighting, and perhaps, by extension the amount of sacrifice in the craft of filmmaking itself. I don’t believe it’s a huge leap to assume that at least a portion of the characteristics of La Motta may have spoken to Scorsese. Films that feature tough men, with deep character flaws — seem to be his cinematic stomping ground, after-all.

‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’ is an avant-garde redux of the original Sci-fi epic, Planet of the Apes —- the sequel received a mixed reception upon its release and has never gained the notoriety (and success) of the first film. To some, ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’ is a competent retread of the first film, lacking some creative vision but ultimately accomplishing what it sets out to do. However, others have criticized the film for beginning a downward trend of the series and adding little of worth to the overall lore of the Planet of the Apes franchise.

Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. 

I love the guy, yet there’s always been something nagging at the back of my mind about the eternal debate of who is the superior captain – Kirk or Picard?

And it’s this: 

Kirk realistically has no chance in this contest. 

Sure, he’s an awesome action hero, with hugely attractive qualities; generally speaking — he saves the day and manages to do it with a full head of hair and with the swagger and air of a protagonist who’s impervious to hardship. But this question isn’t about “the best sci-fi action hero”, no, it’s a question of who is the best “Starfleet Captain”. 

1. “The X-Files” is a popular science fiction television series that aired from 1993 to 2018, captivating audiences with its blend of supernatural phenomena and government conspiracies.

2. The show follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate unsolved cases known as “X-Files,” which involve paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena.

3. “The X-Files” was created by Chris Carter and became a cultural phenomenon, winning numerous awards and gaining a dedicated fanbase.

4. The iconic tagline of the show is “The truth is out there,” reflecting its overarching theme of seeking answers and uncovering hidden truths.

5. David Duchovny portrayed Agent Fox Mulder, a believer in the paranormal, while Gillian Anderson played Agent Dana Scully, a skeptic who provides a scientific perspective.

A modern remake of a 1960s science fiction anthology series of the same name, ‘The Outer Limits’ debuted in 1995 – created by Leslie Stephens, the show was filmed entirely in Canada. Principal photography occurred in (and around) Vancouver, BC. ‘The Outer Limits’ has been heralded as an achievement in televised Sci-fi and manages #91 on RottenTomatoes.com top 100 sci-fi shows of all time. 

While that rank isn’t incredibly high on the list – it still lets us know that someone recognizes this show had to crawl, before future sci-fi properties could leap and bound into worldwide recognition. ‘The Outer Limits’ was an innovator in the field of television special effects.