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Cult Sci-Fi Movies: Discover the 10 Best Intergalactic, Astonishing, Far-Out, and Epic Cinema Classics
Cult Sci-Fi Movies is a collection of 10 essays that examine, dissect, defend, and exalt the greats of classic cult sci-fi films. Film geeks, cinema snobs, VHS collectors, and anyone else who likes their entertainment a little on the weird side will appreciate author Danny Peary’s in-depth approach to their favorite sci-fi films ranging from Barbarella to Liquid Sky.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 19, 2017
Surprisingly good short freebie (from multiple sources, Amazon, Kobobooks...) with selections from the authors previous offerings on Cult movies. Peary writes really well and offers good and personal insights and certainly invoking an appetite to check out (or re-watch) the 'cult' movies herein. Most entertaining are the improbable synopsis - reading them in print makes me doubt that someone actually made these movies - and that includes the ones I've seen! The best essay is on the very last movie, 'Zardoz', which the author really did not like. I did sit through that one on account of being a huge James Bond/Sean Connery fan and now I'm having a hard time deciding on seeing it again or letting it sink even further in the murky depths of memory where it will do least harm...
January 21, 2015
A selection of 10 essays on the titled genre from Peary's classic Cult Movies series, revived in a series of genre-specific ebooks now. There are breezy, enjoyable, sometimes contrarian essays that dissect appeal, themes, and cultural importance, but not academically. Half of the page count is probably devoted to plot summaries, which made some sense when tracking down these films was difficult, but isn't particularly necessary in today's world where all of the discussed films are easily available to the reader who would want to watch them.
August 31, 2015
application of personal likes and dislikes, biases and prejudices. Probably that is nowhere more evidenced than in the field of “cult” films, those movies that failed in general, but have found a niche audience, those die-hard fans willing to wait in lines on rainy nights for midnight showings, or chance losing their few friends by defending the indefensible. And those who find such a film are overjoyed when they come across a like-minded soul. As the author of this book writes: “There is nothing more exciting than discovering you are not the only person obsessed with a picture the critics hate, the public stays away from en masse, and film texts ignore.” As to just what kind of a film might become a cult classic, that’s hard to pin down, for there are plenty of films that bomb at the box office and flit through our minds never to be recalled again. The author writes: “The typical Hollywood product has little potential for becoming a cult favorite because it is perceived by everyone in practically the same way.”…in other words, sometimes a bad film is just a bad film, and there it dies. In this book, author Danny Peary gives us overviews and analyses of “…the 10 best intergalactic, astonishing, far-out, and epic cinema classics.” Since he notes from the beginning that appreciation, or condemnation, of any film is entirely subjective, he should not be surprised that others might disagree with his choices.
Of the ten films chosen for this book, I would concede that seven are probably actual cult movies, though I would only list four as being (possibly) in the top ten. Though they have their rabid fans, I don’t see “Five Million Years to Earth,” “Forbidden Planet,” or “2001: A Space Odyssey” as being true cult films. They are too popular, too critically acclaimed, too discussed as far as meaning, if only because they have been sliced and diced by anyone and everyone with an opinion, even if there is no consensus as to meaning, especially with “2001.” I would put “Blade Runner” on the edge of being a cult film, but I’ll agree that it is more one than it is not, and that it is one of the top ten. Others I would allow in the top number would be “Dark Star,” “Zardoz” and “A Boy and His Dog.” Others I would admit as being cultish, but not in the top: “Barbarella” (ugh!), “Liquid Sky” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth.” You’ll probably disagree with me, and the author, which is not unexpected since it really is all subjective. You have your own cult favorites that didn’t make it to the list, just as I have mine.
Despite your (or my) disagreement with the author’s choices, it’s undeniable that he does an excellent job of giving an overall review of each film and providing background information. Where he excels, however, is in his analyses of the films and the people involved. As much as I dislike “Barbarella,” “Liquid Sky,” and “A Boy and His Dog” I have to admit the analyses were mesmerizing, especially in the case of “Barbarella,” where he effectively psychoanalyzed Jane Fonda and the director, Roger Vadim. His justifications for the inclusion of these particular films are persuasive, but ultimately doomed to failure because facts and mere logic are helpless in the face of personal opinion. Whether you find yourself in agreement or at odds with the writer’s opinions, you will be entertained and challenged by this book,
Of the ten films chosen for this book, I would concede that seven are probably actual cult movies, though I would only list four as being (possibly) in the top ten. Though they have their rabid fans, I don’t see “Five Million Years to Earth,” “Forbidden Planet,” or “2001: A Space Odyssey” as being true cult films. They are too popular, too critically acclaimed, too discussed as far as meaning, if only because they have been sliced and diced by anyone and everyone with an opinion, even if there is no consensus as to meaning, especially with “2001.” I would put “Blade Runner” on the edge of being a cult film, but I’ll agree that it is more one than it is not, and that it is one of the top ten. Others I would allow in the top number would be “Dark Star,” “Zardoz” and “A Boy and His Dog.” Others I would admit as being cultish, but not in the top: “Barbarella” (ugh!), “Liquid Sky” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth.” You’ll probably disagree with me, and the author, which is not unexpected since it really is all subjective. You have your own cult favorites that didn’t make it to the list, just as I have mine.
Despite your (or my) disagreement with the author’s choices, it’s undeniable that he does an excellent job of giving an overall review of each film and providing background information. Where he excels, however, is in his analyses of the films and the people involved. As much as I dislike “Barbarella,” “Liquid Sky,” and “A Boy and His Dog” I have to admit the analyses were mesmerizing, especially in the case of “Barbarella,” where he effectively psychoanalyzed Jane Fonda and the director, Roger Vadim. His justifications for the inclusion of these particular films are persuasive, but ultimately doomed to failure because facts and mere logic are helpless in the face of personal opinion. Whether you find yourself in agreement or at odds with the writer’s opinions, you will be entertained and challenged by this book,
July 5, 2017
The author of this book somehow managed to make some of the most interesting of movies seem extremely boring. It read like a third rate college thesis, pretentiously written and full of references to other marginally related movies. A review of Forbidden Planet may have references to anything from Citizen Kane to the Wizard of Oz and for no other reason than to sound profound. Well, it didn't work. It sounded highly pretentious. At one point, he even points out how a movie should have been written because, of course, his opinion is so important, him being a sports reporter, by the way. The writing has ASSHOLE written all over it. These are classic movies. Some good. Some bad, but classics nonetheless. If they had been done in any way other than the way they WERE done, they would not be classic. A person with no appreciation for them should not be writing books about them.
November 14, 2021
This monograph is a rather uninspiring collection of ten essays on so-called cult science fiction films, where the author does his best to draw out some incisive and engaging critical observations on each of the movies. Unfortnately, due to a combination of his prose, his methodology and the movies selected, Peary doesn't really achieve anything memorable or interesting. His efforts are to some extent no better than what one could find possibly in dozens of film appreciation blogs.
It might be argued that Peary does a good job at revisiting what some might consider to be forgotten classics, or interesting examples of strange sci-fi cinema. 'Zardoz'. 'A Boy and His Dog' and 'The Man Who Fell To Earth' are worthy subjects within the context of Peary's thematic studies. Also, his critique of 'Forbidden Planet' is ascerbic and not without merit.
However I'm not really sure what Peary adds to the body of science fiction cinema criticism, or the exploration of cult movie fandom in his discussions of 'Barbarella', 'Dark Star' or '20001: A Space Odyssey'. Each of these movies are in fact far more well documented and discussed than he needs to write on. One thing is for sure; I don't believe in each of these cases that the author will encourage one to watch (or re-watch) the movies, looking for confirmation or negation of his opinions.
There are some other ciricisms one can make of this monograph. Peary has selected films that are invariably from a specific era (roughly 1960-1980) and emanating from Hollywood. Almost all are reasonably well budgeted and have links to significant film makers. He spends far too much time over-intellectualising the thematic issues of each film instead of looking at how they may have a specific cult appeal. Finally, he is not necessarily someone who appears to appreciate science fiction in and of itself.
What is a most promising concept for a book about cult cinema is in the end rather disappointing. Perhaps the most damning criticism of the book that I can level at it and Peary as an author is there is no fun in what he writes or his subjective choices. If there is one thing cult cinema should be at its heart, it must be enjoyable (for whatever reason). Peary almost excises all the pleasure one might consider relevant to the movies in this book.
It might be argued that Peary does a good job at revisiting what some might consider to be forgotten classics, or interesting examples of strange sci-fi cinema. 'Zardoz'. 'A Boy and His Dog' and 'The Man Who Fell To Earth' are worthy subjects within the context of Peary's thematic studies. Also, his critique of 'Forbidden Planet' is ascerbic and not without merit.
However I'm not really sure what Peary adds to the body of science fiction cinema criticism, or the exploration of cult movie fandom in his discussions of 'Barbarella', 'Dark Star' or '20001: A Space Odyssey'. Each of these movies are in fact far more well documented and discussed than he needs to write on. One thing is for sure; I don't believe in each of these cases that the author will encourage one to watch (or re-watch) the movies, looking for confirmation or negation of his opinions.
There are some other ciricisms one can make of this monograph. Peary has selected films that are invariably from a specific era (roughly 1960-1980) and emanating from Hollywood. Almost all are reasonably well budgeted and have links to significant film makers. He spends far too much time over-intellectualising the thematic issues of each film instead of looking at how they may have a specific cult appeal. Finally, he is not necessarily someone who appears to appreciate science fiction in and of itself.
What is a most promising concept for a book about cult cinema is in the end rather disappointing. Perhaps the most damning criticism of the book that I can level at it and Peary as an author is there is no fun in what he writes or his subjective choices. If there is one thing cult cinema should be at its heart, it must be enjoyable (for whatever reason). Peary almost excises all the pleasure one might consider relevant to the movies in this book.
February 8, 2018
You can get this sampler for free on Amazon, so it is a good "try before you buy" any of Peary's other books, of which I can recommend any of his "Cult Movie" compendium of reviews.
The book title is misleading, though. I don't think that Peary considers these 10 movies to be the "Best" Cult Sci-Fi movies. Rather, these are 10 Cult Sc-Fi movies that are commonly considered to be the best, and Peary provides in-depth reviews of them. I believe that all 10 of these reviews previously appeared in Cult Movies, Cult Movies 2, and Cult Movies 3, all of which are out of print.
I like Peary's reviews because they are typically nuanced. Even with films he holds in high esteem, he will point out the flaws. He is not afraid to call bullsh*t on those films that have entered into the cult canon that are not really deserving. I typically find that reading a Peary review of a movie I have seen I will receive an insight I would have never considered.
The one odd thing I find about Peary's reviews are his capsule summary of the movie plots that precede the review. While the summaries are accurate, they are written in a way that makes the movie seem almost unappealing.
The book title is misleading, though. I don't think that Peary considers these 10 movies to be the "Best" Cult Sci-Fi movies. Rather, these are 10 Cult Sc-Fi movies that are commonly considered to be the best, and Peary provides in-depth reviews of them. I believe that all 10 of these reviews previously appeared in Cult Movies, Cult Movies 2, and Cult Movies 3, all of which are out of print.
I like Peary's reviews because they are typically nuanced. Even with films he holds in high esteem, he will point out the flaws. He is not afraid to call bullsh*t on those films that have entered into the cult canon that are not really deserving. I typically find that reading a Peary review of a movie I have seen I will receive an insight I would have never considered.
The one odd thing I find about Peary's reviews are his capsule summary of the movie plots that precede the review. While the summaries are accurate, they are written in a way that makes the movie seem almost unappealing.
July 29, 2022
Talking about movies is fun. Talking seriously about movies is interesting. Often this book is fun and interesting. Just as often it is a bit slap dash, a touch non-sensical or a shade monotonous. The writing moves at a breezy pace sometimes becoming too much so, like the author is late handing in his homework. In fact, much of it reads like a term paper. In another life, I spent a lot of time correcting college writing so I didn’t entirely mind. If this were a term paper, my fist criticism would be the definition of a Cult Movie. In no way do I consider 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, or Forbidden Planet to be Cult Movies. I assume they were added because most people have heard of them making the selection less daunting to potential book customers. My favorite critique was for the one movie I haven’t seen—LIQUID SKY—the cultiest movie of the group. Lots of interesting background detail and the author seems to settle down during this piece. On the contrary, the worst piece is the first—on Barbarella. It was so bad I almost stopped reading. Almost smirky adolescent. His better essays from the rest of the movies include 5 MILLION YEARS TO EARTH and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH. Apparently this is part of a series, but I think I’m good for now.
September 4, 2017
If you love classic, campy sci-fi movies, this is the book for you. Peary has a relaxed style and doesn't take any of this too seriously. He is, however, knowledgeable about many of behind-the-scenes events that affected the way those movies were made and/or perceived.
Will you be disappointed that your personal favorite cult sci-fi movie is not included? Yes, but there are other volumes coming out.
Will you be disappointed that your personal favorite cult sci-fi movie is not included? Yes, but there are other volumes coming out.
December 17, 2019
Bite-sized selection of essays from across Peary's range of "cult" movie books.
Each starting with a detailed story synopsis, these pieces are learned without being scholarly, and Peary is not afraid to be critical or irreverent in respect of received opinion on films in this genre from the classic ("Blade Runner") to the obscure ("Liquid Sky").
A stimulating read, offering some valuable insights.
Each starting with a detailed story synopsis, these pieces are learned without being scholarly, and Peary is not afraid to be critical or irreverent in respect of received opinion on films in this genre from the classic ("Blade Runner") to the obscure ("Liquid Sky").
A stimulating read, offering some valuable insights.
November 9, 2024
A good attempt, but it left me with mixed feelings. There were some brilliant moments, but they were overshadowed by a plot that felt too predictable. The writing was solid, yet the characters lacked depth in places. I finished it, but I wasn’t as satisfied as I hoped. It’s enjoyable, but not unforgettable.
November 9, 2024
I went in with high hopes but came out feeling a bit underwhelmed. The premise was strong, but it felt like it ran out of steam midway through. The pacing was slow, and I struggled to stay engaged. The ending was somewhat predictable, though still enjoyable. It’s okay, but not as exciting as I anticipated.
November 9, 2024
Absolutely fantastic! The author has a way with words that brings every scene to life. The story was engaging, the characters lovable, and the pacing just right. It was the perfect escape and exactly what I needed. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
November 9, 2024
A truly unforgettable story! The plot was so well-crafted, with twists and turns that kept me guessing. The characters were relatable and the dialogue was sharp. I loved every moment of it and was sad to see it end. One of the best things I’ve read in a long time.
November 9, 2024
It’s a good read if you have patience. The storyline had its moments, but it took a while to get to the point. Some chapters were really engaging, while others dragged on unnecessarily. The characters were interesting, but not enough to make it a page-turner. It’s a mixed bag.
November 9, 2024
A solid story, but it felt like something was missing. The buildup was strong, but the ending left me wanting more. The characters were likeable but didn’t really stand out. It was an enjoyable read, but not one that I would necessarily revisit. A good one-time read.
March 12, 2017
The author points out that there is a continuing argument about cult films as to terms of quality, themes, talent and so on. He then goes on to list what he considers to be ten cult films including a lot of basic information as to when it was made, who made it and who was in it.
First, the ones I've actually seen:
Barbarella: I really liked this crazy and rather sexy Jane Fonda movie. It was all tease, of course, and with a weird plot but it was still a lot of fun.
Five Million Years to Earth: A black-and-white film that is science fiction but really with a strong amount of horror in it. The plot stretches things a little but it still works. It's also one that I think works well just as it is and shouldn't be colorized.
Forbidden Planet: He really, really doesn't like this one but I really like it. He has a long list of criticisms but, to me, sometimes it's best just to enjoy a movie and not try to pick it to pieces later.
2001: A Space Odyssey: A very weird movie which supports the idea that many people have that aliens somehow interfered in the evolution of humans in the past (although there is absolutely no scientific proof that such a thing happened.) I'm not a fan of this film, comparing it to the first Star Trek movie as being over done and trying to dazzle with special effects rather than reasonable plot.
Then, the films I haven't seen include Blade Runner, A Boy and His Dog, Dark Star, Liquid Sky, The Man Who Fell to Earth and Zardoz.
First, the ones I've actually seen:
Barbarella: I really liked this crazy and rather sexy Jane Fonda movie. It was all tease, of course, and with a weird plot but it was still a lot of fun.
Five Million Years to Earth: A black-and-white film that is science fiction but really with a strong amount of horror in it. The plot stretches things a little but it still works. It's also one that I think works well just as it is and shouldn't be colorized.
Forbidden Planet: He really, really doesn't like this one but I really like it. He has a long list of criticisms but, to me, sometimes it's best just to enjoy a movie and not try to pick it to pieces later.
2001: A Space Odyssey: A very weird movie which supports the idea that many people have that aliens somehow interfered in the evolution of humans in the past (although there is absolutely no scientific proof that such a thing happened.) I'm not a fan of this film, comparing it to the first Star Trek movie as being over done and trying to dazzle with special effects rather than reasonable plot.
Then, the films I haven't seen include Blade Runner, A Boy and His Dog, Dark Star, Liquid Sky, The Man Who Fell to Earth and Zardoz.
May 26, 2017
Have viewed all 10 films discussed. Fine synopsis and general review by the author. Mostly agreed with his views. They are indeed cult classics in the genre.
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January 1, 2021Fantastic!
Lovers of quality sci-fi cinema owe it to themselves to give this book a read. Written with love and respect for the genre, it's a pure blast.
Lovers of quality sci-fi cinema owe it to themselves to give this book a read. Written with love and respect for the genre, it's a pure blast.
June 13, 2022
Eh....I don't know
I have seen most of the films in this book. But to be honest, I'm not sure if I really like the author's commentary. He is clearly a fan of film, which keeps this from being too boring. The problem is that he doesn't go too far enough. He doesn't explain why the movies failed or why they are popular now.
One thing that drives me crazy is the fact that he compares many of these movies to the Wizard of Oz.
For example, he describes the movie ET as they're "Wizard of Oz in reverse" to describe The Man Who Came to Earth. While there are plenty of similarities between the two movies, the author fails to acknowledge other movies, or break the movie down in a very interesting way. If you pay attention to the author enough, it seems all roads lead to Oz.
The most interesting movie covered is Barbarella. Most of the others are OK.
I have seen most of the films in this book. But to be honest, I'm not sure if I really like the author's commentary. He is clearly a fan of film, which keeps this from being too boring. The problem is that he doesn't go too far enough. He doesn't explain why the movies failed or why they are popular now.
One thing that drives me crazy is the fact that he compares many of these movies to the Wizard of Oz.
For example, he describes the movie ET as they're "Wizard of Oz in reverse" to describe The Man Who Came to Earth. While there are plenty of similarities between the two movies, the author fails to acknowledge other movies, or break the movie down in a very interesting way. If you pay attention to the author enough, it seems all roads lead to Oz.
The most interesting movie covered is Barbarella. Most of the others are OK.
December 21, 2014
Well written. Too short. 50 films would have been nice. Ten is a sampler.
April 15, 2017
I found myself disagreeing with the author's opinions on most of these movies.
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