sci fi movies Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Remember the "OMG NEW STAR TREK" versus "Star Trek is on the trash heap of history" rumor debate flying back and forth a few months ago? Suggestions on the possible plot of a theoretical new Trek movie flew fast and loose, and denials of particular plots, new movies in general, and the entire existence of the Star Trek franchise came almost as quickly. Eventually the dust settled and we learned, well, mostly that the people in charge just aren't sure they feel comfortable with a new Trek flick. And so the hopes of many a dedicated fan were dashed.

As it turns out, a pretty solid plan was in place for a new Star Trek installment, according to its writer Erik Jendresen. Jendresen has recently said he did indeed complete a draft of a film called Star Trek: The Beginning, which would "take place between the end of the series and the original adventures. He says the idea was being positioned for a possible trilogy, and would in some large part center around the Romulan Wars from Trek mythology." However, a power shift at Paramount apparently left the project without many supporters, and it now dwells in the land of the unknown.

[via cinescape]

For fans of classic science-fiction and fantasy films, Ray Harryhausen is an important guy. He was not the most prolific man in his time, but the visual-effects master produced some of the early greats, most notably Jason and the Argonauts and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. The man had an eye for effects in an age where visual effects were just starting to emerge. The Saturn Awards (presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films) plans to give Harryhausen the George Pal Memorial Award at this year's 32nd annual awards festival on May 2nd.

The two flicks mentioned above are among my all-time favorites (particularly Jason and the Argonauts), and I can think of few men more deserving of special notice by the Saturn people. Harryhausen is something of a legend in the geek community, and I imagine nearly everyone out there agrees with this award. I'm just glad the 80-something year old is still around to receive it in person.