Journey Through Sci-Fi: A Science Fiction Film Podcast

It's that time in the series when we dip back into the Star Trek universe and see how it stacks up in our chosen subgenre. This time, we're chatting about J.J. Abrams' thrilling 2009 sci-fi action movie reboot, which brought a fresh energy to the franchise, and digging into Star Trek: Discovery (2017) as it takes us on a wild ride through the mirror universe. We'll explore how these iterations of...

This week, we're tackling the big daddy of Space Opera—but this time, the House of Mouse is running the show. We're diving deep into the Disney Star Wars trilogy, The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). We'll unpack what happened to the much-beloved Star Wars saga once George Lucas handed over the keys to Bob Iger, J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson, and Colin Trev...

"It's not a prophecy, it's a story." The eagerly awaited moment is finally here—the sequel to Dune ! Matt's superfan knowledge resurfaces as we delve into Denis Villeneuve's Dune Parts One (2021) and Two (2024). Get ready to journey into the deserts of Arrakis with us once again as we talk worm riding, sacred bodily fluids, Frank Herbert's 'coital rhythm' writing style, memes, and much, much more,...

This week, we're thrilled to have Tiffani Angus, writer and half of the dynamic duo behind Spec Fic For Newbies , joining us as we plunge into the colorful world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We're zeroing in on the space opera adventures of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Together, we'll discuss the growing superhero fatigue, reflect on the MCU's heyday, and unravel...

We're back on our journey through Space Opera, and this time, we've got the ultimate horror aficionado and cult TV enthusiast, Mike Muncer, joining us as we dive into the beloved TV series Firefly (2002) and its unexpected cinematic sequel, Serenity (2005). Together, we'll unravel the mysteries behind the TV show's cult following, explore its eclectic cast of characters, and attempt to piece toget...

This week, we're joined by podcaster and writer Becky Darke to dive into the hilarious world of space opera parodies. We'll be dissecting Mel Brooks' iconic spoof of Star Wars , Spaceballs (1987), and Dean Parisot's love letter to Star Trek fandom, Galaxy Quest (1999). Together, we explore the intersection of comedy and science fiction, unraveling how these two films 'find the funny' in the Space...

This week, we're exploring the theme of interplanetary love in two more Space Opera adventures—Lily and Lana Wachowski's Jupiter Ascending (2015) and Andrew Stanton's John Carter (2012). Join us as we dive into the story of Jupiter Jones, an unassuming toilet cleaner who discovers she has the genetic makeup of a long-dead Queen and becomes embroiled in a cosmic struggle for power. Then, we'll expl...

This week, we're diving headfirst into the wreckage of two colossal cinematic misfires— Battlefield Earth (2000) and The Chronicles of Riddick (2004). Join us as we discuss Matt's favorite topic: big box office flops. We'll dissect John Travolta and Vin Diesel's respective passion projects and decide if these infamous films are truly deserving of their notorious flop status, or if there might be s...

This week, we're joined by the sensational film critic, writer, and podcaster Anna Bogutskaya as we delve into the wild world of Luc Besson's space opera adventures, The Fifth Element (1997) and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017). From Besson's (sometimes peculiar) casting choices to the eternal battle between practical effects and CGI, we dissect what works and what doesn't in the...

This time, we're tackling Space Operas with BIG BLUE aliens, imperialism, and a dash of exotic flora and fauna on the podcast. First up is the 1973 psychedelic animation Fantastic Planet (or in French, La Planète Sauvage ) from René Laloux, a film that offers a surreal and thought-provoking exploration of oppression and rebellion on an alien world. Then, we fast forward to 2009 to discuss James Ca...

This week on the podcast, we're diving into one of the most significant Space Opera television series of recent years: Battlestar Galactica . We'll be exploring both the 1978 original series from Glen A. Larson and the 2003 reimagining from Ronald D. Moore. We're joined by Val Nolan, an academic and writer who has recently co-authored the book Spec Fic For Newbies with Tiffani Angus. Together, we'...

Join us as we explore the highly debated and often controversial Star Wars Prequel Trilogy , masterminded by the legendary George Lucas. Released between 1999 and 2005, these films have been the subject of intense criticism and passionate defense from fans and critics alike. Is the trilogy deserving of the harsh criticism it's received, or has time been kinder to Lucas' vision? We'll delve into wh...

Get ready for the second half of our Space Opera series as we dive into the exciting world of video games and epic space battles. First up, we're rewinding the clock to 1984 to hop into the cockpit of The Last Starfighter , where arcade games become a recruitment tool for intergalactic warfare. Then, we fast forward to 2013 and join the battle academy in Ender's Game , where young strategic minds...

In this special bonus episode, we're leaping back into the world of time travel in film and TV, and stepping behind the scenes with Dick Fiddy, BFI TV historian and programmer. Join us as we dive into his career and his role at the BFI, before launching into an exploration of why time travel still tickles our collective fancy.  We'll also be discussing the exciting new season taking place at the B...

This week, we're heading to Hollywood to explore two American animated films that took a crack at the Space Opera genre. We'll be diving into Starchaser: The Legend of Orin (1985), the first-ever animated feature made in 3D, with its epic tale of rebellion and adventure. Then, we'll discuss Titan A.E. (2000), the Don Bluth animated film that combined cutting-edge technology with a troubled product...

This week, it's another anime special on the podcast as we tackle the (almost) impenetrable franchises of Gundam and Macross —or Robotech for those more familiar with the US version. But where do you even start with these iconic mecha series? Don't worry, listeners, we've got a crash course lined up just for you. We'll guide you through the origins and significance of Mobile Suit Gundam (1979), wh...

This week, we're joined by film writer and editor of EOFFTV, Kevin Lyons, to explore the brilliant and absurd world of Douglas Adams and the 1981 BBC television adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . We'll delve into the quirky humor and inventive storytelling that made this series a standout in the realm of Space Opera. Additionally, we'll discuss what British Space Opera brings to...

This week, we're setting off for the desert planet of Arrakis as we dive into the ambitious attempts over the years to adapt Frank Herbert's space opera epic Dune to the screen. We'll start by exploring the documentary Jodorowsky's Dune (2013), directed by Frank Pavich, which unearths the incredible story behind the most famous film that was never made. Then, we'll take a deep dive into David Lync...

This week, we're taking a nostalgic trip back to the 80s to explore two Space Opera movies inspired by iconic kids' toylines. We're joined by critic and host of the Not Just For Kids podcast, Russell Bailey, to discuss Transformers: The Movie (1986) and Masters of the Universe (1987). These films brought beloved toys to life on the big screen, combining epic space battles with larger-than-life her...

This week, we're revisiting the iconic characters of Flash (Ah-ah) Gordon and (Be-de-bede) Buck Rogers in our Space Opera series—only this time, it's THE EIGHTIES! Join us as we dive into the Dino De Laurentiis-produced  Flash Gordon (1980), a colorful and campy sci-fi adventure with a legendary soundtrack, and Glen Larson's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979), a show that brought the classic c...

This week, we're venturing into the world of anime to explore two shows that have expanded and redefined the Space Opera genre. First, we dive into  Space Battleship Yamato (1974-75), a 70s classic that set the stage for future anime like Gundam and Evangelion and became known as Starblazers in the US. Then, we tackle the sprawling epic Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988-97), a series that chroni...

This week, we're diving into the aftermath of Star Wars and the wave of 'inspired' films that followed its massive success. We'll be taking a closer look at Starcrash (1978), Luigi Cozzi's disco-lit Space Opera that embraces campy visuals and wild adventures, and Battle Beyond the Stars (1980), a Roger Corman production often described as Seven Samurai in space. These films are just two examples o...

It's finally time to cover the ultimate Space Opera film series— Star Wars ! In this episode, we're diving into the original trilogy: Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983). We'll explore the lasting influence of the Star Wars franchise on cinema, examining George Lucas' visionary career, the mythology that has captivated audiences for generatio...

Back in June last year we covered Everything Everywhere All at Once over on our Patreon channel. To celebrate the film winning a whopping seven Oscars we've decided to share that episode with you here on the main feed.  So enjoy as we share our thoughts (in spoilerific detail) on the Daniels' multiversal hit, critics fave AND multi Oscar winning feature, Everything Everywhere All At Once.   Visit...

This week, we're diving into the world of Space Fantasy, where science fiction meets the fantastical. What better Space Operas to explore than Barbarella (1968) and Krull (1983)? We'll talk about the swinging 60s and European sci-fi with the iconic  Barbarella , a film that blends space adventure with psychedelic visuals and campy charm. Then, we'll leap into the fantasy epic Krull , complete with...