Big News in Science Fiction/Fantasy Films, a Bright Future!

Posted by Jason Parent Nov 2, 2009

This, my first Suite101 blog as the newly appointed Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Feature Writer, or "Sci-Fi Guy" for short (or "geek" for shorter), comes at a time when Sci-Fi/Fantasy Films are in a heyday. Film Studios are digging up old favorites for some modern renditions, complete with updated special effects, more true-to-the-book re-tellings, and new installments to franchise series.

So . . . what's first on the agenda? How about a film based on Frank Herbert's bestselling science fiction novel, Dune? I know what you're thinking — wasn't that already made into a movie?

Yes. Twice actually. But it was never made right. The first had high production value but a convoluted script that diverted considerably from the novel. The second, a miniseries, was well acted, somewhat well done, and much truer to the novel.

The upcoming film, however, combines the high production value of the first with the better storytelling ability of the second. Sounds to me like a surefire blockbuster of intergalactic proportions!

In his article, Preview: Dune (2010), Suite101 author James Tennant gives full detail about the upcoming film. Tennant's article exposes the failures and shortcomings evident in the first film incarnations of Dune and those the current production must overcome.

Some books don't translate well into movies. I am excited to see if Dune can be done right.

Also on its way into film production is another famous novel, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. With Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo Del Toro helming the project, The Hobbit will undoubtedly be a cinematographic sensation. But will he make a mess or a masterpiece out of the beloved travels of Mr. Bilbo Baggins? For the full scoop, see What's Happening with The Hobbit? Film Preview.