Top 5 Sci-fi Comedies
Monday, January 24, 2011
As you know I’m a stickler for lists, but I got inspiration this week after visiting the set of sci-fi comedy Iron Sky. The film is being shot at Warner Roadshow studios and (in a nutshell) is about Nazis from space. For reals. So before I put up an introductory post on Iron Sky, here’s my top 5 sci-fi comedy picks *drum roll* :
1. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (2005)
The film adaptation came out almost 30-years after Douglas Adams' cult novel based on the radio series, but the sci-fi satire lost none of its bite. The jokes aren't dumbed down for a wider audience, instead director Garth Jennings holds onto the source material's intelligence and wit.
2. Mars Attacks (1996)
Better known for his gothic tales, director Tim Burton gives his twisted-spin on the schlocky 1950s sci-fi movies he grew up watching. You name a genre signature and Burton spoofs it, along with a big name cast including Jack Nicholson, Glen Close and Pierce Brosnan.
3. Spaceballs (1987)
Comedy legend Mel Brooks sends up Star Wars in this cocktail of sight gags, one-liners, malapropisms and allusions to practically every sci-fi epic ever made. How can you not love a film that has character named Pizza the Hutt?
4. Back To The Future (1985)
Probably the most well known and beloved sci-fi comedy, Back To The Future kick started the career of Michael J. Fox and created a hugely successful franchise (which producers are still trying to reboot today).
5. Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)
A considerably lesser-known choice, Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon is behind this sci-fi comedy musical (yes, musical) that tells the story of Dr. Horrible, an aspiring supervillain; Captain Hammer, his nemesis; and Penny, their mutual love interest. Neil Patrick Harris steals the show in the title role.
