Battlestar Galactica: The Final Season

I never thought I'd say this but Battlestar Galactica is really good! I remember when the show first came out critics were giving it their seal of approval and some went as far as saying it was "the best show on TV". I highly doubted that because I figured it was just like Star Trek and none of those series grabbed my attention (except the episodes with the Borg and Seven of Nine, they're just cool).

If you who haven't watched the show yet, Battlestar tells the story of the last humans in space trying to find their way to Earth as they fight off man-made artificial intelligence gone awry called Cylons. They're kind of like the robots in Jame Cameron's Terminator. And that was the main appeal for me, I wanted to see these Cylons in action. But they're not the only thing that makes this show so interesting. There's plenty of drama.

Starbuck is such an intriguing character, you never know what's she's going to do. Her relationship with the younger Adama is increasing complex. At first I wanted them to be together but now I'm not so sure. Then there's Admiral Adama played by Edward James Olmos. He commands every scene and whoever cast him deserves some major kudos. The love story between human and cylon is also delightful. And the episodes with Lucy Lawless are always fun. She looks so much different from her Xena: Warrior Princess days.

Grace Park (Sharon) and Kandyce McClure (Dee) are on my ones to watch list because with the right roles down the line they could become movie stars.

And I could go on...Battlestar Galactica is that impressive. I've only watched a couple handfuls of episodes courtesy of the SciFi Channel's marathon but they've made a fan of me.

The new and final season of Battlestar Galactica starts tomorrow at 10 p.m. on the SciFi Channel. Give it a shot, it might surprise you too.

M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening

M. Night Shamalyan is a master of eerie storytelling. His films engage us to think about a realm that exists just beyond what is seen. And that concept is very much rooted in Christian spirituality.

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

If Shamalyan were a Christian (and he could be, I'm not sure) that would probably be the verse he placed next to his computer.

Shamalyan's next movie, The Happening, stars Mark Walberg is about a strange occurence that sweeps the nation and leaves people in a smalltown to figure things out.

Here's the trailer:

[Hat tip to Bloody-Digusting.com for the pic]

TV Review: The Sarah Conner Chronicles

David Nutter has seen better days.

He's my favorite director and although you might not know him by name, I'm sure you know him by his work. He directed the pilots for Roswell, Dark Angel, Smallville and Supernatural. His latest venture iss the two-part premiere for The Sarah Conner Chronicles that aired Sunday and tonight. I missed the beginning 15 minutes of the first installment but what I watched lacked Nutter's usual cinematic feel. The premiere wasn't bad but it wasn't exceptionally good either. And I don't believe that Nutter should get all the blame.

Lena Headey (Sarah Conner) is no Linda Hamilton, and I'm sure I'm not the first or the last person to say that, but I think that will work to her advantage in the long run. Headey has a toughness to her, but yet we sense the vulnerability in her eyes with subtle expressions that offer us a window into her struggles and make us care for her character. And in TV, we really need to care about the characters. That's what keeps us coming back every week. Sarah's voice overs are a nice touch, reminiscent of Dark Angel, but without the same spunk. I hope the show keeps that component and builds upon it.

Thomas Dekker (John Conner) is a nice replacement for the role of the soon-to-be leader of the future. He carries over his misfit role from Heroes but he has yet to do anything that has wowed me with his acting ability. Even so, I'm not counting him out, as his character develops he could end up really impressing me so we'll see what comes our way.


Summer Glau (Cameron a.k.a. The Female Terminator) is the one part of the show that really worries me. I'm just not buying her role as their protector. Sometimes her face is so blank, but not in a good way. Arnold Schwarzenegger's blank emotionless stare is classic, Robert Partick's metallic glance was deadly, and even Kristanna Loken's stare was wicked cool in T3, but Glau doesn't have that flare. And some of her action sequences are unbelievable. I keep wishing that somehow she would magically get the same kick-butt vibrancy that Jessica Alba had in Dark Angel or Kate Beckinsale had in Underworld. But it never happens. On the other hand, I do look forward to a romantic storyline that might emerge from her and John's relationship. That could be very interesting.

All in all, this show is not stellar but it's promising.

Freeze Frame: Smallville

The set-up: Lex Luthor makes a clone of his deceased brother Julian in a misguided attempt to create the kinship he always longed for. But his plan backfires.

"If you want to play God, remember His greatest gift: Freewill. Let me live my life."

~Julian, as said to Lex in the episode Gemini

Artist Spotlight: Rachel A. Marks

("Disarmed")

Rachel A. Marks has emerged as one of my favorite upcoming Christian artists. Her work is based in the fantasy genre. She draws pixies, mermaids and other mystic creatures. She has been published in the online Christian speculative fiction 'zines The Sword Review and Dragons, Knights, and Angels.

I especially enjoyed her use of gray and black in the above painting. The hair strands are beautifully placed and the green eyes and mascara are nicely detailed.

In a few years time, as Marks refines her style you just might see a picture like this on the cover of the latest Christian sci-fi hit.

Christian Author Featured on SciFi.com

Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia's Colors, is featured in a short article on The SciFi Channel's news site: SciFi Wire. He talks about the inspiration behind his debut novel and his plans for the next book in the series.

I've been an avid reader of his blog Looking Closer for about a year now and I read his movie reviews over at Christianity Today. He has interesting and thought-provoking perspectives on films. His commentary on The Golden Compass is a prime example. Sometimes I agree with him, sometimes I don't but that's what makes reviews fun. Overstreet has definitely emerged as one of my favorite Christian film critics.

Things like this give me hope for the Christian sci-fi/fantasy genre. Quality writing by Christian writers can rise to the top and influence our society, one sci-fi lovin' fan at time.

Congrats Jeffrey! And keep up the good work!!!

(Hat tip to SF Signal)

Katherine, Come Back!

Anyone else want Katherine Heigl to return to Sci-Fi?

I knew she was going to be a big star back when she played Isabel Evans on Roswell. Her portrayal of a teen alien was top-notch.

Now that she's won an Emmy and Knocked Up the box office I hope she doesn't forget her humble sci-fi roots. I remember when Roswell fans across the country united and sent thousands of hot sauce bottles to TV executives pleading with them to keep Roswell on for another season. Those were the good ol' days.

So what movie would be perfect for Ms. Heigl?

That's easy...anything with Will Smith in it. We all know he's bound to save the world again. Whether it's from aliens, robots, zombies or something just as menacing. Mr. "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" can pack the theaters with plenty of sci-fi lovin' fans.

I can imagine Heigl being Smith's snarky partner in some futuristic cop drama. They can't stand each other. She plays it wild and he likes following the rules. (Think of an X-Files Mulder/Scully dynamic). Maybe they're on a distant planet keeping the peace between humans and cyborgs when something goes wrong and they're the only ones who can make it right.

Or something like that.

Here's to hoping that Heigl gets a kick-butt SF role.

DVDs (Not Diamonds) are girl's best friend

The X-Files Complete Collector's Edition is out on DVD just in time for the Christmas season. And if you're a TV series collector like me then here's something else you can add to your wish list.

It's become somewhat of a tradition in my family for my siblings and I to buy each other new seasons of our favorite shows. Last year my little sister got me Smallville season four and this year I got her Golden Girls season one for her birthday.

Here's to hoping you get your favorite TV show or better yet GIVE it someone special.