JOE’s five classic space flicks

Prometheus has finally hit the big screens and the release of the much-anticipated blockbuster is a great excuse to look back at some of cinemas best space-based films.

By Dermot Keys

Alien

Alien broke the mould for sci-fi films. It had a strong female lead, a cast of characters/victims who weren't particularly likable, and a monster that looked like a cross between an extraterrestrial basketball player and a dildo with legs.

Its bleak outlook ripped away any romantic notions about space travel and sucked the viewer into a claustrophobic setting that would become a dining room for the multi-mouthed monster. Ridley Scott turned tedium into a virtue, squeezing every last ounce of tension out of the situation as he slowly cranked up the suspense. Space travel never looked so unappealing.

2001 A Space Odyssey

This film is like a cinematic version of Dorian Gray - it's been hanging around for decades but it still shows no signs of ageing. Stanley Kubrick's virtuoso direction makes you forget that this classic space adventure was made before man had even stepped on the moon (lunar landing conspiracy theories aside).

From primeval political coups to the homicidal computer HAL, the film has been referenced in popular culture again and again. While today's attention deficit viewers may find the lack of action boring and the majestic shots a tad indulgent, there's no doubting that it is at the very least a beautifully-crafted indulgence.

The Empire Strikes Back

Before George Lucas delivered the steaming turds that were the prequels, the original Star Wars trilogy had cemented its reputation as the undisputed heavyweight champion of sci-fi films.

The second installment remains the stand out film with its blend of Daddy issues, awkward sibling attraction, and pseudo-philosophical Jedi ethos.

The lightsabers were also a touch of genius and introduced one of cinema's most-recognisable sound effects.

Star Wars' enduring appeal can be put down to its timeless mythology and the fact that Darth Vader was the baddest asthmatic every to dress up in a gimpish battle suit and utter the immortal line: "I am your father".

Avatar

James Cameron managed the nifty trick of creating a psychedelic alien world that was completely ridiculous but utterly believable in Avatar.

A planet of overgrown, hippie Smurfs must defend their world from pesky human conquistadors who want to steal their lucky charms. Or something to that effect.

Sam Worthington's gormless hero led the audience into the fantastical world of the big blue locals as Avatar restored some magic to the cinema-going experience. It loses something in 2D but its sweeping shots and breathtaking visuals made spectacular use of the new 3D technology. Sadly, the same could not be said for the slew of 3D imitators it spawned.

Star Trek

The JJ Abrams' prequel ditched the po-faced righteousness of the Patrick Stewart era and the camp self-importance of the William Shatner years to restore some street cred into the much-maligned Star Trek franchise.

The resulting film helped to make Star Trek accessible to an audience other than spotty Trekkies and the obsessive freaks who waste their lives learning learning Klingon.

The on-screen sparring between Chris Pine's brash young Kirk and Zachary Quinto's anally-retentive Spock gave the story a compelling dynamic, and its rebellious enthusiasm appealed to newcomers and diehard fans alike.