Science Fiction

‘Zap Gun’ (1967) among PKD’s most prophetic 21st century previews

Even by Philip K. Dick standards, “The Zap Gun” (1967) is particularly prophetic of the 21st century, but it’s also one of the harder novels

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‘Roswell’ flashback: ‘Dreamwalk’ (2003) (Book review)

In “Dreamwalk” (January 2003), the sixth book of the “Roswell” tie-in series, Paul Ruditis bridges Kyle’s trauma over the death of Alex at the end

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Calling ‘Impostor’ (2002) ‘padded’ is a fair statement

“Impostor” (2002) is one of those PKD adaptations that turns an idea-driven short story into an action movie, but unlike some others, it doesn’t abandon

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‘Skeletons in the Closet’ (2002) probes ‘Roswell’ origins

“Skeletons in the Closet” (November 2002), the fifth book in the “Roswell” tie-in series, is the best entry so far even though it’s arguably the

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Which is the better ‘Superman II’? A case for the Lester Cut

“Superman II” (1981) has always been a beloved film, but when an alternate version came out in 2006, it became even more beloved. The theatrical

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‘Superman II’ reviews

John’s “Superman II” Lester Cut (1981) versus Donner Cut (2006) comparison, Dec. 7, 2019 John’s “Superman II: The Donner Cut” (2006) review, Nov. 22, 2017

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‘Total Recall’ (1990) is vintage Verhoeven

Broadly speaking, there are three kinds of Philip K. Dick adaptations: Those that are faithful to his themes while switching the medium to movies (“Blade

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‘Roswell’ flashback: ‘Shades’ (Book review) (2002)

Mel Odom, who wrote many outstanding “Buffy” and “Angel” novels, makes an all-over-the-place debut in the “Roswell” universe with “Shades” (September 2002), the fourth tie-in

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‘Roswell’ flashback: ‘Little Green Men’ (2002) (Book review)

After the excellent “No Good Deed,” Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch take a step back with “Little Green Men” (April 2002), a simpler

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‘Return of Swamp Thing’ (1989) an improvement, but still terrible

“Swamp Thing” (1982) achieved a spot on the short list of worst movies to get a sequel upon the release of “The Return of Swamp

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