Science fiction allows viewers to explore strange new worlds both inner and outer, as well as contemplate the possibilities of the future. 2012 was a banner year for blockbuster cinema and many of the biggest hits of the year came from the science fiction genre.
Whether it was superhero action in The Avengers or family animation like Frankenweenie, there was a wide variety of sci-fi films to enjoy a decade ago. Remarkably, many of these movies have stood the test of time and are as enjoyable now as they were back then, becoming classics in their own right.
Robot & Frank
Usually, sci-fi explores the distant future and gives the viewer a look at the possibilities of a far-off time. However, Robot & Frank gave viewers a hilarious look at the possibilities of the near future and the advancements of modern technology. An ex-jewel thief is gifted a robot butler to look after him, but soon the pair embark on one last daring heist together.
Robot & Frank mixed elements of crime, sci-fi, and comedy together into a perfectly hilarious blend. The film makes subtle commentary about the advancement of technology and how older generations get left behind by a society that doesn’t find them useful anymore.
Dredd
Remakes can often be very disappointing, but the comic book adaption Dredd was a pleasant surprise for many viewers. The film is set in the near future where crime has become so bad that police officers must act as judge, jury, and executioner to keep the streets safe.
The original film, starring Sylvester Stallone, was not well received, but the advancements in modern film technology have allowed the filmmakers to tell a more compelling story. Though the concept is cheesy at its core, the film still managed to be action-packed and exciting from start to finish.
Frankenweenie
The stop-motion films of Tim Burton have become animation classics, and his remake of Frankenweenie was seen as a return to form for the director. A young boy’s dog is killed in an accident and he is determined to revive him using the same mad science of Doctor Frankenstein.
Frankenweenie is both touching and hilarious with a healthy dose of the signature Tim Burton style. While the original short film was live-action, the decision to make the film stop-motion was a wise one. The medium allowed the filmmakers to explore the darker elements of the story without being particularly scary for younger viewers.
Chronicle
Even in a year filled with superhero movies, Chronicle managed to stand out as an interesting spin on the genre. The story follows a trio of teenage boys who accidentally acquire super powers. As they explore their newfound abilities they find that their lives begin to spiral out of control and their friendship is tested.
By 2012, superhero movie fatigue had begun to set in and Chronicle was a breath of fresh air. Eschewing the traditional model, the film instead opted for a less slick look which made the events seem that much more real. The questions posed by the film are interesting to contemplate and the viewer is left to wonder what they would do if they had powers.
Men In Black 3
A decade after the first sequel, director Barry Sonnenfeld returned to helm the third Men In Black film. The story sees Agent J traveling back to 1969 to stop an alien from altering the future by assassinating a young Agent K.
As a finale to the trilogy, Men In Black 3 delivered both action and drama in equal measure. Will Smith gives a more mature performance as Agent J, and it is clear that the character has grown over the course of the films. Even with modern technology to work with, the third film still feels very similar to the first two in regards to their unique visual style.
Looper
Time travel and sci-fi go hand in hand, and often the plots of the films can get very complicated. Looper envisions a future where the mafia sends victims back in time to be assassinated when they want to wipe someone out.
The interesting concept is anchored by strong performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and action star Bruce Willis. Using CG and makeup, the filmmakers were able to cleverly pass the two stars off as versions of the same person from different time periods.
Prometheus
After decades away, director Ridley Scott returned to the Alien franchise that he had left in the hands of others. Prometheus acts as a prequel to Alien and follows a group of explorers who travel to a distant moon in search of the origins of life in the universe.
Though die-hard fans of the franchise had mixed feelings about the film, many movie-goers were transfixed by the interesting plot and distinct visuals. Without the famous Xenomorph, the film relies heavily on new ways to scare the audience and delivered a unique view of the expansive Alien cinematic universe.
Cloud Atlas
Once again returning to the sci-fi/fantasy genre, the directing pair of the Wachowski sisters delivered a fascinating adaptation of an epic novel. Cloud Atlas explores the consequences of a decision as it affects individuals in the past, present, and future.
Much like the heady sci-fi of The Matrix, Cloud Atlas used the convention of its genres to ask questions about morality. Brilliantly underrated performances from Tom Hanks and Halle Berry also grounded the complicated plot with entertaining interpersonal drama.
The Avengers
Seen as the culmination of the MCU’s first phase, The Avengers finally united all of Marvel’s most legendary heroes together for an exciting adventure. Teaming up to stop Loki, The Avengers assemble and attempt to put an end to the Demi-God’s dastardly schemes forever.
The Avengers pushed the boundaries of what a superhero movie could be and left fans clamoring for more Marvel action in the subsequent phases. Though the MCU would explore more expansive territory in the years to come, The Avengers set the standard for all future Marvel team-up movies.
The Hunger Games
Attempting to gain from the success of young adult book adaptations like Harry Potter and Twilight, Suzanne Collins’ dystopian adventure series was brought to life. The Hunger Games tells the story of a future where districts must present young people to fight in a televised tournament to the death.
The film launched a successful franchise and made a star out of Jennifer Lawrence. The story’s unique visual style was stark and left viewers wanting more, and the film itself spawned a few imitators attempting to capitalize on its success.
