Red Planet (2000) – Anthony Hoffman

I remember Mission to Mars and Red Planet seemed to come out around the same time, and I found myself more interested in the De Palma film because it had to do with the ‘face on mars’ and the possibility of life on that distant planet. And who doesn’t love that idea? Red Planet, despite…

TIFF ’22: Good Night Oppy

I love documentaries about space exploration, the sense of discovery, wonder and hope that permeates them, and humanity when we set our sights on a goal. Director Ryan White understands those feelings and shares them, and guides us on a fantastic journey to the planet Mars. In 2003, two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, were launched…

Doctor Who (Peter Capaldi) – The Lie of the Land, and Empress of Mars

The conclusion to the Monk Trilogy is our first episode this week. Written by Toby Whithouse, the episode first aired on 3 June, 2017. The Monks have changed history, having assumed control of Earth when power of consent was given by Bill (Pearl Mackie) at the conclusion of last week’s episode, when she had them…

Ghosts of Mars (2001) – John Carpenter

Natasha Henstridge leads a bit of a cult cast in the next John Carpenter film up for a look-see in the Sci-Fi Chronicles book. In a bit of an iffy film, and one that saw Carpenter at his most burnt out on the Hollywood scene, Henstridge stars as Lt. Melanie Ballard, a Mars police officer…