A Summer Science Fiction Double Feature

Under the Skin movie poster

It’s late July and that tells me that the dog days of summer are in full swing.  I’ve been throughly enjoying popcorn flare released this summer, despite some really bad releases.  Science fiction has been particularly good this summer.  Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was an incredible movie that told an intriguing story with beautiful acting and visual effects.  The well crafted and highly entertaining Apes franchise entry will more then likely take a spot on my annual top ten list when it is created at the end of this year.

I could go on about the Apes flick but there has been a pair of science fiction movies equally worthy of discussion and not because both star Scarlett Johansson.  

Scarlett Johansson in Lucy

Rather both movies are creative, well made, and thought provoking pieces of art. 

First was Under the Skin released in theaters this past April and currently available on DVD.  In this movie Miss Johansson portrays an alien seducing men along the Scottish country side.  As the events in the film unfold she begins an incredible journey of self discovery and what it means to be human.

In the second film of this science fiction double feature, Lucy, Miss Johansson plays a woman who is unlocking more then the 10% of normal human brain function.  The title character turns a series of unfortunate and violent events to her advantage while discovering her true humanity.

Both movies are rich in powerful imagery reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s genius sci-fi odyssey 2001: A Space Odyssey.  Each respectfully puts their protagonist through difficult situations and the characters come out on the other side a little more knowledgable.  

It’s easy to overlook both features by lumping them in as over priced popcorn fair but at the core of both you’ll find movies that more then worth the time it takes to see.