"Muse"

Post your comments about the story "Muse" here. You might discuss what you think the story has to say about the idea of xenophobia, and you could compare it to the story "Puppet Show." Another topic to consider: what does Icky represent in the story?

"Puppet Show"

Please post your comments about Fredric Brown's story "Puppet Show" (which we read in class on February 21) here. You might consider discussing the story's views on xenophobia and whether or not you think the humans in the story passed the "second test."

SF History Update Project -- Final Comment

Now that you have completed your presentation about a modern decade of science fiction history, please write a comment that summarizes your contributions to the group. Every member of the group should comment individually. Be specific about what you did as far as research, writing text, creating slides or pictures, or putting everyone's work together. Once everyone has posted a comment, you should go back to the blog and read the comments by the others in your group. If you disagree with someone's statement of what they did, add another comment in reply.
In addition, you may comment about another group's presentation if you would like to acknowledge the work they have done and offer positive feedback.
Please post your comment by midnight, Tuesday, February 20, 2007.

Forbidden Planet Film Review

If you are one of the following students (Joe A, Matt C, David F, Dan G, Henry H, Ben K, Chad M, Emily N, Cody T, Kevin W, Billy W) assigned to do the film review for Forbidden Planet, please add your review as a comment to this post. Post your review no later than midnight, Monday, February 12, 2007. A good review will do the following:

• Start with a short synopsis (summary) of the film (just the basic setting, conflicts and characters)


• Address at least three criteria for judging a film (see below); explain how good a job you think the film did in each area


• Include specific examples to support your judgments of the criteria


• Make your review free of mechanical errors (spelling, capitalization, grammar)

Here are the criteria for judging a film that we brainstormed in class. You must discuss at least three of these in your review:
· Special Effects
· Acting (expression, movement, emotion, believability)
· Soundtrack
· Plot (depth, complexity, suspense)
· Setting (place, time, ex. Space, new planets)
· Sound effects
· Satirical element
· Costumes
· Character development
· Originality
· Staging
· References to outside topics/events
· Cinematography
· Dialogue
· Makeup (goes with costuming)
· Props (weapons, phasers, etc)
· Transportation
· Elements of conflict