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James Cameron's blockbuster hit from 2009 just didn't do it for me. Is it woth seeing? Yes, for the visuals. Cameron envisioned a great looking movie with otherworldly characters, effects, and locations and I highly reccommend the 3-D version.

But the story? That's something else entirely. Elements of "Little Big Man", Cameron's own "The Abyss", and even "Fern Gully" made this film something that I felt I have seen before. Not a great calling card for the most successful film of all time.

So see it for the visuals and let the rest slide.

www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/

The Incredible Shrinking Man

One of the most notable early sci-fi movies of all time.

Jack Arnold directed this classic from 1957 starring Grant Williams and Randy Stuart.

Williams is enveloped by a mysterious cloud which sets off a reaction causing him to shrink in size. Slowly but surely he gets smaller and smaller.

At first he becomes a media sensation but there perils of his new existence endanger his very survival. Great scenes include confrontations with his pet cat and a spider. Classic stuff. And it sets up an existential question of what will his existence be like as he reaches atomic and subatomic size.

Great special effects and engaging story make this a winner.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050539/

It Came From Outer Space

Jack Arnold directed this 1953 film based on a Ray Bradbury story and starring Richard Carlson and Barbara Rush.

Aliens land on Earth to make repairs to their ship and try to pass as humans. Surprisingly good for its time with good performances and a tense storyline. And who doesn't love alien movies?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045920/