Saturdays in Books

This is part of a series of posts reviewing categories in this year's Hugo ballot. I'll be discussing the entries, the voter packet, and my ballot. I've nominated and voted most years since 2011, when I figured out that all I had to do was join Worldcon to get to do so.

At last, a category I'm prepared for. Thanks to my movie buddy, I've actually seen half of these in the theater. And the rest I'd rented before the ballot was even out.

• Blade Runner 2049, written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green, directed by Denis Villeneuve (Alcon Entertainment / Bud Yorkin Productions / Torridon Films / Columbia Pictures) - Good, and the kind of beautiful I'm glad I saw in theater, but I swear this film has a tits timer. Like, every 17 minutes, it's time to show the audience tits. Let's have a long, lingering shot of stone nipples for this scene that doesn't have women in it because tits. 

• Get Out, written and directed by Jordan Peele (Blumhouse Productions / Monkeypaw Productions / QC Entertainment) - An excellent and uncomfortable movie to watch. Highly recommended. Will be in my top 3.

• The Shape of Water, written by Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, directed by Guillermo del Toro (TSG Entertainment / Double Dare You / Fox Searchlight Pictures) - Lovely and fun to watch, but lacks the complexity and relevance of most of these entries. A good film, but not in my top 3.

• Star Wars: The Last Jedi, written and directed by Rian Johnson (Lucasfilm, Ltd.) - I have still not decided what I thought of this movie. It's complicated. Probably only above Blade Runner, but man, this is a tough year.

• Thor: Ragnarok, written by Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, and Christopher Yost; directed by Taika Waititi (Marvel Studios) - This is the glittery retro-futuristic fun I've been waiting for. A delight to watch. Easily my favorite Marvel Studios film. Top 3.

• Wonder Woman, screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, directed by Patty Jenkins (DC Films / Warner Brothers).  - Such a great movie, if a few minutes long. I've watched this 4 times now. I love Gadot's performance. I can almost hold back my tears during the No Man's Land scene. Top 3.

So those top 3 are going to change places an infinite number of times before voting closes. Last year was a great year for scifi movies!