perfidy

Comic Book Guy says: "Worst adaptation ever."

I thought "Bicentennial Man" with Robin Williams already attempted "I, Robot", no?

As I recall, the Azimov work with that title was a collection of related short stories. They were about robo-psychologists and how they dealt with troublesome, recalcitrant manchinery in exotic locales (orbital refineries, Mercury).

I guess psychology and logic aren't as fun as wisecracking future cops.

I'd love to see an adaptation of Haldeman's "Hero", which I've mentioned before, because the effects and all would be sick sick sick. But Hollywood would totally blow it: Jim Carrey as the cynical genius infantryman or whatever.

*SIGH*

Personally, I would LOVE to see a film version of "The Stars My Destination," by Bester, much like you want to see Haldeman. I even (honestly) think The Rock might be good in that role. But my lord would it suck if they screwed it up.

GL, Bicentennial Man was another Asimov robot story, you're right. From the trailer, and from the dusty banks of my memory, it's not super-clear to me exactly what story they used as a basis for "I, Robot" the movie.

At least this fashion for Asimov is getting people away adapting Phil Dick for the screen. I'd give body parts to see a well-done indie film version of "A Scanner, Darkly" if it meant that we'd never have to sit through another "Minority Report."

Bester is fantastic, and "The Stars My Destination" is his best. One of my favortie all time books. I really fear that there is absolutely no way that it would ever be made into a decent movie. But the Rock as Gully Foyle? I don't see it. In the second half of the book, the acting requirements are well beyond what the Rock can offer.

Haldeman's "Hero" is a good one - another would be Steakly's Armor. (His Vampire book was slaughtered - another horrible adaptation.)

SF Books I would most like to see made into (good) movies:

Mote in God's Eye, by Niven and Pournelle. The only book that convincingly displayed aliens smarter than us.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, by Robert Heinlein, and "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag" by same. I talked about these a little while ago.

The Greks Bring Gifts, by Murray Leinster. This is a classic comedic/satire novella from the fifties. The seemingly generous Greks land and give us everything we want, and only one physicist sees through their kindness.

Sundiver, by David Brin. Classic detective story set on the surface of the sun. Who could ask for more?

Ender's Game, by O.C. Card. One of the best books ever.

The Stainless Steel Rat, by Harry Harrison. Comedy, action, and better written than all but the very best movies.

Last and First Men, by Stapleton

Okay, I was kidding about the last one. But some of the old stuff would make killer space opera movies. Just think what ILM could do with the Lensman series by Doc Smith! Sheesh. Norstrilia by Cordwainer Smith would make a wonderful surrealistic art piece. The Ensign Flandry series by Anderson is cracking good space yarns.

I've heard that Card himself has written a screenplay for a movie version of Ender's Game, and that it might go into production soon. But there really is a lack of good SF movies. Solaris is the only half good SF movie in the since the first Matrix.

Btw, I won't be tooo offended if they screw up I, Robot. I never really liked Asimov all that much. Except for Pebble in the Sky, which I loved. I never even finished *gasp* the omnibus Foundation book I bought twenty years ago.

B,
With Haley Joel Osment as Ender....? Or perhaps a Culkin kid....?

Card is on record as having wanted Osment as Ender, but now worries that he is getting too old for the part.

Hey, if it makes us all feel any better, the Sci-Fi Channel is about">http://www.scifi.com/onair/scifipictures/riverworld/]about to ruin Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld, too. I can understand Fox raping Asimov's corpse -- That's what studios udo! -- byt you'd think an outlet made specifically for fans would want to do a little better. Are they afraid their viewers wouldn't understand who Sir Richard Burton was?

I've always wanted to see someone tackle the Foundation books, but now I'm not so sure. By the way, I just noticed that the I, Robot screenplay is by Akiva Goldsman of Batman & Robin infamy. 'Nuff said.

How about a version of Stranger in a Strange Land starring Ashton Kutcher as Valentine Michael Smith, and Edward Hermann as Jubal Harshaw, with a screenplay by Joe Esterhaz and directed by Wes Craven?

Thanks Buckethead and Phil... my insides are turning a little cold... is that horror I feel?