I haven’t seen "District 9" yet, but you really only need the trailer to get a heaping spoonful of the heebie jeebies. Better yet, check out Neill Blomkamp’s “Alive in Joburg,” the short film “District 9” is based on. It is, in a word, unsettling. As repulsive as the human population’s treatment of the stranded aliens is, you can almost sympathize; they are inhuman, and that otherness coupled with closeness to our homes makes the skin crawl. That much is evident in the "D9" clip below:

It’s a classic trope in sci-fi cinema, alien infiltration. Not invasion mind you, I mean aliens living among us, incognito or otherwise. Here are five classics that did it best. Before "District 9" came along, that is. Read more...

by John Constantine

As a subway commuter myself, I have to admit that the idea of getting hijacked by criminals looking to ransom off New York City resident and torture Denzel Washington is pretty terrifying. Then again, if it was John Travolta doing the hijacking, it would probably be hilarious and make for an entertaining day.

This week’s remake of “The Tacking of Pelham 1 2 3” is more than entertainment, though. It is a reminder of public transportation’s, especially the subway’s, vital role in creating kickass cinematic drama and action. Here, for your pleasure, are my five most gripping subway scenes in film history. Read more...