The Daily Beasts
For theme projects (like #Kaijuly, #Mocktoberfest, and #SeasonsBeatings—for example),
a new film/show is profiled every day by a different writer.
UFOctober: THE ARRIVAL (1996)
30 years later, it’s time for the truth to come out about this film. Justice will be served!
UFOctober: PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (1957)
One of the greatest worst movies of all time still contains lots of heart…amidst its shortcomngs.
UFOctober: ALIEN 3 (1992)
An oft maligned sequel gets its due for its surprising notes of hope.
UFOctober: INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978)
Philip Kaufman’s paranoiac nightmare still terrifies today with its unsettling ability to relate to our lives.
UFOctober: ALIEN (1979)
A powerful film and an ode to Bolaji Badejo—the Nigerian man in the Xenomorph suit.
UFOctober: INVADERS FROM MARS (1986)
Tobe Hooper’s remake is a hybrid of campy throwback and earnest ‘80s awesomeness.
UFOctober: MEATBALL MACHINE: KODOKU (2017)
A bizarre blending of sensibilities turns an alien invasion into an incredibly unique experience.
UFOctober: INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956)
The original Red Scare doppelgänger film reflects on the twin need for emotions and science.
UFOctober: THE ALIEN FACTOR (1978)
Regional sci-fi horror reigns in Don Dohler’s debut film.
UFOctober: SUPER 8 (2011)
Sympathy for the devil leads to long overdue healing in J.J. Abrams’ throwback film.
UFOctober: THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE (1998)
A great extension of the TV series adds to the lore and world in fantastic fashion.
UFOctober: THE TOMMYKNOCKERS (1993)
A lesser Stephen King adaptation still kinda works thanks to a great cast.
UFOctober: EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS (1956)
A look at a classic sci-fi tale and its critique of rash leadership.
UFOctober: THE FACULTY (1998)
The ‘90s teen horror craze finds its way into a sci-fi thriller that still works today.
UFOctober: SIGNS (2002)
M. Night Shyamalan’s haunting film wrestles with not being alone—in more ways than one.
UFOctober: NOPE (2022)
Writer/director Jordan Peele’s UFO film reflects many truths—including the horrors of climate anxiety.
MOTHER TRUCKIN’ MAY: The “Truck Rascals” Series (1975-1979)
A 10-film series from Japan explores trucking—the hilarity, the tragedy, and the everything in between.
MOTHER TRUCKIN’ MAY: SPACE TRUCKERS (1996)
Stuart Gordon’s tale of trucking….in SPAAAAACE, with Dennis Hopper.
MOTHER TRUCKIN’ MAY: TWISTER’S REVENGE! (1988)
Regional cinema shines with this delightful comedy about a sentient monster truck.
MOTHER TRUCKIN’ MAY: SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT PART III (1983)
An attempt to retread in the steps of greatness has some diminishing returns.