Outland (1981)

A federal marshal stationed at a mining colony on the Jupiter moon of Io, uncovers a drug-smuggling conspiracy.

From memory: Above-average science faction action drama has great production design and some suspense, but it's nothing more than a Western set in space.

Halliwell (no star): "Ludicrous, over-plotted outer-space version of High Noon, in such thick colour that the action is hard to follow."

Maltin**1/2: "Slickly made, but predictable and unpleasant in tone."

The Hunter (1980)

The story of professional bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson.

From memory: Although Steve McQueen plays the lead, it's the action and stunts that are front and center in this nearly plotless celebration of mayhem.

Halliwell (no star): "The action scenes salvage a mysteriously banal screenplay full of continuity lapses and unexplained characters."

Maltin BOMB: "Incomprehensible bio...has plot holes that Hannibal could have led elephants through. McQueen's last movie and probably his worst."

A Sound of Thunder (2005)

When a scientist sent back to the prehistoric era strays off the path he causes a chain of events that alters history in disastrous ways.

Disappointingly below-average sci-fi yarn has a silly, logic-defying plot, poor performances and risible special effects to match; it does show some imagination with its array of mutant creatures.

Maltin*1/2: "Misguided expansion of Ray Bradbury short story with mediocre effects and a confusing script. It's easy to see why this remained on the shelf so long."

New acquisition: 2010 (1984)

2010 (1984)

A joint U.S.-Soviet expedition is sent to Jupiter to learn what happened to the Discovery.

A downscaled, superfluous and thoroughly disappointing sequel of a classic of cinema history with a ridiculous Messianic ending; as it is technically well made and offers some good effects it can be appreciated as a standard sci-fi movie.

Halliwell (no star): "Tame, almost flatfooted sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey, with none of the supposed significance and not much else to offer."

Maltin***: "Ambitious sequel...More concrete and therefore less mystical than 2001, with an ending that's much too literal, but still an entertaining journey, with state-of-the-art visual effects..."