By Esther L.

What Defines Action / Adventure Films?• The action genre uses

sequences such as fights, stunts, car chases, shootouts, etc. as a method of character development and exposition, and is closely linked to the thriller and adventure genre.

• In adventure films, the protagonists usually have some kind of a journey, such as searching for treasure.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is a classic example

of an adventure film.

What Defines a Fantasy / Sci-Fi Film?

• Fantasy films involve themes such as magic, supernatural beings, imaginary creatures, etc.

• Science fiction involves similar themes as fantasy films, but usually include a scientific element.

• Often overlaps with films of the horror genre.Back to the Future (1985) is a

classic sci-fi film that explores the possibility of time travel.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

• Based on the classic fantasy books by J.R.R. Tolkien

• The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)• The Two Towers (2002)• The Return of the King (2003)• Summary: A young hobbit's life is

changed forever when he inherits his uncle's ring, an item of great evil. Aided by the wise wizard Gandalf, he and his group of ragtag travelers must go to Mount Doom in the land of Mordor to destroy it, defeat the evil lord Sauron and save Middle Earth.

Minority Report (2002)• Science fiction film based

on a short story by Philip K. Dick

• Summary: In the year 2054, a special police department known as “pre-crime” uses psychics to capture criminals before they commit crimes. The head of the pre-crime force is accused of killing someone in the future, and he must find a way to and prevent the murder and clear his name.

Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy (2003 – 2007)

• Trilogy of adventure films based on the Disney theme park ride

• Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)• Dead Man's Chest (2006)• At World's End (2007)• Summary: A young girl rescues a

shipwrecked boy on a stormy night. Years later, she realizes that there is more to his past than meets the eye, and the two of them are soon caught up in a tangle with crazy pirates and various figures from nautical myths.

National Treasure (2004)• Summary: A history buff

finds a new interest in his family's old scrapbook, which contains hints of information implying a government conspiracy. With the help of his father and some friends, he travels around America in search of the mysterious "national treasure".

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

• Pulp adventure / science fiction film

• Summary: In an alternate 1934, New York City receives a series of attacks from giant flying robots. A reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists around the world.

I, Robot (2004)

• Adaption of a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov

• Summary: In the year 2035, there is one robot to every five human beings. When a robot is charged with breaking the First Law of Robotics (murder of a human being), a homicide detective goes on a mission to prove that he is innocent.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)• Science fiction film• Summary: When a

sudden ice age sweeps over New York City, a climatologist must find a way to save his son who is trapped in the city.

The Chronicles of Narnia Series (2005 - ???)

• Adapted from the fantasy series written by C.S. Lewis

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

• Prince Caspian (2008)

• So far, only two of the seven books have been adapted into movies.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

• Fantasy movie originally filmed in Spanish

• Summary: In the fascist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an creepy but captivating fantasy world.

I Am Legend (2007)• Science fiction film• Summary: In the year

2012, a deadly virus wipes out most of the population and survivors into monsters. This movie is about the struggle of a band of uninfected people and their quest to save humanity.

Artificial Intelligence: A.I. (2001)

• Science fiction film• Summary: In the

future, people have created artificially intelligent robots. A robotic boy is thrown away by his adoptive “parents”, and tries to win back his mother’s love.