More sci-fi classics from the '90s

When the ‘90s rolled in, film buffs were doubtful if films in the next 10 years could measure up to the previous decade’s. After all, the ‘80s saw some of the most iconic movies in almost all genres. However, in many ways, the ‘90s exceeded expectations.

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Image source: imdb.com

On that note, here are three more great science fiction films from the ‘90s. Joe Cianciotto.

Flatliners: Joel Schumacher opened up the decade with a sci-fi thriller unlike any other in the 1990’s “Flatliners.” Incredibly harrowing and impeccably shot, the film gives a unique take on the afterlife, and what may happen if people take a stroll in it before their time. Joe Cianciotto.

Jurassic Park: Master director Steven Spielberg redefined the use of CGI on film with his mega-blockbuster “Jurassic Park.” A breathtaking thrill-ride through a perilous natural (and not-so-natural) park, this film marks the first wide-release wherein creatures seemed all too real. It was something absolutely no one had ever seen before. Joe Cianciotto.

Galaxy Quest: A hilarious and quirk-filled take on “Star Trek” and almost every similar space opera, “Galaxy Quest” is the perfect example of how the elements of a film simply work. From the plot to the action sequences to the comedic timing to the iconic punchlines, “Galaxy Quest” has over the years, become quite a cult favorite, as it deservedly should be. Joe Cianciotto.

Ranking the top five MCU films to date

Joe Cianciotto. And just like that, the Marvel Cinematic Universe wraps up its Phase 3 with a bang. After "Avengers: Endgame" came and went, leaving record box-office numbers in its wake on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film of all-time, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" capped things off with a heartfelt epilogue.

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Image source: Disney.com

In line with this, below are the top five MCU Films to date. Joe Cianciotto.

5. Avengers: Infinity War

Edging out Endgame on this list, many people believed that Infinity War had a tighter story altogether and provided more gravitas to the overall story of the MCU.

4. Spider-Man: Far From Home

Joe Cianciotto. With the split of Disney and Sony, Far From Home will probably be the last time audiences see Spidey in the MCU. If that’s the case, it couldn’t have been a greater exit. Far From Home is the best Spider-Man live-action film in over 10 years.

3. Marvel’s The Avengers

The first Avengers film wasn’t so much a film as it was an event. Much like the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, something of this magnitude had never been done before in cinema history. Joe Cianciotto.

2. Thor Ragnarok

While some of the more traditional fans still balk at how Ragnarok mocks the God of Thunder rather than raise him up to a status worthy of a god, it was far and away the most original of the MCU films. It was also hilarious. Joe Cianciotto.

1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The peak in MCU storytelling, this second Captain America film turns everything and everyone on its head with a twist that had forever changed the MCU. It also deepened many of the main characters’ stories, laying the groundwork for the rest of the existing MCU phases. Joe Cianciotto.

A look at some of the best set design in film

My name is Joe Cianciotto, and I’m an architect. During my spare time, I love watching movies. Because of my background, I can’t help but marvel at some of the set designs I see.

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Take for example the HBO series, “Game of Thrones.” Sure, some of the parts of the set may be CGI, but that hardly dampens the magnificence of its architectural accomplishments. In fact, many of the fantasy feature films and TV shows have set design that blows my mind.


In “The Lord of the Rings,” Peter Jackson had several locations converted into structures from Middle Earth. The results were breathtaking, especially when caught with the right camera angle. They can all still be seen in New Zealand. The Shire alone evokes so many emotions of warmth and merriment.


Harry Potter’s Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry also has several magical sets in the main structure that viewers actually feel both the magic and ominous overture of He Who Must Not Be Named.

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Not to be outdone, science-fiction films have also gone that extra mile in set design. Films such as “Blade Runner” and “Aliens” have made full use of the creativity of set designers, much to the audience’s awe.


What film has your favorite set design? Message me, Joe Cianciotto, in the comments section below and share your favorites.


Joe Cianciotto is a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. He is a movie buff and enjoys a diverse selection of genres, including superhero films, independent science fiction, mumblecore, and Golden-age dramas and epics. For similar posts, visit this page.

My Top Three 'Spider-Man' Films

Even perhaps more than Captain America and Iron Man, Spider-Man has been the face of Marvel comics.  The only problem was that Sony had rights before anyone else did, delaying our favorite web-crawler’s debut with the MCU.  That said, Spidey’s had his share of decent features.  Now before I go on, I didn’t include ensemble movies where Peter Parker was only a part and not a central character.  So don’t expect to see “Captain America: Civil War” or “Avengers: Infinity War” here.

Third place: Spider-Man: Homecoming

This was Spidey’s very own MCU feature, and it was tons of fun.  I would’ve preferred Peter Parker to be a tad older, but hey, having him in the MCU is reward enough.  Michael Keaton’s Vulture was a classy villain, one which we could all root for.

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Second place: Spider-Man

When Sam Raimi first released “Spider-Man,” everyone was blown away.  He moved just like everyone thought he would.  And Raimi, being an amazing visual director didn’t spare any expense into creating the most agile version of Spidey we can imagine.  

First place: 'Spider-Man 2'

If you thought Sam Raimi’s initial foray into the webslinger's canon was amazing, its sequel was superior in almost every way.  Doctor Octopus was a terrifying villain with a good heart.  Peter’s personal story with his lady love and his best friend was explored on further.  And the action sequences were some of the best in film history.

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Hi there, I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in San Francisco, but a true New Yorker at heart. I love movies. Visit my LinkedIn page to know more about me.

The Fans Have Spoken: Favorite Mcu Blockbusters

Although movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, have been much favorably received compared to those of the DC Expanded Universe, or DCEU, it has to be noted that not all MCU films are created equally. Let’s take a look at fans-approved MCU movies.

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Marvel’s The Avengers

The first Avengers movie was more of an event than a film. It was a production that had never been done before, with several superheroes having their own feature films leading up to this one. The final result was an amazingly good time. Joss Whedon expertly blended fast-paced action with his own brand of humor to come up with the climax of MCU’s Phase One.

Captain America: Winter Soldier

The second installment of the Captain America film series wasn’t only the best of the series, it was one of the greatest superhero films ever crafted. The Russo Brothers succeeded in making a movie that was great as a stand-alone movie but also had very far-reaching consequences as far as the entire MCU goes.

Thor: Ragnarok

The third Thor movie had more of a “Guardians of the Galaxy” vibe than any other MCU movie that wasn’t “Guardians of the Galaxy.” “Thor: Ragnarok” was the most fun fans ever had in a movie theater in ages, and the jokes were simply brilliant. This was definitely one of the best 2017 films had to offer, across all genres.

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Hey there, my name’s Joe Cianciotto. I’m an architect from the Bay Area. I’m also a big fan of comic books and superhero movies. Follow my posts here for similar updates.