Subspace Blog

August’s Guest Curator: James Brown

by Chance Shirley • August 5, 2022

Many thanks to James Brown (legendary Alabamian, not to be confused with the legendary soul singer) for being our guest curator for August! James is a good friend and the director of Lunch, one of my all-time favorite short films (you can watch it on Vimeo!). But I’m extra excited to have James as guest curator this month because August in our neck of the woods (Birmingham, Alabama) brings with it the Sidewalk Film Festival. Sidewalk is an amazing fest, and it’s celebrating its 24th anniversary this year. James is one of the many amazing volunteers who make the Sidewalk fest happen. And James has been involved in the fest since year one, so he’s at least in the running for all-time Sidewalk fest VIV (very important volunteer).

If you’re in the neighborhood, check out the fest from August 22 - 28. And if you can’t make it out to the fest, check out James’ movie picks at a free streaming site near you. And be sure to give James a follow on Twitter where he is @liquifried.

James’ Picks and Comments

When Chance asked me to come up with a list of sci-fi recommendations for August, my mind immediately leapt to tying a pick to one of our most obvious connections — August’s (and the 24th!) Sidewalk Film Festival.

Interplanetary — A Crewless production that, due to my unique position with the Sidewalk festival, happens to also be one of the last films I’ve seen in its entirety during fest weekend. Office comedy in space with monsters and blood. Great Alabama cast.
Inception — Highbrow, mind-bending Nolan that even after numerous viewings I’m still not sure how it all works.
Species — A “B” movie gem with a stellar cast, including a tiny Michelle Williams!
The Girl With All the Gifts — Another female-led film that’s about as gritty as they get on this list. Ties nicely with...
Train to Busan — A fantastic Korean zombie film that I’m gonna say qualifies as sci-fi. I hope. Speaking of trains...
Snowpiercer — They made a series out of the concept, but the films is pretty fantastic. And the series doesn’t have Tilda Swinton.
The “Prince of Space” episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 — Everyone has their favorites from this great series, but to me, this is a comedy masterpiece. And I’m laughing as I think about it.
Swamp Thing — Ten-year-old me didn’t know who Wes Craven was, but I dug the hell out of this movie.
Battle Beyond the Stars was a crazy, Star Wars (or was it Empire?) piggyback that I saw a bunch of times in the theater. The ships look like animals or bugs, some wild actors are involved, and the effects look like they’re straight out of a Roger Corman film. Because they are.
Left Behind — Starring Kirk Cameron, about people who get left behind in the rapture. Watch this movie or the Devil will get you. Just kidding — it’s terrible.
Holy Motors — I’m pretty sure I liked this surreal movie a lot. Your mileage may vary.
Firefly — You got covid, or just need an excuse to binge watch an unfortunately short little series? If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already seen it, but go ahead and watch it again. Then the movie Serenity. Then send me an email so you can borrow the comics and novelizations that expand the exploits of Mal and his merry band of gun-slinging space misfits. I love this crew so much.

Guest Curators