A must see for any science fiction fan

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2006)

Having been weaned on Star Wars, and Battle Star Gallactica, it was after seeing these productions that I finally saw 2001. It is a great film, with still stunning special effects. I think even in the actual 21st century, with all of the computer generated, and other hight tech visual and special effects, this movie still delivers.
The plot is great with the theme of technology gone berserk. The actors give good performances and the technical crew did an amazing job of making the audience believe these guys are actually in outer space.
I'm not real sure how far off the book that Kubrick got, but I'm aware that he and Arthur C. Clark had many arguments about the script. Although the movie clearly can stand alone, it is helpful to see or read the sequel 2010. Though the film 2010 isn't as good as 2001, it is very good visually, and features some good performance from John Lithgow, and Roy Schieder. There is also a third book by Clark, 3001: the Final Odyssey which completes the story. I'd be surprised if that ever makes it onto the big screen though.