Quite possibly, the best Sci-Fi Space Epoch ever made.

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2001)

I couldn't think of a better way to usher in the new millennium, then to watch Turner Classic Movie's presentation of this epoch space classic. I have probably seen 2001 twenty (20) times since its release in 1968. It was 3 years in the making (1965-1968) - and contained 250 special effects.

Remarkably, its STILL stands the test of time. I appreciate the fact, ) that Kubrick did NOT insult my intelligence, by having them open a window to the vacuum of space, and shoot ray guns at each other, complete with sound effects (see also, Flash Gordon). 2001, is #22 on the American Film Institute's, top 100 films of all time. And rightly so.
This film legitimised Science Fiction. It is, in my opinion, historically more significant then the "Star Bores" trilogy that ensued since 2001 was released. Face facts: without 2001, there would be no "Star Bores!"
I've seen the "Star Bores" epochs only twice. All the glitter and saccharin schmaltz is a bit much! The problem with "Star Bores", in my opinion, is two fold: the "contact lens" character depth (or is that Mc Donald's hamburger tomato slice thickness?), and secondarily the use of special effects to take the place of any real acting or plot development. People frequently confuse glitz with real acting, and plot development.
I still take delight in watching Kubrick's timeless classic, 30+ years after its release. The only other film that does this for me, is the classic "Wizard of Oz", which is my personal favourite -- I've seen it probably close to 100 times, since I was born in 1952! The message is timeless.
It is unknown whether Arthur Clarke's vision of an orbiting space station as depicted in his book, will ever be a reality, but I think Clarke showed remarkable visionary prowess in his novel, which if memory serves me correctly, was written in the 1940's.
Wayno