What U Like In A Sci-fi/Fantasy Story

[Abdun N.A.]

Hey! all, I know u all are fanatics for sci-fi/fantasy (for some of u or all of u?) stories. I just need to do a little survey, if u don't mind sparing some of your precious 'light years' time...

1) If a good new story is launched, whether it is a sci-fi/fantasy book or movie, will it REALLY matter to you if the story is not suitable for kids under 13. Perhaps, some 'scenes' are deemed unsuitable for younger kids. Or would u prefer that your younger children, sisters, brothers, cousins can enjoy the story as well. This is bcoz I'm not sure if any sci-fi/fantasy stories out there fall under the PG 13 category?

2) With regard to the ending, I think the Matrix has the most disappointing ending ever (altho it raised a lot of questions afterwards). How would u like to see the ending of a sci-fi/fantasy story?

- MUST be a happy ending
- Having a sad ending once a while should be good.
- There is a balance. Despite the fact that the good triumphs over the bad, a tragic incident happens at the same time.

Thanks ALL!!!! ;D

[Plo Strax-Avix]

Frankly, I don't think any sci-fi/fantasy book/movie can be rated PG13 and still be fun, unless you're talking about something like 'Labyrinth', 'Never Ending Story', or 'D.A.R.Y.L.', which were not really main-stream features...

Even a movie as 'innocent' as 'Flight of the Navigator', has some serious undertones and negative overtures. They might be more subtle, but they're there, which some argue is a kind of 'subliminal brainwashing' of children.

In days gone by, sci-fi/fantasy stories tend to have a happy ending, not only because its the 'classic' thing to do, but also to make it a 'feel good' tale to encourage parents to let their kids watch it. Nowadays audiences are way too mature to fall for this 'good triumphs over evil' cliché, because we all know that in reality eveil wins more often then good.

I personally feel the ending should be a balance. Some good is achieved but nobody lives happily everafter. I also feel that although I agree that the ending of 'matrix' leaves much to be desired, its nonetheless 'real'. I can accept the ending but would like to add the following after Neo has help the machine defeat Smith:

After a peace treaty has been secured, humans and machines work together to clear the sky of the pollution put there by the humans with the intention of blocking the machine's original power supply, the sun. With power from the sun, the machines will no longer need to rely on humans as its batteries. Those who wish to remain in the Matrix can do so, but those who opted out can rebuild cities on the surface again, with help from the machines, thus forming a strong bond for coexistence.TEXT

[Rhyden]

Honestly, it matters not to me if the story is not suitable for under 13 as long as it is good but then again I am not a parent, so I may be dreadfully biased.

Most modern day movies in the sci-fi and fantasy section typically have a rating of at least PG-13, mostly due to the violence, really minor nudity/sex, some foul languages used in the film. And we have seen a general acceptance of sorts to more graphic violence, sex and foul languages over the years, the scenes that would have gotten a R or NC17 rating from the (US) censors in the past would now fall into PG-13. So, it is entirely possible that eventually sci-fi/fantasy movies will get a PG rating.

Honestly with regards to younger audiences, I would prefer that if they actually read the story (if available) first and understand the context. Of course not all books are suitable with minors but they are guided through it, they could be better equiped to deal with the movie later. And parents should not skip their responsibility by plunking their kids in front of the silver screen.


Nothing irritates me more than a cliched ending that leaves you vaguely feeling as if you were cheated. Many happy-ever-after endings tend to leave a rather cynical taste in my mouth - too neat, too simplistic or downright dull with all of its bubblegum goodness. Hero ABC kicked Baddie XYZ's arse and end up with the love of his life and they have 3.2 kids. Yay, yay... NEXT!

I know the genre asks us to suspend our beliefs but for goodness sake, don't treat us like a 5 year old! A little infusion of reality doesn't harm anyone and it certainly lend some human aspect to the character which in turns endears him/her to us. If they burst into a song and dance act at the end of the show... someone will definately die. A little more balance to the usual feel-good is definately needed.