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A review by micksland
Minority Report and Other Stories by Philip K. Dick
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Minority Report: 4 stars
We Can Remember It for You Wholesale: 3 stars
Paycheck: 3 stars
Second Variety: 4 stars
The Eyes Have It: 4 stars
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“The Minority Report” is a good story that was adapted into an incredible film. It’s actually one of the rare cases in which the movie was better; the film is faithful to the source material while further developing the ideas here. Still very much worth reading.
“We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” was later developed into “Total Recall” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a fun story hampered by an incredibly dumb ending.
“Paycheck” was a fun science fiction action feature, but not very memorable.
“Second Variety” was my favorite story of the collection. It’s a great example of Cold War fiction that still resonates today. The ending is very predictable, but I loved the setting and premise.
“The Eyes Have It” is more of an extended pub than a serious piece of literature, but I still enjoyed it.
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My major criticism of the collection is the absolute lack of any competent female character. Every single woman is either a sex worker, a pair of breasts for the male protagonist to ogle, a shrew, or a villain. I’m not surprised given that the author was divorced five times, but it’s still disappointing.
___
“The Minority Report” is a good story that was adapted into an incredible film. It’s actually one of the rare cases in which the movie was better; the film is faithful to the source material while further developing the ideas here. Still very much worth reading.
“We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” was later developed into “Total Recall” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a fun story hampered by an incredibly dumb ending.
“Paycheck” was a fun science fiction action feature, but not very memorable.
“Second Variety” was my favorite story of the collection. It’s a great example of Cold War fiction that still resonates today. The ending is very predictable, but I loved the setting and premise.
“The Eyes Have It” is more of an extended pub than a serious piece of literature, but I still enjoyed it.
—-
My major criticism of the collection is the absolute lack of any competent female character. Every single woman is either a sex worker, a pair of breasts for the male protagonist to ogle, a shrew, or a villain. I’m not surprised given that the author was divorced five times, but it’s still disappointing.