Rish Outfield's reviews
When this website was begun by a more idealistic and wrinkle-free Rish Outfield, and an exactly-the-same tyranist, we made certain rules. One of those rules, which I think I have beaten to death, was Horror is whatever we say it is. And if somebody else told me something was Horror that I disagreed with, I was right and they were wrong (and some films have not made the site due to that judgment). While I still feel that way, along comes Soylent Green, a film which, while disturbing, is hardly a horror film. Action--perhaps, Drama--sure, Science Fiction--definitely, Mystery--yup, Social Commentary--absolutely. But Horror--? No, I don't think it's a horror film, despite a couple of horrific moments. But here I am, writing a review for it, and down below it, are the few paltry Skulls I felt it merited. The main reason I'm still typing this is, this was such a great film, I felt I had to say something about it. Plus, I took notes all the way through, and I wasn't going to throw those away like I did for other movies deemed unsuitable. If there were a website out there that dealt with Science Fiction or Apocalyptic movies in the same way we do Horror, then I'd pass this review onto them, but until that day, I ask you to forgive me this one small indulgence.
The future looks bleak. We're overpopulated, we're starving, and people are going crazy to get their hands on something called...Soylent Green. You probably know why, but Chuck Heston doesn't, and the movie is still good if you know.
The cast is pretty good, with super-manly Charlton Heston, who beats up on men and women alike. And familiar faces like Chuck Connors. Is that Brock Peters? Dick Van Patten? Yep. Edward G. Robinson, however, steals the show as Saul Roth, an old guy who remembers the good old days, when life was very different. Oddly enough, people in 2022 play a game more primitive than "Asteroids." The main girl, Shirl (Leigh Taylor-Young) was really, really hot, which does give us something to look forward to.
The film was Science Fiction, not Horror, but bleak enough Sci-Fi to suck. The film had a very '70s feel (along with music and clothes), though it takes place in 2022. Beware, the future is green and swelteringly hot. Some women are "furniture," a sort of combination slave and prostitute. One scene is about the joy of eating food. It was very sad to think the future could be that way. Toward the end is a heartbreaking scene when Saul goes home. I'll admit, I cried.
Even though the Skulls were invented for slasher flicks, Soylent got a few Skulls, and that's good enough for me. This was a very good movie with an awesome story. When it was over, I asked myself "What the hell kind of ending was that?" But I still heartily recommend it.

The tyranist's thoughts
I saw this before Rish did and immediately knew it wasn't horror. I did, however, insist that he see it, and so brought about this situation. The funny thing is that I always considered myself a Science Fiction fan and only upon seeing this did I understand the limits of my own understanding.
I stand by Rish in heartily endorsing this amazing movie. It ain't horror, but it is great science fiction and if you are so inclined, you won't be disappointed.