Let me start by explaining the difference between awfully awesome and unwatchable science fiction movies. The former is, as the name implies, by no stretch of the imagination good; it does, however, have some redeeming qualities to it that make it entertaining and worth the time it takes to watch. The latter is, well, exactly what it says, so bad that it is simply unwatchable. These redeeming qualities of the awfully awesome are what we are here to discuss today; just in case you stumble upon the chance to make an awfully awesome science fiction movie.
So, without any further delay, our feature presentation:
Ten Key Components to Awfully Awesome Science Fiction Movies
The Girl: Remember your audience. Science fiction movie fans are, more often that not, guys. An attractive girl can mean the difference between changing the channel or sticking around to see what is going on. Also, don't fall into the trap of the dumb girl. Science fiction fans are nerds; therefore, the sexy librarian character and look is going to be most appealing.
The Guy: Luke Perry. Don't worry, he'll do it. Just buy him dinner or something.
Originality: One word, "Don't!" Good science fiction is original; and unwatchable science fiction tries to be original, but falls flat. So just stay away from any original thought. Of course your story is going to be original in that it is your story, and not someone else's story. However, steal steal steal! There is no reason to do work that someone else has already done for you. Use plot devices and clichés from the best (or worst) in popular science fiction. This will come in useful with...
Camp: Do not take yourself seriously! Do not let the characters take themselves seriously. Everything is a joke, everything is to be over exaggerated; from the reading of a poorly written line, to the fact that every plot twist seems reminiscent of our favorite science fiction movies – have the characters recognize and state this throughout the poorly written masterpiece.
The Scientist / Nerd: This guy should always be in the background, handy with the exact information that is needed in any tight spot, or the ability to pull off some impossible task. However, don't leave him two dimensional like that! This character is a goldmine for accidental comedy. Give him a gimmick, like loving Hot Pockets or being addicted to Jolt.
The Romance: Oh, thought you could get away without romance in a science fiction story? Think again buddy boy. A main staple, like vodka in Russia, of bad science fiction is the romance between previously introduced The Guy and The Girl. The important thing to remember, however, is not to actually build a relationship, that is wasted time and energy. Here is what you do: (a) have The Guy make a few suggestive comments through the course of the story, and (b) have The Guy and The Girl smile at each other during a couple of tense moments. That is it, nothing more. At the end of the story, just have them hook-up; no other explanation necessary (remember to be campy!).
The Plot Gap: There will, obviously, come a point in your story – whether it be the basis of your story, or the crux – at which some unoverlookable plot gap will arise by the use of some ridiculously impossible technology to save the day. Don't try to dodge this as if no one would notice – remember, audience: Nerds! Point it out, then point it out again, then have your dumber characters notice it and The Nerd will obviously need to berate him for being so dumb.
Impending Doom and/or Revolution: I don't know how you are going to build a story without one of these plot devices (at least the SciFi Channel can't figure it out). This will, however, do two things for your story, (a) give The Guy and The Girl a reason to be so closely and suddenly thrown together, and (b) it will make your story not so boring as to actually put people to sleep (that is what the Golf Channel is for!).
The Old Guy Who Refuses to Change His Ways: This is the closest thing bad science fiction has to a bad guy. He will either need to cause the Impending Doom or be the evil overlord (or a lower minion there of) against which the revolution shall rise against. Oh, and he will obviously need to die some needlessly horrible death. Lava is always good.
Bad Acting: Not ever bad science fiction movie needs bad acting, but believe me, it will help. However, don't let your actors just act badly, tell them that they are bad actors, and then make sure they are directed in such a way as to accentuate all of their shortcomings as human beings. Also, really bad writing will help a bad actor appear even worse.