Fantastic Voyage (1966)

When a defecting Russian scientist is nearly assassinated, a secret branch of the military is called in to save him. The CMDF (Combined Miniature Deterrent Forces) send Dr. Duval (Arthur Kennedy), a top brain surgeon and his technical assistant (Raquel Welch) along with a host of others (Donald Pleasence of Halloween being one) to pilot the Proteus. The Proteus has exactly 60 minutes to navigate to the scientist’s brain, correct the injury and get-out—before the team returns to original size.

Sure it’s dated and {sometimes} nonsensical, but Fantastic Voyage is just that—fantastic. Fans of vintage sci-fi or super-hot Raquel Welch will enjoy the artistry of the human body mapped out here. The cursory blinking lights, knobs, and dials are present, but somehow the special effects of the voyage seem way better than those typical of the 60s. The body’s natural defenses—antibodies and white corpuscles become an enemy of the crew as they become entangles in the reticular fibers. Seeing the Proteus approach the heart value looks as true as what you’d see in a textbook—the value anyway. It’s obvious a lot of care was taken to represent key elements of the human body true to form.

Fantastic Voyage isn’t without some proselytizing, 60's era corn, and a predictable saboteur. But nothing keeps the film from being a fascinating time warp.  As I see it, this is one movie I’d love to see remade. Let Bruckheimer or Bay get a hold of it... just imagine. For now, enjoy the trip.