The Villages - January 2020 - 35

Along with their media discussions, the club
occasionally discusses not-so-fictional topics such
as UFOs, quantum mechanics, psychic phenomena
and remote viewing, among others. Pedi says these
discussions allow members to talk about topics they
may not have a chance to otherwise.
For their movie and TV show discussions, Pedi finds
a science fiction or fantasy movie or show he feels will
provide good discussion topics. While the club formerly
discussed books as well, Pedi decided to focus more on
movies and TV shows since they can watch those at
club meetings and not require members to read a book
while the club is not in session.
Movies and shows the club has watched and discussed include classics such as "Star Wars," "Star Trek"
(both the original series and The Next Generation),
"Tron," "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," as well as newer sci-fi/fantasy
properties such as "The Big Bang Theory," "Arrival,"
"The Matrix" and dozens of others, including several
lesser-known films that club members may not be as familiar with.
"I try to get some independent films, too - we've all
seen Back to the Future," Pedi said. "There's some really good, well-done independent (films) that maybe don't
have the best special effects, but you can really have a
good discussion afterward. That's what it's all about."
Following a viewing, club members break down
the movie or show and discuss what they liked or did
not like, and Pedi says he enjoys hearing the different
interpretations from viewers.
Pedi's own love of sci-fi stems from a book he read
while in the Air Force.

We have a
great time.
We do mostly
movies
and TV
series, but
sometimes
we'll get
serious. We
do a lot.
- Tony Pedi

Tony Pedi's plaque signed by Leonard Nimoy and Brent Spiner.

"I was in Guam and someone left a softcover book
with the cover ripped off," he said. "It was E. E. "Doc"
Smith's "Lensman" series. It was written in the '30s, and
(I read the book) and I was like, 'Oh my God, I need more!'
That's how it got started - I never stopped from there."
Pedi invites anyone with even a slight interest or
curiosity in science fiction or fantasy to attend a meeting
to see what it's all about. He often hears stories from
members who bring their husband or wife to a meeting
who may not really be interested in the genre, but
then end up loving the movie or show they watch that
evening and participating in the discussion afterward.
"Everybody's invited - be my guest," Pedi said. "I
try to have things that appeal to everyone. Bring your
wife! She may be interested and say, 'This is the kind of
stuff you watch? I don't remember seeing you watch
this.' We have these big discussions (afterward). That's
what it's all about."
Decide whether or not you wish to attend a meeting
of the Science Fiction/Fantasy Club, but keep the sage
advice of Jedi Master Yoda in your mind: "Do or do not.
There is no try."
A signed copy of "Foundation and Empire" by Isaac Asimov.

MAGAZINE

The Villages - January 2020

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