star wars
Star Wars is a science fiction franchise set in a universe far far away.
Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movies of 2016
Deciding on the best sci-fi movies of 2016, with the exception of a few original films, was more about our favorite franchises than actual sci-fi qualifications. While Star Trek Beyond did not break any new ground fundamentally, the destruction of the Enterprise juxtaposed with Captain Kirk battling aliens from a vintage motorcycle is not to be missed. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, was the amazing film Arrival. While it may seem like an update of Jodie Foster's 1997 Contact, it is not. It is the Interstellar of 2016 and reinforces the need for original sci-fi fare mixed with the annual sequels, reboots, and updates.
By Frank White9 years ago in Futurism
The Science Fiction of Music
My first novel, Big in Japan, is about a neurotic American prog-rocker coming of age in Japan. My second, Jellyfish Dreams, is about a biologist’s quest to reanimate his dead fiancée at the instigation of a black hole beneath his sofa. Readers who’ve read both books usually remark on how different they are, but I don’t see it that way. For one thing: crazy artist, mad scientist—same difference. For another, even if you agree with (a quote I’ve seen attributed to) sf comics genius Warren Ellis that “Prog rock was sick and wrong then and it is sick and wrong now,” one can’t deny that prog drinks as liberally from the sf well as it does from the epic and fantasy ones. And so, a primer on some of history’s more salient prog-sf conjunctions:
By M. Thomas Gammarino9 years ago in Futurism
Sci-Fi Snobs and Where to Find Them: Why I Don't Pronounce it "Skiffy"
A few weeks ago I read a book to my kids called Nerdy Birdy. I first grabbed it off the shelf because, I thought to myself, I’m a nerd! Totally my thing. The plot was pretty much what I expected - at first. Nerdy Birdy is a dweeby little guy with a bird seed allergy. He likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. Now he has friends and is furthermore amazed to discover that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
The Sweetest Sci-Fi Treats in the Galaxy
Sometimes I look around at intensely intricate Pinterest parties that other people apparently have the time to create for their children, and the mind boggles at the lengths to which theme-ing these parties goes. Sometimes, parents put out totally normal food, but give it a cutesy name to make it match. Example: a Star Wars party with skewers of grapes next to a little homemade sign reading “LIGHTSABERS.” This “treat” would be mildly disappointing to me, but apparently not everyone is such a snob. Adam Driver, for example (aka Kylo Ren), once said that during filming of The Force Awakens, “Every day I would show up to craft services hoping there’d be some space-themed food, but there never was. Which is a shame, because I think that would’ve really boosted morale. Like, if you’re serving meatballs, just call them meat asteroids. Or, if you’re serving grapes, call them fruit asteroids. It’s not that hard.” Yes it is Adam! Yes it is! If you want results you’ve got to put in the effort! (What am I, a coach for geek food? Ok, probably.) If that wouldn’t satisfy you either, check out these amazing sci-fi treats and sweets based on Star Wars, Firefly, Star Trek, Dr. Who, and Stargate. None of them, fortunately, are “meat asteroids” (what was he THINKING?).
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
Sci-Fi Sidekicks You Wish Were Your BFF
Imagine this. You’re shackled to the wall in an underground alien torture chamber on an unexplored planet, light years from home. Or maybe your spaceship is being pulled into a moon-sized space station filled with storm troopers. Or you’ve got a supercomputer that needs hacked, stat. Obviously this is no time for Sam Gamgee to come to your rescue (heartwarming, loyal, and hairy-footed though he may be). You need someone with skills, someone who will risk everything to scoop you out of harm’s way, make a solid plan, and do it all again the next time you get yourself in trouble. Maybe they’re a little snarky, or a little sarcastic, or covered entirely in fur or actually a malfunctioning robot built out of trash, but when you need a best friend you can rely on, these sci-fi sidekicks won’t let you down.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
Star Snacks: How Star Wars and Star Trek Feed a Galaxy
“The ship’s computer would be more efficient, but it wouldn’t allow for the subtlety needed for great cooking. It would give you all the ingredients in pre-determined measurements, but wouldn’t allow for flair or individuality. And, Data, we both know flair is what marks the difference between artistry and mere competence.” —Commander Riker
By Will Stape9 years ago in Futurism
The Easiest DIY Star Wars Gifts
Some people would call me crafty. Those people are not technically correct. Can I safely use scissors and Elmer’s glue? Yes, I can. Can I crochet an entire set of miniature Star Wars figurines? Ha ha ha. No. I cannot. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t make some pretty rad DIY Star Wars gifts for all my kinfolk when the holiday season is coming around. My goals when selecting winners for this list were twofold: first, nothing should cost more than $20, and second, nothing should take more than an hour or two of hands-on crafting time. While you might spend a little bit more or take slightly longer depending on your material sourcing and crafting abilities, I hope I’ve hit pretty close to the mark. Grab your supplies and if you’re feeling a little lackluster about your DIY abilities, just remember: do, or do not. There is no try.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
Hidden 'Star Wars' Easter Eggs
A list of hidden Star Wars Easter eggs is sure to hold at least one surprise for just about every Star Wars fan out there. Star Wars is a classic that has stood the test of time and is possibly the most recognizable sci-fi series to date. It has inspired generations since its making in 1977, and is inspiring new generations with its reboot. With each super series comes super fans. For our Star Wars fans, here are some of the greatest hidden Star Wars Easter eggs from the first six movies.
By Stephen Hamilton9 years ago in Futurism
The Young & the Jedi - Remember Folks, 'Star Wars' Is a Soap Opera
The fantastic force of Star Wars is back in our collective awareness in a really big way—like it or not. After Disney purchased the film rights from George Lucas in 2013—along with his legendary special FX company ILM—the house of mouse fast tracked new movies and various spin-offs. As genre fans now fully absorb the respected saga’s new characters and ramifications and try to embrace The Force Awakens, the newest chapter to the Lucas sci-fi universe, old questions and observations on the pop-culture saga emerge. Why is this multi-billion dollar global franchise so preoccupied with family dysfunction? Does Luke Skywalker have more in common with Luke from General Hospital? As Rogue One looms on the horizon, can we expect more of the same?
By Will Stape9 years ago in Futurism
The Sci-Fi Museum Lover's Bucket List
If you’re a true fan of science fiction, whether campy or classic, space opera or speculative fiction, Star Trek or Jules Verne, you probably can’t get enough of the worlds your favorite characters inhabit, the clothes they wear, and the technology they wield. Lucky you, because some of the most exciting artifacts and memorabilia are exhibited in carefully curated museums around the world, and the momentum is building for even more. Check out this bucket list of already-existing sci-fi museums and exhibits, then get ready for two world-class museums coming to Hollywood, California and Washington D.C. in the years to come.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
Greatest Artificial Intelligence Characters
The Sci-Fi and Pop Culture genres are often found on vastly different paths with many light years of distance between them, but once in a while they collide. When they intertwine, we usually end up with some of the greatest Artificial Intelligence characters in history has seen. Sometimes these characters are symbolized through a grim and pessimistic future, where machines are capable of feeling a wide range of emotions. They also have a survival instinct that leads them to try and take over the world. In other instances, they are lovable and friendly and able to connect with humans. Even though they are programmed not to feel any kind of emotions, most times we feel some sort of connection to them. Whatever the case might be, these great artificial intelligence characters were designed and programed to make you remember them.
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
'Star Wars' Planets' Real Life Counterparts
Have you ever looked up at the sky at night, wondering what the meaning of life is, how all that planets and stars and dark holes and comets came to be? In something so huge and unknown, what is the possibility of fictional stories like Star Wars having real life planet counterparts? Well if you did, you are not the only one. Probably every real fan of the saga wondered that at least once in their life, envisioning how those planets look like and maybe even what species might live there. Star Wars has inspired many generations to dream, fantasize and imagine distant worlds and aliens, spurring the interest in astronomy and science, not just in special effects. So, for all those who wondered about this, but could find the answer due to the infinite nature of the universe, here are some of the Star Wars planets real life counterparts.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
