pop culture
Trending and current events, topics, and interest in science fiction and technology.
The Guardians of the Galaxy - Superheroes or Space Opera?
Watching Guardians of the Galaxy 2 leaves me in no doubt that this is a new space opera in the making. And if the sequel doesn't have the classic mythicmcguffin story arc of the first (where the infinity stone takes the place of Tolkien's One Ring as the cosmic artifact that can destroy the world/universe), it focuses more on character development, and revealing the Guardians as a classic team of oddballs that come together as a surrogate family just to get by (and, this being a blockbuster movie, save the galaxy).
By M Alan Kazlev9 years ago in Futurism
New 'Blade Runner 2049' Trailer Released
"There is an order to things." Science fiction fans have never stopped talking about Ridley Scott's classic science fiction film Blade Runner. The original, starring Harrison Ford, Sean Young, and Rutger Hauer, remains a favorite among genre fans for numerous reasons. The cyberpunk aesthetic, the complex questions about the nature of humanity, and, of course, Harrison Ford.
By Anthony Gramuglia9 years ago in Futurism
Rewatching... Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones - Part 4
Saturday 29 April 1967 The production team on Doctor Who clearly like pilots at the moment. The last story (The Macra Terror) had a character called Pilot and there weren't even any aircraft in that one. This story however has an airport, aircraft, and is therefore chock full of air-based staff.
By Nick Brown9 years ago in Futurism
Looking Back at Sense8 Season 1
With the complete second season of Sense8 about to debut on Netflix in just two days -- the first two episodes of the second season were a December 2016 special -- I thought it a good time to look back at the first season, as prelude to a review of the 2nd season in a few days.
By Paul Levinson9 years ago in Futurism
Best 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Funko Pop! Figures
Star Wars: The Force Awakens begins approximately thirty years after the destruction of the second Death Star. Luke Skywalker is the last known surviving Jedi Master but he has disappeared. Both the First Order, a successor to the fallen Galactic Empire, and the Resistance, a military force backed by the New Republic and led by Luke's twin sister, General Leia Organa aka Princess Leia (duh), scour the galaxy in an attempt to find him. New and old characters join the Force or are also lured to the Dark Side in this continuing story of the Star Wars universe. Like any geek who goes gaga for anything geeky, Funko Pop! has made your obsessive toy hoarding dreams come true with their release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Vinyls. I'm sure the most hardcore Star Wars fans have either collected all these or these on the list to get. Don't let these slip from you, they won't last forever. Below are the must-haves to add to your Star Wars Funko Pop! collection!
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
The Matrix and Gnosticism
The Walchowski's Matrix Trilogy stands out as one of the classics of modern sci-fi storytelling. Not only does it powerfully present the hero's journey in a similar manner to other epic tales like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, but this incredibly complex series also incorporates various philosophical, Buddhist, Christian, and science fictional elements. Most of all, it serves as a modern re-visioning of the ancient religion of Gnosticism, an obscure theological-cosmological system that describes a dualistic cosmos, in which spiritual sparks have become trapped in matter but can be released through saving knowledge, or "Gnosis." Whether or not the Walchowskis were aware of the teachings of Gnosticism, they are basically telling a very similar story.
By M Alan Kazlev9 years ago in Futurism
The Uncut Godzilla 1954 Japanese Version is an "A Movie" with Bite
On Facebook, there are a number of groups dedicated to the love of Godzilla. So when I posted my article claiming how much I likeGodzilla 1998 with Matthew Broderick, you can only imagine the pushback I receive. In disbelief, I question how they could view this elongated lizard as representing some grand epiphany in the annals of Science Fiction. It is a hooky toy dinosaur, breathing lightning and smoke, and worse yet, Raymond Burr looks on paternally as the only one equipped to save the model buildings and emasculated Japanese Army. On the other hand, maybe they are able to suspend all the silliness in deference to the uncut Japanese Godzilla 1954 version.
By Rich Monetti9 years ago in Futurism
Rewatching... Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones - Part 3
Saturday 21 April 1967 I'm very disappointed that Ben and Polly are nowhere to be seen this week. We don't even see Michelle Luippi, who's been packed off on a flight because nosy humans have been asking too many questions. The fake air traffic controller, Meadows, gets to remain at Gatwick though, despite the Doctor being onto him.
By Nick Brown9 years ago in Futurism
The Edge of Tomorrow with Tom Cruise Doesn’t Exactly Throw you for a Loop
Earth has been invaded yet again by Science Fiction aliens, and lucky for the species, Tom Cruise has got it covered in The Edge of Tomorrow. But taking his turn makes for more than a double take, and leaves you suspect as to whether the saving was actually worth your time.
By Rich Monetti9 years ago in Futurism
A Conversation with Fabrice Giger, CEO of Humanoids
Fabrice Giger is easily one of the most influential trailblazers in the comic book world, yet many fans and professionals don’t know his story. In 1988, at the age of 23, he purchased Humanoids, Europe’s renowned comic book publisher. Since then he has worked with some of the industry’s most visionary legends, such as Jean Giraud (Moebius), Enki Bilal, Alejandro Jodorowsky and Ridley Scott, overseeing the development of cutting edge properties that have pushed the boundaries of the comic book medium and science fiction. The catalog he’s shepherded includes: The Incal, Metal Hurlant, The Metabarons and much more. Giger revolutionized the approach to how graphic novels are printed, treating each book as an individual work of art meant to stand out on the reader’s shelf. He has also made great strides in changing the rules of the industry. I had the opportunity to sit with him to discuss his legacy and the future of Humanoids.
By Joshua Sky9 years ago in Futurism
Predestination will Throw and Twist you Through Time and Space
The mother of all paradox examples is the universe. How did it begin, what happened before it began and before that. Throw in God and you understand that the humans understood the concept of a cyclical paradox (A kingdom with no beginning and no end). But that’s just for beginners in comparison to Predestination. As it unfolds, your head will be left spun dry - the throw in thoroughly completing the cycle.
By Rich Monetti9 years ago in Futurism
'Pandorum' Will Leave You Guessing Until the End in 2009 Science Fiction Thriller
So Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead is not indestructible in the face of zombies or the zombie-like. This Daryl lasts fewer than two minutes in this 2009 science fiction movie and lunch meat for even less than that. But the small screen mystique quickly falling prey, Pandorum dishes an intergalactic mystery inside a species ending cataclysm. Once onboard, that will keep you guessing and drop your jaw as the story finally unfolds.
By Rich Monetti9 years ago in Futurism
