Category Archives: science fiction

Why Does the West Love Science Fiction?: Sci-Fi, Culture, and Disenchantment

Given the immense popularity and box office success of science fiction and fantasy films in the West it might be natural to assume that these genres are also very popular in non-Western cultures. But that is not the case. A recent essay by Christine Folch in The Atlantic titled “Why the West Loves Sci-Fi and […]

A Look Back at Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Space.com Infographic)

Source SPACE.com: All about our solar system, outer space and exploration

“After Earth” and the Scientology Dimension

After Earth, the new science fiction film starring Will Smith and his son Jaden, has largely received negative reviews by critics, and it has not done well at the box office. But recent news items provide another dimension for consideration, and that is its possible incorporation of a religious dimension, and a controversial one at […]

The New Yorker: Into Darkness a ‘Drone Allegory?’

The New Yorker featured an interesting essay today titled “Is ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ a Drone Allegory?” The essay dovetails with some of my criticism of the film shared in a previous post. In particular, this essay by Amy Davidson notes that in addressing counter-terrorism issues the setup in the movie has promise, but in […]

Star Trek: Into Darkness – An Action Film in a Space Suit Void of the Best of Science Fiction

Star Trek: Into Darkness came out this weekend, and as a result reviews have been varied. By and large they seem to be very positive, not only from moviegoers, but also from critics, although there have been some reviews that have been very negative. Unfortunately, with this post I must contribute to the latter category […]

Interview with Emily McAvan on The Postmodern Sacred

Emily McAvan has been on my radar since I first encountered her research in the sacred aspects of science fiction and fantasy. She teaches cultural, media and gender studies at Murdoch University and Curtin University, both in Perth, Australia. In the interview that follows we discuss aspects of her fine book The Postmodern Sacred: Popular […]

Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies at UC Riverside

A PhD Designated Emphasis in Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies will be launched in Fall 2013 at UC Riverside. The SFTS DE will explore the intersections linking science fiction studies, science and technology studies, and technoculture studies. Consistent with other Science and Technology Studies programs around the country and internationally, this program will examine the […]

Wellesley College on Global Science Fiction

International group of scholars examines science fiction through national and cultural traditions Key note address with reading and musical performance, Friday, March 8, 4 p.m.; Screening of Cloud Atlas, Friday, March 8, 7 p.m. Symposium Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Wellesley, Mass., March 1, 2013 – […]

Planet of the Apes franchise and religion

Last weekend I had AMC channel on for most of the day as they celebrated the 45th anniversary of Planet of the Apes which debuted in 1968. During their celebration, AMC played each of the films in the original franchise of the 1960s-70s back to back. I am a lifelong fan of the series having […]

Society of Illustrators on Science Fiction and Fantasy Illustration

The Society of Illustrators has rescheduled their lecture due to the storm. Here is the information: “What Lies Beyond: A Panel Discussion on Science Fiction and Fantasy Illustration” Science fiction and fantasy illustration have been thriving for as long as art has existed. A stroll through any major museum features depictions of gods and demons, […]

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