Black Mirror’s AI ‘Spooky’ Scifi – Yeah, Was It?
Charlie Brooker finally able to discuss the AI-focused episode “Joan Is Awful” from Black Mirror season 6, which was even more timely and relevant than expected due to its exploration of AI and its use in Hollywood during the writer’s strike, and Brooker also reveals that the original plan for season 6 was to have all episodes focused on horror, but the success of “The Dropout” on Hulu inspired him to create the episode and he is grateful for the timing of its release before the ChatGPT controversy, with a new season on the way later this year.
Russo Bros’ Electric State: A Shockingly Expensive Sci-Fi Bet
We discuss the rising trend of overspending on movies, citing the examples of Joseph Kosinski and Brad Pitt’s F1 Apple movie costing $300 million and Joe and Anthony Russo’s Netflix film “Electric State” costing $320 million, and speculates on the potential consequences and behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the high budgets.
Are Teeth the Six-Year Biotech Miracle?
Today we’ve got some groundbreaking news that’s sure to make you grin from ear to ear (or at least, the remaining teeth you have left). Apparently, teeth can’t grow back on their own like bones can. Shocking, I know. But don’t worry, the brilliant minds in Japan have come up with a solution and are ready to test it out on humans. Because nothing says safe and effective like using unsuspecting humans as guinea pigs, am I right?
Oscars: Hollywood Stunts Get a Shot at Recognition
It’s that time of year again, folks. The time when the Hollywood elite gather together to pat themselves on the back and give out meaningless accolades in the form of little gold statues. And this year, they’re adding a new category: Best Stunt Performance. Maybe. *Cue eye roll*
Great Moments in Saving the World! /s
A new generation of industrial CO2 filters are out from Climeworks. Good idea? Bad idea? I guess we’ll find out.
Respectna the Vecna or He’ll Break Your Neckna
Remember – pre-Vecna and other stuff – when you could get away with calling Stranger Things a scifi show? Pepperidge Farms remembers.
Bezos’ Botched Billionaire Space Splat
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is investigating an incident during its first crewed flight in which one parachute on the New Shepard capsule failed to fully inflate. The company had not publicly disclosed the issue, but briefed NASA officials. The rocket’s parachutes are designed to open in three stages, but one failed at the first stage during the mission. Blue Origin resumed its space tourism program after a previous launch failure in 2022. The company has not yet revealed the severity of the parachute problem or potential delays. Similar parachute issues have also been encountered by the Boeing Starliner program. The difficulty in accurately simulating parachute deployment remains a challenge for engineers.
Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary – Lightspeed or Black Hole?
Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary – Lightspeed or Black Hole? Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi movie based on Andy Weir’s novel, has begun filming.
Futurology | Robots: Rule or Ruin?
So while we wait for our Jetsons-style future to become a reality, let’s just sit back and watch as these companies continue to parade their half-functioning R2-D2s and promise us a world where robots do everything for us.
Harlan Ellison’s Shangri-la: A Snarky Sci-Fi Window
Raise a glass, lads. Here’s to Harlan Ellison, a man who left a lasting impact on the world of scifi and also managed to be a complete and utter jerk at the same time. Cheers.