Science fiction has long been a form of escape from the troubles in our world in favor of wild, fantastic worlds far away. As we really get into the swing of summer, take some time to yourself and enjoy any of these three science fiction films.
####“Star Trek: The Voyage Home”
Star Trek takes place in a distant future (2286, specifically) when Earth is involved in a Federation of Planets with alien races from around the galaxy. And while some of its technology might be familiar to us today, it was a far cry from the 1980s.
So imagine the shenanigans that transpired when, in the fourth “Star Trek” feature film released, the Enterprise went back in time to 1986.
In the future, a probe made its way to Earth, and Earth faces destruction from the probe’s harmful emissions. The crew of the Enterprise intercept this signal, and realize that it is a reversed call of a humpback whale. Unfortunately, in 2286, humpback whales are extinct. Therefore, Kirk and his crew travel back in time to fetch whales from the Earth of the past, ending up in San Francisco in the year 1986.
The concept is beyond ridiculous, but it is so honestly executed that I cannot bring myself to mind. Seeing Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterprise crew roaming around California in the middle of the ’80s is hilarious, providing a wonderfully fun examination of society back then.
####“Back to the Future”
Is there any science fiction film more absolutely delightful than “Back to the Future”?
Awkward teenage troublemaker Marty McFly accidentally travels back in time from the 1980s to the 1950s and ruins the meeting of his parents.
“Back to the Future” is a cult classic, a legendary film that has endeared itself to fans because of its charismatic actors and a plot that never takes itself too seriously.
Yet another film involving time travel, it’s one of the best examples of why science fiction doesn’t have to be dark and gritty to have a sincere emotional impact on its audience and remain relevant for years to come. Michael J. Fox carries the fun film with his hilariously sincere portrayal of Marty McFly, and the other characters all have iconic moments of their own.
####“Guardians of the Galaxy”
A ragtag collection of badass space misfits played by a sitcom’s supporting actor, that girl from “Avatar,” a professional wrestler, a serious film actor and Vin Diesel does not exactly sound like a blockbuster ensemble for a Disney film. But Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel prove that with the right amount of heart and a good dose of humor, anything’s possible.
The dynamite “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast pulls out all the stops for the film. Pratt proves he can play the leading role in any movie as the half-alien punk Peter Quill. Gamora, played wonderfully by science-fiction pro Saldana, is imbued with a wonderful sense of moral rightness and spunk. Drax and Rocket, played by Bautista of WWE fame and Cooper, respectively, are a blast to watch whenever they are on screen. And Vin Diesel’s Groot — well, let’s just say he’s so lovable that I am almost more invested in him than the film itself.
Any one of these three films can easily help any college kid who’s trying to relax, whether you want to save whales, the future or the galaxy. So, this summer, take some time for yourself and have some fun in the nerdiest way possible.
_Edited by Katie Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_
