July 15th, 2004

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Movies
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10 Dumb Moments in Sci-Fi

It’s been a movie-heavy week around here, but what the heck. After all, ’tis the season of blockbusters. Steel White Table found this great article concerning the stupidest moments in science-fiction movies:

Jeff Goldblum’s character is smart enough to defy physics and biology in every conceivable way, including appearing attractive to Geena Davis, but he isn’t smart enough to keep his equipment free of household pests. But honestly, that’s not the dumbest part. The dumbest part is that he rationalizes ever stepping into the thing. If Goldblum’s “Jurassic Park” character were there, he would have said, “Don’t be an idiot,” and the movie would have been over.

I’m not sure I agree with their assessment of Contact’s premise. It certainly never bothered me during the movie, but that may have been Jodie Foster’s fine acting (she kind of carries the movie that way). This article immediately reminded me of Stupid Movie Physics.

Comments: One Response so far

Peter
July 16th, 2004
8:52 pm

Although I’m quick to point out logic flaws in SF movies, I take issue with two of the cases cited.

1. Seth Brundle (played by Jeff Goldblum) getting in the telepod.
Defense: Brundle misinterpreted something his girlfriend (first ever) said, got upset, got drunk on flat champagne and stepped into the machine. People have done stupider things, even without alcohol.

2. John Hurt’s character not being quarantined in _Alien_.
Defense: Ash, the android sent by the company, knew perfectly well there was something implanted, but he wanted to see what would happen without medical intervention. So, he told Dallas and Ripley the guy was OK, let him go and kept an eye on him until… “There may be some blood.” It’s called amoral science; remember, the crew was expendable.

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