Monday 27 August 2012

Science Museum Goes All Sci Fi Again

Don't you just love British museums. Well when they do things like free nights of Science Fiction related stuff then we do! This Wednesday, the Science Museum will be going all Sci Fi for one evening only. Check out what's happening:

'Aliens, super heroes and creatures from outer space are the inspiration for this month’s Lates with MasterCard – which looks at the incredible world of science fiction. Come to the Science Museum on Wednesday 29 August, 6.45-10.00pm for an evening of mid-week entertainment, live music and fun activities in the museum after hours.

We Have Met the Future and it is Us, Lecture Theatre Talks, Ground Floor,  7.10-7.30pm, 8.30-9.00pm
Ever since the Frankenstein Monster disappeared over the curve of the planet, science fiction has taken the world as its stage. In the end, what Science Fiction talks about is the fate of the world. It might have been an American geek project once upon a time, but now everyone seems to write it. Because Science Fiction is about how everyone lives today.

The (alternative) history of SteamPunk, Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor
Talks: 7.45-8.15pm, 9.15-9.45pm
Alex Fitch explores the continuing fascination with Science Fiction set in the Victorian era, but still being written today, and how it has influenced literature, film and fashion, with links to the 19th Century technology on display in the Science Museum.

Alter Ego, First Floor opposite Agriculture gallery -  All evening
Have you forgotten your sci-fi costume at home and are feeling a bit left out? Fear not! Pick up a pair of our special pants to decorate and showcase your sci-fi skills. Finish the look off by painting your face to complete your avatar.
Event costs £1.00 to take part.

Photo Me Retro, Second Floor next to Oramics exhibition – All evening
Visit Fishee Design’s retro photo booth and have your photo taken with a range of superhero-inspired props and masks to complement your fancy-dress finery. All the photos are edited in a comic book style and will be shared via the Facebook page the following day.

Total Redraw, Watt’s Workshop, Ground Floor - All Evening  
The films ‘Total Recall’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind’ implants and erases memories. If you had the chance to save one of your memories, what would it be? Come and draw your favourite memory with artist Kimbo Silver.

The Quantum Workshop, Launchpad Briefing Room, Third Floor, All Evening
Quantum physics talks about being in “two places at once” and teleportation. What a strange theory, crazy physicists! University College London are bringing you a real experiment that will probe Nature’s guilty little secret, to convince you that this is science fact, not science fiction.
Other activities being held on the evening include…
Talkaoke, All night, First Floor
Talkaoke is a mobile talk show where the conversation can go anywhere! But it all starts with scientists from King’s College London talking about their research into athletic drug testing. Discuss controversial issues, what’s legal, what’s illegal, and how can they be sure?

Speed Dating, Launchpad City, Third Floor - 8.15-9.30pm
This could be your chance to meet the person of your dreams... or possibly nightmares. There’s also a free drink thrown in for all daters.
Limited numbers, buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. Charge £10, free to members. Tickets can be purchased from the main ticket desk on the ground floor.

Silent Disco, Exploring Space, Ground Floor, 7.30-9.40pm
Whether you’re practising your moves or just in the mood to slam dunk the funk, grab a headset, select your tunes and dance until you drop. The Science Museum does not accept responsibility for the quality of some of the moves you will see this evening.

Punk Science, IMAX Theatre, 8.30-9.15pm
Punk Science: episode IV "A New Hope and Milton"
A long time ago in a museum far, far away...Two talentless losers created a show about science fiction, so set your faces to stunned and prepare for the usual mix of shocking demonstrations, music and comedy. Remember, there is only one chance to see them this month.    
Places limited to 400 visitors per session.

The Pub Quiz, upper level Energy café, Ground Floor Mezzanine, Ground Floor, 8.00-9.00pm
Come to our Pub Quiz. It’s now an institution, with fantastic treats for the winners. Losers get directions to a library for extra swotting.
Places limited to 70 visitors. Charge £2, free to members.

Launchpad, Third Floor – including science shows - 7.30, 8.00, 8.30, 9.00pm
You remember it well from when you were nine... and if you don’t, now’s your chance to realise what you missed. Exercise your mental muscle through interactive science fun with no kids between you and the big red buttons to press.

Cockroach Tours, meet at the front of Making the Modern World gallery, Ground Floor. Times: 7.30-8.00pm, 8.45-9.15pm.
Put yourself in their shells. Take a Cockroach Tour of the Science Museum and get a quirky and inquisitive take on the human race.

Who Am I? Gallery Tour, First Floor, 8.15-8.45pm
Do our genes define who we are or does nurture still have an important effect? Join us on this tour to see how genes impact on our whole lives and beyond!
Suitable for deaf and hearing visitors

Challenge of Materials Gallery Tour, Challenge of Materials, First Floor, 7.15-7.45pm
From a bridge made of glass to rubber that mimics plants, explore the materials that surround us on this tour of the Challenge of Materials gallery.
Suitable for deaf and hearing visitors

Fly with the Red Arrows in Fly Zone, All night, charges apply
Discover the thrill of flying in the cockpit of a Red Arrows jet in our breathtaking Red Arrows 3D flight simulation theatre.
Half-price Lates special offer – £3 per ride. £5 combination tickets available for Red Arrows 3D and Legend of Apollo 4D. Members go free.

The Lates VIP area, Cosmos and Culture, First Floor, All Evening
All night
Calling all Science Museum members and Corporate members. Visit our VIP members’ area, where you can pick up your free drink and sugary treats, and enjoy our giant games.
For priority member queues you must arrive at least 10 minutes before the event starts (limited allocation). Please note we are currently not accepting new members

For further information visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/lates or call 0870 870 4868.'


That's a whole lot science fictiony goodness for not a lot of dosh.

Big Names At New Star Trek Convention

Whilst we at the Sci Fi Freak Site don't get the chance to go to conventions due to that crazy little thing called life, we know that many people do. Here's one with a very impressive line up of stars:

' This autumn, London will see the launch of ‘DESTINATION STAR TREK LONDON’, which will ‘beam down’ to the ExCeL Centre on 19th – 21st October 2012. This will be the first official Star Trek live event in the UK in 10 years, offering British fans a chance to be a part of and witness Star Trek history.
Welcoming fans from all over the galaxy ‘DESTINATION STAR TREK LONDON’ will see all five of the legendary captains together including: William Shatner (Captain Kirk – Star Trek: The Original Series) will be joined by the UK’s Sir Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard – Star Trek: The Next Generation), Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway – Star Trek: Voyager) and Scott Bakula (Captain Archer – Star Trek: Enterprise) in the once in a lifetime event.
Joining these iconic faces will also be a host of additional guests and stars from Star Trek’s 45+ years of television series and films including: Walter Koenig, Arlene Martel, Connor Trinneer (‘Trip’ Tucker – Enterprise), Dominic Keating (Lt. Malcolm Reed - Star Trek: Enterprise), Chase Masterson, Robin Curtis, Jeffrey Combs, Casey Biggs, John de Lancie, Denise Crosby, Martha Hackett, Mark Alaimo, Alice Krige, Rene Auberjonois (Odo – Deep Space Nine) and Nana Visitor (Kira Nerys – Deep Space Nine). There will be more guests added to this stellar list – watch out for further announcements! 
Fans of the show can expect many exciting features at the event including: guest talks, autograph opportunities, photo shoots with the stars, as well as replica sets, a unique Star Trek Museum, stunt demonstrations, costume displays and lots more! 
Two exclusive parties are also planned for the Friday and Saturday nights, taking place at the ExCeL with entertainment included so there's something for everyone who attends. The Klingon Monster Ball (Friday 19th Oct) will feature live music with JG Hertzler and Robert O'Reilly, blood wine and a host of Klingons to celebrate the first day of the event.
Saturday night’s party will mark the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation.  The party will feature Chase Masterson (Barjoran Dabo Leeta - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and her all-star cabaret!
With all of this and more, ‘DESTINATION STAR TREK LONDON’ will be an unmissable event for both hardcore fans of the show and for people who are curious about the Star Trek universe!
   For more information and tickets visit www.startreklondon.com
Follow Destination Star Trek London on Twitter @StarTrek_London"

Looks like a lot of fun, but don't hold us responsible for that or for the external links included in the statement.

Sunday 26 August 2012

STARSHIP TROOPERS soldier on

Out on August 27th, the newest adventure in the STARSHIP TROOPERS franchise hits the shops in DVD and Blu Ray formats.

This time around, CGI animated troopers with powerful armour take on the warrior bugs in a fight that threatens the very earth itself.

Is it any good though?

We're not saying here, but if you would like to find out then head on over to The Sci Fi Freak Site where there's a full review waiting.

Monday 20 August 2012

Director Tony Scott Dies

Tony Scott, the director of many blockbuster Hollywood action films has died after apparently jumping off a bridge.

Scott, the brother of Ridley Scott, emerged as a film maker in his own right with a slew of sleek and shallow action  movies including TOP GUN, THE LAST BOY SCOUT, CRIMSON TIDE and MAN ON FIRE.

He made on significant contribution to the genre in the shape of the stylish, but confused vampire movie THE HUNGER starring Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon and David Bowie.

This he later spun off into a TV Series with segments directed by many famous directors. The TV show lasted two seasons before slipping into obscurity, something that his movies never did.

His death is being investigated as suicide and our condolences go out to his wife and sons and to his brother Ridley.

Friday 10 August 2012

Reasons We Loved A TOWN CALLED EUREKA

This week saw the transmission of the very last episode of A TOWN CALLED EUREKA on the UK SyFy channel and since it is a show that we will miss far more than many others that have bitten the dust over the years that The Sci Fi Freak Site has been following this genre we thought we'd take this opportunity to list all the things that we have loved about it in tribute to the five years of genuine entertainment that it has given us.

  • OPTIMISM - This was one of the few truly optimistic shows that the genre has ever produced. It rarely fell into dark and angsty places (though it played with serious drama at times) and was filled with characters who were all very likeable and for whom you only ever wanted good things.
  • SHERIFF JACK CARTER - played by Colin Ferguson, Jack was the heart of the show. An everyman, he was streetwise and savvy, but always out of his depth with the sciency stuff and so was the audience replacement, the one who had to have the technobabble explained to him.
  • THE CHRISTMAS EPISODE - We make no apologies for including this. Normally festive themed episodes make us cringe with embarrassment for all involved, but O Little Town in Season 4 had everything that you could ask for including Father Christmas, giant tree decorations, a surprising Secret Santa and a genuine sense of goodwill to all men.
  • WILL THEY/WON'T THEY - Carter and the head of Global Dynamics Allison Blake were the romantic coupling that we all wanted. They were clearly perfect for each other, but in true romantic comedy fashion there were endless obstacles to overcome.
  • THE REBOOTS - The show continually pulled the rug out of from under the audience, reinventing itself by switching timelines and stealing years of people's lives to keep the idea fresh.
  • IT MADE SCIENTISTS COOL - Well maybe not, but it made science look like fun and anyone who didn't catch just a little of the enthusiasm of the characters for the pursuit of science and what it can do was probably brain dead.
  • EPISODE TITLES - The increasingly clever and fun titles of episodes was enough to get a smile on your face even when you were just reading the schedules to see what was coming up. We liked 'Of Mites and Men', 'Bad To The Drone', 'From Fear To Eternity' and 'This One Time At Space Camp'.
  • THE ENSEMBLE - There wasn't a character in A TOWN CALLED EUREKA that we didn't get on with. Even Andy the robot deputy and Sarah the intelligent house had their own storylines. Fargo the hapless button presser, Jo the hardcore deputy, Henry the genius who was happy being a repairman, Taggart the mad hunter. We loved them all and we are going to miss them like crazy.
A TOWN CALLED EUREKA was one of a kind. There was never anything like it before and there isn't likely to be anything like it again. That's one set of DVDs that won't be leaving our shelves any time in the foreseeable future.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Whedon On For Avengers 2

It's the news that we've been waiting for! Official word has come that Joss Whedon will be helming the second Avengers movie. Considering that the first was so hugely successful and so much fun to boot it would have been inconceiveable if he hadn't.

Here's the BBC Report.

We're looking forward to it already.