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has just seen Gravity or The Martian. It would be lovely to think so.”
While it was an old classic that won the vote, the top 10 list is largely made up off newer releases including Gravity (2013), The Martian (2015), Interstellar (2014) and Elysium (2013), all of which are highly praised for their convincing depiction of space. The top 10 list is:
Top 10 Most Realistic Sci-fi Films
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Apollo 13 (1995) 29%
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Gravity (2013) 8%
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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) 7%
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The Martian (2015) 6%
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Independence Day (1996) 5%
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Alien (1979) 3%
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Interstellar (2014) 2%
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Elysium (2013) 2%
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Moon (2009) 2%
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Prometheus (2012) 2%
Jon Nutton, Marketing Director of Empire Cinemas, says, “Science fiction is a genre that inspires imagination and offers curious Brits a glance beyond the veil of time, into a future where it seems anything is possible and movies like the upcoming Star Trek Beyond are opportunities to explore both your mind and outer space.”
Save the date for ticket bookings at:
www.empirecinemas.co.uk/synopsis/star_trek_beyond/f5076
For ticketing information visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08714 714 714
they alien or human, have the best stuff: things that look like they could have been made by Apple. The invention I can envisage existing one day are the healing booths of Elysium, which remind me of the MRI scanners we have today.”
A gender divide appeared when Brits were asked their thoughts on the most realistic movie alien. The majority of women (14%) chose friendly and loveable E.T from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) as the most realistic out-of-this-world creature, while Xenomorph from Alien (1979) received the majority of the male vote (16%).
It seems Sci-Fi films aren’t just providing entertainment, the research revealed that space films actually boost Brits’ interest in science, with almost half the UK (45%) admitting they have felt inspired to learn more about space following a film viewing.
Donna Scott comments, “Science-Fiction certainly encourages an interest in science and technology, as well as space. When I got involved with building robots at school, though, I was hoping to recreate Johnny 5. Unfortunately, I failed to get my robot arm to successfully draw the requisite square, let alone make it 'come alive'. And it was Disney's The Black Hole that first got me interested in astronomy. But perhaps the next generation of astronaut
contemporary science has had to become secretive in the face of financially restrictive times; technology is expensive, the space vehicles are functional, grim and sweaty.
Donna Scott comments, “Modern films tend to be less about unfamiliar gadgets and more about how humans use technology to survive. In Interstellar, the feel of the film is retrograde for the most part, and contemporary science has had to become secretive in the face of financially restrictive times; technology is expensive, the space vehicles are functional, grim and sweaty.
"Compare that to a film like Oblivion, where the technician's modular habitations, which have been provided by the evil
aliens, are sleek and white with fitted table computers, infinity pools, and benign-seeming intelligent housing technology that hints of a lack of freedom, whilst making the technicians' lives convenient and untroubled. It is not so far removed from what is available today; only the inverted triangles hanging in the air like some kind of corporate logo turned into a robot monster as they mine the Earth's resources, are unfamiliar and uncanny."
"In all these films, dirt and grit and lack of tech is indicative of wholesomeness, while the privileged exploiters, be
magical, and the film plays with a lot of new theories, such as how time bends in space, and the form of black holes, too. For me, this film puts a confident tick in both the science and fiction boxes.”
“Of course Apollo 13 was a realistic film. Being based on a true story, and containing original news footage, failure was not an option for this tale of adventurous astronauts and clever scientists pitching their wits against space to survive against all the odds.”
In a world of constant innovation, with futuristic gadgets being produced more and more regularly, Brits love Sci-Fi inventions. Almost half (45%) of the UK population say that the teleportation system from Star Trek (1966) is the movie invention they would most like to see in real life. While 1 in 5 Brits (21%) chose the Babel Fish from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981), a device which sits inside the ear and allows the wearer to understand any spoken language. Coming in third
was a Star Trek: Next Generation (1987) invention, the Holodeck (17%), a virtual reality facility used to recreate familiar places.
Donna Scott comments, “Modern films tend to be less about unfamiliar gadgets and more about how humans use technology to survive. In Interstellar, the feel of the film is retrograde for the most part, and
UK, 12th July… Science Fiction films often come under scrutiny on how possible and realistic they are. Ahead of the release of Star Trek Beyond on 22nd July, Empire Cinemas has commissioned new research which looks at which space films Brits deem to be the most realistic and which Sci-Fi inventions they wish existed today.
The poll by the UK’s largest independently-owned cinema operator reveals that the true story of the perilous Apollo 13 (1995) mission topped the list of most realistic space films by a landslide vote; convincing 29% of Brits with their realistic portrayal of space exploration. Coming in second place was Sandra Bullock’s Gravity (2013) with 8% of the vote, while the Sci-Fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) rounded off the top three with 7% of the UK vote.
Donna Scott, Chair of the British Science Fiction Association, says, “Some of the best Science Fiction films, the ones that have the power to move us, shock us and make us think, are often not the most scientifically accurate. Science Fiction stories are often explorations of ideas, pushed to an extreme. My
pick for most realistic Sci-Fi film would have to be Interstellar. Although it is still a way-out, fantastical story, some of the science makes sense. I find black holes fascinating and mysterious, almost
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a traditional gasoline motor plus the power from an electric motor. At low speeds, only the electric motor is needed, which improves MPG ratings and makes for a silent ride. In addition to this, the Prius saves gas by offering automatic grille shutter, which closes slots on the front of the vehicle for added aerodynamic poise. More aerodynamic smoothness leads to more efficient use of power. The new redesigned Prius allows for owners to save gas and lower emissions while looking good doing it
Acura NSX
Who would think that a super-fast hypercar would
wheel drive. Afterwards, the all-wheel drive disengages to bring fuel economy back to normal. The Subaru Impreza impresses drivers by offering all-wheel drive standard on a vehicle that starts at only $18,295.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is the poster child for what consumers first think of when they hear the words “eco friendly.” This year, the accolades keep coming. The Prius has one of the best fuel ratings of any car in the country. The four door sedan offers 54 miles per gallon in the city. As a hybrid, the Prius uses a combination of power from
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive. The capability to send power to all four wheels is great for drivers who may have treacherous Chicago snow-filled roads to cope with on morning commutes. However, to be eco conscious, the Impreza decides when the driver actually needs the additional help. In dry conditions, the all-wheel drive does not trigger, which helps by increasing fuel economy. In the situations where it is necessary to trigger to help drivers stay in control or get out of a snow bank, the wheels sense that they need power and trigger all-
The 2016 Chicago Auto Show has been showing potential buyers and enthusiasts alike what the key players in eco-centric features are in the automotive sphere.
The list that follows is a small sampling of some of the eco features that different brands have been showing audiences at this year’s show. This year, there are cars from many different aspects. The Subaru Impreza is a practical entry level vehicle with style, the Toyota Prius is traditionally what people think of as an eco-friendly vehicle and the Acura NSX shows that supercars can be friendly with the environment, too.
have the environment in mind? The answer is a bit hazy, because the eco features on the NSX save the environment as a by-product of trying to increase speed and acceleration. A hybrid system as well, the NSX has a battery pack which will power two electric motors. When braking, the brakes can send power back to the battery pack that otherwise would have been lost. This power, in turn, can then go back into making the car quicker and providing sharper electric steering with added power. The added electric power of the NSX adds an additional 100 horsepower to the already quick car.
It's made in Italy. Leaving the factory owned by Fiat this vehicle heads to the United States. Equipped with a four liter engine, interesting styling and cartoon-ish dimensions this automobile is economical and has an aesthetic that is hard to forget. Could it be a two-seater convertible ready to be flung around the corners or a sensible euro hatch ready for city streets and a load of groceries? It's actually a Jeep.
New for the 2015 Jeep line-up, the Renegade is sure to turn some heads. The compact crossover is the result of Fiat's acquisition of the Jeep brand, as well as Chrysler, in 2014. Although managed by the Italian automaker the new Renegade maintains the tell tale signs of traditional Jeep styling.
The exterior styling is rugged and masculine. Sporting the signature Jeep grille with elongated ovals the Renegade unmistakably fits in with the rest of the line-up. Following the straight lines from front to back of this beefy-looking, yet compact, SUV leads the viewer across the short body to the rear.
The back of the vehicle looks boxy and utilitarian, yet still has enough styling to look more fluid than a Nissan Cube or Scion xB. What's most notable about the rear styling is the white 'x' that is in the middle of the tail lights. The lights, which jet out of the body in black molding, protrude to accentuate the unique styling choice. Inside the trends continue.
Although considered a small SUV, the Renegade makes use of it's space efficiently and with style. Drivers of the Renegade will notice the head room inside immediately. The cabin seems much larger than it actually is because of all of the headroom, but don't be confused, it is surprisingly large and comfortable. The rear seats are completely functional for full size adults with legs, as opposed to many cars that lack any noticeable leg space for rear passengers. The all black interior of the Sport model tested showed off the 'Jeep' logo stylishly embroidered across all the upholstery. The dashboard sports A/C vents that jut out of it, just to the left of the 'oh-no' handle bar also seen in the Wrangler for the passenger to hold in
case the Renegade runs out of paved road, which won't be a problem if the AWD option is equipped.
It's no surprise the Renegade takes styling cues from the Wrangler. The Renegade is the car that has the aesthetic that makes it look like it can climb a mountain but without having to fork up the premium to have off-road features installed on the car. The off-roading look even makes its way onto the tachometer where the red line is actually an orange rock fall. Although the test vehicle looks like it was on the off-road trails because of its looks the suspension felt quite the opposite.
The Renegade eagerly and comfortably absorbed the biggest pot holes the road could throw at it. The ride on the vehicle was cushy enough to feel luxurious but had enough road feel to remind the driver that they aren't piloting a strangely rugged Cadillac down the road. The Renegade even took turns at speed without as much body lean as expected for an SUV with such a high profile.
Propelling the Renegade around corners is a 160hp 1.4 turbo four cylinder with a six speed manual. Available as well is a 23/32 mpg 2.4 liter four cylinder with, astonishingly, a nine speed automatic. The tester came with the 1.4 turbo four which has enough power to propel the Renegade, but only if the driver has the patience. The turbo lag on the 1.4 is noticeable and annoying which is why the 2.4 is much better.
Weaving through traffic isn't a problem for the Renegade. The sight lines on the small SUV are good and blind spots are limited even with large rear pillars. The rear window is adequate enough for the driver to see the last person they've passed but that's about it. If the driver is looking for windows it's important to add some optional extras to the Renegade like the My sky power sunroof.
Also an extra on the Renegade is the Uconnect® system that features a wifi hotspot so passengers can tweet that they're off-roading in the only trail-rated trim of the Renegade, the Trailhawk.
Ground clearance is improved in the Trailhawk from 7.9 to 8.7 inches which helps for those pesky boulders and uneven terrain. Moreover, the Renegade owners that don't choose the Trailhawk trim sport the 4x4 Active Drive system which aims for maximum power utilization by switching between front and all-wheel drive automatically.
Although made in Melfi, Italy with the Fiat 500X, the Renegade can have both an interesting aesthetic and the off-road systems to back it up. Starting at $18,990 the Renegade attracts attention for its features and realistic price. Even with all the extras, the Renegade can be a trail-going 4x4 with leather seats, wifi hotspot and sunroof all wrapped up in a head-turning small SUV for less than $34,000. It's Jeep's attempt at combining smart proportions and fuel economy from the Compass with the off-road capability and looks from the Wrangler with the comfort of the Grand Cherokee.