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How Futuristic Movies Compare to Reality

It’s amazing to see what futuristic films get right, and what they get wrong about the future.

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Image Source: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/photos/robot-woman-face-cry-sad-3010309/)

There’s nothing like a good story. There are just certain TV shows and movies that simply don’t get old, no matter how many times you watch them. 

But some of the best movies, those that never seem to lose their appeal, are the ones that can take us out of the present moment and transport us into another reality, like the future. They’re the movies that can show us a tomorrow filled with wonder, with possibility, and, yes, with a sort of captivating terror.

It’s no wonder that futuristic films are usually box office gold. From Star Trek’s presaging the cell phone and other tech we take for granted today to Doc’s famous warning to Marty, “Whatever you do, don’t go to 2020!” in Back to the Future, it’s amazing how much these futuristic films get right. And it’s also pretty amusing to see where they missed the mark. (We’re still waiting on our hoverboard!) 

Ex Machina (2014)

Ex Machina is set in the not-so-distant future and tells the story of a tech mogul who’s managed to do what seemed to be the impossible: He’s built a humanoid capable of passing the “Turing test,” meaning that it can exhibit a level of intelligence that makes it virtually indistinguishable from humans.

The android, “Ava,” is engineered with a robotic body, with hands, feet, and face made of lab-engineered flesh. In intellect and physicality, she’s a remarkable simulation of a living human — so much so that she learns to manipulate the film’s protagonist into falling in love with her, all so she can use him to win her “freedom.”

Technology like Ava is still a long way away, of course, but it’s not entirely implausible. Scientists have recently learned to create functioning blood vessels in a lab from non-human or animal sources. And that’s not all! They’ve also recently succeeded in creating contracting human muscle tissue in the lab.

While we can’t yet transfer these vessels or muscles into human recipients, it’s not beyond imagining that such a feat could be on the horizon and that flesh-and-blood androids like Ava might someday exist.

And when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), we’re a lot closer to creating an “Ava” than you might think. AI is pretty much a part of our daily lives, shaping everything from the way we work and learn to the way we shop. 

The marketing industry, for example, has revealed the sometimes disquieting power of AI to gather our data, learn all about us, and use that knowledge to manipulate our buying choices. So, when it comes to coercing human behavior, it looks like Ava’s not the only AI that can use its knowledge to make us mere mortals do what it “wants”! 

Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca takes audiences into the brave new world of genetic engineering, where science has learned to “manufacture” perfect human specimens. Meanwhile, the less-than-perfect among us, those of us not bioengineered in a lab, face oppression and discrimination. In Gattaca’s world, who you are, what you do, whom you can love, and even how valuable you are in society, is written entirely in your genes.

Fortunately, despite major advances in genetic sciences today, we’re not yet anywhere close to engineering the “perfect” human being. But that doesn’t mean efforts aren’t being made and that’s giving rise to some troubling questions of their own. 

Stem cell therapies, for instance, have been heralded in recent years as quite possibly holding the key to preventing and treating some of humanity’s most pernicious ailments at both the cellular or the genetic levels. And yet unsanitary, unsafe, and potentially unethical conditions in some of these labs, especially independent and less well-regulated labs, make us wonder what kind of “cures” and what kind of “ideal” humans we may be creating after all.

The Takeaway

The future is the last great mystery and it’s little wonder that it’s such prime fodder for some of the best, most captivating, and most innovative films in cinematic history. But while some fall far short of the mark when it comes to showing us a glimpse of the tomorrows to come, many are remarkably prescient. These futuristic films show us not only who we are, but where we are going.

Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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Gaming

ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games

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Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.

In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.

According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.

In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!

Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Gaming

Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5

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It appears that many

are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.

We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.

It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.

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