Ford Nucleon: Atomic Car of the Future

    Imagine a car run by nuclear energy. Yes, that was, in fact, an idea. Let me explain.

   The 1950's had a high amount of optimism about nuclear energy. Sure, you had the Cold War, and monster movies about atomic dinosaurs. However, there was also uranium labs given out to children (and yes, that is now considered a bad idea), nuclear pamphlets with comic strip characters explaining fission, and many different world of the futures run by the atom.For instance, in Man Conquers Space (A Collier's series of articles), there are several mentions of nuclear rockets, being used to achieve the level of space colonization displayed The first nuclear submarine was launched in 1954, and the first nuclear plant was being built in Shippington, Pennsylvania. And of course, what about a car run by nuclear power? Well, the good men at Ford decided to examine this.
       In 1958, Ford Motor Company (our dear friends from back in the Fordlandia article) unveiled a scale model of a car with a nuclear reactor strapped to its rear. It was called the Nucleon. Basically, it was as it implied, a small nuclear reactor, similar to any nuclear power plant, would use fission to produce energy and heat, which would heat water. The water would then twist turbines, which would then convert the energy into kinetic energy, and later, mechanical and electric energy, which would ran the car. One could get around 5,000 miles from every reaction. Once that was used up, one could go to a recharging stations, where they could (somehow) refuel or replace the uranium. The reactors were implied to be varied, with some reactors emphasizing power, others range. This concept was largely the brainchild of Ford designer Jim Powers, who had been working there for a year in the Advanced Studio. He would produce a 3/8th model of the car, first in clay, than in fiberglass. It debuted at a Ford "Stylerama" convention. Enough interest was generated to allow its own display.

      So, why did this concept, that actually was quite popular, even having government interest, die off? Do I really have to say? Would you feel safe driving around a highway with a nuclear reactor a feet away from your head? Heck, the entire concept was predicated on the assumption that nuclear reactors would become smaller and more easily transported. As that didn't happen, the actual size and shielding needed for a nuclear reactor small enough to fuel a car could not be commercially produced. There was also what to do with all that radioactive waste product from refueling. And imagine a car crash... As people began to become more and more away of the effects of radiation and anti-nuclear sentiment increased, the concept was never revisited. Note that nothing was ever actually built. There was only the half size model for the convention, which is currently on display in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. But could it hypothetically work? A nuclear car in general, not the Nucleon. Well, the shielding needed to fully protect a person is still a major problem. Howstuffworks.com suggested that certain specialized reactors used in research and industry could provide a model for a car, and also nuclear based hydrogen fuel. However, even it admitted that it was unlikely. So, what have we learned? Sometimes nice concepts sound a lot less endearing when you really think about them. Thanks for reading.

Sources:
Ford Nucleon- Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Nucleon
The Atomic Automobile- Damn Interesting
http://www.damninteresting.com/the-atomic-automobile/
Can a Car Run on Nuclear Power- How Stuff Works: Auto
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/alternative-fuels/nuclear-powered-car.htm
Cars of Future Past:Ford Nucleon Concept- Hemmings Daily
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/07/18/cars-of-futures-past-ford-nucleon-concept/
The 1958 Ford Nucleon: A Nuclear-Powered Car- Oddly Historical
http://www.oddlyhistorical.com/2014/07/21/1958-ford-nucleon-nuclear-powered-car/

Review: Kingsman: Secret Service

        January and February are generally considered the dumping grounds for studios, meaning that they just place any film that wasn't great, and probably wasn't going to do well finacially from last year, and release it in a period before the real money makers (the summer blockbuster, and Oscar season) come into town. As I don't generally watch films that are poorly reviewed (hence, why you will never see me review Fifty Shades of Grey), I generally use this time to catch up on good films released last year. (This years left-over was Selma) Today's film is not the typical sort of film released during this early period of the year. It is actually quite good, and pretty fun. Kingsman: Secret Service. Let's go.
     Based on the comic series The Secret Service by Mark Millar (whom you may know as the writer of Kick-Ass, and Wanted, but I primarily know as the writer of Superman:Red Son) and Dave Gibbons (Best known for the main artist for Watchmen), the film revolves around Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton), an young man whose promise has been squandered by years of unemployment, crime, and an abusive step-father. He stays to care for his mentally ill mother (Samantha Womack), and his 4 year old half-sister.  One day, after stealing a car from a local bully (apparently a goon of said step-father), and being arrested for evading the police, he calls a mysterious number on a medal, and says a coded message, which gets him out. When out, he meets the mysterious Harry Hart (Colin Firth), who was apparently friends with Eggsy's deceased father. When the bully and some of his army come to beat up Eggsy, Hart easily subdues them. He then invites Eggsy to his "tailor shop" (after the stepfather threatens Eggsy.) There, it is revealed that Harry Hart, and Eggsy's father, were both members of an international organization dedicated to preserving peace, called Kingsman, which takes its ques from the Knights of the Round Table. Eggsy is Hart's protege, in a way. He is to compete with several other young men and women for a position in Kingsman, in a series of training exercises supervised by Merlin (Mark Strong). Eggsy befriends one of these recruits, Roxanne (Sophie Cookson). Eggsy and Roxy has to endure the intense (and often illogical) training needed to become a Kingsman. Meanwhile, Hart is investigating a series of disappearances, which are being choreographed by eccentric tech mogul Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). Valentine, believing the Gaia hypothesis stating that the Earth is one large organism, wants to wipe out all humanity, by releasing all of its violent impulses. He does this, but sending out a microchip through cell phones, which activate this impulse. Can the Kingsman stop his scheme? Can Eggsy become a Kingsman, and follow his father's legacy?
        First off, Colin Firth, badass. He is a scene-stealer, combining British civility with badass action. It helps he plays the role rather well, playing both a wise mentor and a bit of a father figure to Eggsy. Who knew Colin Firth could be an action hero. (I heard he did 80% of his own stunts.) Hell, I enjoyed watching his scenes more than Egerton's. (not that his scenes weren't good, I enjoyed his scenes as well) Samuel L. Jackson is also a scene stealer. Every scene of him in this film was deeply enjoyable to watch. He was hilarious; somewhat childish and naive, but also aware of his villainy.  Jackson is clearly having a lot of fun in this role. There was an especially good "I'm not a Republic Serial Villain" (seriously, can we make that a trope) moment, but I won't spoil it. Any and all scenes with either of them in it was a delight to watch. All the actors do well too, and the story, by all accounts, is fine, providing everything a good spy film needs.. Does it comment on social issues or the human conditions. No, and that's a good thing. This film also is rare nowadays. Most spy thrillers are now largely intense and brutal, without any light relief. This film understands that sometimes, people want a more light-hearted rump. Not to say that this is light-hearted. However, it knows that sometimes the most intense action can also be the most unrealistic and fun one. Most of the action is your traditional spy film violence, with a large amount of activity occurring on the screen. I was on the edge of my seat the entire film. The action was very well done, and very exciting to watch. You want to how insane the action is? The final battle is set to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band! (Oh, by the way, any film that starts with Dire Straits is go in my book) And I never checked my phone. That is exceptionally rare, as now, even for films I like, I tend to look at the time, just to see how long it had been. I was invested in every moment, every scene of this film. And isn't that the best thing? When a film keeps you invested.
        I had some problems with the sometimes brutal violence. Like I said, this is not very lighthearted. It is very violent, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't bother me too much, Sure, there are some creative kills, and there is a "mind exploding" moment (har har), but it is somewhat brutal. There were also times, where I felt the story got a bit predictable. Don't get me wrong, like any good spy film, it keeps you on edge, and does several things that will surprise and shock you. However, there are moments where you will somewhat get will happen next. That's nitpicking though.
       One review I watched of this said that he watched the film with only three other people. That wasn't true in my theater. Along with me and a very good friend of mine whom I watched it with, the theater was packed. And I implore you, watch this.It is fun, jolly, action packed,and humorous. If you like all of those qualities, you will love this film. If you just want a small film to watch this Valentines day, (and you don't want to watch Fifty Shades of Grey) watch this, as you will never feel trapped in the theater. If you want a deep film, you won't find it here, but sometimes, you need a little fun. If I haven't made this clear, watch this film. Thank you.
      

Book Review: Voyage by Stephen Baxter

        Often, I.... You know what, long intros are somewhat hard to write. Largely because I really want to get into the meat of a piece, but you get bogged down by writing a captivating opening. So, here's the jist: I have a vested interest in Alternate history and in Space and Space exploration, and this book combines them. Alright, got that? Great: let's begin.
        The year is 1985. The Ares I is launching from Cape Canaveral, towards its ultimate destination. As you could probably tell by the name of the craft, it is heading towards the Red Planet itself, Mars. They plan to reach Mars, by first doing  Venus fly-by, which would give a gravitational assist to slingshot themselves to the Red Planet. Then, reminiscent of Apollo, they will detatch a manned capsule down into the Mangala Valles. The mission would proceed from March, 1985, and will arrive on the Mangala Valles on March, 22nd, 1986. So, how did such a mission occur? Kennedy was not killed in Dallas, but rather crippled. Hence, he lives to see the Apollo 11 landings. Following Nixon's call to the astronauts, Kennedy also calls, and proceeds to dedicate the US to a Mars mission. Nixon, browbeaten into accepting this, decides to make that the agenda for the post-Apollo space program, as opposed to Skylab or the Shuttles. The book alternates between the mission and the events leading up to it. The main astronauts are Phil Stone, a former X-15 test pilot; Ralph Gershon, an African American Air Force pilot who had flown missions in Cambodia in the early 70's; and our protagonist, Natalie York, a geologist who is the first female astronaut in the program (remember, there is no shuttle here.) These characters gain the primary focus through the mission portions. However, there is also the preceding part before the mission, which takes up a majority of the book. Whilst the three astronauts are given focus at this point, particularly how they became the astronauts, it has a larger cast of characters. There is Joe Muldoon, a Buzz Aldrin analog (actually replacing Aldrin as the second man on the Moon), who is a major figure in the mission, and eventually its head. Gregory Dana, a mission specialist who tries to propose a radical, somewhat infeasible plan to reach Mars, going against what is considered the main and most viable option of a NERVA  nuclear rocket. This puts Dana in conflict with NASA mission architect Hans Udet, who, incidently, had run the Nazi prison camp that Dana was imprisoned in during World War II (Udet is a parallel to Werhner von Braun and Arthur Rudolf) There is his son Jim, who is an astronaut himself, and eventually tests the NERVA rocket, Apollo-N (with disastrous consequence ). There is Bert Seger, a senior manager at NASA, who manages the political side of the mission, meeting and planning the mission. There is JK Lee, an engineer who works at struggling contractor Columbia, who was give the responsibility to build the Mars Excursion Module, or MEM for the mission. Finally, there are the three astronauts. In particular, it deals with Natalie York, her conflicting attitudes towards Mars, her struggles to become an astronaut, and her frustrated love life with both Mike Conlig, dedicated NERVA engineer, and married astronaut Ben Priest.  All of these characters work to make the manned Mars mission a viable and safe opportunity. However, there will be triumphs and tragedies on the road to Mars.
   First and foremost, this books was very well-researched. It has little nods to various other Mars missions, but also gives its own interpretation of what a Mars mission in the 80's would be like, and how it would play out. There is a lot of details about how the mission would work, what the craft would look like, what are its perimeters, what the astronauts do, how they deal with failures, what they will do when they reach Venus, and how they will actually land on Mars. It also has engineering specs on every aspect of the mission, which makes sense, given that Baxter is a trained engineer.I can't tell you how much of it is accurate, but it seems plausible to a layman like me.  It also looks at the ramifications of this. For instance, whilst we get a Mars mission, many of the unmanned programs of the 1970's, like Viking, Voyager, and Pioneer, were canned to save money. We know less about the solar system in 1986, than we did in real life. In fact, we know less about Mars, as neither the later Mariners nor Viking missions were able to reach it and study it. It also has a (superficial) effect on politics. Ted Kennedy takes Walter Mondale's place in politics (both as Carter's vice president and as the failed 1984 candidate). There is also the implications of NERVA, and how characters interact with that. In particular, there is the upmost confidence in NERVA as the method to Mars, and Gregory Dana trying to change that. There is also the 70's anti-nuclear hysteria, which targets NERVA. (I think Three Mile Island was mentioned once in reference to this.) The latter proves prophetic, as the first NERVA test, Apollo-N, ends up failing, with the astronauts and even some of the engineers (including Mike Conlig) dying of radiation poisoning. They end up using Dana's plan (both as a viable alternative, and respect to Gregory, as Jim was one of the astronauts on Apollo-N) of a Venus flyby to send the craft to Mars. Besides that, the characters are well done (in particular is York's conflict on whether she should abandon a solid academic career to become an astronaut), it is very captivating to read, particularly the mission segments, and it is not just a wish fullfillment piece. It actually deals with the good and the bad of a Mars mission after Apollo, and how it might have turned out if Nixon had decided to go to Mars. It is great that we reached Mars earlier, but was it really worth losing the knowledge of Voyager and Viking?
     A few minor gripes with the book can be considered nitpicks. There is a lot of swearing in this. Most sentence seems to have "Goddamn" or a "Jesus Christ" I know it is supposed to be realistic, but I don't think people swear that much in real life. The engineering details, whilst consistent and precise, tends to get rather dense at times, and occasionally interrupts the story. The story also drags occasionally, especially towards the end. Once again, these are nitpicks.
      Overall, I rather liked the book, and I hope to read more of Stephen Baxter in the future. In particular, Proxima sounds interesting. I'd recommend it to those who like Kim Stanley Robinson/ Robert L. Forward style hard sci-fi, or Apollo history buffs, who would like to see what the Apollo Application Program would have brought. If you are a more casual reader, it works as a interesting piece on an alternate space program, but it has a lot  of engineering packed inside. If you can handle that, I think you could enjoy it. Thanks for reading.

Top films of 2014

     So, 365 days have passed since January 1st, 2014, and January 1st, 2015 is almost upon us. I could talk about all the interesting things that happened. ESA accomplished an unprecedented feat by landing on a comet. We saw the end of several shows, including Psych and the Colbert Report. World peace continues to decline, with the rise of Vladimir Putin and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. We had the tragic deaths of Robin Williams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ariel Sharon, Shirley Temple, Pete Seeger, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Casey Kasem,.. Wow, that's a lot of deaths, and that's only the beginning. (It's depressing, really.) Let's get to the main meat: My top Films of 2014. However, I will do it slightly different than other critics. Instead of the traditional worst and best lists, I will do what I call a galvanometer list. It is named that, because a galvanometer has goes negative to positive, with the needle at the middle. This is somewhat how my list will work. I will start with the worst film I saw this year, and I will go down the list, until the best film I saw. This is my opinion, based on the film I saw. So, if you are complaining that a film is not on the list, I didn't see it this year. It also needs to be a film that was released to a wide audience between 12:00 AM on January 1st, 2014, and 11:59 PM on December 31st, 2014. So, any film released at a film festival in 2013, but didn't get released until 2014 still count. So, without further ado,

My Top Films of 2014

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Source:http://deadline.com/2014/06/the-amazing-spider-man-2-crosses-500m-overseas-739686/ via Google images

   

     A truly depressing experience. A film that has no proper direction, and instead, randomly moves from set piece to set piece at such a brisk pace, it's almost sickening. One which appears to be six scripts mashed together, without any sort of coherence. There is an overload of villains in this film. They kill off Norman Osbourne in the first 20 minutes, and Harry is the Green Goblin (and the actor who plays Harry overacts every time he has any reaction).  They introduce the Rhino in the last few minutes, only for a stinger. Electro's motivation is lackluster. There is simply too much going on. This would have been fine as a final sequel, but it really doesn't work as a mid-point. It's a shame, really. I really enjoyed the first one, and I hoped that this would continue what appeared to be a smooth reboot. However, they just screwed this one so badly, I doubt they could recovered. And this is not just me. Everyone, even Andrew Garfield, acknowledges that this was a mess. Hopefully, Sony and Marvel restart negotiations, and the Web-Slinger can appear in the MCU at some point. (It would be a shame, though, to lose Andrew Garfield. He, and Emma Stone, were the saving graces of this film.) 

The Equalizer

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Equalizer_%28film%29

         At first, I didn't hate this film. Didn't like it, but didn't hate it. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realize how bad this film really is. The action is decent, but the plot just drags on and on between these pieces. You just no longer care about the plot after the first half-hour. It also expects you to buy number of coincidence (particularly the ending), which would require Denzel Washington to be a superhuman. He does seem a tad Gary Stu-ish in this. I didn't mind it, though it will get some people mad. One more thing, the film actively avoids action scenes. There is a point, where you don't see Washington kill a mugger at the shop. They imply it, but they don't actually show it. Maybe the TV show was better.

Godzilla

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla_(2014_film)#mediaviewer/File:Godzilla_(2014)_poster.jpg

      This film is so bad that it's almost hilarious. Godzilla barely appears in a film called Godzilla. Brian Cranston (spoiler) is killed off in the first 45 minute. Aaron Taylor-Johnson looks uninterested in every scene. Ken Watanabe sounds like he's in a trailer every scene he's in. Now, the scenes of Godzilla fighting the other two monsters are very good (and they are distinct from Pacific Rim), and the destruction seem genuine (something that evokes the 1954 feature, the only other Godzilla film I've seen). However, it really is somewhat ridiculous. Sorry, it is absolutely ludicrous in every way. And I think you should watch it. It really needs to be viewed to gain a true experience. And hell, you might even like it unironically.

The Interview

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Interview_(2014_film)#mediaviewer/File:The_Interview_2014_poster.jpg

   

      Sadly overshadowed by the controversy surrounding it's release, it provides constant laughs for most of the running time. Seth Rogen and James Franco help hold the film with their great performances (something to expect from both actors). It isn't the most intelligent film on this topic, and I don't think it really deserved the level of controversy that it garnered, but it did leave me laughing, and that I think makes it worth it.  

The Judge 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Judge_%282014_film%29#mediaviewer/File:The_Judge_2014_film_poster.jpg

    A competent film, with good performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, and a fairly well told plot, with strong twists and turns everywhere. I don't think I needed to go to a theater to watch this. This could have very well have been a TV movie. I didn't feel that this film had the cinematic quality that is needed of most feature films. However, it is a really good TV movie, I suppose, and it will probably circulate the syndication market for a very long time.  Just, don't see it in the theater

The Book of Life

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Life_(2014_film)#mediaviewer/File:The_Book_of_Life_(2014_film)_poster.jpg

  

        Whilst this film indulged in the occasional pandering moment with modern songs, or with the occasional modern joke, it nevertheless holds up, with unique, vivid animation (particularly the Land of the Remembered), good, memorable characters, and a decent plot that brings to mind certain Greek myths. It also has a rather large, consistent mythology, which I don't think ever becomes inconsistent.  

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part I)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_%E2%80%93_Part_1#mediaviewer/File:MockingjayPart1Poster3.jpg

       A fairly well done beginning to the conclusion of the Hunger Games saga. The films just get better and better. This film is compelling and interesting. It also ups the anty of the situation, and makes sure to note the end is nigh. Hopefully, Part II is just as engaging. 

Gone Girl 

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Girl_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Gone_Girl_Poster.jpg

     Now, since the time of my review, my opinion on this film has since moderated. I realize now that this was actually pretty good, with nice acting, a fantastically told plot (my alternate plot probably wouldn't have worked the more I think about it), and some biting commentary on crime culture. Certain complaints still stand, like the obscene length, and the ending, which never ends. However, I now see that this was actually really good. I say watch it now. 

The Fault in Our Stars 

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fault_in_Our_Stars_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Fault_in_our_stars.jpg

  

       A good adaptation of a good book. The performances of both Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort stand out as good representations of these characters. It's strong point is its fidelity to the source material. This was a fairly good plot, and fairly good characters. So, if you like the books, odds are you will like this movie. I suppose that it is the best adaptation that could be gained. 

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbit:_The_Battle_of_the_Five_Armies#mediaviewer/File:The_Hobbit_-_The_Battle_of_the_Five_Armies.jpg

  

 Another book adaptation. One that takes more liberties with the source material. I think that, whilst the Hobbit could have easily fit into a single film (it being a 300 page book), the three Hobbit films were still decent on their own. This was a very epic conclusion, which neatly ties up loose ends, and brings a decent end to the Lord of the Rings film series. Whilst the Tolkien mythology butts in occasionally, and sometimes distorts the narrative, it is still accessible to people. 

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men:_Days_of_Future_Past#mediaviewer/File:X-Men_Days_of_Future_Past_poster.jpg

  

   A wonderful expansion on what is probably one of the most influential X-Men stories. Everything is well done, from the acting to the design (the Sentinels, which eschew the Kirby-ite robot man look in favor of a most inhuman design) to the period parts.  The plot is still very understandable to someone like me, who is fairly well-versed in the X-Men mythos, but hasn't seen any of the past movies, and the other films seem irrelevant to enjoying this piece. Hopefully, they make another one set in this universe. (I'll have to watch the first few X-Men films now.)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America:_The_Winter_Soldier#mediaviewer/File:Captain_America_The_Winter_Soldier.jpg

  

   A unsurprising choice. It both expands on the first film (which I loved), and makes a different story this time centering on the outsider part of Captain America's identity. That was always my favorite part of Captain America, both in the comics and on film. Captain America is plucked from his World War II setting, and placed in the alien modern world, whether it be the 60's world that he woke up in during the original Lee-Kirby run of the Avengers, or the modern world he wakes up in here. This causes a lot of pain and trauma, something which you wouldn't expect in a man who is a literally walking American flag. He tries to maintain his same sense of 40's idealism, but the modern world keeps testing it. This film encapsulates that perfectly, with Cap trying to fit into modern society, and relating to fellow soldiers. It also is a decent spy film, with all the good trappings of one. Mainly, the plot simply piles twist after twist. Of course, I knew the main twist almost when I heard the title. However, there are far more twists that await in this feature.(even if some of them are predictable) However, it is done in a way that is very engaging, and keeps your attention to the screen. And the ending is spectacular. 

Big Hero 6

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Hero_6_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Big_Hero_6_(film)_poster.jpg

      Whilst this entry has a fairly predictable plot, and at time shabby pacing and characterization, it nevertheless delivers an engaging story, with good visuals. The relationship between Hiro and Bymax is very well done, and the eponymous team is fairly unique. It also has two elements which put it so high on the list: It promotes science and scientific values (something I always endorse), and it is only an hour and a half. HALLELUJAH!

22 Jump Street

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22_Jump_Street#mediaviewer/File:22_Jump_Street_Poster.jpg

       Wow, was this film funny. It just piles on joke after joke. It will keep you laughing through the entire running time. The performances, especially Jonah Hill and Ice Cube, will constantly keep you laughing. Its self-referencial nature, whilst being a bit excessive, nevertheless gives a larger depth to some of these jokes, and creates a deeper film. One which satirizes not just college movies, but the very idea of sequels and franchises. It's almost metaphysical... Heh, just kidding. Seriously, though, great comedy. 

Interstellar 

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Interstellar_film_poster.jpg

     You might have gotten the impression from my review that I didn't like this feature. Not true. I didn't like a certain section of it, where the plot merely bends to add tension to a situation that already had tension. It's funny: a few days ago, I watched 2007's Sunshine, and I felt that film should have been interstellar. All the drama in that film was gained from the mission, and  whether the mission will succeed under the circumstances provided. Interstellar should have followed that during its middle part. That part, along with the occasional homage to 2001 (At the very least, it reminded me that 2001 is such a classic, being far superior film in every conceivable way) prevent me from considering it my favorite film. However, like I said in the review, the beginning, the first half of the middle, and the end are still good enough, that I consider it one of the best features of the year. 

Guardians of the Galaxy

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_%28film%29#mediaviewer/File:GOTG-poster.jpg

  

   Now, this was incredibly awesome in every way. Sure, the drama wasn't well directed (a problem I realize infested James Gunn's previous film Super, which relied more on drama than this film), and the villain was weak. However, every other aspect easily makes up for that. It is incredibly funny. The action is fun, and exciting. The production design is fantastic. The performances, particular Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, and Vin Diesel, all bring laughs and smiles to any face. The Howard the Duck cameo at the end made me burst out in laughter. The soundtrack... I'm still listening to some of these songs, and I'm a classic rock fan! Is it deep or philosophical? Hell no! But I had so much fun watching this. If you haven't already watched it, well, WATCH IT!

The Wind Rises

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wind_Rises#mediaviewer/File:Kaze_Tachinu_poster.jpg

  

  An end to an era. The last film Hayao Miyazaki directed. And not one of his better films. I can't quite articulate it, but this film didn't grab me the same way that Spirited Away, or Princess Mononoke or Nausicaa did. It just doesn't resonate with me emotionally the way those films do. So, why is it so high on the list? The worst of Miyazaki always trumps the best of, say, Michael Bay. (as the good Mr. Doug Walker said in one of his Disneycember reviews). It is still a fantastic film. The animation is top-notch, (typical of Ghibli), the plot is still a fascinating one, the characters are still very likeable, and it still keeps you on the edge of your seat, but also soothe you. So, if you like the incredible works of Studio Ghibli, you don't want to miss this.

Rosewater

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewater_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Rosewater_poster.jpg

 

    Jon Stewart's directorial debut. Whilst the directing is inconsistent at times (meaning there are certain scenes that don't fit with the tone of the rest of the film), it's still fairly good, and the story is also intense, brutal at times. You know the ending, but the films still makes you question whether Maziar Bahiri will comes out of this okay. That's the mark of a good film: one where you know the conclusion, but you still question how this ending would come out of such dire circumstances. I hope Stewart continues to direct features; he's pretty good at it. (Certainly better than his acting credits)

The Imitation Game

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imitation_Game#mediaviewer/File:The_Imitation_Game_poster.jpg

Do I really have to say that this film was great? I mean, all the pieces are there. Benedict Cumberbatch is incredible, as usual. Other actors, like Matthew Goode and Keira Knightly, also do a fantastic job. The story, which tells of probably one of the greatest inventors of the 20th century, is intense and fascinating. I knew the story already, but this film added a new depth of drama and intrigue with the character of Alan Turing. The story is both the thrilling story of a man working to achieve the impossible (cracking a code that resets every day), and a cautionary tale about a man who is a homosexual at a time when that was not only socially unacceptable, but illegal. Certainly a film that a creator of the modern world deserves

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes#mediaviewer/File:Dawn_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes.jpg

  They really should switch the title of this and the predecessor, because it gets confusing, given the plot of both films. Still, this is the second best film this year, because I enjoyed this the most. It had a great story, which paints both sides of the conflict as morally bankrupt, and aggressive. The entire ensemble gave excellent performances which make the character distinct and memorable. The production value... you will believe an ape can ride a horse. Seriously, the apes look great, and realistic, without us questioning why they didn't just put actual apes. The sets and locations look appropriate  Everything just works in this film.

Best Film of the Year:

Boyhood

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyhood_(film)#mediaviewer/File:Boyhood_film.jpg

   A very late entry on this list (as in, I just finished watching this a few hours ago). However, this film, in production since 2002, is probably the best film I've seen this year. It is dark, uplifting, tragic, funny, vulgar, heartwarming, interesting film. It is a realistic look into the life of a young boy as he grows up, done as he actually ages. The movie was filmed over 12 summers, with the same cast, so you actually see these character literally ages as the film progresses.  It is also told through the Boy's perspective, which is fairly unique in any film I have seen this year. It is a film that isn't too sentimental or too melodramatic, but one which has its ups and downs, much how life itself does. I suppose it somewhat appeals to me as someone who actually grew up around the same timeframe as Mason. It is a film about life, about the excitement of life, about the tragedy of life, about uncertainty, about the achievements and the failures. I suppose as one year goes, and another comes in, we will all be thinking about these topics, one way or other. 

If you had a best film that wasn't on this list, please comment below. Have a happy new year 

Pokecember: Pokemon Heroes

   Okay, I thought I would be able to do all of the Pokemon movie this month. Eh, if I were to end it, this would be an appropriate place. The end of the original series, and the final film released in theaters. So,  the first Pokecember will end with the last film of the Golden Age of Pokemon, Pokemon Heroes. Let's not beat around the bush.
    Our film begins by telling us the story of Alto Mare, a city inspired by Venice. In particular, it tells the story of how a Latios and Latias (along with several other members of their species) saved the city from an evil monster. (In the American version, the entire backstory was cut and replaced with one about an evil trainer threatening the city.) The story is being read by Team Rocket (in the American version) operatives Annie and Oakley. They are looking for the Soul Dew, a mysterious gem implied to be the soul of a dead Latios. They set out for their journey. Meanwhile, in Alto Mare,  Ash and Misty are participating in a race led by water Pokemon. However, a mysterious force influences Ash into losing the race. After the race, Ash saves a girl being pursued by Annie and Oakley. Later, they visit a museum, and learn the history of Alto Mare. Ash find  the same girl from earlier, and follows her. However, she claims she had never seen him before. However, she appears again to led Ash to a mysterious garden. It is revealed that the girl was, in fact, Latias, impersonating a human who lives in the garden. The garden is the holding place of the Soul Dew. Of course, Annie and Oakley find the garden, and kidnap Latios, as well as steal the Soul Dew. Latias escapes and comes to Ash. She tells him that the two intend to use the Soul Dew to power the defense mechanism in Alto Mare, and this defense mechanism could corrupt the Soul Dew, leading to an even bigger disaster. Can Ash and Friends stop Annie and Oakley from carrying out their plans?
   Honestly, I have little to say about this film. It is very mediocre. It isn't great, but I'd hesitate to call it bad. What I enjoyed about it was the mythology, and the design of Alto Mare. It is very vivid and detailed as a background. The Aerodactyl and Kabotops also are a nice touch. Also, Misty and Brock, or at least their Pokemon play a role in the film, which was refreshing to see. And... Well, the race at the beginning was cool. Annie and Oakley are also somewhat enjoying. Also, allowing Latios to die, and not be resurrected was a good choice (to be revisited to greater effect in a later movie...)
   Bad.  The script is not particularly interesting or daring really, in any way. The details around the defense mechanism and even the Soul Dew are vague, and I didn't really know how either worked. Especially with the giant wave at the end. What exactly did the corrupted Soul Dew do to cause that. Also, this movie kind of drags a little. There is more that happen in the movie than I provide than in the little synopsis. However, none of it is particularly relevant, so I left it out.
   Once again, not much I could say about this one. I don't hate it. However, it is not among my favorites. If you just want to watch it just for the sake of watching all the movies, or you want to see it than watch it. Otherwise, I'd say skip it. While I watch on occasion for enjoyment, it really doesn't do anything for me. Anyway, thank you for reading these reviews, and Pokecember will continue next year, with the Silver Age (or the Advanced Generation). I will post the "Top Films of 2014 in the few days, so check that out.  Happy New Year. 

Pokecember: Pokemon 4-Ever

   The Fourth one. Just, I actually do like this one. I know some people don't. I know Linkara (of Atop the Fourth Wall) didn't quite take to the film. However, I think it is decent enough. However, I think this film also signifies the ending of an era. That is, the end of Pokemania. This was one of the last film to be released to theaters in the United States, and the reception just got colder and colder. Pokemon's mainstream popularity was the downspiral. (I'd be sadden by this, but I hate the first generation passionately, so seeing it constantly would not be satisfying. I like Generation 2, so maybe I would tolerate that.) This film was one of the last vestiges of the old Pokemania. After that, it becomes the Pokemon franchise I grew up with. I think that Pokemon historians (and there will be those, a franchise like Pokemon will likely last a long time, and a history has to be documented) will see this film or the era around it as the end of the Elementary or Golden Age of Pokemon (I'll perhaps adopt the Kokatu timeline I saw a few days, or the terminology used by the Greeks. Which would work better? Please comment.) Anyway, on to the actual film.... (Can you guess a recurring joke in the review based off the title?)
        The film begins with the legendary time Pokemon Celebi being chased by a Pokemon hunter, and his Scyther and Houndoom, some time in the distant past. Celebi is almost captured if not 4 the intervention of a young traveling Pokemon trainer named Sam. Sam saves Celebi, and later, is taken by Celebi to a time unknown. In the present, the now aged Pokemon Hunter is being interrogated by a Team Rocket operative named "The Iron Masked Marauder" (subtle). Mr. Marauder wants in4mation on Celebi. The Marauder proceeds to demonstrate his "dark balls", which increase the aggressiveness of a Pokemon, and makes them indisputable loyal. Meanwhile, Ash and buddies are travelling through the Johto region. They meet with a man named Mr. White on a ferry, and on that same ferry, see the legendary Pokemon Suicune. When in a different town, Professor Oak explains the legend of Suicune to them, and mentions that he had seen one before. When they leave, he ominously ponders whether he should have told them about a series of events that is to occur. Mr. White takes them to Arborville, a city much like 4tree City in Hoenn, in that the people live in tree houses. Our intrepid heroes set out to a patch of 4est. However, they are stopped by an old woman, who warns them that people disappear in this 4est. This was the same area of 4est in which Sam disappeared. The old woman appeared in the distant past, having a brief conversation with Sam. They enter the 4est, and experience tumultuous weather. This is due to Celebi bringing Sam to this era. Celebi deposits Sam, and meanders off. Our heroes find Sam, and bring him back to the old woman's  house. The old woman recognizes him from years gone by, and she explains that Celebi brought Sam to the present. Sam, along with our heroes, go to find Celebi, who is hiding in a cave in the 4est. They coax the legendary out of the cave, and they set out to send Sam back to his own time. However, soon, they find themselves on the run from the Iron Marauder, who now seeks out Celebi. Can our heroes allow Celebi to escape his reach, and get Sam back to the present?
      First and 4emost (I'll stop that now), I will talk about the twist. Now, I said that I would put unmarked spoilers. However, I feel that this twist actually warrants a spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen it. Sam is a young Professor Oak.    This was a surprising twist, which, if you watch the movie again, actually makes a lot of sense, and actually strengthens Sam and Ash's bond.  The dub once again actually serves the movie well. They actually animated scenes specifically for the American dub. I believe this is unprecedented. The three scenes created for the dub are: Oak explaining Suicune to Ash and Friends, a comic relief scene with Team Rocket grabbing a fruit, and, at the very end, Oak reading Sammy's old notebook. Once again, this was a nice twist, and having it at the end, (rather than them haphazardly place the reveal during the credits, like in the Japanese version) enhances the effect. You honestly realize the twist, when you remember that Oak's first name is Samuel . Other than that, there are several nice scenes with Ash and Sam, some beautiful animation, some very good action at the end with the Dark Celebi, and an emotional death scene withe Celebi.
    Don't get me wrong, though. There are several problems with the film. The Marauder is not a particularly interesting villain. He's not terrible, like Lawrence III was, but he's not compelling. He's not suavely evil, or just enjoys being evil. He's just boring. I can't honestly recall any good moments from him. I remember his scenes, but they don't stand out. Suicune seems somewhat pointless, in the grand scheme of things. His real purpose seems to be just getting Sam and Ash to Celebi. Also, how was Celebi resurrected? I think that all of Celebi's past forms come and bring him to life, but I honestly don't know. Maybe Dialga gave him back life. The scene is just vague on that. Also, I think they could have dealt with Sam's whole dilemma in more detail, but they do give it time, and do note some ramifications.
     Once again, I don't hate this movie. I do enjoy it immensely. However, it isn't the best, with its flaws holding it back from true greatness. Still, it is good, and I do recommend it to Pokemon, if only for the ending. Non-fans might not enjoy it, but it does explain the world of Pokemon, so if you want to check it out, that's fine. Marry Christmas, and next review, we look at Pokemon Heroes. Also, I will be listing the Top Ten Films I watched in 2014 sometime during the New Year.

von Braun's Mission to Mars

  ( I promised myself that I wouldn't do this particular topic until I finished my extended essay, which was all about Mars. Incidentally, von Braun gets a single sentence mention in the final version, so I suppose it wouldn't have had such an effect, but I still made sure I finished it.)
         The man known as Wernher Magnus Maximilian, Freiherr von Braun has a polarizing reaction amongst people. Some see him as a visionary whose innovative rocket, the Saturn family, helped put a human on moon, an achievement that has essentially suppressed any other in human history. Others see him as a Nazi ideologue, whose V-2 rockets killed thousands of slaves making it, and whose crimes were covered up by the US to allow him to work on the rockets. I myself have a mixed opinion on him. On the one hand, he did meet higher ups in the Nazi government, and despite his claim, he probably did know about the horrid conditions at Mettelwerk (the factory where the V-2 was made). Isaac Asimov once expressed horror that he had shaken a hand that shook Adolph Hitler's hand, and I sympathize. On the other hand, could he actually have done anything about it? Remember that the Nazi government was ruthless, and von Braun's job could be held by anyone else, so he couldn't complain, or he might be killed, at best. If you were in that position, would you ever complain?  Further, I don't think he worked for the government willingly. If the communist won in Germany during the early 1930's, rather than the Nazis , he'd likely work for them to get funding for rocketry.
       If you don't know, Werhner von Braun was a German rocket scientist who created the V-2 rocket in 1942, and then, was brought to the US at the end of World War II, to work on their missile program. After the 1957 launch of Sputnik, and the failure of the Navy's attempted space program, von Braun and his fellow rocket engineers were recruited to work for NASA. There, he built the Jupiter and Saturn family of rockets, the latter of which was used in the Apollo program, However, I'm here to talk about something a little more fanciful. Between his arrival in the United States, and the 1958 founding of NASA, von Braun, and several other German expatriate scientists tried to promote the idea of Space exploration to the American populace. Their first attempt was in the magazine Collier's, in the popular column "MAN WILL CONQUER SPACE SOON." These ideas were also translated into three episodes of Disney's "Tomorrowland" in 1955-1957. This proposed an optimistic view of a future, where man has managed to have a strong Space based infrastructure. This vision of the future had influenced many future visions of Space exploration, and even a school of space advocacy has been named"von Braunist" if it supports a government funded missions available to few at first (the other two are the "O'Neill" after Princeton experimental physicist Gerard K. O'Neill, and the "Sagan" after science popularizer Carl Sagan.). One of many concepts for the exploration of Space was a manned Mars mission. von Braun first detailed his plans in a 1948 science fiction novel (later published as Project Mars: a Technical Tale. When that was rejected, he instead posted a more straight-forward speculation in Das Marsprojkect (The Mars Project) in 1953. Later, he worked with science writer Wily Ley and illustrator Chesley Bonestall to write an even more refined version in 1956, under the name The Exploration of Mars. This mission is fascinating, to say the very least.

     Von Braun's primary objectives was to create a mission using the technology at the time.  Despite this, there was also a small number of objectives that needed to be achieved. A manned space station was established. After that event happened, a circumnavigation of the moon would occur, and a manned mission would occur.  There was also the assumption that nuclear powered rockets were to be available for the Mars mission. That said, they also noted that chemical rockets would still be in use.  The mission to Mars itself  included 70 men and ten ships. These ships would be assembled in Earth’s orbit. A fleet of 46 reusable vehicles would bring 25 tons of cargo (plus 14.5 tons of propellant for the Mars mission) to assemble these ships. 950 launches were needed to assemble this flotilla. Once completed in orbit, each of the ten ship would weigh 3720 tons. ) This fleet would have seven passenger ships, and 3 cargo ships. In the cargo ship, there is a 250 ton lander and supplies for the Mars missions. They would launch from Earth orbit, use the “minimum-energy transfer between circular orbits is an elliptical trajectory called the Hohmann trajectory” begin a 260 day journey to Mars. They would use a propellant of nitric acid and hydrazine. Once they arrive, they ease themselves into orbit, and begin to survey for a landing spot. Once they find one, they send their first glider to the surface. The glider heads to the poles, and deploys skis to land. After landing, the crew on that lander would proceed to travel to the equator, where they would set up a base and landing strip for two other landers. Two landers with the remaining crew would arrive, and the reunited crew would set up living quarters, and beginning a 400 day stay on the planet. After that, the crew will leave on two ascent vehicles, where they will return to the seven passenger ships. The ships will return to Earth orbit, and crash back to the planet. The mission would 963 days (260 days for going to and returning from Mars, and staying 400 days on the planet.) The Launch date was in 1965, though after a space station and a moon base were established. In Exploration, the mission was scaled down slightly to two ships with twelve men. 963 days were required for the trip in the original plan, 969 in the later version. A variation on aspects of the plan appeared in Conquest of Space. 

           Could any of this actually work? (snorts) It is greatly grandiose in both scale and cost. This plan will definitely not work in any sort of capacity today. However, one must admire the engineering demonstrated. Von Braun was able to create the first detailed exploration of a manned Mars mission using only modern technology. It was also the first study into what a Mars mission would require, later becoming the prototype to many Mars missions to come. The idea that modern technology could allow for a Martian mission would be used in many other mission concepts, such as Mars Direct.

     Sources:

 Wernher von Braun’s Martian Chronicles
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/wernher-von-brauns-martian-chronicles-9845747/

 Encyclopedia Astronautica- Entry: Von Braun Mars Project:
http://www.astronautix.com/craft/vonn1952.htm

3The Exploration of Mars/ Wernher Von Braun, Willey Ley, with illustrations by Chesley Bonestall
New York; Viking Press, 1960

3Horizons: The Newsletter of AIAA Houston Section: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, September/October 2013 issue
http://www.aiaahouston.org/Horizons/Horizons_2013_09_and_10.pdf