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Hollyweird Science: The Next Generation: From Spaceships to Microchips

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Informative, entertaining and upbeat, this book continues Grazier and Cass's exploration of how technology, science, and scientists are portrayed in Hollywood productions. Both big and small-screen productions are featured and their science content illuminated--first by the authors and subsequently by a range of experts from science and the film world. Starring roles in this volume are played by, among other things, computers (human and mechanical), artificial intelligences, robots, and spacecraft. Interviews with writers, producers, and directors of acclaimed science-themed films stand side by side with the perspectives of scientists, science fiction authors, and science advisors. The result is a stimulating and informative reading experience for the layperson and professional scientist or engineer alike. The book begins with a foreword by Zack Stentz, who co-wrote X-Men: First Class and Thor, and is currently a writer/producer on CW's The Flash.

420 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2017

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About the author

Kevin R. Grazier

13 books6 followers
Dr. Kevin Grazier holds the duel titles of Investigation Scientist and Science Planning Engineer for the Cassini/Huygens Mission to Saturn and Titan at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. He earned B.S. degrees in computer science and geology from Purdue University, and a B.S. in physics from Oakland University. He earned his M.S. in physics from Purdue, and then went to UCLA for his doctoral research in planetary physics. At JPL he has written mission planning and analysis software that won numerous JPL- and NASA-wide awards. Dr. Grazier still continues research involving computer simulations of Solar System dynamics, evolution, and chaos.

Dr. Grazier is also currently the Science Advisor for the animated educational TV series The Zula Patrol, and for the SciFi Channel series Eureka and Battlestar Galactica. He recently served as editor and contributing author for the books The Science of Dune and the Science of Michael Crichton for the BenBella Publishing Science of Popular Culture series.

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Steve.
630 reviews24 followers
February 25, 2023
"Hollyweird Science: The Next Generation: From Spaceships to Microchips" is a fascinating book by Kevin R Grazier that explores the intersection of science and entertainment in popular culture. Grazier is a renowned planetary scientist who has worked as a science advisor for various television shows and movies, including Battlestar Galactica, Eureka, and Gravity.

The book is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of science and entertainment. The first chapter, "From Celluloid to Silicon," provides an overview of the history of science and entertainment, from the early days of cinema to the present day. The chapter discusses how science has been portrayed in movies and television shows over the years, and how the portrayal of science has changed over time.

The second chapter, "The Science of Aliens and the Universe," explores the science behind some of the most famous science fiction films and television shows. Grazier discusses how scientists are studying the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and how science fiction has helped to shape our understanding of the universe.

The third chapter, "The Science of Robots and Artificial Intelligence," delves into the world of robotics and artificial intelligence. Grazier discusses the history of robotics and how they have been portrayed in popular culture, as well as the current state of robotics research and development.

The fourth chapter, "The Science of Superheroes and Villains," looks at the science behind some of the most famous superheroes and villains in popular culture. Grazier discusses the science of superpowers, as well as the various technologies that have been used to create superhero and villain costumes and equipment.

The fifth chapter, "The Science of Disaster and the Apocalypse," explores the science behind various natural disasters, as well as the science of the end of the world scenarios that are often depicted in popular culture. Grazier discusses how scientists are studying natural disasters and working to predict and prevent them, as well as how science fiction has helped to shape our understanding of the end of the world.

The sixth chapter, "The Science of Time Travel," delves into the world of time travel, a topic that has been explored in numerous movies and television shows. Grazier discusses the current state of time travel research, as well as the various theories and technologies that have been used to depict time travel in popular culture.

The seventh chapter, "The Science of Communication and the Internet," explores the science of communication and the internet, and how they have been portrayed in popular culture. Grazier discusses the history of the internet, as well as the various technologies that have been used to depict communication and the internet in movies and television shows.

Throughout the book, Grazier provides a wealth of information about various scientific topics, ranging from astronomy and robotics to natural disasters and time travel. He also provides numerous examples of how science has been portrayed in popular culture, and how these depictions have impacted our understanding of science and the world around us.

Overall, "Hollyweird Science: The Next Generation: From Spaceships to Microchips" is an engaging and informative book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in science and entertainment. Grazier's expertise as a science advisor for television and film is evident throughout the book, and his insights into the intersection of science and entertainment are both enlightening and entertaining. Whether you are a science fiction fan or simply interested in learning more about science, this book is well worth reading.
Profile Image for Denise.
7,500 reviews136 followers
May 6, 2023
Just as entertaining and interesting as the first one, shining a light on many angles of science and the portrayal of scientist characters in film and TV - a fascinating exploration of Hollywood science done right and done wrong, how things have and could be improved, and a variety of tropes one tends to encounter.
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