TechnoRetro Dads: Real Weird Science Geniuses

You don’t have to be a Real Genius to know that Weird Science can get out of control. Science was all over the place in August of 1985. If you want the fiction of it, just look in Starlog Magazine. We take a look at the classic Sci-Fi publication in a new segment called Magazine Rack. 

 

Starlog Magazine, plus the sciencey movies Weird Science and Real Genius 

 

In the NEWS

• Longtime character actor John Saxon passes away
• A Transformers/Back to the Future crossover? Could that really happen?
• We got our first look at the live action Tom and Jerry movie
• Coming soon: A Back to the Future 4K set, complete with tiny floating hoverboard
• Please consider helping to save Space Camp for future generations of young scientists by donating to savespacecamp.com

 

TechnoRetro Cereal - Tiger Paws

Jay tries the new Kellogg’s snack and lets us know if it’s worth it. Well, if you like sweetness, it may be for you!

 

Magazine Rack - Starlog August 1980

In a new segment on TechnoRetro Dads, we take a look back at the classic sci-fi magazine Starlog. This month’s cover story is an interview with Harrison Ford, the star of the newly released Empire Strikes Back. There are also some great articles about how the 1980’s sci-fi genre entered the 80’s. Battlestar Galactica left TV, Buck Rogers was grasping for one last chance, and a little science fiction movie from Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford was on the horizon.

 

Let’s All Go to the Movies - Weird Science/Real Genius

August 1985 was a rich time for science in the movies. Well, science may be a little generous when describing these films, but they certainly felt sciency. John Hughes’s Weird Science starred Anthony Michael Hall, Kelly Lebrock, and Ilan Mitchell-Smith. It tells the story of Gary and Wyatt trying to fit in with their High School peers by creating the beautiful, smart, and magical Lisa from thin air. Aahhh, remember when you did that in high school? Then, watch Val Kilmer at his finest in the classic smart people against the government story Real Genius. Chris Knight helps his roommate Mitch to build a super powerful laser, but must stop it when they realize how it’s going to be used. Both movies featured quotable lines and lots of laughs. And if you want a little science cherry on top, check out the third movie that month, My Science Project. 

 

Vinyl Scratchback - Weird Science/Real Genius Soundtrack

There may have only been a few memorable songs from these movies, but the 80’s vibe was very important to the flow of both. We break down which ones were important, such as Oingo Boingo’s hit Weird Science, and the Tears for Fears favorite Everybody Wants to Rule the World.