Okay, here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on its key points and overall argument.
Main Argument:
The article examines how science fiction films have envisioned the year 2026. It argues that these depictions are a mixed bag – some warnings feel prescient, while others seem far-fetched.The author finds it engaging to analyze what filmmakers thought the future would hold.
Key Points & Summaries of Each Film Discussed:
* General Observation: Sci-fi’s vision of 2026 is often chaotic and complex, exemplified by the convoluted timelines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The author also notes the continued relevance of older films like Metropolis in addressing contemporary concerns.
* Doom (2005):
* The film posits 2026 as the year a portal to Mars is discovered, leading to a research facility.
* The author playfully wonders if Elon Musk would be pleased or frustrated by this finding.
* The film touches on themes of Martian genetic manipulation (though this is more prominent in the film’s later timeline).
* Ultimately, Doom is a cautionary tale about the allure of Mars as a solution to Earth’s problems, and the author suggests the film’s aesthetic is lacking.
* Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU):
* Due to time jumps and complex storylines,several MCU entries are set in 2026 (according to fan wikis).
* The better MCU films set in 2026 (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, the Marvels) take place off-Earth.
* The weaker films (secret Invasion, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) are criticized as representing some of Marvel’s worst work, suggesting 2026 in the MCU will be filled with frustrating plots and justifications for illogical events.
* The author expresses concern that these illogical justifications might actually be crucial to the overarching MCU narrative.
Overall Tone:
The tone is somewhat wry and humorous. The author is clearly a fan of science fiction but isn’t afraid to poke fun at its excesses and inconsistencies, notably within the MCU. There’s a sense of bemused observation about how filmmakers have attempted to predict the future.
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of the text!
