How Accurate Is 'Olympus Has Fallen' Compared to 'Back to the Future Part II'

When one thinks of futuristic movies, Back to the Future Part II often comes to mind, showcasing a fascinating vision of the future from the 1980s. This film, released in 1989, provides an imaginative glimpse of flying cars and hoverboards. However, as it stands, we are way behind in realizing this vision. Now, let's explore another movie that is considered more accurate in its portrayal of technological advancements: Olympus Has Fallen.

Back to the Future Part II: A Futuristic Vision of Yesteryears

One of the most iconic films depicting a future with flying cars and hoverboards is undoubtedly Back to the Future Part II. While the film may be slightly dated, having been released in 1989, it offers a fun and imaginative vision of what the future might hold. The movie showcases flying cars, hoverboards, and self-lacing shoes, creating a compelling picture of a technologically advanced world. Although it may not be the most realistic portrayal, it remains a classic in the genre of futuristic films.

A Detailed Comparison: What We See in 'Back to the Future' vs. Reality Today

When comparing the vision of the future portrayed in Back to the Future Part II with reality today, it's clear we are still lagging significantly. While the movie predicted flying cars and hoverboards, these technologies have not yet materialized in the way depicted. This discrepancy brings us to a deeper understanding of the nature of technology and the ways in which it is developed.

Understanding Technology and 'Tech-Fashion'

It's important to realize that technology, in the context of science and its applications, is more akin to “tech fashion” than cutting-edge science discoveries. Science as a whole does not discover gadgets like computers, artificial intelligence, or smartphones; instead, it discovers fundamental laws of nature. These discoveries are then used to create technology in response to commercial opportunities.

For example, flying cars have been possible for over 100 years based on scientific principles. However, there has never been, nor will there ever be, a commercial need or opportunity for them. This is demonstrated by the numerous failed attempts to bring flying cars to market. Similarly, with hyperloop technology, which is based on scientific principles over 150 years old, no viable commercial implementation has been realized despite numerous attempts.

The difficulty in predicting future technologies, known as “tech fashion”, is similar to predicting trends in fashion, food, or interior decoration. Just as fashion trends can change rapidly, technology trends are also subject to rapid change depending on commercial and social needs.

The Most Accurate Futuristic Movie: 'Olympus Has Fallen'

One of the most accurate portrayals of the future in recent times comes from the movie Olympus Has Fallen. Set in a near-future where Morgan Freedman is president, the movie shows a technological landscape that closely mirrors our current reality. The film features high-speed desktop computers, lightweight rapid-fire rifles, and advanced surveillance equipment, much like what we see today. The presence of modern technology such as space satellites and cutting-edge surveillance systems in the movie makes it a realistic and plausible vision of the future.

Conclusion

While Back to the Future Part II provides an exciting and imaginative view of the future, the reality of technological advancements has not aligned with its predictions. In contrast, Olympus Has Fallen offers a more accurate vision of the near future, reflecting current technological trends and innovations. Whether it's tech fashion or other facets of modern life, the unpredictable nature of societal and commercial needs ensures that the future is always a blend of fantasy and reality.