Movie Physics: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
This is an extra credit opportunity that I’m sure many of you will find worthwhile and
enjoyable. You may earn up to +5 points (+1/2 point per question) towards your final
exam, but your answers must be thorough and accurate. You are to critique a science-
fiction movie – a suggested list follows, the spacy-er the better – for how accurately it
displays real-world physics. You may either view the movie in a theater or rent it (I
suggest renting since it allows you to rewind for easier analysis), and feel free to watch
the movie with friends. Just make sure you turn in your own work!
Due date: Wednesday, June 3rd
Suggested Movies
Star Wars Star Trek
The Matrix Independence Day
Armageddon Deep Impact
Questions to Ponder
When you address these issues, point out the physics flaws and explain why it is that
these mistakes are not accurate. Remember, the more detailed your responses, the better!
1. Sound in space?
2. Spaceships maneuvering in space?
3. Light-sabers or Laser / Phaser guns & their beams?
4. Faster-Than-Light travel (warp drive, hyperspace, etc)?
5. Bullets / Lasers knocking people over?
6. Explosions in space?
7. Falls & Scaling issues?
8. Communication faster-than-light?
9. Anti- or Artificial Gravity?
10. Massive accelerations acting on pilots?
11. Atmospheres & Alien Breathing?
12. Sound in enclosed spaces?
13. Invulnerability to shattered glass?
14. Matter Transporters / Teleportation?
15. Matter / Antimatter?
16. “Giant” creatures vs. their smaller counterparts?
17. Telepathy, telekinesis, or other “mysterious” powers?
18. Collision screw-ups?
19. Flying or gravity defying maneuvers?
20. Anything I’ve missed?
PS – You may find the following website of some use…
Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics – http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics