Star struck

I used the force and obtained a special tour at the Museum of Science and Industry’s latest big exhibit “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination”

By Paul M. Banks

“Star Wars” fans are regarded in the same light as fanatics of “Star Trek,” “Battlestar Galactica” or World of Warcraft. However, the tale set “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” is so popular that the nerd stereotype can’t possibly be true.

For a series to become this well-loved by this many people, it must appeal to more than just the dorks, geeks, losers, nerds and eggheads. Given the immense popularity of the franchise, jocks, babes, partiers and cool people must like it too. This 10,000-square-foot exhibit is about both the film and the real-life technology you see in the science fiction. You’ll walk away caught up on the latest in medical science, robotics, climatology, transportation technology and much more.

Next top model
The collection of model spaceships on display reminds me of getting new Transformers toys on Christmas morning. Models displayed are in all sizes and from all six movies. My favorite was the Millennium Falcon. As Han Solo boasted, the ship “made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.” I wanted to do the Kessel Run too, but I injured my knee a month before, and it impaired my Jedi training. After you view the exhibit, walk across the hall to a Falcon flight simulator experience. See if you can pilot her faster than Solo’s under 12 parceps pace.

Costume party
For many Halloween parties in recent years, I wore a Luke Skywalker (plain white bath robe, black belt and plastic light saber) costume. Despite originating 30 years ago, it’s quite a popular outfit. And as Halloween becomes more of a “stripper’s holiday” every year, I’ve noticed changes in the reaction I get from bar-goers every year. Seeing what many girls have done to my light saber and where it’s been, I’m jealous of it. It’s seen more holiday action than I have, although my “old Jedi mind tricks” have worked on a couple women in this galaxy. The costumes on display here are obviously much better than mine. Pretty much every character you can imagine is here: the puppets, droids, Jedi robes, Princess Leia, Padme, and of course, the Wookies. You can also see blasters and light sabers used in the films.

Cold calling
If any continent on earth seems to belong in a far away galaxy, it’s Antarctica.

It’s a place I must see before it disappears from climate change. Although the Ice World of Hoth, site of the rebel base in “The Empire Strikes Back” is likened to Antarctica, the filming was done on a Norwegian glacier. The southernmost continent would have been a difficult place to shoot because parts of it have seen over 230 inches of annual snowfall, winds over 230 miles per hour and temperatures south of 130 degrees below zero. However, thousands of scientists live there year round. You can also find more information on the desert world of Tattoine, (filmed in Tunisia), and how the Wookie planet of Kashyyk (Yes, I knew the Microsoft Word spell check would take issue with many of the words I used in this article) is similar to islands in the South China Sea.

I, Robot
This exhibition is highly interactive. Video kiosks enlighten you on the real-life technologies and innovations similar to what’s on the movie screen. There’s a magnetic levitation or “maglev” exhibit that gives you an experience similar to Luke’s landspeeder. Afterwards, take in a quick show at the robot theatre with C3P0 and a real-life robot named Kismet. This machine, created by MIT scientists, has more social skills than many people I know. You can also make your own robots at the exhibit’s design laboratory. Unlike the Imperial Storm Trooper at Moss Eisley Spaceport, “these are the droids you’re looking for.”

Sincere flattery
Upon exiting the exhibit, the saga’s main character, Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, is there to greet you — truly saving the best for last. “Star Wars” has been referenced, spoofed and paid homage to thousands of times. One huge dork even made an all-Major League Baseball version of “Star Wars” on his website.

http://www.sportsandpopculturebank.com/starwarsmlb.html

One reason for its massive cultural impact is the political overtones that still resonate today. The story was written against the backdrop of Vietnam. With another deeply unpopular, yet still never-ending war in Iraq, many of the series’ themes still apply. Our current vice president, Dick Cheney, has been called “Darth Vader” so often that his wife, Lynne, presented a figurine of the infamous villain to Jon Stewart on her recent appearance on “The Daily Show.”

“Star Wars” fans and science geeks should check this place out. I would say that you “absolutely” must see this exhibit, but then I remembered Obi-Wan Kenobi’s philosophical truth: “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.”

The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive.

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 8. For more information and complete pricing schedule log on to: www.msichicago.org/info/vtm/visit.html

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