pop culture
Modern popular culture topics in the geek sphere.
Where Would Darth Vader Go on Vacation?
Different people worry about different things. Families, careers, life goals, yada yada. Occasionally we worry about “trivial” things, too. Why didn’t Obi-Wan remember R2-D2 in A New Hope? Exactly how long did Luke spend training on Dagobah in Empire Strikes Back?There’s lots of things to consider when it comes to Star Wars, and consider them, I do.
By Matt Cates9 years ago in Geeks
The Timeless Lessons of Captain EO
Some of you immediately remember your first experience seeing the science fiction classic Captain EO. You were either at a Disney park between 1986 and 1997 seeing the original short film, or you were there between 2010 and 2014 when the film was brought back to Disneyland and Disney World as the Captain EO Tribute. You may recollect being completely spellbound by the “4D” production, classified as such for its 3D effects and moving seats, smoke, and lights there in the room with you. Alternately, you may have unpleasant memories of being shaken up and down in your chair to the beat of some music you didn’t enjoy and the sight of some crazy, campy, 80s extended Michael Jackson music video that made zero sense. For me, Captain EO is a magical journey into space with a timeless message that deserves another watch, even if you’re just clicking a YouTube link and not there in the theatre (a place you can no longer go to see it, since it was replaced with less exalted 4D programming like Honey, I Shrunk the Audience).
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Geeks
Hollywood Secrets of the Golden Days
A rather amusing classic Hollywood practical joke was vouched for as perfectly authentic when the man who had perpetrated it. Eddie Goulding is who. Even way back towards the end of the silent period and all through the first decade or two of the "talkies', was among the dozen or so most successful directors in Hollywood. He was an Englishman, and like all prominent Europeans he was frequently pestered by ‘well recommended' visitors from back home, such as a young Peer of the Realm who displayed very suitable letters of introduction. Eddie did all that was expected by instructing his assistant to show the visitor around the studio and by finally giving him a quick lunch.
By Stephen Hamilton9 years ago in Geeks
Humble Beginnings at The Improv with Larry David
Larry David looks out at a packed house through thick aviator glasses. Catching the audience off guard, he speaks slowly, in a voice vaguely reminiscent of Jackie Mason. "Well, I've done it again I've driven another woman to lesbianism...." The line registers, and laughter fills the room. He's already got the crowd hooked, one of the first things a stand-up comic must learn.
By George Gott9 years ago in Geeks
The Best Ways to Introduce Kids to Superheroes
One of my absolute favorite things about being a parent is sharing the things I love the most with my kids. A perfect example was getting to hear my kids gasp in shock when Darth Vader reveals that big family secret to Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. Nothing like the magic of re-experiencing the best science fiction, fantasy, and comics with someone who’s seeing or reading it for the first time. Case in point: superheroes. I love hearing my six-year-old geek out about what Spider-Man would do in a given situation, so I’m definitely planning on fanning the flame of fandom with some comic books to keep the superhero love going. Rekindle your fascination with the great men and women of the superhero universes with these toys, costumes, books, and more this Christmas or any time of the year.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Geeks
The Latest On That All-Female 'Ocean's Eleven' Spinoff
Nobody can deny that the Ocean’s Eleven franchise has been pretty successful over the years. From its first Sinatra-led incarnation to the three movies helmed by George Clooney and Brad Pitt, the delightfully convoluted heist series has consistently captured the attention of its audiences. Now the latest Ocean’s film is scheduled for release ---- but this one has a twist. Instead of its more standard ensemble cast of witty gentlemen, this movie’s going to be an entirely female-led enterprise.
By Anne St. Marie9 years ago in Geeks
Best 'Goosebumps' Books
Goosebumps has the benefit of appealing to both young kids and adults who grew up in the nineties and still have plenty of nostalgia for the nights they stayed awake reading the classics. Even those nineties kids who weren’t into reading probably caught at least a few episodes of the TV adaptation. The Goosebumps book series is one of the most popular children’s series of all time. Since the first publication in 1992, the series has sold over 350 million books worldwide in 32 different languages.
By Patricia Sarkar9 years ago in Geeks
90’s Hero Movies Well Worth Another Watch
For every action there’s an equal but opposite reaction, or something like that. And so, to pay for the sins of the 80’s, the 90’s were born…and with them lurched a slew of “dark” hero films crafted as if to atone for the campiness of Superman et al.
By Matt Cates9 years ago in Geeks
Why Do We Quote Films?
How many times have you stood on your porch and screamed, “I’m the king of the world!” Or wandered around in the dark and uttered “I have a bad feeling about this?” How about reassuring your mopey best friend that “you aren’t dying; you just can’t think of anything better to do?”
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Geeks
What Was Most Popular in the 1990s?
The 1990s were a simpler time, when frosted hair tips were all the rage and boy bands ruled the music charts. It was a time when kids constantly quoted Nickelodeon cartoons and adults copied Rachel Green’s hairstyle and Carrie Bradshaw’s drink order. The era yielded some truly iconic musicians, movies, TV shows, games, toys, snacks, and fashion trends. To fuel your 90s nostalgia, here are some of the most popular fads that defined the decade.
By Geeks Staff9 years ago in Geeks
Old School Gamers Unite: Retro Video Games Rule Once More
“Genesis Does What Nintendon’t!” - Sega Genesis TV Ad Catchphrase (1990’s) For several decades now, video games score high at the top of many of our holiday wish lists. No matter if you’re using pen and paper to jot it down old school or broadcasting an official Amazon Wish List to family and friends, this year promises to be no different. In fact, those addictive computer simulations are hotter than ever. In the market for and got your game playing eye on Playstation or XBox? Maybe you can’t wait to find a Playstation VR or XBox One under the Christmas tree or stuffed in your sock as a stocking stuffer? Is that even possible?
By Will Stape9 years ago in Geeks
Breaking the Spell of Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is a titanic jerk. If I had to pick any Marvel Cinematic Universe character—including the villains—to have a latte and scone with, Stephen Strange would be between Malekith (Thor 2) and the Hulk…and that’s only because Hulk and I probably wouldn’t have much to talk about, unless he secretly likes Seinfeld.
By Matt Cates9 years ago in Geeks
