pop culture

Modern popular culture topics in the geek sphere.

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
"Ferris Bueller, You're My Hero"
Through hours and hours of countless film watching, there have been very few that have stuck with me. John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is high on that list, as I grew up watching it and know the script verbatim. Impacting my mindset during my time in high school and college, it has taught me to live life to its fullest, even if it means breaking a few rules.
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Geeks
Ultimate Freaks and Geeks Pop Culture Guide
Freaks and Geeks is one of the rare series, cut short, but hangs together perfectly as 18 episodes of pure genius. It has a beginning, a body and that rare quality so hard to find in singular seasons cut short; an end. As such it does not suffer the same fate as so many series, unfinished for lack of renewal. Irrespective of the fact that there are so many success stories that evolved from this unique series, the style, vibe and humor was way ahead of its time, and stands on its own as an iconic creative accomplishment. It defined the 1980s for a generation of millennials. The 18 episodes are literally a pop culture encyclopedia. The detailed analysis that follows takes a look at each and every episode, specifically looking at the show from a pop culture trivia standpoint wheneve applicable. As you read through the episodes, it becomes clear that the show was about more than its individuals, more about the whole and mostly one huge metaphor for the 1980s. The show was about defining the categories that separate us, and then using pop culture to deconstruct those divisions. At the end of the 18 episode story arc, pop culture unites us all, and we realize we are all Freaks and Geeks.
By Frank White9 years ago in Geeks
Evil Corporations on TV
Perhaps Occupy Wall Street and the movement's concern for corporate greed should not have been summarily dismissed. There is evil lurking in the boardrooms of television series and their shows' fictional characters. Many of these corporations are based in reality. With the Cold War a distant memory and a country hard-pressed to let the silent enemy of terrorism become a character on a hit TV show, producers and show-runners have turned their eyes on fictional oligarchs of corporate America. From Mr. Robot's E Corp, and yes, the E actually stands for Evil, to Calista Flockhart's Catco Worldwide Media, based firmly on The Huffington Post, corporate characters have become an integral part of contemporary TV.
By Gus Welch9 years ago in Geeks
Best 'Star Wars' Video Games
There are few better ways to access a galaxy far far away than to engage yourself in the best Star Wars video games. Pick a side and play as the Empire or the Rebels in Empire at War. Or play as your favorite character, and navigate planets and missions. If you are a fan of LEGO, get your hands on Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, the game that follows the events of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. These games, among many others, will catapult you into an alternate universe full of Jedi, Stormtroopers, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. Use lightsabers, drive AT-ATs, and gain wisdom from Yoda, all from the comfort of your home. The possibilities for an out-of-this-world gaming experience are infinite with any of the best Star Wars video games.
By Patricia Sarkar9 years ago in Geeks