pop culture
Modern popular culture topics in the geek sphere.
The Last Letter from Your Lover - A Netflix Movie Review
Never underestimate the greatest love story ever told. Released to Netflix in 2021, The Last Letter from Your Lover interconnects two love stories. Examining old letters written by two lovers, Ellie is determined to track down the couple who never thought anything would break apart their romance.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks
The Dangerous Power of Nostalgia
If you google the word nostalgia the Collins dictionary definition reads as, ‘an affectionate feeling you have for the past, especially for a particularly happy time’. Further definitions continue that it is ‘a yearning for the return of past circumstances/events etc’ or that it’s a state of feeling caused by something – ‘the evocation of this emotion, as in a book/film etc’. Simply put it’s the strong warm feeling you get in your brain when you think back on a fond memory, watch your favourite movie, or eat that favourite dish in your favourite restaurant. There is a dark side however. For when we get this feeling (or any feeling), there is a rush of Serotonin and Dopamine in the body which gives us this sensation of pleasure. But our bodies (especially our brains), can begin to crave these rushes, our sub-conscious driving us to seek out these things which cause this affect – which in no surprise can become addictive. However, what may come as a surprise is how much of it is around us, and how much it is sold to us through various ways and formats. For anyone who is a consumer and let’s be honest that’s all of us, whether it’s in movies, games, tv shows or foods will have experienced nostalgia in one, if not all these mediums. We are currently surrounded by remasters, HD remakes, reboots, sequels, prequels, etc.
By Gary Packer4 years ago in Geeks
Sleeping with the Enemy - A Movie Review
Never be afraid to test your strength. We can conquer anything. Airing in theaters in 1991, Sleeping with the Enemy centers around an unhappy woman in an abusive marriage. Hatching a plan, Laura runs away. Seeking a new life and identity, Laura forgets to cover up some clues. A dark figure returns stalking the young woman.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks
Dungeon Mastering 101
So you want to learn how to run a tabletop role-playing game for your friends, or at the very least get advice on how to better at it. Then come and listen to one who has about twenty years experience in tabletop games. Different games generally use the same logic for the person running the game; you are the narrator and thus it is your job to ensure that everyone has a good time.
By Alex French4 years ago in Geeks
Love for the Third Doctor Who
Recently, I have been watching a lot of Doctor Who. Starting out as a way to get through the pandemic, I was watching a large number of random classic series stories during the first UK lockdown; then, during the second lockdown, I picked two seasons from the 1980's. However, when the third lockdown was announced, I fancied doing something a little more ambitious, and a little more structured. And then, I hit upon a bit of a brainwave: why not marathon a whole Doctor's era, one episode each day? After all, it was a natural step after the previous marathons, and it was something I had never done before. But would I be able to keep it up? I am notorious for starting things, and then just abandoning them when they start to get old, or in the way of new projects. But I was determined that this would be different: that I would see this through to the end. And so, I decided to do it. And the Doctor I picked was Jon Pertwee. Originally the Doctor between 1970 and 1974, this is a well-respected and well-loved era of the show, by me especially, and I knew that it would be a lot of fun. What I didn't anticipate was quite how much fun it would be, how I would gain a whole new appreciation of it, and, ultimately, how much support it would be during the tough times ahead.
By Joseph A. Morrison4 years ago in Geeks
Culture War Collateral Damage
In recent times there seems to be an almost constant reference to this thing called the “Culture War,” but what is it and why can't you walk away from it. Wikipedia says a culture war is a cultural conflict between social groups and the struggle for dominance of their values, beliefs and practices. There is nothing wrong with that. People since the dawn of man have disagreements on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Like many things the problems don't arise from the strict definitions and theories on a concept but in the practice. At least now taking part in the conflict isn't discussion or debate about the values important to a populace. It takes on the form of war and conflict with attacks levied between tribes with shallow convictions and a lust for dominance. This seemingly is leading to a trend where everything is attacked causing what I think is the collateral damage of entertainment.
By Art School Dropout 4 years ago in Geeks
Inside In Public
Like most sensitive teenage girls, I was a fan of Bo Burnham. I discovered him when I was about 16 years old, have followed his work ever since and have loved everything I've seen from him. I memorized the words to his Youtube songs, his Comedy Central Special, Words Words Words and his music videos. I even got ahold of Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous. His poetry book, what, Make Happy, and Eighth Grade have been extremely influential parts of my young adulthood. It's reasonable to say I've been obsessed with these things, especially Make Happy, but I believe it's been a healthy obsession. So, obviously, I was excited when I found out there was something new coming.
By Natalie McC5 years ago in Geeks
