Category Archives: Movies

by | March 10, 2015 · 1:21 pm

Is Star Wars Relevant?

StarWarsOpeningLogo

Star Wars is arguably the most popular science fiction franchise in history. Since the release of A New Hope in 1977, George Lucas’ dream has been defying expectations and reinventing the motion picture industry. Having said that, as we slowly approach the release of The Force Awakens later this year, I have started to realize that it is assumed that Star Wars is relevant to modern geeks, and to wonder if Star Wars it truly is.

After much consideration, I have to say that it is still relevant. This conclusion was not made easily. I am a massive Star Wars fan. My new office will be decorated almost exclusively in Star Wars stuff, from prints and posters to action figures and unique pieces of art. I have seen all of the movies countless times, and while Empire Strikes Back is my favorite, the original trilogy all fit into my top ten favorite movies of all time. Despite all of this I had my doubts. Something deep down inside me was telling me that I couldn’t justify jumping to the obvious conclusion without spending some time to really evaluate and not just answering what my ten year old self would want me to. Continue reading →

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by | March 3, 2015 · 10:22 am

Therefore I Geek Podcast Episode 26, All Grown Up: Childhood Rebooted

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In which, Tracy, Andrew, Kyle, and Shane McNulty converse about stuff from our childhoods that has been rebooted, specifically Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and GI Joe.  We also get a little sidetracked into discussions of Game of Thrones, Hannibal, Blair Witch Project, and whether or not Jason Statham is actually a good actor.  Shane would also like to shout out to his niece Rhiana for getting into Harvard!

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by | March 2, 2015 · 8:59 pm

Editorial | Greek Mythology in Popular Culture

Several months ago, I wrote a blog post discussing the ubiquitous references to Norse mythology in modern day pop culture, but Scandinavian folklore certainly does not have the market cornered. The wise King Solomon once said, “There is nothing new under the sun,” and it certainly seems that way sometimes in media and entertainment. Tired rom-com plot lines are trotted out every year—sometimes with the same dialogue—and Adam Sandler doesn’t seem to be able to create an original story to save his life. However, Greek myths have a life all their own, and when incorporated correctly, they appeal to an ancient tradition that really enhances the story.

In comics, as with most entertainment, there are two ways to incorporate myths: either the artist can harken directly back to Greek stories by incorporating members of the pantheon directly into the cast of characters. Examples of this are Hades from the Lady Pendragon comics, various appearances of Artemis and Aphrodite in all manner of comics, or even Hercules as a member of the Marvel Avengers team. Alternatively, comic creators can sneakily refer to Greek myths or just steal inspiration without giving direct credit. A good example is in Aquaman, the not-quite-Poseidon character about whom Marvel is in the process of creating a movie.

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Jason Momoa as Aquaman in the upcoming film.

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by | February 27, 2015 · 1:29 pm

Farewell, Mr. Nimoy

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Today is a very sad day in the geek community. Earlier this afternoon, Leonard Nimoy passed away at age eighty three. Although he is certainly not the first of the original cast to pass, his passing is probably the most personally saddening. While I always loved DeForest Kelly and James Doohan, there was something even more special about Nimoy and his most noteworthy character, Mr. Spock. For several generations now, Star Trek in all its varying iterations has been entertaining and connecting with fans in a very special way. There are entire fan conventions dedicated to this one franchise, and the fan base extends across the entire planet. Through all of this, Nimoy has been there. Even before there was a Captain Kirk, there was Mr. Spock.

Leonard Nimoy was not only a beloved character, but also a man who learned to embrace what he had become and the fans who loved him. In addition to Star Trek, Nimoy lent his vocal talents to cartoons from my childhood like Transformers, and more than one documentary that helped to drive forward my desire for learning and knowledge. I know that I will sorely miss his presence on screen and that it will be a long while before I can watch Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan again.

– Andrew

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