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2008's Cell Phone Fashionistas of the Big Screen

geeksugar — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:12:45 -0800

2008 was a great year for movies, especially for me since tech is becoming more and more prominently featured. A number of the leading ladies in my favorite flicks from this year embraced their cell phone as the chic accessory that it is — or can be, when you pick the one that matches you. Check out my top cell phone addicted female characters of the year.

Vampire Tech: The Twilight Slideshow!

geeksugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:00:34 -0800

In case you hadn't noticed, your geek is a Twilight freak. As a fan of the books, I was really psyched on the movie, especially since there was more of an emphasis on tech in the film (and um, Robert Pattinson). And it wasn't just the movie — the stars are equally geeky! Check out my slideshow for all the Twilight geekiness from the past couple weeks! Photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Twilight's Carlisle Cullen Is a Mac Who Uses "The iChat"

geeksugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Carlisle Cullen — that's the actor Peter Facinelli for all you non-Twilighters — told Us Weekly at the movie's premiere, how hard it was to be away from his family in L.A. while filming Twilight, and what he had to say pleased me greatly.

"I have a Mac computer, and we do the iChat, so sometimes I can eat dinner with my family," he says.

Exhibit A: He's a Mac (like our Bella) and Exhibit B: He calls it "the iChat."

That's it, he is not allowed to be more adorable. I might explode.

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He's Just Not That Into . . .Technology in the Dating World

geeksugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:00:34 -0800

"MySpace is the new booty call!" a friend advises Drew Barrymore in this preview for He's Just Not That Into You, and later she laments:

"I had this guy leave me a voice mail at work, and so I called him at home, and he emailed me to my BlackBerry, and so I texted to his cell, and now you just have to go around checking all these different portals just to get rejected by seven different technologies. It's exhausting."

Being in a relationship, I am honestly glad I don't have to deal with said portals and can see this as merely comic relief, but I feel for Barrymore's character and people who do get the tech runaround. Have any funny or cringe-worthy experiences with dating and tech?

Should Book Technology Be Updated For the Movie Version?

geeksugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:00:10 -0800

In my Twilight gadget rundown from the other day, I noticed in the comments some mentions about Bella's tech being upgraded to reflect the year. Instead of 2004's old desktop and dial-up connection, she had a 2008-era black MacBook and fast Internet. Her lack of a regular cell phone in the book wasn't a glaring error in 2004, but in 2008, the filmmakers would have been remiss in not giving her a phone when every teen has one. And I loved the choice of the blackbook, but it did alter her characterization a little by making her seem more tech-savvy than book Bella. As a fan of both the book and the movie, the updating of the gadgets didn't bother me, because the book was published in 2004, but not specifically set then, so if the movie is taking place in present day, then 2008 technology is expected. But as a geek, I'm obviously biased in wanting to see newer gadgets, or at least, thoughtful prop placement, but as a book-lover, I could understand wanting to see the book portrayed on film exactly as you wanted it. What's your take?Source and Source

Should Book Technology Be Updated For the Movie Version?

Yes, the tech should reflect the year the movie comes out, not when the book did.

No, the tech should be true to the book and be kept the same.

Something else. See my comment below.

Twilight: Vampires! Mortals! Gadgets!

geeksugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:02:16 -0800

In this weekend's chart-topping, blood-sucking hit Twilight, Edward and Bella share an affinity for each other — as well as technology, to my delight.

First we'll start with Bella, who is outfitted with a white Nokia 7360 (from the appropriately named L'amour collection). Bella, who we'd already seen as an iPod fan in the movie and in real life, also uses a (now) previous generation black MacBook (and weren't those Google searches about vampires in different cultures astoundingly robust? Hmmm . . . ).

To hear about Edward's tech preferences, just

Vintage Geek: Spaceballs

geeksugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:30:34 -0800

As into Star Wars as I was, its parody Spaceballs enthralled me just as much by making fun of the silliness I hadn't yet recognized in George Lucas's earnest films.

Mel Brooks's hilarious send-up replaced Chewbacca with John Candy's Mog (half-man, half-dog: "I'm my own best friend!") named Barf, Bill Pullman was Lone Starr (mocking both Han Solo and Luke Skywalker with one character), and teeny Rick Moranis was Dark Helmet — the Napoleon-complex-addled Darth Vader.

And how could I forget Dot Matrix, Princess Vespa's C-3PO? She had a loud "virgin alert" that went off if Lone Starr got too close.

Though my passion was always for the original Star Wars, I've always had a soft spot (er, funny bone) for Spaceballs. Do you remember it?

Have memories of something geeky and awesome from your past? Join the Vintage Geek group and submit it — it may show up on geeksugar's home page!

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Hollywood Loves SLRs!

geeksugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:00:26 -0800

"Being the muse never works out!" Blair warned Serena in this week's Gossip Girl, before she got photographed by Aaron. I loved the sequence of black and white shots that ensued, and it reminded me that Hollywood also loves photographers who love their SLRs! I always check out what the characters shoot with, so check out my slideshow of their use in my fave TV shows and movies!

Have You Been in Danger Because Your Headphones Were On?

geeksugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:00:58 -0800

In the Twilight trailer, we see Bella get rescued from being hit by a van by Edward (goosebumps). I'm not as concerned with the fact that a teenage boy can stop steel (because he looks so hot doing it) as much as I am with the fact that Bella was in the parking lot with her earbuds in. No, no!We all know that it's dangerous to have your headphones in when you're near cars, but I admit that this is a no-no I participate in, though I try to keep my volume low enough so I can hear my surroundings without becoming a victim (as I am sans vampire boyfriend). We're so used to wearing MP3 players that we have a false sense of security, when we could be close to being in an accident; tell me, have you ever gotten hurt because you had your headphones on and blaring?Source

Have You Been in Danger Because Your Headphones Were On?

Yes, I have been in danger because I had my headphones on.

No, I am always extremely cautious when wearing my headphones in public.

Something else. See my comment below!

Movie Theaters Going Digital So You Can Watch in 3D

geeksugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:40:29 -0700

It sounds like your TV isn't the only thing that's being permanently upgraded to digital — movie theaters will also be getting the digital conversion treatment!

Five Hollywood studios are going to help pay the bill to outfit theaters with digital equipment, which will cost over 1 billion dollars and convert about 20,000 movie screens.

What do we get besides crisp, clear images? 3D access, baby! There's at least one Jonas Brothers concert lined up in 3D so you better get your glasses on.

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Did This Video Game Ever Become a Movie?

geeksugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:00:56 -0700

Think your video game knowledge is as good as your cinematical knowledge? Do you spend equal amounts of time on geek as you do on Buzz? Then take my movie/video game challenge! I'll give you a video game title and you tell me if it ever became a movie, got it? Go!

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Sex and the City Blu-ray Discs Come With Digital Copies!

geeksugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:00:49 -0700

I preordered Sex and the City on Blu-ray, and when it came yesterday, I was greeted with a pleasant geeky surprise: A digital copy was included! Digital copies have been included on a few DVDs and Blu-ray discs since the beginning of the year, but this is the first time I've gotten one — and with a movie that truly makes it worth it!

The disc is separate from the Blu-ray disc itself and when inserted, opens iTunes, where you enter the unique code that comes with your disc. Now I can put Carrie and the posse on my iPhone (and not even bat an eye when those broads take up 1.6 gigs!)

Have you gotten any digital copies with movies you're buying yet? Do you use them?

The Cast of Eagle Eye Talks Tech in a Recent Interview

geeksugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00:31 -0700

The action thriller movie Eagle Eye will be landing in theaters this Friday and E! Online had the chance to sit down with the leading stars from the movie, including Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson, to talk about the technology from the movie and the role it plays in our everyday lives. It sounds like it has a riveting plotline — I can't wait to go see it!

Do You Want to See a Movie Based on the Sims?

geeksugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:30:16 -0700

I wasn't sure this idea was going to come to fruition, but it seems to be true: Not only is the movie based on the Sims video games a go, but a producer for the movie explained the concept for the film.Apparently some kids get a "Sims Infinity Pack," and their actions in the Sim-world actually start happening. It could be somewhat interesting to see a thought that happens to most geeks play out on screen, but on the other hand, I might get confused watching the Sims and not being able to control anything. (What! They have conditioned me to control!) What do you think?Source

Do You Want to See a Movie Based on the Sims?

Yes, I would love to see a movie based on the Sims; it sounds interesting!

No way. Another gimmicky video game movie?

Maybe, if I saw the previews and it looked cool.

Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes Push Cell Phone Recycling

geeksugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:02:01 -0700

Via their upcoming film The Spirit, stars Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes have teamed up with the Environmental Media Association to promote the importance of cell phone recycling to reduce CO2 emissions.

The spots start running today on the Answer the Call website, with the ladies in character as Sand Saref and Silken Floss, respectively. I was already a big proponent of cell phone recycling, but glamming it up with two of the hottest celebrities ever? Irresistible.

Hollywood Loves Vintage Geek

geeksugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:00:39 -0700

With the advent of Mad Men, people seem to be all over vintage lately, and for me, it's big for vintage geek. Of course, I've been a fan for longer than this show — and so has Hollywood. Check out my slideshow for some of the best vintage tech moments in TV and the movies in the last few years!

2 Days in Paris: One Photography Dilemma

geeksugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:01:20 -0700

Now out on DVD, the movie 2 Days in Paris is full of hilarious observations, most of them about relationships, but there was one that really stuck with me, as a travel and photography buff. Early in the movie, Julie Delpy's character Marion discusses a problem with Adam Goldberg's (Jack's) camera. Relentlessly taking photos, Jack didn't seem to be an excessive photographer — that's what you do on vacation, isn't it?

But Marion's argument was enlightening: by constantly taking photos, you're taking yourself out of the situation. By only seeing your surroundings through a lens, are you really seeing it all? When you're just thinking about capturing an image of what you did so you can show someone later, you're there, instead of your actual "there." You're removed from the experience. To see what I think of this, just

Does Email Hurt or Help Friendships?

geeksugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:00:27 -0700

In Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (yes, I saw it and am not afraid to admit it), America Ferrera's character Carmen, long the thread (pun intended) that held the four friends together, becomes exasperated over her foursome's inability to communicate over distances. When they cite email as being the way they connect, and don't connect — Blake Lively's character Serena — er, Bridget — says, "It's not my fault I have a lame server!" (Oh you went there, Bridget, really?!).

Carmen retorts, "Email, you guys? Really? That's lame," and as the characters hung their heads guiltily, I did too. To see why I think email hurts friendships, just

Wallace and Gromit Coming to a Console Near You

geeksugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:00:46 -0700

Buzz and I both love Wallace and Gromit! And what a better way for us to continue the love-fest than to play along with their crazy adventures, game style. A series of Wallace and Gromit episodic games is headed our way soon, but on which console?

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Developer Telltale Games is keeping mum on that bit of info for now, but I have a feeling that this will be a WiiWare download-able title. Just a guess. Check out the super cute Wallace and Gromit's Grand Adventures teaser trailer, and then tell me: Are you as excited to play this game as I am? And if the answer is no, then I must know how you can possibly resist the cuteness?

Coming Soon: Backstroke of the West!

geeksugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:58 -0700

We've seen Star Wars get butchered over and over again; must I remind you of the talent contestant who killed the theme with a trumpet, or Darth Vader drowned in Hello Kitty?

Couldn't get much worse, but it appears that a blogger got his hands on Revenge of the Sith when it came out on DVD a few years ago. Bought from a not-sketchy-at-all sidewalk vendor, he popped in the DVD to find that it had been translated into Chinese, and back to English. What that means is that the title is now this:

"Backstroke of the West." And I thought Hayden Christensen's performance was funny.

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Daily Tech: The High-Tech Making of The Dark Knight in IMAX

geeksugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:03:39 -0700

To create The Dark Knight in IMAX format, director Christopher Nolan used special IMAX cameras that use 70mm film which, unlike 35mm cameras, are very heavy. — Popular Mechanics
Musician Funki Porcini gets the award for having one of the most original album covers. Check out this beautiful image of her sleeping amongst many music making machines. — Boing Boing
Adorable! The iClooly Aluminum Stand for the iPod Touch and the iPhone 3G makes your little device look exactly like an Apple desktop screen! My favorite so far indeed. — Unplggd
Here's a little story we can all learn from. Someone put their iPhone 3G box up for sale on eBay for $650 and it actually sold with a ton of bids. Sadly, I don't think the buyer read the fine print. — CrunchGear
Learn some helpful tips and tricks for taking stunning pictures with your camera. — Yahoo! Tech
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in for your chances to win a new iPhone 3G by Apple! — geeksugar

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Original NES, Pagers, MixTapes? So Not The Wackness

geeksugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:00:51 -0700

Yo, if you consider yourself any kind of Vintage Geek fan, then get thee to a theater to see The Wackness.

Needless to say, I agree with Buzz's glowing review of the movie, but sitting in the theater, what was I cooing over more? The proliferation of mix tapes (I told you they were mad hot), the declaration of being loyal to cassettes, the boomboxes and — wait for it — blowing into a Nintendo game.

Young entrepreneur Luke Shapiro also rocks, oh yes, a pager, and constant headphones. Even though the movie takes place a mere fourteen years ago, it's the tech stuff that really gives the movie its nostalgic sheen. Basically, it's the dopiness.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Commit Your Friends to Arkham Asylum!

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:19 -0700

I've been waiting for The Dark Knight with white-knuckled anticipation, and as part of the viral marketing that began as early as January, they've released a terrifying and awesome interactive feature: committing your friends to the mother of all fictional insane asylums, Arkham Asylum.

I like that this kind of online marketing is becoming de rigeur for films, like with The Wackness's graffiti contest.

This is pretty sophisticated; you upload a headshot of you or your friend, and then it's integrated into a video, which shows creepy real-looking footage of that person then become a raving loony, writhing in a straight jacket.

Except I made the poor decision to test it out with my picture (Alcatraz flashback!) Permanently scarred.

The Bag That Kept Carrie's Phone in Hiding

geeksugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:00:53 -0700

Who would have thought that this exact (but in pink!) Judith Leiber cupcake evening bag would have such a significant role in the
Sex and The City movie.

First of all, Charlotte's adorable Lily answers Carrie's Swarovski crystal encrusted phone and puts it in this bag and then walks off with it. And then Big keeps trying to call Carrie, but her phone is held captive in this cupcake — therefore I'm blaming their (spoiler alert!) failed wedding round one on this jewel-encrusted $4295 bag.

Who Would Play Steve Jobs in the Apple Movie?

geeksugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:25:04 -0700

With all the hubbub of lovely Leo getting cast as Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, I'm hoping that this is the herald for Hollywood movies about Silicon Valley denizens. Thankfully, this Leo flick sounds more compelling than Josh Hartnett's August, and I think it's because this is a biopic. I want to see the history of tech, not a total dramatization. When I think of what stories I'd really like to see played out on the big screen, I of course think of my Steves. I want to see the fashionista Jobs and the ladies' man Wozniak as young ones creating an empire and all the ups and downs in doing so. Someone thought Noah Wylie would be a good Jobs, but I disagree — I'd like to see someone a little more dynamic announce iPhone 3G's and such. I've got a few suggestions for actors below, but let me know who you'd think would make the best silver-screen Steve!Source and Source

Who Would Play Steve Jobs in the Apple Movie?

Ashton Kutcher

Edward Norton

Patrick Dempsey

Jason Bateman

Ryan Gosling

Someone else. See my comment below!

The Sex and the City Movie Tech Quiz!

geeksugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:30:02 -0700

I've been eagerly (and patiently) awaiting this moment since I first laid eyes on the Sex and the City movie. For all you tech-obsessed SATC fans, who I know rocked the tech trivia quiz from older episodes, this quiz is sure to be a breeze! There were so many fabulous tech treats and fun tech talking moments featured in the film that I can hardly contain my excitement. You knew it was coming. . . it's now time for you to test your tech knowledge from the movie! It's a whopping 15 questions, so best of luck!

Photo courtesy of New Line

Sex and the City: Home Tech

geeksugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:39:42 -0700

With Sex and the City mania in full swing on the Sugar network, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on something that was just as important as Carrie's signature Manolo Blahnik shoes — the fab four's home tech! For Carrie, her humble abode was also her workspace, which meant that trusty black G3 PowerBook was regularly spotted on her desk, the floor, her bed and everywhere else. Have a peek at the slideshow to see where the other ladies' set up their "geek sanctuaries"!

August: The Movie That Makes Being a Nerd Look Glam

geeksugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:51 -0700

If I was pitched a movie about the dot-com bubble bursting and the rise and fall of a start-up, I'd be Fandango-ing already — but then, again, I was the girl who loved Pirates of Silicon Valley. Hollywood execs know that nongeeks need to be drawn to see their movies, too, so they add sex and flash — which they did here with the upcoming film August. And it works!

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Josh Hartnett is the CEO of fictional start-up Landshark, which appears to hit the big time in the early 2000s, and his swagger is not Hollywood crafted, rather, he seems like he did his research on Valleywag to get into character. I'll be first in line!

Sex and the City Movie Tech: Miranda and Her BB

geeksugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:37:19 -0700

We're in the homestretch now of our Sex and the City Movie premiere, and I can honestly say, Christmas came early this year! We've already jogged our memories on tech from past seasons, and last week we learned about some of the gadget gear from the movie! So Samantha has an iPhone, Louise (Carrie's assistant, played by Jennifer Hudson) uses a Sidekick, and Carrie likes to mix it up between cell phones and pay phones.

And what about Miranda you ask? You'll find her with a BlackBerry 8700, which is kinda odd, considering there have been at least three new models out since they started filming!

Photo courtesy of New Line

Picture Perfect Tech: Cell Phones From What Happens in Vegas

geeksugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:30:11 -0700

I guess you could say I've been on a bit of a movie kick lately, seeing Iron Man and all its tech treats two short weeks ago and then back to the theaters this past weekend for some hilarious What Happens in Vegas action.

This movie features Cameron Diaz who plays Joy, a stockbroker from Manhattan, and the leading man Jack, played by Ashton Kutcher. Both meet in Vegas for a wild night out on the town and find themselves dealing with a lot more than they bargained for once the night is over. For those who haven't seen it, I won't go into great detail and spoil it for you . . . but I absolutely must reveal some of the tech treats this geek had her eye on throughout the movie!

Samsung had some serious pull in this film, hooking up Cameron with a BlackJack II smartphone. This sleek black cell is certainly an all-in-one phone, boasting TeleNav GPS, a camera, Windows Mobile 6, Bluetooth, and a QWERTY keyboard with a front jog wheel (similar to the iPod wheel).

And to see what sexy Samsung phone Ashton was sporting in the movie (he makes any phone looks sexy in this movie), just

Gadget Gear From the Sex and the City Movie!

geeksugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:30:15 -0700

Now that you've taken the Sex and the City tech trivia quiz, which brought you up to speed with all the tech treats from past SATC episodes, it's time to check out some of the geeky gadgets the Sex and the City movie has in store for us! Here's a sneak peek of what we can expect next week at the premiere!
Photo courtesy of New Line

Picture Perfect Tech: Cell Phones in Iron Man

geeksugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:30:05 -0700

This past weekend I finally checked out the big tech-filled blockbuster of the year — Iron Man! Robert Downey Jr. does a fantastic job playing super-brilliant inventor Tony Stark, who builds a high-tech suit of armor that can do just about anything and everything. Downey's friend and personal assistant Pepper Potts is played by the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow, who also adorns some high-tech treats throughout the film. Being the geek that I am, I couldn't help but notice the cell phones that Downey and Paltrow used during this action-packed flick.

Pepper Potts was spotted with a LG-KS20, a thin sleek phone which boasts a 2.8-inch touchscreen, while Stark used the media friendly Verizon LG VX9400 to place a video call. Yes, lots of lovely product placement for LG, nonetheless, two chic looking phones.

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JediGym Trailer: I Actually Want to See This Movie

geeksugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:45 -0700

I'm not really sure what the deal is with this JediGym trailer — is it a preview for a real short film premiering this summer, like the description claims, or is it just a hilarious premise laid out in 64 seconds for nerds like me? Whatever it is, the concept of people dressed as Star Wars characters doing exercises at the gym is still totally enjoyable. As a documentary freak, I couldn't help but get excited — and feel sorry for the portly Storm Trooper who pops his yoga ball.

More Iron Manliness!

geeksugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:34 -0700

I can't get enough of Iron Man previews — this older one was awesome, and so is this one below. Maybe it's the smoldering Robert Downey Jr. or the high-tech action sequences? Or maybe I'm projecting my excitement for the video game — but whatever, I know I'm seeing this on opening night (May 2^nd!). The best, geekiest line from these trailers so far? "I don't want to see this on your MySpace page!"

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South Park Spoofs the Day the Internet Died

geeksugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:00:18 -0700

We've all talked about what we would do if the Internet suddenly died. Last night the unspeakable disaster hit South Park in their "It's Just Gone" episode. Of course, with no Internet, the town couldn't do the usual Google investigation to see what went wrong. What to do? What to do?! To quote Randy Marsh: "Everyone just calm down. Calm down all right! It's going to be okay, we just can't panic."

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Movie Geek Mania: What Video Game or Comic Book Do You Want to See Made Into a Movie?

geeksugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:45:36 -0700

My trigger finger for Fandango is all itchy — with so many geeky movies coming out in the next few months, I plan on being at every one of them on opening night. From Iron Man, a movie based on a comic that will be made into a video game, to the high tech-filled feature Speed Racer (which is just begging to have a video game based on it), to an admittedly not-so-geeky, but I-can-make-it-geeky movie, Sex and the City, my movie card's totally full.

It's not enough for me, though! It seems like we have to wait so long for the next X-Files movie, not to mention how bummed I am that Fanboys may not even get a theatrical release. Anyway, with all these geeky films on the horizon, I have to know: What comic book or video game are you dying to see be made into a movie?

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Computer Being Stupid in Zoolander

geeksugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:30:41 -0700

This scene, appropriately titled "Man Vs. Machine," is so my favorite part of Zoolander. Hansel and Derek duke it out with an old orange iMac to get to the files inside and experience a little frustration, just short of bashing it in. I don't know that I've quite made monkey noises out of being frustrated with my laptop, but let's just say I've been close to it. If this scene were a news story, well, you know what it would be!

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Stay tuned till the end to see the world's teeniest (and trendiest) cell phone!

The Ghost in the Machine

geeksugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:00:40 -0700

In recent years, many good ghost stories have revolved around a haunted piece of technology, the proverbial ghost in the machine. What does a fear of our personal technology becoming possessed say about us as a culture? Whatever it says, it's freaking terrifying sometimes — think of the usual cliche of a television coming on by itself, a computer functioning while being unplugged . . . I have chills just thinking about it. Check out my compilation of the best geeky ghost scenes in movies!

Be Kind Rewind: Um, What About Blu-ray?

geeksugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:00:39 -0700

Totally sick of hearing about the end of the format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD? And totally sick of having to think about when you'll have to start buying Blu-ray discs instead of DVDs? Escape with Michel Gondry's Be Kind Rewind — a whimsical film and welcome departure from the high-tech rat race that's going on.

I've long loved Gondry for his use and of high and low-tech in his films — usually in terms of special effects (if you haven't seen Science of Sleep, get thee to your Netflix queue), and this time, for Be Kind Rewind, in subject matter as well. For more on Be Kind Rewind,

Sex and the City's New Trailer: The Phones, The Phones!

geeksugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 03:30:48 -0800

The noise I made when I first watched the new Sex and the City trailer isn't really found in nature, but that's neither here nor there. This new trailer shows everything, and I'm more excited than ever to see. . . no, I won't ruin it. You have to watch for yourself. And just to show that the Sex and the City people must know who I am, they included several cell phone shots, which I have put together for you in this little slideshow. And can I just say, how come Carrie looks so sophisticated carrying a pink phone?! I have to wonder, is she the only one who can make it look sophisticated?

Oscar Geek: Forrest Gump's Vintage and Modern Tech

geeksugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:05:33 -0800

Because of Oscar Week (don't forget to cast your ballot!) and our Oscar Worthy Gadgets feature, I've been thinking about the gadgets of past Oscar winners too. One of my favorite movies of all time is Forrest Gump, and this epic movie never fails to bring me to tears — or make me want to listen to oldies. Forrest Gump wasn't exactly geeky himself, but fictionally, he's responsible for an obsession I and many of you have today. Forrest mentions that Lieutenant Dan has made an investment for him in "a fruit company" — we of course then see a letter with the unmistakable (vintage) Apple logo.

In present day 1994, the film Forrest Gump needed a whole team of geeks to make several important scenes possible. Gary Sinise (as Dan), who had lost his legs in Vietnam, had his legs "removed" through CGI. To enable Forrest to "meet" historical figures like JFK and John Lennon, the filmmakers used chroma key, warping, morphing and rotoscoping, and Tom Hanks was later added in. The film won Best Visual Effects for this, which was, as is the case for the many awards they won that year, completely deserved.

Oscar Worthy Gadgets: Atonement's Typewriter

geeksugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:05:37 -0800

Needless to say while writing Atonement, Ian McEwan was not contemplating ways to incorporate technology into the story. And who can blame him? Set in 1935, big inventions of that year were the "Supreme" Pedestal Hair Dryer and the Moving Coil Speaker. Talk about exciting. Although the typewriter is obviously a vintage gadget, it's an Oscar worthy gadget indeed. For much of the 20th century, typewriters were important tools in business, journalism, and paved the way for more modern and advanced word processing devices — like the one you are using today. They also came in handy when writing the occasional dirty love letter, as in the case of Atonement. Who wouldn't want a love letter from Robbie Turner delivered with the romanticism of the old fashioned type? Sigh.

Not only was the typewriter an important prop in the story of Atonement, it was also an important character. A character that became more engraved when the sounds of the machine were incorporated into the soundtrack, setting the stage for emotion when you heard the ticking of the keys. Taking such a low tech gadget and turning it into something so hi-fi is a super creative way to bring the classic gadget into the 21st century.

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The Dark Knight's Viral Websites Featuring Heath Ledger as the Joker Still Up

geeksugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:01:21 -0800

Before Heath Ledger's death last week, I was very much looking forward to this summer's The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, which I loved. But now, the teaser trailers for the film just make me feel sad and wistful. The images of Ledger in his perfectly-cast glory as the iconic villain the Joker, no doubt a talent-filled effort, are heartbreaking. That's why Valleywag's report that the viral websites to promote The Joker's role in the film will remain active confounds me.

I can't say I'm outraged, because this isn't the first time a film has faced losing a star prior to its release, but this may be the first time a marketing campaign such as this — viral websites surrounding the deceased actor — has been launched. The Joker-centric sites — among them whysoserious.com (which has been sporting a black ribbon in Ledger's honor since the news broke), TheGothamTimes.com, and TheHaHaHaTimes.com, don't seem to currently display any actual images of Ledger, but it still seems to be in poor taste that they remain up.

With new technology, we face new decisions each day that we never had reasons for before, and sensitivities must be bred to respond to our new world. What do you make of Warner Bros.' decision to leave the sites up? Is it an expected move, since the proverbial show must go on, or do you think their response should be different?
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Love and Gadgetry in 27 Dresses

geeksugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:05:34 -0800

When I saw 27 Dresses this past weekend, I thought I was in for some light chick-flick action, but my geekiness was indulged when James Marsden sweetly gave Katherine Heigl's character a Palm 755p to replace her old worn-out date book. With Valentine's Day coming up, my head was swimming with geek love and the romantic possibilities of gadget gifts as I hope my boyfriend takes notice. I mean, really, is there anything more romantic than getting a device that makes your life easier? So you can spend more freed-up time with the giver, of course. Oh, and for more 27 Dresses gift-giving, check out their website to download a widget for quizzes, photos, and other fun stuff from the movie!
Photo courtesy of Fox Movies

Gossip Girl Website Gets Gadget Makeover

geeksugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:02:58 -0800

You've probably noticed I've fallen for Gossip Girl, a show that combines fashionable and chic clothes with spiffy gadgets and quality teen drama. Of course, it's about an anonymous blogger (narrated by the fabulously geeky Kristen Bell), who details the scandals and adventures of a group of wealthy New York City teenagers on her website. I was checking out the Gossip Girl website in preparation for tonight's episode and I realized it's all decked out with gadgets and gizmos from the show. While it's partially an advertising stint (the show, website and show's commercial breaks are filled with Verizon phones), I am intrigued that a show with that demographic is pushing the gadgets so intently. It begs the question, do TV shows and celebrity endorsements prompt you to buy certain devices, or do they just offer you a chance to check them out?

Watch the show tonight and tune in tomorrow for my Gossip Girl tech quiz!

Cell Phones From MTV's 'Newport Harbor'

geeksugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:00:43 -0700

As far as I'm concerned MTV's new teenage reality show Newport Harbor will never rival Laguna Beach, or The Hills in the drama or glamor departments, but it might give both shows a run for their money when it comes to number of cell phone and gadgets scenes in each episode. I was flipping through channels the other day and can confirm what communication experts have been saying for months: Teens don't need e-mail, cause they text message.

After a little research (no, I couldn't sit through an episode, but I could do some internet searching) I learned Chrissy has cell phone issues cause her father always calls to check up on her. Allie likes to leave mean voice-mails on her LG phone and Chase likes to call Taylor incessantly when she goes on dates with other guys. If only my problems were so simple.

So what cell phones are hot in the 15-18 market?

Name That Geeky Film Quote

geeksugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:00:37 -0700

While geeks seem to be seeing into the mainstream lately, taking centerstage in new movies and TV shows, most of my favorite brainy characters and quotes come from classic "Geeks Rule" movies. Sure, they are often the most obnoxiously quoted movies, but they are among the best. Cover scans courtesy of Amazon.

Celebrity Gadget: Scarlett Johansson's Leica M8 Camera

geeksugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:00:20 -0700

When Molly noticed Scarlett Johansson has been working both in front and behind the camera for an untitled Woody Allen movie in Barcelona, I wondered what kind of camera the starlet has been using.

My investigation team - made up of camera geek YumSugar and myself - concluded that it must be the uber chic Leica M8.

The model, which is a digital version of the company's famous M camera, was recently released in Europe and is sold in silver and black. It is known for using the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography and features a low-noise CCD image sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels that has been specifically matched to the compact lens design.

Clearly, professional cameras come with a hefty price tag. This one costs $4,795 on Amazon.

To check out additional images of the Leica M8,

Picture Perfect Tech: Luke Wilson's Phone From 'Vacancy'

geeksugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:00:09 -0700

You may not be rushing out to see Vacancy tonight, but if you love Luke Wilson you can get your hands on his Motorola i875 cell phone for Boost Mobile from the movie. Apparently, the phone is all battered up from the set and doesn't close properly, but appears to be functional with the battery included. Premiere Props says the phone's silver finish is also chipping due to all the brutal sequences. Still, you'll have to throw down $1,399.99 to touch the same phone as Wilson. Is that even worth it?

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