the buzz log

It's double entendre week at the Buzz Multiplex. "Sex" pairs with "Strangers" on the marquee, and documentary "Bigger, Stronger, Faster," about America's roid rage, sparks mild interest. "The Strangers" follows the usual pattern of horror films with a strong showing in Search, partly because of its vague "based on a true story" claims. Crime fans are researching possible cinematic inspirations like the "keddie cabin murders" and the Manson murders and Barbara Hoyt.

The weekend, though, is all about "Sex." Is this really the unadulterated chick flick of the year? Unless those 35% of males searching for "sex and the city" are just looking up the title for the articles, the appeal looks to go beyond broads. (For men who want to articulate how much they don't want to see the Manhattan femmes, New York Magazine obliges with reader suggestions ranging from a preference for a "light flick on the nose" to being "punched in the stomach by the guy that killed Houdini.")

Still, "Sex" ranks as the top female bonding film of the year, especially among ladies 13-44. Radar Online may feel the need to go on the defensive about "Sex" appeal, but searchers have been unashamedly clamoring to find "spoilers," learn "trivia," catch up on "episodes" and "cast," buy "tickets," and read "reviews."

In response, EW.com provides an episode guide, and Yumsugar probes the foursome's influence on non-carnal appetites then and now. The Miami Herald delves into the hysteria with a cast interview that includes Chris Noth while Philly.com exposes the male handiwork behind the "SATC" mythology.

Associated Press caught up readers with the foursome and the actresses. As for online searches, surprisingly, while the primary protagonist "carrie bradshaw" is the clear character favorite, Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't lead the cast queries unless one lumps in searches for her Bitten clothing line.

More surprisingly, while the females make up the majority of movie searches, the guys comprise most of the actresses' online following. Muse over this paradox while checking out most popular "SATC" women... and their men.