“Wicked: For Good” is a Fitting Close to a Powerful Journey of Feminist Empowerment
Was there ever a possibility that I would not enjoy Wicked: For Good? Probably not. I’ve been obsessed with the musical soundtrack since its release in the aughts and finally got a chance to see the stage production a few years after that. Elphaba Throp entered my life at...
“Him” is a Brutal Evisceration of Gridiron Gods and Monsters
Football is inherently horrific. This collision sport involves two teams of heavily padded men who try to move an oblong ball 100 yards by any means necessary. Just seconds after the snap of each play, enormous players smash into one another, intent on forcing their way down the field....
“The Long Walk” Adds Hope to Richard Bachman’s Nihilistic Tale
Richard Bachman is known to be a bit of a nihilist. The pseudonym of Stephen King, Bachman’s novels are typically devoid of supernatural elements and the bittersweet redemption often found in stories from the Master of Horror. Usually set in a bleak reality where men are pitted against one...
“Traumatika” is a Messy, Yet Bone-Chilling Exploration of Emotional Pain
Over the years, horror fans have seen their fair share of trauma metaphors. From its earliest days, the genre has existed as a way to confront our darkest fears, but Jennifer Kent’s 2014 film The Babadook arguably kicked off a modern phase of stories exploring the darkness of the...
“M3GAN 2.0” Is a Bombastic Feminist Fantasy
In the three years since M3GAN premiered, AI seems to have exploded. No longer a novelty or household DJ, we’re now using ChatGPT to run every conceivable aspect of our lives. From help composing difficult emails or inspiration for creative work to therapy, friendship, and romance, we’ve increasingly begun...
“28 Years Later” Seeks Humanity in a Shattered World
By now it’s safe to say that Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later will stand the test of time. Not only did it reinvent the zombie subgenre with Rage-infected humanoids sprinting across the British countryside, it kicked off a cultural zombie obsession with titles breaking through to mainstream audiences. But...
“Drop” Is a Cozy Thriller That’s Perfect for Date Night
What do horror fans look for in a date night movie? While those of us used to extreme gore and violence can make a romantic evening out of the most savage film, first dates usually call for a softer touch. We want a compelling story that will hold our...
“Touch Me” Defends the Monstrous Millennial
Of all the generations alive today, millennials seem to be the most reviled. Constantly shamed for their love of avocado toast, we’re called weak or soft and blamed for killing everything from diamonds, gyms, and napkins, to the concept of traditional marriage itself. Yet millennials have also seen their...
“Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare” is a Promising Slasher that Fails to Take Flight
Let’s be honest. Peter Pan has always been a little bit creepy. J. M. Barrie’s original story follows a series of child abductions with the title character serving as a thinly disguised metaphor for the angel of death. No matter how charming the original Disney film and subsequent musical...
It’s Difficult to Fall In Love With “Love Hurts”
We all know what we’re getting with a Valentine’s Day movie. Perhaps a creative meet cute or friends to enemies subplot enacted by gorgeous actors with sparkling, white teeth, immaculate wardrobes, and flawless hair. They’re designed to ensure our continued belief in love and exemplify relationship goals. But those...