Summary Catwoman’s survival in Batman Returns was a powerful final shot. Catwoman’s return wasn’t in the original cut, but Warner Bros. wanted a spin-off. While there wasn’t a spin-off, Catwoman’s appearance at the end of Batman Returns captured everything great about her character. Though there have been other cinematic representations of the character since then,…
Summary People always turn to murder mysteries in the Fall due to their autumnal aesthetic, but there are better genres for the season. Horror and Halloween movies are a great choice for the Fall, providing scares and celebrating the time of the year. But romantic comedies are the coziest genre, offering a comforting escape that…
Summary The confusing canon of the Ghostbusters Classification System has been scattered across multiple entries in the series. The Classification System helps to identify and document the various beings the Ghostbusters encounter. Identification helps to establish their role as scientists and serves as an invaluable tool. In the world of Ghostbusters, New York’s paranormal proton…
Summary Viola Davis’s Dr. Volumnia Gaul asking Coriolanus Snow what the Hunger Games are for mirrors President Snow’s question to Seneca Crane in The Hunger Games. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes scene shows how Snow will go from student to master. Evoking The Hunger Games scene shows how impactful it was despite not appearing…
Summary The Last Jedi‘s depiction of Luke Skywalker shocked fans by introducing him as a bitter and jaded hermit instead of the confident Jedi hero they expected. Ahsoka’s transformation back into an optimistic Jedi mentor directly lifts themes from Luke’s redemption in Episode VIII. Ahsoka’s character arc about rediscovering personal hope proves the narrative brilliance…
Summary The Marvel Cinematic Universe lacks a romantic element. The Fantastic Four can fulfill multiple romantic roles. Each member of the Fantastic Four brings something unique to the MCU in terms of romance. The Marvel Cinematic Universe started off strong in the romance department with iconic relationships such as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, Steve…
Summary Sony’s success with Spider-Man movies has proven it’s time for a long-awaited sequel. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness showcases how Sam Raimi can still make a great superhero movie. With Tobey Maguire returning as Spider-Man, Spider-Man 4 could be the big win that Sony Pictures needs for its franchise. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man…
Summary The Canto Bight sequence in The Last Jedi highlights the harsh political reality of war profiteering. The sequence showcases the corrupt and mundane authoritarian evil that can exist amidst the already dark nature of war. Despite criticism, The Last Jedi’s political allegory about war profiteering and the importance of selfless unity in defeating evil…
Summary Robin’s presence in The Brave and the Bold marks a major step forward for the underappreciated sidekick. Batman & Robin did a poor job in creating a compelling cinematic experience for Robin. Damian Wayne could help repair Robin’s cinematic reputation. The DC Universe’s first Batman film has to surpass Robin’s complicated history in cinema….
Summary Resurrecting characters has been a key component of Marvel Comics. Though it seemed that way, the MCU has avoided this tactic with all but two characters. By teasing resurrection, it proves the MCU still has high stakes even in a larger multiverse. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has gone to great lengths to bring to…
Summary The Princess Bride is about Fred Savage’s Grandson, mentally illustrating the story told by his Grandfather, The film embraces childlike wonder in a way that other movies have failed to accomplish. This is the secret sauce that spreads to the rest of the film, elevating it on numerous levels. The Princess Bride is one…
Summary Fans of the Terminator franchise lament new entries in the franchise because T2 was a perfect ending. Thanks to time travel, there are many ways to interpret events so that The Terminator and T2 are both the beginning and end of the saga. This requires a little suspension of disbelief and imagination, but it…
Summary Warner Bros. announced that Barbie would be campaigning for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar rather than Best Adapted Screenplay. Entering this category prevents Barbie from being pitted against hard-hitters like Oppenheimer and Poor Things, but could have it competing for the same prize as hits Past Lives and Saltburn. The Academy could disagree with…
Summary Batman’s cowl is a crucial part of the character’s psyche and motivation. Each movie generation since 1989’s Batman has utilized the cowl in different ways. Without Batman’s cowl, it’s harder to understand the type of hero he is in his universe. Before Tim Burton’s Batman was released in 1989, the only live-action exploration of…
Summary The Blair Witch Project is horrifying because the audience can’t really see the Blair Witch at all. Similar to Jaws, The Blair Witch Project used budget limitations to its advantage and focused on ratcheting up tension over simple jumpscares. The result is a movie that is far more unsettling and tense than it could…
Animation has long been an underdog when it comes to critically-acclaimed films. Still, this filmmaking style often has a unique ability to explore deep emotion and adult themes while keeping the surface material digestible for children. As the capabilities of animation have improved over the years, audiences are increasingly realizing the value of animation as…
Summary Wet Hot American Summer took comedy to a new level in 2001. We Hot American Summer provided several popular comedy actors with a launch pad. Wet Hot American Summer has a legacy that any comedy would want. With summer winding down, it’s the perfect time to look back at the quintessential “last day of…
Summary Robet Pattinson’s Batman is the best live-action version because he stays true to the comics while adding new things to the mythos. Most importantly, Robet Pattinson’s version follows Batman’s no-kill rule, separating him from the villains he fights. Bruce Wayne in The Batman has a great character arc that showcases true heroism and growth….
Summary The tesserae system allows children eligible for The Hunger Games to get extra food for a price. The tesserae help keep the Districts divided. The tesserae are one of several ways the Capitol holds onto power in Panem. Like any adaptation, The Hunger Games movies couldn’t include every detail from the source material. Sometimes,…
Summary The Nun II’s new goat demon steals the show alongside Valak’s return. The mysterious goat demon mirrors the devil’s image and wreaks havoc on innocent children as it helps Valak gain power. The Conjuring-Verse could benefit from a spin-off exploring the untapped potential of the violent goat demon. The following contains spoilers for The…
Summary Doctor Doom has the potential to become the MCU’s next Big Bad. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s time playing complex characters, such as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, makes him perfect for Doctor Doom. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau could make Doctor Doom standout by giving the villain a distinct voice. Doctor Doom is perhaps one of the trickiest…
Summary The toyline for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom features a figure named King Kordax. Kordax was a central part of Aquaman’s post-Crisis mythology established by Peter David. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is likely going to heavily alter Kordax, as evidenced by the toy’s design. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom focus on the growing…
Summary Many popular TMNT villains appeared in Mutant Mayhem, but it may have been too much. Despite no major deaths, Mutant Mayhem effectively removes several villains from the board. Clever writing could course-correct these plot beats in future TMNT sequels. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is the highest-rated TMNT film according to Rotten Tomatoes’…
Summary “Look Out for the Little Guy” highlights the importance of teamwork with a colony of ants. Ant-Man’s quick thinking in a dangerous situation gave him the skills to talk to ants effectively. Ant-Man’s understanding of teamwork with the ants pays off in a situation that puts his whole family at risk. The Marvel Cinematic…
Summary Midsommar explores being in a toxic relationship while dealing with grief. Dani and her boyfriend, Christian, go on a trip to Sweden that turns into something much darker. Christian’s final betrayal pushes Dani to her breaking point, leading her to let go of her past, including her relationship. Ari Aster’s Midsommar took audiences on…
Summary The Nightmare Before Christmas has earned its status as a classic for both the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Despite starting slow at the box office, The Nightmare Before Christmas found a cult following through re-releases and merchandise. The Nightmare Before Christmas offers an alternative to traditional Christmas films while delivering a deep message and…
Summary Interstellar is Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious work that showcases scientific real-life theories. Interstellar explores the existential question of what humans are willing to do to preserve life. Love and taking a leap of faith are central themes in Interstellar. 2014’s Interstellar is a sci-fi masterpiece by Christopher Nolan. Thus far, it’s been his most…
Summary Pocahontas is the most problematic Disney movie due to its inaccurate portrayal of events and the criticism it faced from Native American organizations. The film deviated significantly from the true historical account of Pocahontas’s life, erasing the true struggles of the Powhatan Renape Nation. Disney’s decision to over-simplify and idealize a sensitive historical account…
Summary Charlie Jane Anders’ “My Mouth Never Closes” re-imagines the Sarlacc as a misunderstood creature. The Sarlacc and C-3PO form an unlikely friendship due to the latter’s nature as a droid. The Sarlacc’s story draws surprising parallels between the Sarlacc and droids. The following article contains spoilers for Charlie Jane Anders’ “My Mouth Never Closes,”…
Summary Destination D23 announced potential plans to retheme Disney’s DINOSAUR ride to Indiana Jones. Despite being an archeologist, Indiana Jones has roots in paleontology. If Disney can’t find a middle ground for their new Indiana Jones attraction, they risk losing an iconic ride and fueling additional controversy. Among the heated controversy and debates surrounding the…
Summary Watching the entire Star Trek franchise may seem daunting, but it’s actually possible to do in a little over a month. The entirety of the franchise totals an astonishing 837.5 hours or 34.9 days with all series and films combined. As the franchise continues to expand, so will the amount of time required to…
Summary Aubrey Plaza revealed in a recent interview that she auditioned for the role of Domino in Deadpool 2. Plaza and Reynolds both have a background in TV comedy shows and have similar career trajectories. Despite not getting the role in Deadpool 2, Plaza has found success in Marvel projects, such as her role in…
Summary Theater Camp has the potential to become a cult classic thanks to its improvisation and unique format. Cult classics are often unexpected and stand apart from mainstream films. Theater Camp’s, like many cult classics, features a musical component. After a whirlwind year that began at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023, mockumentary Theater…
Summary Daniel Radcliffe is rumored to have a secret role in Deadpool 3. Radcliffe’s role may diminish the return of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. The addition of too many heroes in Deadpool 3 may clutter the movie. The newest rumor out of Deadpool 3 is that Daniel Radcliffe has joined the movie in a “secret role.”…
Summary The tenants of the Jedi code mirror the romanticized notions within Inazo Nitobe’s 1899 book, “Bushido: The Soul of Japan,” which is the prevailing influence on which the Samurai motif is built. Inazo Nitobe’s thoughts on the Samurai can be seen in the works of Akira Kurosawa, which heavily influenced George Lucas. Because the…
Summary There are numerous reasons Quidditch doesn’t make a lot of sense to fans. Rules on the lack of a set schedule and the emphasis on catching the Snitch are impractical and unbalanced, and Quidditch scoring makes no sense. Quidditch is a dangerous sport for young Hogwarts students to play, especially when magic runs broomsticks…
Summary A live-action Clone Wars film featuring Hayden Christensen’s Anakin and Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan could be great. The potential for a Clone Wars film is greater than a second season of Obi-Wan Kenobi, offering fan-favorite characters and an iconic storyline. With sequels and prequels becoming the norm, now is the perfect time for Lucasfilm to…
Summary American cinema often relies on pre-established Japanese properties when creating kaiju films. American kaiju monsters like King Kong and Clover are simple and effective, but often lack the depth and purpose seen in Japanese kaiju like Godzilla. American kaiju films could learn a lot from comic books and how they’ve approached characters like The…
Summary Anakin Skywalker’s murder of the younglings was fueled by his grief, self-loathing, and desire to save Padmé. Anakin’s tenuous relationship with the Jedi Council and feelings of ostracization motivated his decision. Converting the younglings to the dark side was not an option because their loyalty to the Empire could not be guaranteed. Anakin Skywalker…
Summary Wanda’s transformation from hero to villain in the MCU failed to capture the emotional complexity and depth of her character arc, much like previous adaptations of the “Dark Phoenix Saga” in the X-Men movies. The MCU disregarded Wanda’s established character traits and flaws that made her an empathetic character, opting for high-budget action sequences…
Summary The Nun II offers a more violent and intense horror experience that go beyond the previous Conjuring films. The Nun II makes its main villain a relentless and formidable force to be reckoned with. The Nun II showcases a nuanced approach to horror in ways that raise the bar for the horror genre. The…
Summary The trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has Black Manta acquiring a powerful trident. Aquaman 2’s trailer evokes the Atlantean scepter Black Manta briefly wielded in the Geoff Johns New 52 Aquaman run. Geoff Johns’ Aquaman run is one of the best runs that matches how much the previous movie pulled from that…
Summary The Conjuring Universe is the second most successful shared movie universe due to its “optional” interconnectivity. The MCU once thrived on cohesion, but now lacks a centralized plan. James Gunn’s DC Universe can succeed by emulating The Conjuring universe. Created by James Wan, the Conjuring Universe is easily one of the most successful shared…
Summary The trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom emphasizes Black Manta’s hatred of Aquaman. This kind of rivalry is actually rare in the DCEU, which largely failed to build upon or even showcase classic comic book rivalries. Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman all had rather disappointing takes on their main enemies, but Aquaman’s movies…
Summary The Marvels brings together Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Kahn in an all-new adventure, signifying a shift towards interconnectivity in the MCU. The chemistry between the lead actors promises a compelling ensemble, while also introducing characters from Disney+ shows to the big screen for the first time. The film offers an intimate exploration…
Summary The 2014 Godzilla film stands out from the rest of the franchise, returning to the origins of the iconic creature and emphasizing its role as a being of destruction and terror. The film brings back the nuclear anxieties of the original Godzilla, showcasing the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the consequences of man’s…
Summary Jigsaw’s status as a villain is crucial to the foundation of the Saw franchise, with his meticulously designed devices inflicting pain on his victims. Jigsaw’s perspective of vengeance and lack of concern for anything greater than the redemption of a few lost souls sets him apart from traditional anti-hero archetypes. Reworking Jigsaw as an…
Summary Ahsoka introduces Peridea as a new galaxy that takes immense power to reach. The InterGalactic Banking Clan (IGBC) may have used financial tactics to spread its influence to new borders. Thanks to Ahsoka’s recent events, Star Wars’ ability to break its rules may justify the IGBC’s intergalactic implications. Ahsoka has introduced a brand-new galaxy…
Summary There’s a reason The Crooked Man is regarded as one of the best Hellboy stories from creator Mike Mignola. Horror will be a key element of The Crooked Man adaptation, but it could go overboard. The Crooked Man movie needs to stick to what works. Even with three feature-length adventures under his belt at…
Summary John Kramer’s death in Saw III took the Saw franchise in a different direction. John Kramer’s death allowed for more insight into his life through flashbacks. Fans may never know whether John Kramer’s death helped or hindered the Saw series, but his legacy can never be questioned. When it comes to long-standing horror movie…
