star wars
Kathleen Kennedy Wielded the Grey Side of The Force
Her leadership of Lucasfilm under Disney was a massive financial success. But creatively, ‘Star Wars’ feels more listless than ever before.
television
television
Jimmy Kimmel and the Canceling of Culture
The administration continues its war on disfavored speech.
television
'Fit for TV' and Making America the Biggest Loser
Netflix's recent documentary highlights our ongoing appetite for cruelty.
movies
Other People Want to Sacrifice the Baby
‘Squid Game 3’, ‘Fantastic 4’, and the problem with an overt symbol.
movies
'Friendship', 'The Rehearsal' and the Awkwardness of Being a Person
The high stakes of human connection.
star wars
'Andor' Brought 'Star Wars' Back to Its Best Idea
Tony Gilroy's brilliant series celebrated the messy heroism of normal people.
television
'SNL50' Celebrated a Middling Present Rather Than a Storied Past
Lorne Michaels put a lot of famous people in the same room. Congratulations?
movies
Stalemate in the Culture War
A brief corollary to my previous newsletter.
media
Two Celebrities and a Product
Super Bowl spots are now too big to be memorable.
movies
What Is 'Star Trek' Supposed to Be Now?
The new movie 'Section 31' is the latest attempt to chase other franchises rather than embrace a distinct personality.
television
'Nobody Wants This' Is About Beating the Jews
The Netflix show isn't anti-Semitic, but it certainly doesn't care about Judaism despite the central conflict.
television
'The Penguin' Still Lives in the Shadows of Bigger Gangsters
Despite a few interesting tweaks, perhaps we're due for a break on anti-hero crime thrillers.