Oh! The Horror… | of the Last Church on the Left
The tension between the sadistic and masochistic appeals of horror was reflected in the divide between Cunningham and Craven. The producer saw LAST HOUSE as an escape, an outlet for some dormant pain. As it happens, he also knew that…
Reviewing the Classics| The Adventures of Prince Achmed
In order to truly appreciate the beauty and wonder of Prince Achmed, we must acquaint ourselves with Lotte Reiniger—the woman who shaped the destiny of animated films with a pair of scissors. Before Walt Disney could change the world with…
Thor: Ragnarok and Laughing Through ‘The End’
In the transition period between the first third and middle third of Thor: Ragnarok, the God of Thunder is subdued in a chair and forced into a gladiatorial-like arena to battle its champion. Before he enters the arena, his previous…
Stranger Things: S02E03 The Pollywog
There’s a moment in this episode where Will Byers walks into school after being dropped off by Bob, and it is everything this season is about. Will shuffles his way towards the school doors alone, but quickly he is immersed…
Stranger Things: S02E02 Trick or Treat, Freak
There are many things that make Stranger Things one of the best shows Netflix, and Hollywood for that matter, have to offer. The kids are, for me, the primary thing that elevates it to that standing. Sure, Winona Ryder (Joyce…
Review| Lady Bird
We’ve seen Greta Gerwig as a creative force as an actor in films like 20th Century Women and Frances Ha. She’s collaborated with notable Indie filmmakers like Noah Baumbach and Joe Swanberg on a number of projects, but has yet…
Review| Fargo: The Coldness of Sin
The Coen Brothers are widely considered to be among the most unique and acclaimed writers working today. They frequently present us with memorable characters, original stories, and oft-quoted dialogue that masks deeper themes somewhat hidden below the surface. Many of…
Interview| I’ll Push You
On October 26th, I had the privilege of talking to Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, the stars of the latest documentary set on the Camino de Santiago, “I’ll Push You”, as well as one of the directors, Terry Parish. Justin…
Sola Frodo: The Waste of the Witch-King (Soli Deo Gloria)
The Witch-King is terrifying and tragic. What does he tell us about Soli Deo Gloria? #ReformationDay #Reformation500
Sola Frodo: The Gift of Galadriel (Sola Gratia)
Galadriel’s favor on Gimli is unmerited, and gives us insight into Sola Gratia. #Reformation500