Storytelling
What Makes Game of Thrones So Addictive?
Every “must-see” TV show uses some of these addictive story tricks, but only Game of Thrones combined them all to create a runaway hit.
Armchair Sociology
Why We Replaced Heroes with Antiheroes
From Superman to Iron Man, the difference between a hero and an antihero was always clear.. until now. Here’s what changed, and why it matters.
Storytelling
Why Ant-Man and the Wasp Is a Movie About Nothing
Ant-Man and the Wasp has a plot built entirely out of MacGuffins and a villain who finally breaks Marvel’s mold.
Storytelling
The Tone Paradox in Deadpool 2
It’s no surprise that Deadpool 2, the ultra-violent R-rated superhero action comedy with the heart of a cartoon puppy, has a tone problem.
Storytelling
Avengers: Infinity War Shows How to Write a Huge Ensemble Story
Why Marvel’s biggest movie yet is a great example of how to write for a large ensemble of characters.
Storytelling
10 Ways Iron Man’s Plot Created the Marvel Movie Formula
10 years after Marvel Studios released Iron Man, here’s how that movie’s success has been duplicated in every MCU film since.
Storytelling
Why Black Panther and Wakanda Are the Keys to Marvel’s Future
How the success of Black Panther changes action movies and lays the groundwork for Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Storytelling
My Top 10 Most-Read Posts of 2017
From story problems in Blade Runner to the great irony of The Walking Dead, here are my top 10 blog posts that attracted the most readers in 2017.
Storytelling
The Tone Problems in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
As I was watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 yesterday, one thought kept running through my head: Marvel movies have two problems when it comes to onscreen violence: tone and stakes. This problem is actually most noticeable in Deadpool 2, but it first became obvious here. The Tone Paradox Read more…
Storytelling
The Downside to the Avengers: Infinity War Trailer
Does the Avengers: Infinity War trailer reveal too much of a good thing?