Storytelling
Why Outlander Is the Show America Needs Now
How do the big differences between two of TV’s most talked-about prestige dramas reflect a vast gap in pop culture?
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?
Storytelling
The Surprising Theme in Pixar’s Coco
For a hero’s journey story, Pixar’s Coco has an unusual character arc… but its underlying theme is even more surprising.
Storytelling
Does Every Marvel Movie Tell the Same Story?
Thor: Ragnarok is basically a blueprint for how to make a Marvel movie… and that’s a problem. Here’s why every Marvel movie tells the same story.
Storytelling
Why Stranger Things 2 Episode 1 Is Perfect Storytelling
Stranger Things 2 Episode 1 is a textbook example of how to kick off a new season of a beloved show. Here’s why its writing and pacing work so well.
Storytelling
How to Fix the Storytelling Flaws in Marvel’s Defenders
Marvel’s Defenders has some storytelling problems that could have been avoided. Here’s where it went wrong, and how it could improve in Season Two.
Storytelling
The Problem with Blade Runner 2049
Let’s explore the structural flaw that causes the film to falter.
Armchair Sociology
The Problem with Ingrid Goes West
There’s a missing piece at the center of Ingrid Goes West that prevents it from becoming a truly moving satire.
Storytelling
How Game of Thrones Defines Characters Through Actions
[SPOILERS AHEAD for the final episode of Game of Thrones season seven, “The Dragon and the Wolf.”] In the end, this short 7th season of Game of Thrones left us pretty much where we started: the army of the undead is still marching south, Daenerys and Cersei are still locked Read more…