Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
St. Catherine of Alexandria (1507-1509)
While St. Catherine of Alexandria is not one of Raphael's most famous paintings, it is my favorite. Catherine leans against the medieval torture wheel that was intended to kill her, but broke instead - indicating that one can overcome adversity. Stylistically influenced by da Vinci, Catherine's facial expression evokes ecstasy.
By Joyce O’Day3 years ago in Critique
Ever After (1998, dir. Andy Tennant)
Cinderella was real. Find her in Da Vinci’s yellowed sketches: a downcast, gentle gaze. Love roots between gilded thievery and servant lies, a tryst of two kindred minds. Imprisoned, yet headstrong, they learn softness, compromise, & trust.
By Mackenzie Davis3 years ago in Critique
Mad Max: Fury Road is one massive u-turn
Mad Mad: Fury Road is a film that takes us on a trip filled with explosions and spectacles. We go on this journey just to return exactly where we started. There is no story to tell. The lack of direction isn’t enough to satisfy the hunger for a good storyline.
By Anna Torres3 years ago in Critique
It's Good To Have You Back
Daniel Craig gives a steller performance in his final outing on her majesty's secret service as Fleming's James Bond. While vacationing in Italy, Bond's world is turned upside down. Now years later, Bond must uncover the truth about the woman he loves as her secrets come back to haunt them.
By ChristopherWrites3 years ago in Critique
The Duct Taped Banana
Cattelan's 'Comedian' is what happens when Dadaism meets Home Depot and your local market. A taped banana parades as profound commentary, mocking both artist and patron. An emblem of excess, it encapsulates a culture fixated on novelty over substance. It sold for $120,000 but I think Warhol would've canned it.
By E.K. Daniels3 years ago in Critique
It Belongs In A Museum
In his third, but not final outing as the titular Harry "Indiana" Jones, Harrison Ford returns as the whip-cracking, globe-trotting adventurer who must find the silver chalice. Directed by Steven Spielburg, it's every bit as fun as Raiders of the lost ark if not a bit long for its runtime.
By ChristopherWrites3 years ago in Critique
Jaws
A quiet evening at the beach, the soft lapping of water on the shore, an ominous, Pavlovian tinkle of a bell on a buoy, two repetitious tuba notes signaling ill portent, the dark presence of something stirring in the water, just below the surface, it wants to eat you, NOW!
By Liam Ireland3 years ago in Critique
A critique of Psycho Joe (You)
I get it, Joe is intentionally handsome to disarm us all. Unfortunately, his looks have stifled his potential to have a stronger character arch. I would be far more impressed by his ability to swindle if he had to depend solely on substance versus surface. He is not that cunning.
By ImperfectlyPerfect3 years ago in Critique
Fahrenheit 451: A Critique
An incendiary critique of censorship and suppression. Set in a future where books burn, it feels all too prescient when writing has become an act of resistance and politicians ban books for votes. Bradbury’s warning against sacrificing knowledge on society’s altar is a chilling reminder of the power of information.
By E.K. Daniels3 years ago in Critique
Cowabunga Dude!
Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are back in a retro, blast-from-the-past claymation styled coming of age story. With the voice talents of Jackie chan, Seth Rogan, John Cena, and Ice Cube the turtles are out to stop a Superfly from taking over the city and wreaking havoc on human beings.
By ChristopherWrites3 years ago in Critique
