criticism - Episodes

A woman with the top half of her head painted silver hides behind a metal cross. Fire billows around her.

books

What if it's supposed to be bad?

Artists make choices. What if those choices are intentionally off-putting?

In a scene from Yellowjackets, Ben, who is tied down, looks up at Natalie. He has a plate of berries on his stomach.

criticism

Who is criticism for?

Not me, that's for sure!

Michael Caine (in nightcap) joins several Muppets on the Muppet Christmas Carol set.

mailbag

December mailbag!

What's the difference between a New Year's movie and a Christmas movie? Also: the Muppets AND The Polar Express.

The many actors and people involved in Shogun stand on the purple-hued Emmy stage in their finery.

mailbag

September mailbag

Including thoughts on the Emmys, the future of cultural criticism, and Oscar forums.

A wall of televisions, all tuned to the same thing, showing a huddle of people.

When should you write that "This show isn't that good" take?

Everybody loves that show, but you don't? Well, choose your moment wisely, young critic.

Margot Robbie, in a red dress, rides atop a throng of people, borne up by their hands, at a massive party.

criticism

The difference between creation and criticism

It's not what you think!

J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, stares into the camera while smoking in this black-and-white image.

barbie

What we discourse about when we discourse about Barbenheimer

The discourses around Barbie and Oppenheimer have followed very similar patterns.

Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore (in a Steelers jersey) watch some TV on the couch in This Is Us.

criticism

You are not smarter than the art you critique

Here's my best advice for young critics: Don't presume you know better.

I'm out

I loved TV criticism until I didn't

Episodes: I want to tell you some things about first-person criticism

I read a lot of writing from young, wannabe critics in my job. That's partially because of my annual Christmas readathon (which I still have to complete for 2014... don't tell anyone). It's partially because my job involves keeping up with younger, up-and-coming writers.