THURSDAY RETHINK
On Thursdays, we often present a "Thursday Rethink," which encourages you to rethink a film, director, actor, or aspect of cinema culture. In these articles, we briefly set our proposition against a prevailing or established public or critical opinion, an individual assessment, or even our own judgments and perceptions. We then offer you three reasons to rethink the film, actor, or director, or three intriguing points to consider about it. What's more important than convincing you is having you engage with the films or cinematic components in a new way.
We also want to hear back from you. These aren't always essays or in-depth formation re-evaluations (although some are). But they are always invitations to consider a different point of view.
Guillermo del Toro's romantic fairy tale has an issues with character motivation, sexuality, and political messaging.
This defence of found-footage horror argues that the frequently-criticized subgenre is both formally daring and psychologically revealing.
Anders offers a rethink on the well-received action film from earlier this year, finding it disappointing.
Aren offers up a rereading of Guillermo del Toro's gothic romance and horror film.
The movie as it remains today is very different than the cultural meme from 1999.
Ryan Holt offers a defence of Ang Lee's take on Marvel's green giant.
Aren offers three reasons why Birdman is a failure.
Anton offers a critical counter-reading of Ridley Scott's 1989 thriller.
Aren argues that Spielberg's film was the first blockbuster to tap into the War on Terror.
Anton tempers criticism of the notorious superhero sequel.
Nayman argues that Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls doesn't suck, offering an anatomy of a critical rehab.
Aren lays out his reasons for thinking that Tim Burton has lost his creative touch.
Anders offers his reasons for why the current box office reporting system no longer reflects the actual popularity of a movie.
A defense of Steven Spielberg’s much-maligned sequel to his 1993 classic.
Aren points out his issues with mumblecore.
Mel Gibson’s controversial film is full of meaningful violence.
Bryan Singer’s Oscar-winning thriller is a fraud.
Disney’s epic adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ sci-fi adventure may be a commercial flop, but it’s an artistic success.
Nicolas Cage is one of the most dedicated actors working today.
Contrary to popular wisdom, the first Star Wars prequel is an exceptional work of entertainment.
Digging deep into the thematic implications and cultural discourse around Ari Aster’s two works of elevated horror, Hereditary and Midsommar.