Another post is up at The Federalist: in this one I give some reasons why I'm skeptical of what is now called 'Climate Change:' You see, I can’t judge from what I don’t know (e.g., climate science), but I can judge from what I do know. I know something of history, something of philosophy, and something … Continue reading Talking Climate Change at ‘The Federalist’
The Federalist
Talking Dying Franchises at ‘The Federalist’
First article in a while is up on The Federalist, talking about why dying franchises matter: The imaginative power of Star Wars’s IP has been systematically stripped away into a confused and contradictory mess loaded down with contemporary politics. The simple, yet rich story of the originals (and even of the prequels, for all their faults) … Continue reading Talking Dying Franchises at ‘The Federalist’
Sticking up for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
So, a few days back, someone posted an attack on It's a Wonderful Life in the 'Boston Herald,' criticizing it, not only as a bad film, but as promoting socialism. It was a very poorly done piece, of the "make a bold claim, then support it with a sarcastic comment" variety, but since the point of view … Continue reading Sticking up for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Yes, Virginia, ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas Movie
My latest piece is up at The Federalist, and it's all about the Christmas classic Die Hard and what makes it a Christmas movie. Since the question hinges on there being a difference between a Christmas movie proper and a movie set around Christmas, it seems that a Christmas movie proper is a film that has some … Continue reading Yes, Virginia, ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas Movie
Celebrating 30 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
By an interesting coincidence, I am exactly as old as one my favorite shows: Mystery Science Theater 3000. This show has had a huge influence on me, particularly when it comes to developing my sense of humor and appreciation for the obscurer side of the entertainment world. Now, as the show turns thirty years old, I explore … Continue reading Celebrating 30 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
Halloween at the Federalist
New post up at the Federalist discussing the original Halloween: To understand this film, it is necessary to understand its monster. The thing in “Halloween” is usually referred to as Michael Myers, the name of the young boy in the opening. However, that’s not how Nick Castle is credited. He’s listed as playing “The Shape.” What … Continue reading Halloween at the Federalist
Why I Remain Catholic
New Post on the Federalist. But now I will answer his question directly. The Protestant asks: “Do you believe Protestants have Christ?” The Roman answers: “Not as we do.” You Protestants have him as a distant voice; we Romans have him body and soul and majesty and divinity. We feed upon his body and drink his blood. … Continue reading Why I Remain Catholic
New Essay Up at the Federalist
Don't particularly care for the title they gave it, but such is life. This one is a semi-sarcastic examination of the idea of 'The Age of Faith' as it applies to the modern age Sample: We’re not taught how to reason in school: we’re just presented with “right answers” and told to put those down. Science … Continue reading New Essay Up at the Federalist
WALL-E at the Federalist
For the ten-year anniversary of one of my favorite films. The film is often described as an environmental parable, or a caution against consumerism. Those things are present, but they are subordinate themes. The main thesis of the film is something much more universal, interesting, and timely. Fyodor Dostoyevsky famously said in “The Idiot” that … Continue reading WALL-E at the Federalist
‘Incredibles 2’ at the Federalist
Latest essay is up at 'The Federalist,' this one on 'Incedibles 2.' Aside: there seems to be a lot of, shall we say, competing opinions on this film. I'll say for my part I really liked it; it's not in the same league as the original, and it has some very notable problems (I've heard … Continue reading ‘Incredibles 2’ at the Federalist
Serpent's Den 