Posts in 2025
Do Romantic Comedies Properly Reflect the Realities of Dating in the Workplace?

From The Proposal to The Intern, romantic comedies often portray office romances as lighthearted and charming, but they rarely reflect the full complexity of real-life dating in professional environments. These films typically feature idealized scenarios, such as chance encounters in the elevator leading to whirlwind romances, but gloss over the ethical considerations, power dynamics, and potential consequences that accompany actual workplace relationships.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Shoshana

As a whole, Michael Winterbottom took on a very difficult slice of history, with many facets and fractures that pit “our land” versus “promised land,” and chose an observant path over a declarative one. In one regard against that arms-length of safety, more terse politics were possible, and probably preferred with this many decades of reflection since the Palenstinian Revolution. The decision not over-project is understandable.

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PODCAST: Episode 206 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 206th episode, two invisible film critics, two rocky dads, and two stretchy teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, visit Marvel's next summer blockbuster, the hotly anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps. They are not along, either. The hosts welcome back frequent guest, Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front and Film Obsessive, to weigh in on all of the family dynamics and kitschy period-era style. They were ready for a no-homework Marvel movie

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INFOGRAPHIC: The Most Popular Disney Characters

New study reveals which Disney icons dominate online searches, social media, and YouTube views globally. From childhood movie nights to theme park visits, Disney characters hold a special place in hearts across generations. Whether it's humming "Let It Go" or spotting Mickey Mouse ears, these animated icons capture imaginations at every age. But which Disney characters actually rule the internet?

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ESSAY: Out of the Closet, Into the Console: How Games Save Queer Lives

For 44% of LGBTQ+ people, the virtual worlds designed for entertainment have become essential tools for survival, offering acceptance that often remains elusive in their schools, communities, and even their homes. It's a phenomenon that reveals both the depth of the mental health crisis facing queer youth and the surprising capacity of digital spaces to fill voids left by failing real-world support systems.

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PODCAST: Episode 205 of "The Cinephile Hissy Fit" Podcast

For their 205th episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, return for their second of four retrospective episodes discussing the Mission: Impossible franchise. Covering the next two, this episode breaks down the J.J. Abrams entry, Mission: Impossible III from 2006 and the Brad Bird live-action graduation of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol from 2011.

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Storytelling in Motion: Exploring Culture Through Film and Travel

In a world brimming with stories, two of the most powerful vehicles for cultural expression are film and travel. While film allows us to experience lives and landscapes from the comfort of our homes, travel places us inside those stories—letting us breathe the air, walk the streets, and connect with the people who inhabit them. When these two forces combine, something magical happens: storytelling in motion. It’s a dynamic, immersive journey where culture is not just observed but felt, lived, and remembered.

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