Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
My top 5 best animated series for adults
Animated series for adults are the kind of productions that can tackle any subject without censorship: political, vulgar, philosophical, or existential. And while some are pure comedy, many conceal social commentary or profound messages.
By Marcela marin2 months ago in Critique
review of Shutter Island
Personally, Shutter Island is one of my favorite movies. In short, it's about a U.S. Marshal who takes on a case at a mental hospital housing the most dangerous criminals with mental illnesses. The problem is that the hospital is on a remote island, and little by little, the marshal becomes entangled in situations that make him question even his own existence.
By Marcela marin2 months ago in Critique
Taking a Different Approach on Birthdays. Top Story - November 2025.
Hello November! It's my birthday month, meaning that I'm a Scorpio, if you're into that sort of thing. One of the best traits about my zodiac sign is that I'm competitive and want to succeed in life. I love celebrating my birthday, which happens to be on November 13. In case you're curious how old I'll be. I'll be turning 38 years old. If you look at my profile picture on here, you must be thinking that I don't look my age and you're right. I've been mistaken for a high school student and a college student. I'm fine with that and looking youthful works to my advantage. You've heard the saying, "Black don't crack." It's another way of saying that black people don't show any signs of aging. As I near 40, I've since outgrown birthday parties. The last time I had a birthday party was at home after school and 14. Nearly 25 years later, someone throwing me a party, while the gesture is admirable and with good intent, I don't feel the need to dress up and attend my own party thrown by someone else. I turned 18 in 2005 and my friend at the time took me out to miniature golf, then had my birthday dinner at Olive Garden. Besides, who doesn't love their endless breadsticks? The staff surprised me with a chocolate cake. After that, my friend and I went to Best Buy, and I chose my first country CD. That album was Toby Keith's Honkytonk University. I couldn't wait to go home and listen to it. I wore that CD out on a daily basis, because no songs from that album were skippable. It was so good and had since fallen in love with country music. Unfortunately, I ended my friendship with my long-time friend and classmate in 2021 after nearly two decades, due to his anti-gay views. I came out to him in the summer of 2012, several months after I came out of the closet. We're no longer friends, but that was one of the best birthday memories I've ever had.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 months ago in Critique
Moving on to Thanksgiving
Tonight is All Hallow's Eve. Now it is the time to think about giving thanks and it all starts tomorrow with All Saints Day and saying thank you to all who have gone before. Thanksgiving is a day that brings families together and to show gratitude for what they have accomplished hopefully for the good. We all hope to be bountiful in what we do in our lives no matter what we choose. It's time to put away the scary and bring out the joy of harvest time and to help others in need and give thanks for surviving tonight.
By Mark Graham2 months ago in Critique
The Dream We Can't Wake Up From
I remember leaving the theater after seeing Inception feeling like my mind had been put through a workout, but in the best way possible. On the surface, it's this incredibly smart and thrilling heist movie that just happens to take place inside the most fascinating dreams. The visuals are stunning cities folding over on themselves, zero-gravity fights in a spinning hallway—it’s the kind of spectacle that makes you remember why you love going to the movies.
By Zara Schwartz3 months ago in Critique
🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸 Trump in China: A New Chapter in U.S.–China Relations?
Donald Trump’s latest visit to China has sparked a wave of global attention. The former U.S. president, known for his bold diplomacy and unconventional style, has arrived in Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their meetings, reportedly centered on trade, economic cooperation, and regional security, are being viewed as a potential turning point in U.S.–China relations. But beyond the photo opportunities and handshakes, the real question remains—can Trump and Xi truly bridge the growing divide between Washington and Beijing?
By Filmon Ke Raaz | Movie Mysteries Explained3 months ago in Critique
Looking at Old Photos
Going through many old photographs from my parents' younger days through my childhood of the 1960's and 1970's. There are black and white ones as well as those color ones with all the 'red' eyes. There were tears and smiles with more smiles than tears. As I found out my mom saved all those school pictures (individual and class). I began looking at these and wondered whatever happened to most of them especially from elementary school. I know some moved but believe it or not I found a few on social media and now are 'friends' once again. Happy memories.
By Mark Graham3 months ago in Critique
Review of Miraculous: The Adventures of Ladybug and Cat noir
This is a 2015 series with seven seasons that has a very interesting plot. In short, two teenagers are chosen to be superheroes in Paris. The thing is, the girl likes the boy when he's not a superhero, and the boy likes the girl when he is. Honestly, it's a good and very entertaining story.
By Marcela marin3 months ago in Critique
