Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
Freaky Friday (2003)
In this 2003 adaptation (and its third) Anna Coleman and her mother Tess live separate lives. One afternoon have them butting heads over Anna wanting to audition for a session and Tess' upcoming wedding. While at dinner, they read fortunes from fortune cookies as a earthquake briefly appears. The next day, Tess wakes up in Anna's body and Anna wakes up in Tess' body. Because they both have a huge day, they would have to spend it as each other which leads to awkwardness on both parts. So they have to find a way to reverse the switch in order for things to go back to normal.
By Forest Green2 years ago in Critique
Afghan Refugees
The uptick in Afghan refugees is not new; it has happened in the past as well. The Pakistani government has called for all undocumented migrants to leave the country by November 1, or they will face deportation. This decision will significantly impact the 1.7 million Afghan refugees who live in the country without documentation. However, the question that looms is why Pakistan is sending Afghans back to their home. Is Pakistan as cruel as other countries that have expelled undocumented migrants, or is there another reason compelling Pakistan to take these necessary steps?
By Madiha Masood2 years ago in Critique
Shark Tale
This 2004 animated film is set underwater where a fish named Oscar is finding ways to get rich quick, which ends up putting his boss, Sykes in debt with Don Lino, a local shark boss. So Oscar has 24 hours to pay them $5000. His best friend and co worker Angie gives him a heirloom for him to pawn to get the money to pay them back. This backfires when he gambles it away to impress Lola, who only wants him for what he had. This angers Sykes, who had Oscar tied up to be eaten by sharks. One of which would be Frankie, the eldest son of Don Lino. However he is killed by an anchor before doing so as his younger brother, Lenny watches in horror. Oscar uses this to win the favor of everyone and becomes the 'sharkslayer." Don Lino, not happy with this, seeks revenge and looks for a missing Lenny, who discovers that Oscar is not who he says he is. Now they have a plan to make sure Oscar keeps up with the ruse, but that backfires too miserably. The film itself was not well received due to the humor, design and how the characters look like their voice actors. But the soundtrack is nice through.
By Forest Green2 years ago in Critique
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
In this adaptation of the classic book by Dr. Seuss, we have the main character, the Cat in the Hat visiting the two children in their home while their mother is away. However in the next half hour or so, things go from bad to worse, unlike the book. The boy, renamed Conrad in this, causes trouble and rude to his mother, Joan. While the girl, renamed Sally here, is more of a control freak. So Joan is planning a party for her boss but has to go back to work, and expects the children, well just Conrad, to behave while she is gone. Later the Cat comes by to make their day fun. But instead his antics are much more crude and thus one of the reasons why the film was not well liked, especially the author's widow.
By Forest Green2 years ago in Critique
A Review of Okot P' Bitek’s ‘Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol’
Song of Lawino is an epic poem written by Ugandan poet Okot p' Bitek. First published in 1966 in Luo then translated into other languages, including English. Song of Lawino has become one of the most widely read literary works originating from sub-Saharan Africa that addresses the issues facing a liberated Africa. The poem poses a question: what kind of liberation should Africa take on? Should it honor its traditions, or should it adopt the European values that were already set in place during colonialism? Okot p'Bitek addresses this question by telling the story of Lawino, a woman whose husband, Ocol, throws her out of their home and brings home a more Europeanized woman as a wife. The story is told as a dialogue between Lawino and Ocol. The poem itself is separated into different sections or Chapters, each one detailing the social problems facing Lawino and Ocol in their marriage, their differences, and their value systems.
By Catherine Nyomenda2 years ago in Critique
Harlequin Romances
Who has read Harlequin Romance novels out there? I know I am a man but I was very bored and looking for some quick reads, so I picked up one of these books and started reading. For some reason some of these books made sense in a way if you can get past all the romantic scenes and just focus on the family side of the story. There are a lot of lessons that one can learn from these kinds of novels, believe it or not. There are many authors who write these stories that are quite show and tell for the reader can visualize the story as they read. They are quite escapist literature for those who just want to get away from things for just a little while for they are quick reads.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Ming Ming's Foodie Adventure
Food, glorious food! as the old saying goes from the Dicken's novel 'Oliver Twist'. 'Ming Ming's Foodie Adventure' was written by Eloise Richer and illustrated by Dotty Albro. This is a story all about a young red panda and his search for his favorite food. Ming Ming, the red panda lives in a zoo where the zookeepers are not sure what to feed him. Ming Ming goes through the zoo in search of his favorite snack and then out the gate.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Now What?
'Now What?' is a children's picture book written by Brenda Faatz and illustrated by Peter Trimarco. "Now What? is a question we all hear from children at all ages and even by some adults. It is a story that shares a story of diversity. The main character of is a little girl by the name of Lizzy, who likes to stay busy as you will see if you read the story. Lizzy has a pet dog that she plays with all the time from one activity to another and this is when she meets a new friend.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Today I Want to be a Witch
'Today I Want to be a Witch' is a children's picture book written by Mark Smith. This is a story that will have the reader remembering their childhood antics. This is the story of Bo and her toy friend Scruffy. Bo's mother is around, but as some mum's are usually quite busy. Bo and Scruffy play a lot of games throughout the day. There is one wish that Bo has throughout the story but will it be resolved.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Nostalgia Is Heartless The Heartless Series Book Two
Nostalgia Is Heartless The Heartless Series Book Two written by Sarah Lahey is a novel where questions will be answered in some ways. This novel picks up where Book One leaves off. Quinn has made her decisions on what it means to be human at all costs. Quinn and her friends work together to find answers that could help all involved and improve what is going on now and in the future.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
