Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Stop talking to Murderbot about its feelings. It hates it. While Murderbot resentfully keeps its scientists alive against hostile monsters, questionable corporations and bad guys, the story quietly explores free will, identity, and the awkwardness of existing.
By TK Cummings2 years ago in Critique
Sharks in a Movie Theater
Ten years later, who among us would bat an eyelash at the concept of sharks in a tornado? Sharknado took the world by storm in 2013, and the unique creativity of the film was highlighted on the big screen. I live forever with a chunk bitten out of my heart.
By Elisabeth Balmon2 years ago in Critique
Sipping Whiskey and Ignoring The King James Version of The Bible
My shabby motel room's Gideon sits, gathering dust on its unopened spine. Yellowed by years of neglect, putrid from bearing witness to man's depravity to others, especially by its sacred truth-bearers. My stomach turns contemplating the hypocrisy perpetrated upon humanity by those perverting its stories for their own glory.
By Paul Mansfield2 years ago in Critique
Married... With Children
Al Bundy is a shoe salesman trying to support his family. Peggy, his wife, doesn’t cook or clean. Kelly is a promiscuous teen and a full-fledged airhead. Bud, the family's brains, constantly worries about getting laid by a girl so he doesn’t have to play with his rubber doll, Isis.
By Mother Combs2 years ago in Critique
The Decameron
Was this perfect for our times? Bought during COVID-19; read at home with quarantine measures and online work around me; glided along the hundred tales (some going too far; others far too simple); respected this classic collection written during its own plague years.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Critique
The Martian - Getting Home
NASA astronauts go to Mars to perform experiments but quickly leaves the planet because of rough weather. An injured crew member is apparently dead and abandoned. Ridley Scott's blockbuster "The Martian" leaves lots of doubts if a rescue may succeed. Thankfully it only took $108 million to do find out.
By Bill Coomer2 years ago in Critique
How Animals Eat Their Food?
This light-hearted, sarcastic series only gets better with each iteration. "How Animals Eat Their Food" contrasts whacky charades with deadpan salad eating. Through hours of meticulous research, the team at MEM has crafted this documentary of earthly delights. Now, let us be mesmerized by the wonders of the animal kingdom...
By Jenna Sedi2 years ago in Critique
Hogan's Heroes
A group of international misfit POWs held prisoner in a WWII German prison camp led by Colonel Hogan of the US Army. The show is all about the antics the prisoners go through not to escape and to smuggle important prisoners and information out of Germany, thereby humiliating the Germans.
By Mother Combs2 years ago in Critique
Eight Suggestions to Improve Vocal
1. Text editing I am not asking for Microsoft Word like text editing capabilities. I understand that part of the appeal of the site is its simplicity. But, could we just add a few more features, at the very least subheadings and the ability to delineate story sections with like three dots or a line or something? Boldface type and italics can only go so far. Long stories especially would benefit from the ability to differentiate between sections but all stories could be improved with these two very tiny upgrades.
By Everyday Junglist2 years ago in Critique
Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa has always carried personal interest and belief about what it stands for and actually means! Legend has it that it’s eyes move. Come to find she was a real woman whose original home is overseas, in a foreign Country. Secret is that this generation will unlock her!
By Rachael Frazier2 years ago in Critique
