Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Critique.

Apollo 13 (1995)
Three friends take a road trip to the moon. Disaster strikes. Plans are changed and they have to fight the vast and unforgiving vaccuum of space itself and fix some complicated mechanical errors on their ride. They call for back-up from Houston, get home safely, but never saw the flag.
By Paul Stewart2 years ago in Critique
The Fighter
His eyes opened in startling fashion as the alarm clock blared on his nightstand. What should have been a wakeup call sounded more like the somber ringing of church bells. He blinked slowly, staring up at the ceiling lethargically, and for a fleeting moment he felt nothing. His hand reached haphazardly to his alarm, where, finally reaching it, the sound ceased, and he was left in total silence. He propped himself up and sat at the edge of the bed. His long legs stretched to the floor where his feet lay firmly on the ground.
By John McC2 years ago in Critique
We Are Golden
When chaos wreaks havoc on my mind, and fear crushes my veins, Mika's We Are Golden serves as the musical antidote for my Bipolar. Strong, vibrant, and messy, this song catapults me out of my headspace, reminding me to embrace the quirky wonder of my imperfections and to keep living.
By Chelsea Rose2 years ago in Critique
Star Wars (1977)
Whiny boy who dreams of leaving his overbearing uncle and aunt's moisture farm to become a rebellion pilot, gets his wishes and much more. Also, he discovers he's the chosen one for a weird cult of space wizards and then with his new pals destroys a planet killing space station.
By Paul Stewart2 years ago in Critique
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1997)
Forget the forever overhyped Office Space. This is the one Mike Judge movie you need to see. Beavis and Butt-Head literally do America in this farce that sees Demi Moore and Bruce Willis deliver some of the strongest work of their acting careers. This was definitely overlooked by the Academy.
By Paul Stewart2 years ago in Critique
OK Computer By Radiohead (1997)
OK Computer saw a reasonably good, if pedestrian, jangly guitar-based band from Oxford turn into one of the most continuously inventive bands of our modern times. That they don't sound the same as that album nowadays is testimony to their boundary and envelope-pushing intentions. It's still flawless, 25 years later.
By Paul Stewart2 years ago in Critique
Different Class by Pulp (1995)
Pulp showed they were in a Different Class from the rest of the so-called Britpop scene with this career-defining album. Jarvis Cocker's biting lyrics and heartfelt vocals about the social classes and life in general, backed by sweeping soundscapes with catchy choruses. Oasis Vs Blur was already lost to Pulp.
By Paul Stewart2 years ago in Critique
Lord of the Rings (Critique). Top Story - August 2023.
Movies: decent adaptation, wonderfully cast. A lot of detail cut to make these books fit to the screen, and yet characters gaze meaningfully for minutes on end. At least I finished them.
By L.C. Schäfer2 years ago in Critique
The Da Vinci Code 2003
One sees it for its worth: Priceless! Allusive! It's more than what meets the ear. Historians may get astounded while seeking credulity thro' it's false conspiracies. Cryptographers can get seduced from the truth while attempting to deduce facts from fiction. Perhaps a staunch reader can experience a cultural expedition through it.
By Madhu Goteti 2 years ago in Critique
A Bite Sized Review
This novel sparked the inferno that was teenage angst and rose colored glasses. Almost twenty years since its debut, Twilight has amassed a cult following that also contain its biggest critics. As a "Twi-hard", I can comfortably say there are far better, and healthier, vampire romances to get lost in.
By Ellie Beauchamp2 years ago in Critique
The Unlit Mermaid
Someone wake up Xavier Bardem and get him an espresso. Several espressos. Somebody, anybody, turn the lights on. Not awful, except for Xavier Bardem and everything Lin Manuel added. A dutifully formulaic film, the Mermaid charms, the Prince bores, the crab annoys. Try reading the Hans Christian Anderson version.
By ADP2 years ago in Critique
"Critique: The Great Gatsby"
Fitzgerald's portrayal of the Jazz Age excesses is vivid, but character depth suffers. Gatsby's enigmatic charm captivates, yet his shallowness disappoints. Daisy's lack of agency is frustrating. Elegant prose conveys opulence, but themes could delve deeper. A classic cautionary tale, though its potential remains partially untapped.
By Nitin Gabhe2 years ago in Critique