Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
Ready Player One: From Page to Screen – A Tale of Nostalgia and Adaptation
Few stories embody the essence of pop culture nostalgia as effectively as Ready Player One. Ernest Cline’s novel, published in 2011, became an instant hit among gamers and geeks, offering a treasure trove of 1980s references wrapped in a fast-paced virtual adventure. The 2018 film adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, promised to bring this digital odyssey to life on the big screen. However, as with many adaptations, significant changes were made—some enhancing the story, others altering its core themes. This review will explore the key differences between the novel and the film, evaluating how each medium delivers its vision.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Lessons on writing In the Name of God
Original Excerpt: The church smelled of rotting wood and something deeper—something old, wet, and sour, like the breath of a thing that had been asleep too long. Father Guiseppie stood at the altar, hands clasped, whispering words to himself, though no one else was there to hear. The stained glass behind him flickered with the storm outside, flashes of red and blue staining his skin, turning his face into something both divine and grotesque. He knew what was coming. He had seen it before. The walls remembered. The floor remembered. Soon, so would he.
By Jason “Jay” Benskin11 months ago in Critique
Unraveling the Enigma
In the realm of cinema, few characters have captured the collective imagination quite like Edward Scissorhands. Since the release of the eponymous film in 1990, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp in the titular role, audiences have been left pondering: Is Edward Scissorhands a real - life figure, or a creation of pure fantasy?
By hello-word11 months ago in Critique
5 Movies That Will Make You Want to Be More Confident
Confidence is a powerful trait that can shape the way we interact with the world. Whether it’s standing up for yourself, chasing your dreams, or simply feeling comfortable in your own skin, confidence is essential. If you’re looking for some inspiration to boost your self-assurance, movies can be a great source of motivation. The right film can ignite a spark within you, encouraging you to take control of your life and believe in yourself. Here are five movies that will make you want to be more confident.
By Decider TV11 months ago in Critique
The Top 10 Movies That Never Saw the Light of Day
The world of cinema is filled with tales of triumph, but some of its most fascinating stories belong to films that never made it to the screen. Whether derailed by studio politics, cursed by production nightmares, or buried due to controversy, these unreleased movies have become legendary in their absence. Here are the top 10 films that remain tantalizing "what-ifs" in Hollywood history—and the wild reasons they vanished.
By Only Incredible11 months ago in Critique
The Peak Intersection of Politics & Cinema
I've always had a disinterest in politically-charged cinema. Perhaps it's circumstantial; there's extreme politics and hyperbolic opinion everywhere we look, long seeped into entertainment both mainstream and lesser-known. Even if it comes from places of sincerity, and avoids overt preaching, political films can be alienating for people who are either not from certain locations or are, at least, uninformed. Through this audiences can feel bored or uninvolved.
By J.C. Traverse11 months ago in Critique
Why Some Adaptations of Books Fail (And a Few That Get It Right)
Translating a beloved book into a successful movie is no easy feat. Fans expect to see their favorite characters and storylines faithfully recreated, while filmmakers must balance runtime constraints, cinematic storytelling, and studio demands. Some adaptations become instant classics, while others fail spectacularly, alienating audiences and disappointing readers. But what separates a great adaptation from a disaster? Let’s break down where things go wrong—and highlight a few adaptations that actually got it right.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
