Fiction
How My Brain Works. Honorable Mention in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
As a proud owner of a Bachelor's degree in creative writing, I'd like to think I have a basic understanding of the editing process. On paper, it seems fairly easy: you write, you look for flaws in what you've written, you revise. Below is an excerpt from one of my college assignments, which may look familiar to some who know my work. I've since uploaded it here, as the prologue to a series I've named "Aidan and the Forest of Enq."
By Natalie Gray11 months ago in Critique
A Deeper Gaze at "Her Gaze". Honorable Mention in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
I have written a lot of pieces I believe are challenging. It's always my goal as a writer to push myself outside of my comfort zone, and in turn, hopefully to push my readers there too. For this challenge, Vocal has asked us to pick an excerpt from a piece that we consider both imperfect and brimming with potential.
By Paul Stewart11 months ago in Critique
Arcane: How Riot’s Animated Masterpiece Redefined Video Game Adaptations
Video game adaptations have long struggled to capture the depth and complexity of their source material. Arcane, the critically acclaimed animated series from Riot Games and Fortiche Productions, not only overcame this challenge but redefined what a video game adaptation can achieve.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
A Break on the Moors
The voices had started from the time that she had got there. Melinda didn't believe in ghosts, thought it was a load of hokum, and she willed her brain to capture and hold on to a rational explanation. But there was none, becoming increasingly obvious, the longer she remained in the cottage.
By Rachel Deeming11 months ago in Critique
The Legend of Vox Machina: From Critical Role to Animated Glory
The rise of The Legend of Vox Machina from a tabletop RPG campaign to a full-fledged animated series is a testament to the power of dedicated fandom and high-quality storytelling. As an adaptation of Critical Role, the show brings the beloved characters of the original campaign to life with stunning animation, strong performances, and a narrative that blends humor, action, and emotional depth. But how well does it translate the essence of the original game, and what impact has it had on both the animation and RPG landscapes?
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago 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
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
Why We’re Exhausted by Reboots, Remakes, Sequels, and Prequels
There’s something powerful about a story that stays with us. The kind of story that lingers in our hearts, shapes the way we see the world, and calls us back to it time and time again. But there’s a difference between honoring a story’s legacy and draining it of all meaning by repeating it over and over again. And right now, we are drowning in repetition.
By Talea Weeanor11 months ago in Critique
The Failure of RPG Adaptations in Cinema: Why Hollywood Doesn’t Understand Role-Playing Games
For decades, Hollywood has attempted to adapt role-playing games (RPGs) into movies, often with disastrous results. Whether it’s the infamous Dungeons & Dragons (2000) or other lesser-known attempts, RPG films frequently fail to capture the essence of the games they are based on. But why does this happen? Why do movies inspired by RPGs rarely succeed critically or commercially? This article explores the key reasons behind this ongoing failure and examines what Hollywood could learn to improve future adaptations.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – A Spellbinding Adventure with a Playful Twist
Hollywood has had a troubled history with Dungeons & Dragons adaptations, with previous attempts failing to capture the magic of the legendary tabletop RPG. However, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, breaks the curse by delivering an entertaining blend of action, humor, and high fantasy. Balancing a lighthearted tone with thrilling adventure, the film manages to honor the spirit of D&D while remaining accessible to a broader audience.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
