Latest Stories

Most recently published stories 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 ADP3 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 Gabhe3 years ago in Critique
Breaking Bad (Critique)
I loved it. The characters are full and rich, and their arcs are compelling. The casting is perfect and the chemistry between the main characters is too; they play off each other perfectly. Hank is also a huge favourite.
By L.C. Schäfer3 years ago in Critique
The Host (2013) This is a Love Story
The Host is from 2013, filled with twists and turns. Melanie Stryder knows something is off. Wanderer is a body-snatching invader unaware that to live, she must love. Riveting, heartwarming, with a sprinkling of love, and you have a movie worth getting your popcorn out. Proving love does conquer all.
By EYHCS3 years ago in Critique
Nirvana's Nevermind album
Nirvana's Nevermind album masterfully propelled grunge into the mainstream, capturing the poignant angst of a generation through raw vocals and heavy riffs. Yet, its commercial success paradoxically undermines its anti-establishment message, making it both a symbol of grunge authenticity and a commodified version of youth rebellion. Iconic, but somewhat contradictory.
By Abnoan Muniz3 years ago in Critique
Dirty Dancing
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner." I remember my mother telling me at the ripe age of twelve that this is a film for every teenage girl to watch. A film that almost did not make it in the industry because of the concept with fantastic casting to boot. Worth the watch.
By Chloe Rose Violet 🌹3 years ago in Critique
Justified: City Primeval
Starring Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis and Boyd Holbrook. Raylan Givens left the hollers of Kentucky and is balancing life as a U.S. Marshal with being a part-time father. A chance encounter sends him to Detroit and on a collision course with a violent sociopath and a formidable defense attorney.
By kathy rich3 years ago in Critique
Cloud Cuckoo Land- an ode to storytelling
Teenagers don’t read stories anymore; we all know that. How can the printed page compete against the bright lights and never-ending noises of screens?
By Joe O’Connor3 years ago in Critique
Hijack
When Flight KA29 is hijacked during its seven-hour journey from Dubai to London, corporate negotiator Sam Nelson tries to use his professional skills to save everyone on board.
By kathy rich3 years ago in Critique
The Evening News
On the screen is a country on fire. Relentless firestorms devour the landscape and all it contains. A brave few control the view. Others are firefighters, evacuees, or casualties. In-studio reporters interrogate survivors. Helpless millions watch. Change the channel? No way. This is reality they think they want to watch.
By Lynn Fenske3 years ago in Critique
Balancing Barbie: a brutal task
Greta Gerwig is an expert tightrope-walker. Balancing a child’s entertainment with societal critique, the dangers of consumerism against the millions Mattel makes off this movie, and empowering women on the one hand versus unrealistic beauty standards on the other.
By Joe O’Connor3 years ago in Critique
Susan Boyle
This has to go down as one of, if not the, biggest surprise, live televised auditions of all time! An ordinary middle-aged woman, dressed like Widow Twanky, who had spent all of her life with a dream. A woman with a voice so soft and pure, and yet so powerful.
By Liam Ireland3 years ago in Critique