One of my favorite ways to while away a few minutes is to read one-star product reviews. But not just for anything, oh, no. The only ones that will do are the classics, the unimpeachable works that virtually everybody adores. I like to find those works, then look up the people that hate them. For the most part, it’s like seeing who’s going for the gold in the Bad Take Olympics. A negative review for Schindler’s List was one of my favorites, which sadly seems to have been removed. The writer acknowledged the importance of memorializing the Holocaust. Their objection, however, was all the... Read More

There’s a strong possibility that, up to the end of my days, I’ll be into monster movies. I thoroughly enjoy watching supernatural beasties fold, spindle, rend and mutilate a group of hapless nincompoops. Is it a sign of emotional immaturity on my part? Yeah, probably, but it still doesn’t change the fact that I’ll willingly duel anyone who speaks ill of An American Werewolf in London. The cool thing is, monster movies don’t necessarily have to be scary. They can be comedic, like the beloved Tremors. They can be tragic, like King Kong. They can be action-oriented,... Read More

Okay, guys, time for another thought experiment. Imagine something you’re good at, whether it’s a job or a hobby. Turns out you’ve got a knack for it, even though you’ve sweated blood honing your craft. You’re trying to break into your chosen profession, and at the tender age of 25, you do so. Big time. For the next several years, you have a string of successes and a couple of not-quite-successes. But at the end of your run, the people in your profession turn on you. Why? Is it because you make your work look easy, even though it’s incredibly difficult? Is... Read More