Author: Matthew Stiuso
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In The Heights: The Case for Diversifying Diverse Films
In the film adaptation, director Jon M. Chu turns each musical number into a massive show stopper, with grand set pieces and a wealth of diverse dancers. Yet, in this attempt to show reverence for the people of the Washington Heights barrio, Chu, or maybe more specifically those in charge of casting, left out a…
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How Ts Madison Stole the “Zola” Trailer
On March 31st, International Trans Day of Visibility, following some COVID related delays, the trailer was finally dropped, and although Taylour Paige and Riley Keough look to impress as lead characters Zola and Stefani, a brief cameo from a queer icon was what convinced me I have to see this movie.
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Coming 2 America’s Subpar Feminist Subplot
The movie makes it abundantly clear that Meeka becoming an official heir is the most likely going to happen. But if you are expecting to see a movie about Meeka’s perseverance and eventual ascent to the throne, prepare to be deeply disappointed.
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“I Care A Lot” is Subversive Anti-Capitalist Camp Brilliance
I want to begin Women’s History Month by talking about the rise and fall of #girlboss. Since it’s 2014 popularization by Sophia Amoruso, the concept has gone from aspirational to problematic, paralleling the downfall of Amoruso’s “Nasty Gal” fempire due to allegations of discrimination and eventual bankruptcy. The topic can be hard to breach, as…
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10 Black Supporting Characters Who Need a Spinoff
Storm (X-Men Franchise) Having to juggle multiple characters, the minds behind the X-Men film series seemed to consistently fail to give the Storm the attention she deserved as a character. Between casting two light-skinned actresses to play the famously dark-skinned heroine, downplaying her weather manipulation abilities, and skipping over her regal backstory, neither incarnation of…
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How Coming To America Managed To Stay Relevant 30 Years After Its Release
While millions of American’s tune in to the Super Bowl to see which team will ultimately take home the Lombardi Trophy (the name of which I did have to look up), many movie buffs tune in for the exclusive new trailers and TV spots. While Disney released an exciting look at the new film Raya…
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How Batman: Soul of the Dragon Successfully Sidelined The Dark Knight
Movies, television shows, animated features, video games, toys… you’d be hard pressed to find someone who is unfamiliar with the classic DC Comics character Batman. Even the most casual fans would be able to spout off his origin, his supporting cast, and one or two of his iconic rogue’s. But ask most fans if they’re…
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The Lasting Impression of “One Night in Miami…”
Regina King has done it yet again. After exhibiting an unparalleled level of talent onscreen, in her rightfully awarded performances in both HBO’s Watchmen and Barry Jenkin’s If Beale Street Could Talk, Regina King has now stepped behind camera to prove that there are few things she cannot do. “One Night in Miami…” is her…
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Wonder Woman Bloodlines: The Animated Film That Redeems Diana
But what many do not know is that in 2019, a Wonder Woman film was released that had all of the positive qualities of WW84, and remedied many of the negative ones. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, a direct-to-video animated movie in the DC Animated Movie Universe, perfectly balances the campiness and seriousness of the character.