And you shouldn’t want to…

Western culture is obsessed with youth, especially when it comes to women. That obsession comes at a terrible cost. We see it every time we turn on the television or log onto the internet. “Ugh… why is Madonna still performing? Isn’t she old now?” or “Why are these old women coming out about their abuse now? It’s probably because they’re old and bitter and they’re looking for attention.”

We see this disdain for older women — women of accomplishment — and we fear becoming one of them, trying as hard as we can to stay…

Its predecessor was highly problematic.

When I watched Godzilla: King of the Monsters, I was ready for a good time. Yes, I knew the plot might be silly, the writing half-baked. But the cast was wonderful and I love a good monster movie.

However, the plot was not silly. It was… troubling. And to be honest, I’m concerned Godzilla vs. Kong might continue in that same troublesome vein. Let me explain.

The main conflict in the first movie is that scientist Dr. Emma Russell (played by the lovely Vera Farminga) works with a band of violent eco-terrorists to intentionally awaken…

The question of what constitutes “real Christianity” has raged in media for the last few decades, often splitting along political lines. In seeking clarification, most look to their favorite priest or pastor for guidance. But if you’ve grown disillusioned with Church leadership, there’s another, less conventional source of clarity regarding Christian goodness. Netflix’s Daredevil. Specifically, season 3.

The sadly final season begins with a strong and unapologetic nod to the original comic: its focus on Matt’s faith, or in this case, his loss of it. …

In my recent review of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, I lamented the third season seemed confused about its opinion of violence and whether there are or are not predictable consequences for it. I then recalled another Netflix show, one without even a hint of confusion on its moral stance — The Punisher.

Season one was released in 2017 and in the first week of its release, its moral message, specifically regarding violence and the role of firearms, was noticed by reviewers of all types. However, after seeing it, I found many of the popular reviews of the show baffling. They all…

Season one of Netflix’s Cobra Kai was an unabashedly joyful experience, one filled with nostalgia, good vibes, and an obvious effort from the scriptwriters to adapt to modern viewers’ sensibilities. Gone were the days of 80s movies where bullies could commit full-on felonies (in public, no less) and not be punished, aside from, at worst, a stern talking-to. In the first two seasons, there were consequences for committing violence, no matter how well-deserved, including Johnny Lawrence heading to the clink more than once. …

I have a particular interest in feminine aggression and how women’s ways of destruction differ from the masculine baseline of beatings, gunfights, and demolition of infrastructure. The Netflix Marvel shows have been universally strong in depicting women as realistic, complicated, and aggressive in uniquely feminine ways. I feel genuine grief that it doesn’t look like Disney Plus will be continuing them.

Heroines like super-powered Jessica Jones and driven Karen Page exemplify these complex feminine qualities, but so too do the female villains — especially the ones who don’t realize they’re causing harm.

Daredevil season 3 and The Punisher season 2…

“White men are nice… until they’re not.”

I have no idea where the quote above comes from. Perhaps it doesn’t come from any particular place at all. It’s just a sentence that feels like a quote because it’s so damn true.

The Boys is a new series on Amazon Prime based on a graphic novel of the same name (though notably based in the UK). Whether it was intended to be or not, Amazon’s adaptation is a full-blown meditation on the modern western male, specifically the white variety. …