Melville

Just Friends and Scott Pilgrim: Rom-coms for men?

Every year, I watch Just Friends and Scott Pilgrim, and I think they’re so rewatchable because they’re rom-coms unabashedly from the male POV (I’m male). Whereas I think most rom-coms are geared toward women as the principal audience and perspective. In the case of Just Friends, I’m struck by the casual cruelty Amy Smart’s characterContinue reading “Just Friends and Scott Pilgrim: Rom-coms for men?”

Self-Censorship: Why ’80s Films Were So Bad

Breezing through Quentin Tarantino’s new book, I stumbled on his perfect, absolutely perfect, summation of everything wrong with ’80s films. This is … Self-Censorship: Why ’80s Films Were So Bad

Tár: Film of the Year

Earlier this year I named The Northman the film of the year, but that was premature. The honor goes to Tár, which I managed to see over Thanksgiving … Tár: Film of the Year

Modules from Dragon that have aged well

Last year I did my Dungeon Magazine picks, and now it’s time for the best modules from Dragon magazine. I came up with nine. Rereading them gave me … Modules from Dragon that have aged well

Clones for organ harvesting

New startup aims to create embryos in artificial wombs, raising them to 40 to 50 days (when basic organs are formed). The organs would then be used for transplants: “We view the embryo as the best 3D bio printer,” says Hanna. “It’s the best entity to make organs and proper tissue.” Ethical issues abound. ImagineContinue reading “Clones for organ harvesting”

Why do countries modify the truth?

The obvious answer is because it makes them look good. Martin Gurri, author of The Revolt of the Public, has a lot to say in this interview: The highest calling of true elites is to translate the flux of reality into a coherent story. To most Americans, who believe reality must be approached “scientifically,” thisContinue reading “Why do countries modify the truth?”