Solo: The First Ordinary Star Wars Movie
Solo is the first Star Wars film – sorry, Star Wars Story – to feel ordinary.
Terminator Genisys (2015)
On the way to completing my Science degree, most of my electives were spent on Philosophy courses, thanks to a roughly-equal combination of intellectual inquisitiveness and a desire for bludgey subjects. My favourite course was probably the one titled Philosophy of Time Travel, which looked at the philosophical and metaphysical ramifications of time travel; specifically,…
Here There Be Bosoms: The Intersection of Empowerment and Sexualisation in Game of Thrones
Daenerys of House Targaryen, Stormborn, the Unburnt, Mother of Dragons, Khaleesi of the Dothraki, First of Her Name arises from her bath. She affixes the brazen mercenary Daario Naharis with an unblinking stare. He has brought her the heads of his former allies and an offer of his loyalty. Daenerys is naked but unashamed; she…
Game of Thrones – “Mhysa” (Season 3, Episode 10)
The Game of Thrones season three finale begins amidst a maelstrom of chaotic violence, Stark bannerman hacked to pieces surrounded by hellish flames. It’s a confronting opening even before the “young wolf” is brought forth, but it’s not representative of the episode as a whole, which takes the opportunity for reflection after the enormity of…
Extended Cut: Game of Thrones – “Second Sons” (Season 3, Episode 8)
(Extended Cut posts are articles where I’ll exceed my usual 200-word limit to allow for more detailed discussion) Game of Thrones has always had sex as a major selling point, and it hasn’t always been particularly thoughtful about its use of sex and nudity. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a problem! As a fan of…
Game of Thrones – “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” (Season 3, Episode 7)
This week’s episode has the same problems as last week’s – predictable, drawn-out plot developments – but some gorgeous cinematography and crisp writing made for a more engaging hour. The best two scenes of the episode had much in common. Both were precisely photographed and both pertained to a verbal power struggle between two imposing…
Extended Cut: Game of Thrones – “Kissed by Fire” (Season 3, Episode 5)
(Extended Cut posts are articles where I’ll exceed my usual 200-word limit to allow for more detailed discussion) Game of Thrones tells the story of a world with a rich and detailed history, and this history – both recent and ancient – weighs heavily on this week’s episode, “Kissed by Fire.” Much of the episode…
Game of Thrones – “Walk of Punishment” (Season 3, Episode 3)
I’m quickly realising that Game of Thrones needs more than two hundred words to discuss – it’s not even enough to summarise the episode! And even in a strong episode like “Walk of Punishment,” not every sliver of plot is going to succeed. The difference between a plotline flourishing or floundering seems to have direct…
Game of Thrones – “Valar Dohaeris” (Season 3, Episode 1)
One of the more surprising discoveries of my Easter holidays has been that practically everyone loves Game of Thrones. Sure, a glance at Facebook might tell me that most people in my demographic watch the show, but while catching up with my extended family I found that my relatives, from younger cousins to older aunts…
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