Is Game of Thrones Violating Its Own Theme?
For a story that was built around unpredictability and innovation, its final chapters are deviating from what its fans have come to expect. The post Is Game of Thrones Violating Its Own Theme? appeared...
View ArticleHow Game of Thrones Defines Characters Through Actions
[SPOILERS AHEAD for the final episode of Game of Thrones season seven, “The Dragon and the Wolf.”] In the end, this short 7th season of Game of Thrones left us pretty much where we started: the army of...
View ArticleThe Problem with Ingrid Goes West
There's a missing piece at the center of Ingrid Goes West that prevents it from becoming a truly moving satire. The post The Problem with Ingrid Goes West appeared first on Justin Kownacki.
View ArticleThe Problem with Blade Runner 2049
Let's explore the structural flaw that causes the film to falter. The post The Problem with Blade Runner 2049 appeared first on Justin Kownacki.
View ArticleHow to Fix the Storytelling Flaws in Marvel’s Defenders
Marvel's Defenders has some storytelling problems that could have been avoided. Here's where it went wrong, and how it could improve in Season Two. The post How to Fix the Storytelling Flaws in...
View ArticleWhy Stranger Things 2 Episode 1 Is Perfect Storytelling
Stranger Things 2 Episode 1 is a textbook example of how to kick off a new season of a beloved show. Here's why its writing and pacing work so well. The post Why Stranger Things 2 Episode 1 Is Perfect...
View ArticleWhy Every Marvel Movie Tells the Same Story
Thor: Ragnarok is basically a blueprint for how to make a Marvel movie... and that's a problem. Here's why every Marvel movie tells the same story. The post Why Every Marvel Movie Tells the Same Story...
View ArticleThe Downside to the Avengers: Infinity War Trailer
Does the Avengers: Infinity War trailer reveal too much of a good thing? The post The Downside to the Avengers: Infinity War Trailer appeared first on Justin Kownacki.
View ArticleThe Tone Problems in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
As I was watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 yesterday, one thought kept running through my head: Marvel movies have two problems when it comes to onscreen violence: tone and stakes. And,...
View ArticleHow Outlander vs. The Walking Dead Sums Up 2017
How do the huge differences between two of TV's most talked-about prestige dramas reflect vast gap in pop culture? The post How Outlander vs. The Walking Dead Sums Up 2017 appeared first on Justin...
View ArticleThe Story Problems in Molly’s Game
Molly's Game is missing three key ingredients that keep the story from being truly satisfying. The post The Story Problems in Molly’s Game appeared first on Justin Kownacki.
View Article10 Subtly Amazing Moments in Lady Bird
Lady Bird is a movie that does nearly everything right. Here's why Greta Gerwig's solo directorial debut works so well. The post 10 Subtly Amazing Moments in Lady Bird appeared first on Justin Kownacki.
View ArticleHow Good Editing Can Save a Movie
From Star Wars to Casablanca, some of Hollywood's best-loved classics were saved in the edit. Here are three ways editing can make or break a film. The post How Good Editing Can Save a Movie appeared...
View ArticleThe 3 Story Elements That Jumanji Gets Right
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is satisfying despite its shortcomings. How? Because it gets the three most important aspects of any story right. The post The 3 Story Elements That Jumanji Gets Right...
View ArticleWhy Black Panther and Wakanda Are the Keys to Marvel’s Future
How the success of Black Panther changes action movies and lays the groundwork for Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The post Why Black Panther and Wakanda Are the Keys to Marvel’s Future...
View ArticleHow Jordan Peele Changed Get Out from Script to Screen
Compare the biggest changes between Jordan Peele's screenplay for Get Out and his finished film. The post How Jordan Peele Changed Get Out from Script to Screen appeared first on Justin Kownacki.
View ArticleWhy Black Sails Has One of the Best Main Characters in TV History
Here's why Captain Flint on Black Sails is one of the best-written characters in this current era of Peak TV. The post Why Black Sails Has One of the Best Main Characters in TV History appeared first...
View Article10 Ways Iron Man’s Plot Created the Marvel Movie Template
10 years after Marvel Studios released Iron Man, here's how that movie's success has been duplicated in every MCU film since. The post 10 Ways Iron Man’s Plot Created the Marvel Movie Template appeared...
View ArticleScandal, Star Wars, and Being “Out of Character”
Why some choices can seem so out of character, they leave fans of stories like Scandal and Star Wars feeling betrayed. The post Scandal, Star Wars, and Being “Out of Character” appeared first on Justin...
View ArticleAvengers: Infinity War Shows How to Write a Huge Ensemble Story
Why Marvel's biggest movie yet is a great example of how to write for a large ensemble of characters. The post Avengers: Infinity War Shows How to Write a Huge Ensemble Story appeared first on Justin...
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