Fact-Checking The Spanish Princess: Episode 3

What's true and what's not in the third episode of Starz' The Spanish Princess?

Fact Checking The Spanish Princess: Episode 2

Find out what's historically accurate, and what's not, in the latest Spanish Princess episode.

The Spanish Princess: The New World

I was surprised not to hate the first episode, but I know stuff I won’t like is coming. So, I’ll focus on “in general” and “historical inaccuracies.” I’ll leave off “inaccuracies from the book” since I barely remember it. (The only thing I remember is Catherine being surprisingly tolerant and open-minded toward Moorish customs, which…...

The Symbolism of Notre Dame

I have to admit, the last few days haven’t been the greatest. But the crowning glory was Notre Dame engulfed in flames. It’s hard to explain why it caused me to burst into tears, but it did. Notre Dame is a symbol of France. It’s symbolic of the hundreds of people who have worked on...

Dumbo: Choosing Heroism

This contains spoilers for Dumbo. I have seen mixed reviews for Dumbo, which saddens me, because in my opinion Tim Burton has done something extraordinary. He’s given an animal “autonomy,” which in a literary sense means “the right to self-govern” and control his own story. Dumbo is not just at the mercy of events in...

Chasing Fantasies: Gone With the Wind

While we remember Scarlett, Melanie is the true heart and soul of Gone With the Wind.

A Modern Mary Queen of Scots? Puhleeze.

Hollywood served me up a slice of fresh hell with this remake.

The Spanish Princess: First Rant

I've had several of you ask me in private what I think about this upcoming miniseries, so I may as well chronicle my reaction in public: it includes loud screaming. I read this book (The Constant Princess) about 12 years ago and it made me angry. Normally, I don't sanction book burning, but I watched...

Magneto: A Villain Motivated by Fear

Magneto is one of the more human villains. His motive is simple: stay safe.