Essays

Reimagining an Icon in ‘Lupin III: The First’

By Hans Qu 

Lupin III is one of the first icons of manga and anime history. A new film that takes the character into 3D animation for the first time lives up to all the expectations that come with that legacy.

How ‘Cobra Kai’ Teaches Us to Learn from the Past

By Charlie Brigden 

The series revisits scenes from ‘The Karate Kid’ to show history repeated but recontextualized.

Filmmaker of the Year (2020): Steve McQueen

By Brad Gullickson 

The director’s ‘Small Axe’ anthology challenged film’s definition by exploring deeply personal stories in a radically varied and cinematic manner.

The 20 Most Interesting New Filmmakers We Met in 2020

By Brad Gullickson 

When we needed fresh perspective, these filmmakers rose to battle.

Movie of the Year (2020): ‘First Cow’

By Emily Kubincanek 

There’s more to love than just Evie the Cow in Kelly Reichardt’s tender heist movie, our favorite of 2020.

Scene of the Year: Rudy Giuliani Behind Closed Doors in ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’

By Luke Hicks 

‘Twas the year of Giuliani humiliation and all through the land, not a creature wasn’t laughing, not even Republicans.

The All-Star Collaboration of ‘The Philadelphia Story’ Still Dazzles 80 Years Later

By Emily Kubincanek 

From star Katharine Hepburn to director George Cukor, everyone involved with this MGM classic brought incredible talent.

Performer of the Year (2020): Chadwick Boseman

By Ciara Wardlow 

His last two performances, in ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ suggest he was embarking on a remarkable new phase of his career we will tragically never get to see.

The Middle-Aged Protagonist of ‘Soul’ is the Hero My Child-Self Needed

By Brad Gullickson 

Pixar’s latest endeavor is a crushing confrontation of self, but it offers tools to battle the inevitable onslaught of doubt.