The Queue

The Queue is an oft-recurring column in which Meg Shields provides you with a distraction of curated video content sourced from across the web.

If you’re new to The Queue, start here:

Explore the full archives for The Queue below

Avatar The Last Airbender

Deconstructing the Best Episode of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’

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Here’s a video essay that unpacks why “The Tales of Ba Sing Se” is not only the best episode of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ but the key to the whole series.

Scanners

The Spiritual Significance of the Exploding Head

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This video essay is…mind-blowing.

Al Pacino Serpico

A Delicate Bravado: The Duality of Al Pacino

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A video celebrating the legendary career of Al Pacino? Don’t mind if we do.

Revenge

The Black and White Body Horror of ‘Revenge Story’

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A ballerina seeks revenge on the chiropractor who she blames for ruining her career in this marvelous short film.

The Lighthouse The Shining

‘The Shining’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ Are The Ultimate Cabin Fever Double Bill

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Looking for a god-tier double bill about the horrors of isolation? Look no further.

The Thing

A Recap of COVID-19 as Told by Sci-Fi and Horror Movies

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2020 has been one hell of a horrorshow. Here’s ‘Trick’r Treat’ director Michael Dougherty with a genre-powered supercut recap of the hell COVID-19 hath wrought.

Mercedes Mccambridge Exorcist

One Hell of a Performance: How Mercedes McCambridge Gave a Demon a Voice

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What an excellent day for a celebration of Mercedes McCambridge.

Rick Morty

The Narrative Theory Behind the Metatextual Madness of “Never Ricking Morty”

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The latest episode of ‘Rick and Morty’ was a showcase for Dan Harmon’s story circle. Here’s a video essay to get you up to speed.

Wizards

The Cruel, Cool World of Ralph Bakshi

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An introduction to the cinematic world of Ralph Bakshi: an adult animation trailblazer, Hollywood rebel, and alternative icon of 1970s counterculture.