Shelf Criticism

In this episode of Shelf Criticism , Stephen dives into Zach Braff's 2004 directorial debut, Garden State . Join him as he explores the cultural impact of the film, discusses the infamous "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" trope, and questions whether the movie is a "steaming heap of pretentious, pseudo-intellectual claptrap" or a gem from the early 2000s indie scene. Stephen also shares some trivia, includ...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Italian giallo cinema with Red Rings of Fear , also known by its Italian title Enigma Rosso and an assortment of other titles depending on where you look. Despite the intriguing premise—a police inspector unraveling a mystery involving the death of a teenage girl—this film goes in some rather ... interesting directions. From poorly drawn cats to the...

Bonjour and welcome to a very special episode of Shelf Criticism! Today, we're in the trenches with French cinema with A Very Long Engagement , directed by the brilliant Jean-Pierre Jeunet. This film, a blend of whimsical romance and the brutal realities of war, offers a unique viewing experience that owes a debt to French New Wave cinema. In this episode, we explore the delightful quirks and char...

Dive deep into the eerie and enchanting world of folk horror with this week’s episode of Shelf Criticism, where we dissect the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man . Join me, Stephen, as I explore the film's rich tapestry of sultry tunes, mysterious rituals, and the unforgettable performance by Britt Ekland. Discover why this film is considered a foundational piece of the folk horror genre alongside insig...

Why let the fellows in the Frat Pack have all the fun? In this episode, we give the ladies a chance to let loose as we dive into the 2011 comedy Bridesmaids . Join us as we explore this groundbreaking film that redefined female-led comedies and brought us unforgettable characters like Annie, Lillian, and the hilarious Megan, played by the incomparable Melissa McCarthy. We'll discuss the film's cle...

Get out your boogie shoes and "put your weight on it!" Get prepared to "attack the wack!" Leave all hopes for logical plot progression and verisimilitude at the door. We're serving up the beats and the action in this 1979 Blaxploitation masterpiece.

Dive into the enigmatic world of David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive in this episode. Described as a masterful blend of psychological thriller and neo-noir, this film is an intricate tapestry of Hollywood dreams and nightmares. We peel back the layers of its complex narrative, exploring the duality of its characters and the surreal twists that challenge our perceptions of reality. Join us as we discuss...

Kick off your journey through 'Shelf Criticism' with a dive into the haze of the classic stoner comedy, Pineapple Express . In our debut episode, Stephen breaks down the high points and the lows of this cult favorite, exploring what makes it a standout in the genre. Get ready for laughs, unexpected insights, and plenty of cinematic trivia as we light up the first disc of our eclectic DVD collectio...