Critical Hits & Misses #276

Not an actual photo of Will Smith on the set of Aladdin

• Refinery29 takes on the hilarious American Horror Story: Cult premiere, which turned out to be an irony-laced take on uber white feminism. Spoilers in this blog post. 


• I have a love-hate relationship with Disney's Aladdin, which was a problematic film on many levels, and I wasn't too sure about the whole live-action take of it. But on the flipside, actual people of color were hired to play all four of the major roles, so I have some hope that it won't be a garbage fire? Regardless, Will Smith, who will be playing the Genie, shared first photos from the set. 

For today's musical hit, we have U2 and "You're The Best Thing About Me"

Today's critical rolls: My state is on fire and we're choking on smoke and ash, the southeast is about to get wrecked by a monster hurricane, Texas is still underwater, and well, natural disasters abound. Got any nasty natural disasters in your part of the world right now? If not, what's your biggest fear when it comes to natural disasters (personally, I really really hate earthquakes because of the lack of warning)


Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: we reserve the right to ban you for being a terribad citizen of the internet.

Critical Hits & Misses #243

• In celebration of the casting announcement for the live action version of the film, Bitch Media discusses the incredible problems with the story of Disney's Aladdin, ranging from racism to cultural appropriation to colonialism to disturbing misogyny. Hold onto your hats, this poignant blog post is a doozy. 


• In happier news, NewsOK reports that the diversity of Marvel's Spider-Man: Homecoming was no accident, and that it was, in fact, quite integral to the making of the film. Someone in Hollywood seems to be getting it, finally!

For today's musical hit, we have "Transgender Dystopia Blues" from Against Me!

Today's critical rolls: So uhh, Disney movies have a lot of problems, for sure. When I was a kid I loved Aladdin and thought Jasmine was awesome. As an adult and a feminist, I understand now the massive problems in it. What other kids' media, Disney or otherwise, do you remember loving as a kid but now realize they are problematic?


Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: we reserve the right to ban you for being a terribad citizen of the internet.

Critical Hits & Misses #242

• So Disney has announced some of the cast for the upcoming live action remake of Aladdin. Mena Massoud will take the lead role of Aladdin/Prince Ali, while Naomi Scott will play Jasmine. And, curiously, Will Smith will do the iconic Robin Williams role of the Genie. 


• Bitch Media reviews Rough Night, a Hangover-style comedy starring women, and specifically discusses one of the most egregiously glaring issues in the film: the fat-shaming. This one might be a hard read for some folks, but it's worth talking about how Hollywood--and America--can't seem to get over the inherent "joke" of fat bodies. 

For today's musical hit, we need some Lindsey Stirling goodness in our lives, so here's one of her latest, "It Ain't Me"

Today's critical rolls: Will Smith as the Genie? In one of Robin Williams' most iconic roles? What do you think? Is there someone else you would rather cast in Aladdin?


Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: we reserve the right to ban you for being a terribad citizen of the internet.