Today's Google doodle is celebrating the life of Selena Quintanilla, and in that spirit, today's musical hit is Selena's "Dreaming of You"
Today's critical rolls: What are some of your favorite politically-inclined comics (either heroes, or individual issues/run, or a particular series)?
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.
For today's musical hit, we have Computer Games, Darren Criss and "Lost Boys Life," starring the adorable Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things.
Today's critical rolls: Happy last Friday in August! What's on the agenda for the weekend for you?
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.
For today's musical hit, we have P!nk and "What About Us"
Today's critical rolls: According to some people, the solar eclipse next Monday will bring about the end of the world, or maybe just plain ol' alien abduction. Whatever. If this is your last weekend on Earth, what would you do with it if you had the money to do anything you wanted to?
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.
90s sitcoms, emirite? The List has, well a list, of cringey and misogynistic moments from 90s tv shows that are worth examining today. Sidenote: I was a young teen in the 90s, and I literally grew up on ALL of these shows, and it's startling to realize how much of this I completely missed or just plain ol' internalized as normal back then. Check this list out and see if you feel the same way.
For today's musical hit, here's Kesha and her live performance of "Praying" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Today's critical rolls: Whether you're Gen X or Millenial, have you ever watched an old tv show (American, British, whatever), and suddenly been struck by the blatant misogyny on display that was considered totally normal at the time? What kind of shows/moments?
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.
So about that whole terrible idea to do a show that imagines the South winning the American Civil War, Confederate? Yeah, HBO has responded, saying they understood the concerns regarding the subject matter, and that they have faith that the creators will be respectful of the questionable subject matter, and won't people please wait to pass judgement until the show has actually aired? Meh.
For today's musical hit, James Corden sings for transgender troops on The Late Late Show, in response to 45's bogus ban of transgender servicemen and women.
Today's critical rolls: Happy Monday! What did you do this weekend?
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.
Speaking of making countries great again, in case you missed the news, France picked a new president yesterday, and the sane citizens of the world breathed a sigh of relief. Macron, the sane candidate, defeated Putin's Puppet Marine Le Pen by a huge margin, proving that the French are not as dumb as Americans after all. The New York Times has a roundup of the election, including a bit about how Macron and his team planted fake documents in their databases, knowing that they might get hacked by wikileaks. No, we don't normally cover world politics on this blog, as that isn't our niche. But this news was so good, we couldn't pass it up. Thank you, France, for letting sanity rule.
For today's musical hit, we have Future and "Mask Off"
Today's critical rolls: How was the first weekend in May for you? Did you do anything awesome? Let us know!
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.
For today's musical hit, we have FKA Twigs and "Video Girl"
Today's critical rolls: Happy Hump Day! We've got zombies on the brain! Love 'em? Hate 'em? What are some of the best and worst zombie media out there?
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.
For today's musical hit,we have indie artist SZA and "Babylon"
Today's critical rolls: Slowly we're seeing more women of color make it into the superhero narrative, even within the Big Two (such as America Chavez over at Marvel). What are some of your favorite WOC heroes? Or, tell us what kind of WOC heroes you would like to see created!
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.
In the Dark Age of Trump, which late night host is kicking butt, and who is falling behind? The Business Journal studies the Nielsen Ratings to find out. Stephen Colbert is rising to the top, but you know who else saw a jump in numbers? Samantha Bee, the only woman in late night.
Chrissy Teigen ain't got no time for mom-shaming! When Twitter idiots criticize Teigen for how she is dressing her ten-month-old baby, she fires back. She also discusses her struggle with postpartum depression.
For today's musical hit, we have Frank Ocean's new single "Chanel"
Today's critical rolls: Twitter is full of morons. We know this. Have you had any memorable encounters with Twitter trolls, and did you shut them down?
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.
For today's musical hit, we have Bruno Mars and "That's What I Like"
Today's critical rolls: Today is make-up-your-own-critical-roll-day, because gosh darnit, it's been a rough week. Tell us whatever you like!
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.
The Verge discusses how Trump's presidency has caused a soaring in sales of Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale.
For today's musical hit, we have Rihanna's "Love On The Brain"
Today's critical rolls: what's your post-apop or dystopian novel of choice and why?
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.
For today's musical hit, we have le tigre's "Keep On Livin'"
Today's critical rolls: We're into the interactive genre. Insert your own critical roll here!
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.
For today's musical hit, "Room Without A Window" by OPERATION IVY:
Today's critical rolls: Do you dress like a woman (even if you're a man)? What does this even mean?
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.
Last week, Herr Trump’s directive that women in his staff should “dress like women” spawned an awesome Twitter response. Twitter users are highlighting not only jobs that women do where they don’t wear dresses, but just awesome women in general.
Today's critical rolls: Okay but seriously, what are the best feminist films to get drunk to?
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.
Cold Opening: YES, Grim Reaper/Steve Bannon is back. Please note, this is the only context that involves me saying that. I don't like the guy and I'm glad that he doesn't even warrant an impression, instead being portrayed as Death. As for the usual cold opening cast, Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump is more delusional than ever. Also, we need more of Kenan Thompson furiously insulting Trump. He was the highlight of the phone calls montage. Finally, as a Jewish person, I'm not sure how I feel about the Holocaust jokes.
Monologue: Yeah, I called the obligatory Twilight joke. I think it's interesting to see how this monologue transitioned from "Trump insulting" to Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon trying to impress Kristen. I know that Kristen's accidental dropping of the 'f bomb' made headlines almost immediately, but I couldn't even tell that she said it. I had to rewind it a few times to realize what happened.
Welcome Video: Whoa, this was definitely effective. Rapid-fire doesn't even begin to describe the jokes aimed at Homeland Security. It's tightly edited and perfectly calibrated.
Dry Fridays: In most cases, exaggeration is the key to comedy. In this case, it's a meeting at a college about staying alcohol-free when you're underage. Most of the participants share fairly mild exploits about ill-advised drinking, but Kristen Stewart's character talks about getting drunk and cutting down pine trees with a chainsaw. You know, standard underage drunken antics, at least according to teen movies.
Totino's with Kristen Stewart: YES, the recurring commercial parody returns. It started off as a scathing critique on gender roles, then morphed into a horror movie/X-Files crossover in last season's Larry David-hosted episode. With that in mind, this season brings us a lesbian arthouse film satire, courtesy of Kristen Stewart. I hope next year's installment takes on the dystopian genre.
Sean Spicer Press Conference: Holy moly, a surprise guest appearance from none other than Melissa McCarthy! I love it when she gets a chance to just let loose and utilize her impressive physical comedy skills. For the most part, she's given the bulk of the sketch's material and it definitely works. I don't normally audibly laugh when I'm watching something funny, but I burst out laughing when Melissa started swallowing gum. Similar to Larry and Alec, can we just book her as a seasonal guest-star to play Sean Spicer? Ah, if only this was the cold opening. This will be a classic for decades to come. (Editor's Note: apparently the Trump White House is losing its *&^% over this impression. Kudos to Melissa for making, well, an impression).
Alessia Cara Performance #1- "Scars To Your Beautiful": She did a pretty good job. You can watch it here. Weekend Update: You know it's a good edition of Update when Colin and Michael get audible cheers from the audience. Sadly, I didn't really like Kenan's David Ortiz impression, but the fake-out ending made me laugh. For such a funny installment, it felt oddly short.
Celebrity Family Feud: Super Bowl Edition: I was going to say that I like seeing Leslie Jones debut her Samuel L. Jackson impression, but I think the implied joke is that Leslie is trying to impersonate him. I also think it's funny to see Casey Affleck being parodied just two months after he hosted. The actual game show portion wasn't as funny as the celebrity introductions, but it still made me laugh.
Meet Cute: This episode's short film brings yet another romantic comedy deconstruction. I think it's safe to say that it was as good as the last episode's "Five Stars." I especially like the title card.
Alessia Cara Performance #2- "River of Tears": Once again, I liked it. You can watch it here. Golden Ticket: Yeah, they pretty much deserved that angry rant from Charlie.
Overall Thoughts: The show nailed it this week with a delightful combination of slapstick, screwball comedy, and manic political satire. Really, apart from Kenan Thompson's segment as David Ortiz on Weekend Update, all of it worked. Two astounding episodes in a row! Let's see if Alec Baldwin's seventeenth time hosting next week will keep up the pattern.
Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or Harry Potter books.
Ever wonder about how parodies of Joe Biden are created? The Washington Post put up a fascinating article with a look back at how Jason Sudeikis created his Joe Biden impersonation on Saturday Night Live and about how The Onion made their distinctive portrayal of him.
For today's musical hit, it's an oldie but goodie:
Today's critical rolls: Did you do anything awesome this past weekend?
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.
We're living in post-racial America because we had a black president, right? And we're also living in post-feminist America because it's a total lie that women are paid less for the same work, right? Well, Natalie Portman has something to say about that, and it has to do with the fact that Ashton Kutcher got paid three times as much as she did for the same movie. Now y'all tell me... on what planet is Ashton Kutcher the bigger name that is putting butts in seats? Against Natalie freaking Portman? Are you kidding me, Hollywood?
For today's musical hit, we have Beb Rexha's "I Got You."
Today's critical rolls:
Who is your most "overrated" actress in Hollywood (and by that we mean, who is your favorite)?
— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a douchebag deplorable, now or ever.
For today's musical hit, check out the visually-appealing music video to Grimes' "Butterfly"
Today's critical rolls:
Have you ever given thought to why you wear the clothes that you wear? Do you wear it because society expects you to dress a certain way, or do you wear it because it makes you happy? Do you conform to society's standard gendered clothing?
— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be an impolite douchecanoe.
No doubt about it, a Trump presidency is bad for women. On inauguration day, 30,000 copies of the fiercely feminist Resist! comic book anthology will be distributed for free. It is comprised of work by women, LGBQT, and people of color, all communities in danger during a Trump presidency. So, instead of giving the Orange One ratings (seriously, whatever you do, please don't watch the inauguration. It's a form of protest), read this instead. (Critical Writ staff)
For today's musical hit, let's start 2017 dancing to Shakira and Maluma's "Chantaje."
Today's critical rolls:
Have you ever thought about your beauty rituals and why you do them? Who are you making yourself look good for? If you could do any crazy and nontraditional physical change (colored hair, tattoo, etc) for yourself, what would you do and why?
— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't start off 2017 being an asshole to your fellow humans.
Catherine Young over at Bitch Mediadiscusses the rise of ironic misandry, an online trend where feminists mock the idea that we hate men. Take a sip from your Male Tears mug and check this article out. (Critical Writ staff)
For today's musical hit, remember a music legend, by watching this fabulous live performance of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" with George Michael and Elton John. As a child of the 80s, as someone who grew up listening to Wham! and George Michaels, I can honestly say: you will be missed (Ivonne)
Today's critical rolls:
What celebrity death in 2016 has hit you the hardest?
— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: end 2016 on a positive note and don't be a jerk to your internet neighbors!
