Critical Hits & Misses #344

• Tom Hanks refused to attend a screening of his own movie, The Post, at the White House, and denounces attacks on the First Amendment. 


• And over at EW, Olivia Munn pens an essay about her own experience with sexual harassment, and why she is speaking out against an industry with a history of forgiving abusers and punishing victims. 

For today's musical hit, we have Katy Perry and "Hey Hey Hey"

Today's critical rolls: Blessed Be and Merry Winter Solstice to you if you celebrate it (I do). May your Hannukah have been wonderful if you celebrated that. And may your Christmas be full of warmth and happiness, if you will be celebrating next Monday. What are your holiday traditions, even if you don't formally celebrate a religious one at this time?

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Critical Hits & Misses #334

*judges you in Ice*

• Queen Elsa (aka Idina Menzel), has something to say to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who has decided that victims of sexual harassment have to "let it go." 


• Wired has an excellent piece on how corporate boards have been complicit in sexual harassment for decades, as claims by victims have gone unpunished or paid off to silence, and serial sexual harassers are kept around when they make good profit. 

For today's musical hit, we have Eminiem's "Untouchable"

Today's critical rolls: Made it to another Friday! What's on the agenda for the weekend?

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Critical Hits & Misses #332

• It's good to have allies. John Oliver got into a feud with Dustin Hoffman over the allegations of sexual harassment, with Oliver defending the woman who has accused Hoffman. The actor fired back, but whatever, dude. We've got your number. John Oliver is a national treasure. 


• In this excellent article at The Hollywood Reporter, Steven Spielberg and Meryl Streep discuss why they decided to very quickly put together The Post, a film about Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, who famously made the decision back in 1971 to post the Pentagon Papers, a momentous decision. Graham's story has never been told on the big screen, and was left out of the Watergate drama All The President's Men. This important woman will finally have her story told, and it's largely in part because of the current climate in Hollywood due to the Weinstein scandal, and the ensuing wave of allegations that have rippled through the industry since. 

For today's musical hit, we have Demi Lovato and "Tell Me You Love Me"

Today's critical roll: There aren't nearly enough biopics about women in history, as important female figures like Katharine Graham are often cut out of the stories told by men about men. Hidden Figures was a welcome change, and it sounds like The Post might be too. Whatever other historical women would you like to see get biographical movies that do them justice? 

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Critical Hits & Misses #330

• I guess WB execs were paid off by Disney too, right, DC fans? Because Newsarama reports that Snyder was almost fired before Justice League was made, but wasn't only because of Time Warners' impending merger with AT&T, and firing a major director would have looked bad. 


• Welp, looks like Hollywood isn't the only male-dominated industry full of shitheads. And we're not talking about stand-up comedy. Or politics. Or corporate America. Or... well you get the idea. This time it's Classic Musical that has a sexual harassment problem. Yeah... you read that right. Classical Music. This is me throwing my hands up in the air and giving up on humanity. 

For today's musical hit, we have Linkin Park's "Crawling (One More Light Live)"

Today's critical rolls: The holidays are right around the corner. What's your take on gift-giving? Do you do it? Do you prefer to hand-make items? Have you hit the mall yet? What kind of stuff do you like to receive, in turn?

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Critical Hits & Misses #329

• Sexual harassment is a daily topic of discussion now, with all these allegations spilling out of various industries. But not all women can agree on what constitutes sexual harassment. This fascinating article talks about the differences between how women over 50, and how Millenial women, perceive interactions with men. 


• Fellow The Last Jedi costars break our hearts but make us laugh as they tell stories of Carrie Fisher on set in what became her last movie. We still miss you, Carrie. 

For today's musical hit, have the fabulous Lindsey Stirling and "Christmas C'mon"

Today's critical rolls: What's on the agenda for the weekend?

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Critical Hits & Misses #328

• Some people out there have complained about Thor: Ragnarok's Valkyrie, played by the fabulous Tessa Thompson, being a male-coded character. Stitch's Media Mix has an excellent post about those people aren't just sexist... they're racist to boot. 


• In between all the rage we're feeling (and a lot of relief that this shit is FINALLY being aired out, for the sake of the victims) about the epidemic of sexual harassment coming out Hollywood, the news industry, the stand-up industry, one thing we haven't really talked about is how to deal with the pain and disappointment that comes from finding out that someone you worked with/loved/admired/were a fan of turned out to be a gross person. Sarah Silverman covered this on her show when she discussed the allegations against Louis C.K., asking can you love someone who did bad things? This excellent opinion blog over at CNN examines the pain, and why the Matt Lauer case in particular felt like a betrayal. 

For today's musical hit, we have Daniel Caesar and "Freudian, A Visual"

Today's critical rolls: I don't know about you, but I've had a lot of disappointment come at me in droves of late with all these sexual harassment scandals, and I DO feel betrayed by artists and newscasters that I've previously admired. Have any of these recent allegations caused you to feel conflicted or disappointed and not sure what to do about the art some of these people have produced?

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Critical Hits & Misses #327

You, Mr. Yates, are a ridiculous rape culture-y muggle that needs to STFU

• This is why Hollywood is getting wrecked by all these sexual harassment scandals: because assholes like Fantastic Beasts 2 director David Yates still say dumb shit like this in defense of wife beaters like Johnny Depp and think it's perfectly okay to say dumb shit like this. *cough* Alleged wife beater, I guess. 


• The Arrowverse is a little less skivvy these days, now that the WB has fired Executive Producer Andrew Kreisberg for gross behavior towards women, in order go foster a safer and happier work environment for cast and crew. Good call, WB. 

For today's musical hit, we have Pitbull and "Por Favor"

Today's critical rolls: Did you watch the Arrowverse Crossover this week? If so, what did you think? If not, are you planning on watching it?

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Critical Hits & Misses #324

Editor's Note: Thursday is Thanksgiving in the US and Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year (and a day off for us), so this is the last CH&M for the week. Wherever you are, we wish you a wonderful weekend! See you next Monday!

• Forbes has an in-depth analysis of what it might mean for the DCEU's future now that Justice League hasn't really lived up to expectations at the box office. 


• Uproxx discusses how the fallout of the sexual harassment plague in Hollywood should affect every man in the US, and how even "good" men need to stop trying to remove themselves from the implications. 

For today's musical hit, it's almost Christmas, so have Sia and "Santa's Coming For Us"

Today's critical rolls: If you're in the US, are you looking forward to Thanksgiving and Black Friday? If you're not in the US, what's on the agenda for the weekend?

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Critical Hits & Misses #323

• Uproxx reviews the first four episodes of Hulu's new Marvel adaptation, Runaways. It's spoiler-free, so don't worry if you read it before you get to see the series.


• She's not wrong: Natalie Portman points out that Hollywood's rampant sexual harassment problem stems from the fact that there aren't many women working on sets and especially in suits at the higher levels of the industry. Yup. 

For today's musical hit, we have Theophilus London and "Why Even Try"

Today's critical rolls: Are you excited about Runaways? Or maybe there's another original series out of the streaming services--Hulu, Amazon, Netflix--that you're excited about instead? Let us know!

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Critical Hits & Misses #321

• Normally I wouldn't bother to mention sexual harassment by politicians, because political sex scandals are like mass shootings in this US: same shit different day. Still Senator Al Franken isn't just another politician, he's also formerly a comedian and actor, which brings more light to some fuck-up rape culture in entertainment industries. Perhaps of greater note in this Mic story about Franken, though, is the statement that he has put out. Take note, scumbags of the Earth: this is how you actually do an apology correctly for this sort of thing. 


• Wondering what movies to see this holiday season? Newsday has you covered with the list of what to check out. 

For today's musical hit, and because Luis Fonsi wrecked at the Latin Grammy's, here's Fonsi and his smash hit, "Despacito"

Today's critical rolls: The weekend is here! What's it going to be? Justice League? Punisher? Both? Neither? Let us know!

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Critical Hits and Misses #320

• Uggh can we not, please? Popbuzz reports that a magazine has called Milly Bobby Brown, the young star of Stranger Things, sexy. You know, at 13 years of age. FFS, people. 


• We had already reported that Andrew Kreisberg, showrunner for the CW's Arrowverse, has been suspended due to accusations of sexual harassment. This Variety report has a lot of the details, including direct-from-the-victims reporting on what actually went on. TW. 

For today's musical hit, we have Oscar Isaac and "Fare Thee Well"

Today's critical rolls: People magazine has named country music homophobe Blake Shelton the sexiest man alive, because I guess all other men have died without me noticing. Who would have made a much better choice for the title, in your opinion? Feel free to nominate more than one sexy man. 

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Critical Hits & Misses #318

• It's been a crappy year in America, but also a great year for political artists, who have been given plenty of material by 45.


• Supergirl star Melissa Benoist speaks out about the recent suspension of Andrew Kreisberg, showrunner for Supergirl and The Flash, for 19 claims of sexual harassment against him. Supergirl, we need your girl power more than ever.  

For today's musical hit, here, have this beautiful and epic orchestral piece from Two Steps From Hell, with "El Dorado"

Today's critical rolls: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you achieve it or are working towards achieving it now? If not, what are you doing instead and are you happy?

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Critical Hits & Misses #317

• Wow, can we fucking not? Naturally fabulous and gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o--who has spoken at length about her struggles to love her skin and hair--is criticizing Grazia UK for altering her hair for a cover photo. 


• Another one bites the dust. Comedian Louis CK has admitted that the stories of his grossness are true, and as a result, the premiere of his movie "I Love You, Daddy," has been cancelled. He has issued an apology that is phenomenally well-written, including an apology to everyone involved in the projects that will likely now be cancelled and shuttered as a result of this scandal, resulting in lost wages and livelihood for a bunch of people. Still an asshole. 

For today's musical hit, we have Eminem and Beyonce with "Walk On Water"

Today's critical rolls: Happy Friday! What's on the agenda for the weekend?

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Critical Hits & Misses #312

**grabby hands** GIMME

• Come on, man, can't women catch a break? This week, NPR's senior vice president of news was forced to resign over allegations of--what else--sexual harassment. Turns out that even a supposed bastion of liberalism can't avoid gross mishandling of female employee complaints. Everything is awful. 


• Disney is remaking its animated classic The Lion King, and in news that isn't awful for once, the star-studded (and very POC-filled) cast now officially includes Queen Bey as the voice of Nala, Simba's love interest. All hail the Queen of the Pride! 

For today's musical hit, have the fabulous Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things (aka Eleven) rapping a recap of season 1 of her show, because how could you NOT want to experience this?

Today's critical rolls: Have you seen Stranger Things 2 yet? What did you think? What did you  love/hate about it? And if you haven't, are you planning on watching it? Why or why not? 

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Critical Hits & Misses #311

• The shit is just not stopping. Goddamn, Hollywood, you have a lot of roaches that are scattering with all these lights turning on. Sigh. Here goes: filmmaker Brett Ratner has been--you got it--accused of sexual harassment by six actresses. 


• Disney throws its considerable weight around just because it can, this time in the form of setting down a bunch of unusual and not-great conditions for theaters to show Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Way to go Darth Vader on an already-struggling industry, Disney. Sheesh. 

For today's musical hit, have some N.E.R.D. and Rihanna, with "Lemon"

Today's critical rolls: Happy Hump Day and All Soul's Day! Halloween is over and we're zooming right along towards the busiest shopping season! Are you a Black Friday shopper? Will you be scoping out the deals (assuming your country does Black Friday at all), or do you prefer to craft gifts perhaps?  

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Critical Hits & Misses #308

These kids are the freaking best

• In case you were hiding out because the world is awful, recent allegations have really blown the top off the major problems that Hollywood has with sexism and sexual harassment. Barely had Hollywood begun to process the mess that was Harvey Weinstein, when a bunch of women came out with allegations against director James Tobak. Get your shit together, Hollywood.


• It is here! Get ready to revisit the Upside Down, because Stranger Things 2 is live! The Recode blog gets you in the mood with a look at the first season and what we might expect from the second (no spoilers for season 2).

For today's musical hit, I'm not sure I'm ready for Taylor Swift in all her mostly naked cyborg glory in her newest video, "...Ready For It?"

Today's critical rolls: TGIF! What's on the agenda this weekend? It's the weekend for Halloween parties, are you heading to one? If not, what's going on?

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Critical Hits & Misses #306

• Matt Damon says that he always knew Harvey Weinstein was an asshole, but that he never saw any of the predation Weinstein has been accused of by 40+ women in Hollywood. It's worth noting that Damon did not deny the possibility of it; he apologized for not noticing it was happening. 


• Esquire has a list of the 18 best movies to check out at the theater this November. After an awful summer, looks like movies are getting better in quality this year. 

For today's musical hit, have the ever wonderful Lindsey Stirling and "Brave Enough"

Today's critical rolls: In honor of one of my favorite people on the planet (Lindsey Stirling) wrecking face on Dancing with the Stars this season (rooting for you all the way, Lindsey!), do you enjoy dancing? If so, what's your favorite kind of dance? If you can't/don't dance, what would you learn if you could?

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Critical Hits & Misses #305

• Hey, we're still talking about sexual harassment in the workplace, because everything is awful! However, in a cheer-worthy move, former Fox anchor Megyn Kelly uses her new show on NBC to call bullshit on Bill O'Reilly after he dared to spin some crap about how he was innocent and clean and only settled to make it all go away. More women in positions of power need to use their platforms to call out the bullshit! Megyn Kelly is not one of my favorite people, but I admire her for doing this!


• Marvel and DC need to take a page or two from their smaller indie competitors: this blog post over at Pacific Standard details and celebrates the indie publishers who employ women in comics. 

For today's musical hit, here: have Camila Cabello performing "Havana" at the Radio 1 Teen Awards

Today's critical rolls: Happy Monday! We're quickly rolling up on the holidays already. What are you looking forward to in the upcoming holidays? (that includes Halloween, y'all)


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Critical Hits & Misses #304

• As if Carrie Fisher (aka Princess Leia) wasn't badass enough already, a radio station in Phoenix learned about how Fisher defended her friend Heather Ross from a predatory producer by sending a cow's tongue and a threat to said producer. Like holy shit?


• Everything is awesome, because LEGO will soon be producing a new set of the famous children's toy that features 4 badass female NASA scientists. I'm throwing money at the monitor right now and it's not doing anything...

For today's musical hit, we have Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You"

Today's critical rolls: What other women do you think LEGO needs to make sets for? Or maybe instead of specific historical figures, you'd like to see LEGO produce more women in certain careers?

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Critical Hits & Misses #302

• Cuz, you know, Hollywood sucks to work in for women, Amazon Studios executive Roy Price has resigned due to sexual harassment claims. The silver lining in all of this, however, is that the recent wave of visibility for victims of sexual abuse was made possible by the Weinstein scandal. May this result in justice for the victims, and in a better Hollywood all around. 


• Did you see the wonderful new trailer for Black Panther? If you didn't, you should. Go check it on Youtube, we'll wait. Okay, now check out this important Rolling Stones article on why black superheroes matter and why Black Panther is revolutionary. 

For today's musical hit, we have Bishop Briggs and "River"

Today's critical rolls: Happy Hump Day! How is your week going?


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