Podcast: The History, Strategy, And Gameplay Of Dungeons And Dragons
Reason reporter CJ Ciaramella talks monsters, Dungeons and Dragons, video games, and his latest investigation into Chicago’s car impounding program.
On Its Way To Tonight’s Finale, SYFY’s ‘The Magicians’ Has Hit Its Stride
‘The Magicians’ is a show for discerning, imaginative adults, and the realms of magic aren’t the only netherworlds it explores.
How ‘Uncultured Multiculturalism’ Unravels The Problems Of Retelling Tolkien’s Tales
J.R.R. Tolkien’s tales of Middle-earth remain as beloved as ever. Yet, as our superficial culture rushes to absorb and adapt his work, it continually fails to understand the themes that make his work meaningful.
Shoving PC Down Viewers’ Throats Made ‘Bright’ A Terrible Movie
Netflix’s ‘Bright’ is not a movie, it’s not even a commentary—it’s a boring regurgitation of common political narratives.
Netflix’s ‘Bright’ Is A Delightful, Paint-By-Numbers Urban Fantasy
‘Bright’ has proved a nice antidote for the Great December Disappointment of 2017, the pretentious, awful Star Wars offering, ‘The Last Jedi.’
‘The Last Jedi’s’ Fatal Flaw Is Destroying Luke Skywalker’s Heroism
Luke Skywalker could be the hero of the story, except for him there were no stakes. There is no risk, and without risk, there is no glory.
‘The Last Jedi’ Is Not Just A Rockin’ Star Wars Movie, But A Great Movie, Period
‘The Last Jedi’ is the Star Wars movie we wanted, the one we needed, and absolutely more than we deserved.
No, Kids Won’t Lose Their Wonder If You Tell Them Santa Isn’t Real
To us, Santa Claus was both a historical figure and an imaginary character. We should all embrace the joy of Santa this way, not as our annual chimney sweep.
‘It’ Is The Definitive Cinematic Adaptation Of Stephen King’s Literary World
Much of Stephen King’s work may wear the skin of Bram Stoker or Arthur Machen, but the skeleton and muscles come from Middle Earth.
Atlantic Cover Story: America’s Divide Is Between The ‘Reality-Based’ And Conspiracy Theorists
A cover story for The Atlantic considers our national flight into Fantasyland, and the political thought of ‘American barbarians.’
‘Harry Potter’ Offered Millennials Enchantment In A Disenchanted World
Although few millennials would admit it, their love for ‘Harry Potter’ is more like veneration than fandom: It’s a secular stand-in for religious belief.
There’s Nothing Wrong With A Few Butt-Kicking Heroines
When toddler girls are forced to watch ‘Braveheart’ until they join the guttural yells, I’ll gladly sound the alarm. Here, though, we’re talking about a statue and some fiction.
‘Watership Down’ Author Richard Adams Knew What Rabbits Had To Say About Freedom
The loss of Richard Adams is a call to mourn and to reflect on the novel that has deeply touched many of us.
Tolkien Influenced Rock More Than The Velvet Underground Did
The whole idiom of rock would have been different if not for the influx of fantasy themes and imagery made possible by J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal publishing event.
What Madeleine L’Engle Taught Me About Life And Fantasy
I wanted to build my life upon Madeline L’Engle’s model. She ultimately failed me, but not completely; and I love her still.
Why We Read Paranormal Romance Stories—And Why I Write Them
Some people act as if reading paranormal romance stories is awkward. But they’re probably reading it, too.
Why Do Secularists Hate Kids’ Imaginations?
Children don’t have a better grip on reality if they’ve entrusted themselves to scientific materialists. In fact, they lack open-mindedness and imagination.
How The Code Name ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ Undermines The FBI’s Russia StoryThe paper of record has apparently joined a campaign, scontinue reading >- No, Miss, Taking Off Your Clothes Won’t Create Social JusticeIf ‘respectability politics’ is naively misguided, continue reading >
- Why It’s Ridiculous To Say FBI Spying Meant To Protect The Trump CampaignThe decision to use Stefan Halper as an informant instecontinue reading >
