Big New York Exhibition Of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Artwork Leaves Out His Christianity
Always thinking about the mythology he was inventing, Tolkien would draw on any paper that came to hand as he imagined the peoples and cultures of Middle-earth.
‘The Magicians’ Latest Season Is Just As Spellbinding As Ever
Syfy’s ‘The Magicians’ is an art project in the form of a television show, something we haven’t seen since ‘Twin Peaks.’
Tolkien Trio Fails To Get Fantasy Film ‘Mortal Engines’ Out Of First Gear
Fantasy film wizard Peter Jackson co-wrote the screenplay of this dazzling mishmash of a movie, but don’t expect another epic for the ages here.
‘The Good Place’ Tackles Complicated Ethics Questions With Wit And Charm
As Eleanor seeks to become her best self, she realizes that moral improvement involves self-sacrifice, something she never thought about on Earth.
‘Alternate Routes’ Is A Superb, Supernatural Novel About Los Angeles’ Freeway Ghosts
Tim Powers’ latest novel, ‘Alternate Routes,’ is both a thrilling mash-up of science fiction, fantasy, and horror and a work of startling moral sophistication.
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.
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