The reason ‘Jurassic Park’ devolved as a franchise? It never learned its own lessons.

During my latest revisit of 1993’s Jurassic Park, I was struck by this thought: You can learn everything you ever need to know about blockbuster filmmaking just by watching this movie. From its technical wizardry — which almost seamlessly blends…

Why Critics Hate the Movies You Love

The following is an edited transcript of the video essay above. You can subscribe to Jon in Theory by clicking here. When you think about a big-budget, blockbuster Hollywood movie, what comes to mind? For me, I immediately picture the…

‘West Side Story’ (2021) review: Spielberg elevates the beloved musical with depth and beauty.

At first, I was very nervous to watch this movie. West Side Story is one of the most beloved musicals in theater history. So the stakes for this remake were high. In addition, considering the racist overtones of the depiction…

5 Facts about Who Framed Roger Rabbit Making its Existence Baffling 30 Years Later

Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released 30 years ago today and despite the major innovations that have emerged since it remains an achievement without equal. Leaping over business, technological and creative hurdles that had been up until that point had…

Ready Player One Movie Review: A safe but entertaining adaptation

Everyone has a memory of a film, television show, video game, or song that brings them an intense rush of emotions. As pop culture enthusiasts, these memories are more frequent and more intense. These nostalgic feelings are the foundation of…

Hulu Orders Two-Seasons Of New ‘Animaniacs’ Episodes

It’s time for An-i-man-i-acs….again! Hulu announced on Thursday the return of Animaniacs, the treasured 90s slapstick cartoon. The streaming giant ordered two seasons straight to series in collaboration with the show’s masterminds, Warner Bros. Animation and Amblin Television. Steven Spielberg,…

Movie Review: The Post

Steven Spielberg’s latest offering The Post is certainly a Very Relevant Movie, and it takes a few too many pains to inform audiences just how relevant. It’s easy to see why, as many of its themes, such as, say, a…