steven spielberg

What Lurks Beneath: ‘Jaws’ and Political Leadership in the Time of COVID-19

What Lurks Beneath: ‘Jaws’ and Political Leadership in the Time of COVID-19

Boris Johnson admires the Mayor in Spielberg's Jaws. Remember him? He was the guy who wouldn't close the beaches -- and sacrifice that revenue source -- during a public crisis.

The 20 Top Movie Tearjerkers

The 20 Top Movie Tearjerkers

Sad movies for sad times. Think you're impervious to crying during a movie? These 20 films are guaranteed to get you weeping.

‘Ready Player One’ Is Vintage Spielberg… for Better and Worse

‘Ready Player One’ Is Vintage Spielberg… for Better and Worse

Spielberg's sci-fi actioner doesn't have a thought in its pretty little head, but it's still relentlessly entertaining, thanks to his knack for visual storytelling and his uncanny feel for action pacing.

‘Becoming AFI’ Might Have Benefited from a Good Scriptwriter’s Input

‘Becoming AFI’ Might Have Benefited from a Good Scriptwriter’s Input

The history of this important American cultural institution is vital and appreciated, of course. If only the text had more "life" and "color" in it, as a good film does.

‘The Post’ Is an Exhilarating Love Letter to Journalistic Integrity

‘The Post’ Is an Exhilarating Love Letter to Journalistic Integrity

Spielberg's inspired rabblerousing may be preaching to the choir, but it's a damn good sermon.

‘Movies That Mattered’ Captures Dave Kehr’s Astute Film Criticism

‘Movies That Mattered’ Captures Dave Kehr’s Astute Film Criticism

Dave Kehr is one of the best long-form essay writers people read for clear and sometimes brutally honest indictments of film.

‘The Best of Richard Matheson’ Is Among the Best of Pop Culture

‘The Best of Richard Matheson’ Is Among the Best of Pop Culture

Richard Matheson's work has so permeated modern pop culture that it can be hard to find works not at least partially indebted to an idea of his or, as is more often the case, someone influenced by him.

2017 Fall Film Preview: At Last, the Film Industry Awakens From Its Slumber

2017 Fall Film Preview: At Last, the Film Industry Awakens From Its Slumber

From Gary Oldman in The Darkest Hour to James Franco's meta-experiment Blade Runner: 2049 and Daniel Day-Lewis's final role, here are the movies you'll want to watch ... and a couple you might not.
The Best Films of 2016

The Best Films of 2016

PopMatters presents a list of the best films that surfaced in 2016 and impressed us with their cinematic visions of where we’ve been.
New Additions to Netflix Worth Watching in September

New Additions to Netflix Worth Watching in September

Netflix has got plenty of acclaimed additions streaming this month, whether to fuel procrastination or prep for the impending Oscar season.
Cannes 2016: Spielberg Delivers One of the Best Roald Dahl Adaptations With ‘The BFG’

Cannes 2016: Spielberg Delivers One of the Best Roald Dahl Adaptations With ‘The BFG’

Intelligent, huge-hearted, and as rich in its dialogue as in its visuals, The BFG is an enchanting adaptation.
E.T. Was Gay

E.T. Was Gay

Steven Spielberg’s most child-friendly blockbuster, E.T., primed a generation to be more accepting of homosexuality.