Category Archives: super-heroes

On Writing: Making it through The Monster of Daily Life

Where have I been? Away from my blog for too long, and I woke up wondering what could have kept me away. Life. By that I mean wife, sons, death of friends, work, grading papers, writing lesson plans, orienting to … Continue reading

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On Writing: Learning from The Big Boys – Stan Lee

I am starting a series of blogs recounting lessons I’ve learned from big time writers. Since the mega-blockbuster film “Marvel’s The Avengers” returns to theaters this weekend to end the summer like we began it, I am going to start … Continue reading

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On Pop Culture: Who Warner Bros. Should Really Get to Direct Justice League

Warner Brothers came soooooooo close to solving their comic book movie credibility problem. And they still have a chance to get it right, with one phone call. This week Marvel announced Joss Whedon would be writing and directing Avengers II … Continue reading

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The Dark Knight Rises: Huge Plots Hole or Sharp Political Commentary?

Christopher Nolan’s superb The Dark Knight Rises has been simmering in my brain since watching the trilogy on July 19 and experiencing the final film at midnight, unaware of the tragedy unfolding in Aurora, Colorado. I have held back the … Continue reading

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Pop Culture – The Dark Night Rises: is it Action Movie or Social Treatise?

The Dark Knight has Risen! Blessed be the reborn hero! In so many ways, and taking great pains to not commit the Sin of Spoiling, The Dark Knight Rises is about redemption and sacrifice and rebirth. It is about offering … Continue reading

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On Writing: Is There an Author/Reader Pact?

Do authors owe readers anything at all? And does that debt grow the further into a story readers get? I ask because I believe there is a grave difference between surprising or challenging a reader for entertainment and betraying that … Continue reading

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NY Times film critics vs. the super-heroes!

New York Times film critics Manohla Dargis and A. O. Scott tag-teamed summer super-hero movies as the lead story in the paper’s July 1st Sunday Arts and Leisure section, ripping into the genre with accusations of corporate manipulation, sexism, and … Continue reading

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