I went into the latest SpongeBob SquarePants movie (2025) with a surprising amount of goodwill. This franchise has survived for decades because, at its best, it balances absurd humor with genuine wit and a kind of anarchic charm that works for kids while slyly entertaining adults. Unfortunately, this installment is not just a misstep—it’s easily… Continue reading SpongeBob SquarePants: a loud, empty echo of better times
Day: November 19, 2025
Arrest the Midwife: stylistically steady and reflective
Watching Arrest the Midwife felt less like being swept into a dramatic crusade and more like being dropped into a complex situation that’s been developing for years. Director Elaine Epstein presents a case that’s emotional, yes, but also complicated — legally, culturally, and personally. The documentary follows three certified professional midwives in upstate New York… Continue reading Arrest the Midwife: stylistically steady and reflective