There are cringe-worthy moments as well as scenes of mesmerizing beauty in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio. But I’ll go against the critical grain and argue, for several small reasons, and for one big one, that it was necessary to make it.
Television
WATCH CLOSELY: Post-Emmy Recommendations
Television is the new art cinema, chock full of superb examples of storytelling across multiple genres.
Television Review: “Reboot” — Laughing at the Corporate Hand that Feeds Him
Reboot is a razor-sharp sitcom about the world of sitcoms and represents Steven Levitan’s triumphant return to comedy.
Television Review: “The U.S. and the Holocaust” — Vital Questions Left Unanswered
The U.S. and the Holocaust leaves a vital question unanswered: Is this the kind of nation we want to live and worship in?
WATCH CLOSELY: “Better Call Saul” — Such Beautiful Shirts
Having just triumphantly ended its sixth and final season, Better Call Saul could be seen as the story of a man who thrives under pressure while he’s gaming the system.
Television Review: “The Most Hated Man On The Internet” — The Fate of Fetid Online Ooze
The Most Hated Man on the Internet tells a legitimate story in which the good guys win, but there is no attempt to answer to any of the larger, uncomfortable, social questions the series raises.
Television Review: “A League of Their Own” — A Welcome Reboot
For the most part, co-creators Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson have easily justified the need for a reboot of the admired 1992 sports film.
WATCH CLOSELY: “The Sandman” Is Deliriously Beautiful Art
Creator Neil Gaiman has said for years that he didn’t want an adaptation to be made unless the creative team could do the original justice. Well, justice has been done: this is a seismic cultural event.
Television Review: “Girl in the Picture” — Beyond Shocking
In her superb true crime documentaries, Skye Borgman probes America’s war against its women and children.
WATCH CLOSELY: “The Staircase”
This series presents a compelling perspective on the relativity of determining crime and punishment.