The Sword in the Stone 1963 Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman Welcome back to Movie Monday, dear readers! Since this is the first Monday of the month, we're taking our customary break from my ongoing exploration of cinema's most spectacular failures to enjoy a palate cleanser. Think of it as hitting the reset button on your … Continue reading Disney 18 – The Sword in the Stone
Movies I’ve Seen
The One Christmas Movie That Gets Me Every Single Time
Welcome to Blogmas 2025, folks! For those new to The Confusing Middle, Blogmas is my annual tradition of posting holiday-themed content every single day from December 1st through Christmas Day. It's ambitious, it's exhausting, and by December 15th I usually question all my life choices—but here we are again. This year, I decided to shake … Continue reading The One Christmas Movie That Gets Me Every Single Time
Jurassic Park and the Dangers of Scientific Hubris
Every time I see a headline about scientists successfully extracting ancient DNA or making breakthroughs in de-extinction technology, I can't help but think: Haven't we literally watched this movie? Multiple times, in fact. Yet here we are in 2025, with researchers seriously discussing mammoth cloning and genetic resurrection while seemingly having learned nothing from Steven … Continue reading Jurassic Park and the Dangers of Scientific Hubris
The Worst 44 – Cats & Dogs
Cats & Dogs 2001 Directed by Lawrence Guterman Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we're steadily working our way through my personal countdown of the 100 worst movies I've ever had the misfortune to sit through. This week we're unleashing number 44: Cats & Dogs, the 2001 spy comedy that took the innocent concept of … Continue reading The Worst 44 – Cats & Dogs
How Jason’s Hockey Mask Became Horror’s Most Recognizable Symbol
Picture this: You're at a Halloween party, scanning the room full of costumes. There's a vampire, a witch, someone who clearly raided their closet five minutes ago and called it "casual Friday ghost." Then you spot it—that distinctive white hockey mask with its ominous red markings. You don't need to see the machete or the … Continue reading How Jason’s Hockey Mask Became Horror’s Most Recognizable Symbol
The Worst 45 – Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation 1997 Directed by John R. Leonetti Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we're continuing our relentless march through my personal list of the 100 worst movies I've ever endured. This week we're entering the arena for number 45: Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, the 1997 martial arts fantasy sequel that took everything moderately entertaining … Continue reading The Worst 45 – Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
Serenity: The Power of Fan Campaigns in Bringing Firefly to the Big Screen
Twenty years ago, something unprecedented happened in entertainment history. A television show that had been unceremoniously canceled after just eleven aired episodes somehow clawed its way back from the grave, transforming into a major motion picture that would go on to win Hugo and Nebula awards. That show was Firefly, and its resurrection as Serenity … Continue reading Serenity: The Power of Fan Campaigns in Bringing Firefly to the Big Screen
The Worst 46 – Major League: Back to the Minors
Major League: Back to the Minors 1998 Directed by John Warren Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we're continuing our relentless journey through my personal list of the 100 worst movies I've ever endured. This week we're stepping up to the plate for number 46: Major League: Back to the Minors, the 1998 sports comedy … Continue reading The Worst 46 – Major League: Back to the Minors
From Everyman to Icon: How John McClane Redefined the Action Hero
When Die Hard exploded onto screens in July 1988, audiences witnessed something revolutionary disguised as summer entertainment. Bruce Willis, then known primarily for his comedic television work on Moonlighting, stepped into the blood-stained undershirt of NYPD Detective John McClane and fundamentally changed what an action hero could be. Over the course of five films spanning … Continue reading From Everyman to Icon: How John McClane Redefined the Action Hero
The Heart of Heroes: How Partnerships Define the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Spoiler Warning: This post discusses events and character developments throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including major plot points from recent films and series. Proceed with caution if you're not caught up! When we think about what makes the Marvel Cinematic Universe so compelling, our minds often jump to the spectacular action sequences, the witty one-liners, … Continue reading The Heart of Heroes: How Partnerships Define the Marvel Cinematic Universe
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