Critique or Cynicism: Recent Episodes
Natalie
How reasonable are critiques of modern media? From “Mary Sues”, “subverting expectations”, and “garbage writing”, to “toxic fandoms”, “entitled fans”, and “bigotry”, our Hollywood landscape is full of labels, some earned and some not. In Critique or Cynicism, I aim to break down these labels and accusations and, after analyzing both sides in the best light possible, give my verdict on whether the original criticism is justified.
In this episode of Critique or Cynicism, we analyze Galadriel’s portrayal in Amazon’s billion-dollar Lord of the Rings series, The Rings of Power. Is Galadriel yet another Mary Sue to plague the creative landscape? Is she reasonably skilled for how she is established? Is she just unlikable? Let’s discuss.
Critique or Cynicism Theme:
"Strength of the Titans" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Music used under text excerpts:
"Ancient Rite" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this episode of Critique or Cynicism, I am joined by my friend and fellow podcaster Cristin as we breakdown the backlash surrounding Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in Disney’s remake of The Little Mermaid. Is the backlash racism? Typecasting? Is there any credibility to it? Let’s discuss!
Critique or Cynicism Theme:
"Strength of the Titans" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Check out the new trailer for Critique or Cynicism, a podcast dedicated to breaking down hot takes and criticisms for popular media.
Train Sound Effect by JuliusH from Pixabay
Radio Static Sound Effect also from Pixabay
Podcast Theme:
"Strength of the Titans" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this episode of Critique or Cynicism, I analyze the character portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s TV adaptation Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Specifically, I determine whether or not Daenerys’ turn from Breaker of Chains to Mad Queen is adequately justified, given what has been established about her in the show. Has Dany been done dirty? Let’s find out!
Critique or Cynicism Theme:
"Strength of the Titans" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Audio Clips used under Fair Use from HBO and found at:
Fire and Blood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU4uae2Xndc&ab_channel=SuperPrzemekXD
Not the Blood of Innocents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vmkiIqTL7E&ab_channel=GameofThronesBestScenes
Emilia Clarke reaction to the moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzWZ2xfuf-4&ab_channel=AegonTargaryen
We have 200,000 reasons to take that city: https://twitter.com/i/status/1558855350375383041
Not being queen of the ashes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_emer5KjNA&ab_channel=HeavySpoilers
In the premiere episode of Critique or Cynicism, I break down Mulan 2020, the Disney remake that, instead of sparking complaints over autotuned songs or lack of originality, changed the original story so much that disappointed fans labeled Hua Mulan, the titular character, as a Mary Sue. What is a Mary Sue? And is Mulan one? Let’s find out!
Critique or Cynicism Theme:
"Strength of the Titans" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/