I met with Professor Juan Contreras, a professor in Media Studies and ZTV general manager at the University of Akron to talk about Luke Skywalker's portrayal in The Last Jedi. This is our full conversation.

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/

In this episode of Critique or Cynicism, I bring on Professor Juan Contreras, a Media Studies professor at the University of Akron, the general manager of the student-run television station ZTV, and a known lover of all things Star Wars to break down the portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the divisive episode 8, The Last Jedi. What is a character arc and was this the natural result of Luke’s? Or is it the assassination of a well-loved character?

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/

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/