Film and TV

“I Love LA”: HBO’s new series captures the chaos of ambition and modern city life

SMGN November 6, 2025

Rachel Sennott leads an ensemble cast in a sharp comedy about youth and self-discovery HBO’s latest release, I Love LA, brings Rachel Sennott back to television in a story that explores youth, ambition, and the unpredictable rhythm of city living. The show follows a group of young professionals navigating their

“Hedda”: A Modern Take on Henrik Ibsen’s Classic

SMGN November 4, 2025

Tessa Thompson Leads Nia DaCosta’s Bold Adaptation The new film Hedda, now streaming on Prime Video, stars Tessa Thompson as a woman trapped in a monotonous marriage who cunningly disrupts the emotions of those around her. Written and directed by Nia DaCosta, this adaptation reimagines Henrik Ibsen’s renowned play Hedda

The Scottish Gothic: How Scotland’s History and Scenery Shaped the Enduring Legend of Frankenstein

SMGN October 31, 2025

The deep connection between Mary Shelley’s seminal 1818 novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus, and Scotland is often overlooked in its countless screen adaptations, yet the nation is woven into the story’s very fabric. Scotland was instrumental not only to the book’s initial conception but also serves as the dramatic

The 10 Best TV Shows to Watch in November 2025: From “Stranger Things” Finale to Kim Kardashian’s “All’s Fair”

SMGN October 28, 2025

November 2025 promises a lineup that perfectly captures why television’s golden age shows no signs of slowing down. For those searching for the best TV shows to watch this November 2025, from Netflix’s explosive finales to HBO Max’s sharp comedies and Apple TV’s mind-bending sci-fi, this month’s releases are shaping

Why Horror Films Soothe Anxiety: The Science of Fear as Therapy

SMGN October 27, 2025

The Ancient Enigma of Morbid Curiosity The human compulsion to seek out and consume horror stories stands as a profound psychological puzzle, a phenomenon that has baffled thinkers from Aristotle to modern neuroscientists. Logic would dictate that the emotion of fear evolved as a critical survival mechanism—a built-in alarm system

How A House of Dynamite Explores the Reality of Nuclear War: What the Film Gets Right—and Wrong

SMGN October 24, 2025

Nuclear War on the Big Screen: Bigelow’s Vision in A House of Dynamite In Kathryn Bigelow’s newest thriller, A House of Dynamite, a single nuclear missile launched from somewhere in the Pacific hurtles toward the United States. A House of Dynamite nuclear war analysis suggests that within minutes, chaos erupts

Ethan Hawke Returns in “Black Phone 2” with a Supernatural Twist

SMGN October 17, 2025

The highly anticipated sequel to Black Phone is set to deliver another chilling psychological thriller infused with supernatural elements. In Black Phone 2, Ethan Hawke reprises his role as The Grabber, a menacing figure who returns from beyond the grave to haunt those who survived his terror. Four Years Later,

Charlie Chaplin’s Bold Satire Against Totalitarianism in “The Great Dictator”

SMGN October 15, 2025

A Risky Choice During a Precarious Era When Charlie Chaplin began writing The Great Dictator in 1938, the United States had not yet entered World War II and still maintained diplomatic and commercial ties with Nazi Germany. Major Hollywood studios were reluctant to support the project, prompting Chaplin to finance

Diane Keaton, acclaimed American actress, dies at 79

SMGN October 12, 2025

A distinctive voice in Hollywood history Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and beloved performers, has passed away at the age of 79. Known for her unconventional charm and wide-ranging talent, Keaton’s career spanned more than fifty years, leaving an enduring mark on film and fashion

“Kiss of the Spider Woman”: a film that transcends its musical flaws

SMGN October 10, 2025

A story of resilience and human connection Bill Condon’s Kiss of the Spider Woman stands out despite lacking a memorable musical score. While the songs may not reach the level of the great Broadway hits, the film succeeds through its strong storytelling, nuanced performances, and a powerful balance between fantasy

Expert Tips to Navigate Flight Delays and Cancellations During Crisis

SMGN November 6, 2025

Widespread flight delays and cancellations are impacting major airports nationwide as the government shutdown, now the longest in history, continues to drag on. Air traffic controller shortages have caused issues at numerous airports for more than a month, creating ripple effects across the entire travel network. In response to the

Trump says government shutdown pressures Republicans and suggests ending the filibuster

SMGN November 6, 2025

Former president reflects on election results after record-long shutdown During a meeting with Republican senators, former President Donald Trump said the prolonged federal government shutdown negatively affected recent election results for his party. Trump stated that pollsters identified the shutdown as a major factor influencing voter sentiment against Republicans. “If

U.S. Government Revises SNAP Benefit Cuts, but Millions Still Face Major Reductions

SMGN November 6, 2025

USDA Adjusts Reduction Formula Amid Ongoing Legal and Technical Challenges The U.S. government has revised its plan for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing a smaller reduction in monthly food benefits. According to updated guidance from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), maximum allotments will now be cut by 35%