Shelf Criticism

This week on Shelf Criticism, we’re trekking deep into the wilderness to examine Grizzly (1976), a film that asks, “What if Jaws, but with a bear?” and answers with a bazooka.

Yes, this unabashed Jaws ripoff swaps the ocean for a national park, a great white for a 2,000-pound prehistoric grizzly, and Quint’s boat for a helicopter that a bear literally swats out of the sky. And somehow, Grizzly still tries to play it straight.

Join St...

This week on Shelf Criticism, we’re diving headfirst into Alexandre Aja’s 2010 remake of Piranha. It’s a film that combines blood-soaked carnage, 3-D spectacle, and a surprising amount of social commentary—if you know where to look.

Stephen explores how Piranha 3D critiques the exploitative culture of Girls Gone Wild while also indulging in the same excesses it mocks. From the over-the-top gore to its biting satire of voyeurism, thi...

This week on Shelf Criticism, we’re tearing down the backroads of Southern-fried chaos with Barry Battles’ 2012 neo ... pseudo ... quasi-exploitation flick The Baytown Outlaws. It’s got outlaw brothers, ridiculous gangs, Billy Bob Thornton being menacing, and Eva Longoria playing against type—but does it live up to its grindhouse ambitions, or does it stall out in the dust?

Stephen dives into the film’s messy blend of action and exp...

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen returns to his trash cinema sweet spot as we wade through the surreal swamp of Tobe Hooper’s Eaten Alive. Crocodiles, scythes, and a cacophony of chaos await as Stephen explores this bizarre 1976 hicksploitation horror. From Judd’s motiveless madness to the film’s infamous censorship history, it’s a fever dream worth interpreting. Delve into the murky depths of nihilism—just don’t blame t...

As we bid farewell to 2024, join us for a cinematic celebration of the year that was! In this special year-end episode, we reflect on the best films we watched, from standout older titles on our DVD shelf to the very best of 2024.

You’ll hear the inaugural Shelfies—our awards for screenplay, director, supporting performances, and lead actor/actress—before we reveal Stephen's Top 5 films of the year. Along the way, we’ll revisit some...

In this special bonus episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen takes a harrowing journey into the ill-advised world of made-for-TV sequels with Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure. Armed with his signature wit and scholarly insights, Stephen unpacks this cinematic misstep, exploring its threadbare plot, baffling production choices, and the unfortunate misuse of comedic legends like Ed Asner and Eric Idle.

Beyond the mai...

In the third installment of Shelf Christmas-ism, Stephen unpacks the chaotic, campy, and utterly unforgettable Gremlins (1984). From adorable Mogwai to mischievous monsters, this Joe Dante-directed classic walks the line between horror and hilarity, offering biting critiques of consumerism, nods to Hollywood classics, and more Christmas chaos than you can shake a candy cane at.

Join Stephen as he dives into the film’s zany tone, exp...

In the second installment of Shelf Christmas-ism, Stephen dives headfirst into the sugar-coated world of Elf (2003). Does Will Ferrell’s relentless enthusiasm and Buddy’s saccharine innocence melt Stephen’s frosty exterior? (Spoiler: Nope.) Along the way, we explore forced perspective, syrup-drenched humor, and why Zooey Deschanel’s voice is a gift to humankind. Stick around for critiques, trivia, and Stephen’s attempt to figure ou...

Welcome to Season 2 of Shelf Criticism—or should we say Shelf Christmas-ism! This month, Stephen explores the holiday films gathering dust on his DVD shelves, starting with Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday (2006).

In this episode, he breaks down the film’s star-studded cast (Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black) and explores its picturesque settings, predictable plot, and rom-com tropes. Along the way, he asks: Does the film de...

Drive down the cinematic enigma of Zyzzyx Road with Parliament After Dark! This inaugural episode of our Reel Lit/Shelf Criticism special takes a closer look at the lowest-grossing domestic film of all time, a bizarre thriller starring Katherine Heigl, Tom Sizemore, and Leo Grillo. Was it a misunderstood masterpiece, a marketing disaster, or just a mess best left buried in the Nevada desert?

Join Stephen, McKenzie, and Raegan as the...

The special bonus episode of Shelf Criticism no one asked for but everyone wanted, Stephen dives into the latest installment of the Scream franchise, Scream VI. With a mix of nostalgia and critical analysis, Stephen reflects on the series' long-standing impact on his love for cinema and film studies while taking a close look at the latest offering. Despite Neve Campbell's absence and the controversies surrounding some cast departur...

In this latest episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen takes us on a wild ride with Rogue (2020), the Megan Fox-led action-thriller featuring a deadly lioness and a group of mercenaries fighting for survival in the African wilderness. Does the film manage to pull off the suspense and action, or does it fall prey to some seriously bad CGI? Stephen breaks down the film’s environmental message, its place in the animal-attack genre, and ho...

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, we dive into Rob Zombie’s 2012 film The Lords of Salem, a surreal blend of witchcraft, nightmares, and unsettling visuals. Join us as we explore the film’s haunting atmosphere, its meticulously crafted imagery, and how it flirts with the line between traditional horror and more nuanced, intellectual storytelling. From the diegetic score to the film's bold color palette, we look at the elements th...

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen dives into the monster mash that is 2004’s Van Helsing. Hugh Jackman stars as the iconic monster hunter in a film packed with Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, werewolves, and over-the-top action sequences. It’s a love letter to Universal’s classic monster films—or at least, that’s what it aims to be.

Stephen explores the movie’s frenetic pacing, its campy tone, and how the film embraces sp...

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen goes deep into the reflections of Alexandre Aja’s Mirrors (2008). He explores how this film stacks up against Aja’s other work, what the Splat Pack brought to the horror scene, and why Mirrors is an oddball in the bunch. Stephen also shares some interesting trivia (jaw prosthetics, anyone?) and gives his final shelf rating for this eerie tale. Did he mention he watched the unrated version...

Wax up your board and grab your copy of Marcus Skinner's Straight Jacket. This week, we're cruising up the PCH to Orange County. A beloved film in his cabinet, Stephen turns a critical eye to this comedy to determine whether this quotable flick holds up to academic rigor or is a throwaway flash in the pan of early-aughts cinema. Discussions of camera movements, nepo babies, and misuse of literary allusion abound. Join us this week ...

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen dives into the 2005 tropical thriller Into the Blue. Known for its breathtaking underwater cinematography, Jessica Alba in a bikini, and Paul Walker perpetually shirtless, the film has often been dismissed as a shallow Hollywood spectacle. But is there more lurking beneath the surface? Stephen revisits the film, exploring whether it’s just an extended swimsuit calendar or if it holds genu...

Our peerless host was, frankly, getting a little tired of having to discuss nudity and sexual content so often, but, as luck of the draw would have it, Sirens emerged from his sea of DVDs and called to him. Join him as he delves beneath the surface of this 1994 film starring Hugh Grant, Tara Fitzgerald, Sam Neill, and Elle Macpherson. He explores some of the symbols and motifs, discusses the setting, critiques the acting, and, yes,...

In this episode of Shelf Criticism, Stephen navigates the turbulent waters of The Break-Up, a film that tries to subvert the romantic comedy genre but ends up leaving audiences divided. Delving into its mixed critical reception, Stephen explores how the film's attempt at an "anti-romantic comedy" both falls flat and intriguingly undercuts expectations. The discussion includes personal anecdotes, a critical analysis of the film's na...