Madison ChallisMar 12 minFilm, TV & BooksEchoes of Innocence: 'The Boy and the Heron', Miyazaki's most Personal ReflectionStudio Ghibli's latest masterpiece, "The Boy and the Heron," directed by the brilliant Hayao Miyazaki, stands out as a cinematic gem that in
Madison ChallisNov 27, 20233 minFilm, TV & BooksIt’s the Nightmare Before Christmas! A deep dive into Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), directed by Tim Burton, has become a beloved classic for its unique blend of dark whimsy and heartfel
Madison ChallisOct 23, 20237 minFilm, TV & BooksBe Careful what you Wish for: Coraline’s labyrinth of illusion As the leaves turn from green to brown and the air grows crisp, the spooky season pulls us towards tales that blur the lines of fantasy...
Madison ChallisSep 19, 20233 minFilm, TV & BooksKiki’s Delivery Service: the ultimate coming-of-age film every 20-something needs to watchKiki’s Delivery Service is, in fact, a coming-of-age film that explores themes of self-discovery, independence, and the challenges of growin
Madison ChallisApr 2, 20234 minFilm, TV & BooksUnpacking the Political Themes of Watership Down (1978)A Rabbit’s Tale of Power, Society, and Survival. Written by Madison Challis Edited by Morgan Forbes Watership Down is a British animated...
Madison ChallisFeb 16, 20234 minSocial issuesAre there still lessons to learn from Pixar's 2008 WALL-E?One of the most powerful environmental films of our time does not star David Attenborough or Greenpeace activists, but a Hello Dolly-loving,
Madison ChallisSep 9, 20225 minPoliticsAnti-colonialism and diversity in Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001). The Greek philosopher Plato first wrote of The Legend of Atlantis. Per Plato, it was a civilisation that lived on a landmass in the...
Madison ChallisJun 5, 20224 minFilm, TV & BooksStudio Ghibli's Ponyo (2008) and Environmentalism Like much of Hayao Miyazaki's work, Ponyo (2008) carries a transparent environmental message: "They spoil the sea. They treat your home...
Madison ChallisDec 22, 20217 minFilm, TV & BooksA (Muppet) Christmas Carol (1992) and it’s Social Change for ChildrenHow the films we watched as kids shaped our political positions of today. No matter what rendition of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol...