The Problem With Jon Stewart, Bill Maher

Jon Stewart and Bill Maher are among the latest comedians to wade into the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s transphobic special. Stewart’s comments came in an interview with TMZ while appearing on Capitol Hill. Maher’s comments came during his HBO series, Real Time with Bill Maher. The comments from Maher are no surprise since he blamed transgender rights for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton falling to Trump in November 2016. Stewart on Chappelle: “I know…

"The Problem With Jon Stewart, Bill Maher"

Ted Sarandos Doubles Down And I Have Words

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has doubled down in response to the backlash claiming that it won’t “translate to real-world harm.” Here’s an excerpt from his staff memo: With The Closer, we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real world harm (such as further marginalizing already marginalized groups, hate, violence etc.) Last year, we heard similar concerns about 365 Days and violence against women. While some employees disagree,…

"Ted Sarandos Doubles Down And I Have Words"

Netflix: An Open Letter From A Transgender Critic

It gives me great pain to write this open letter to Netflix but not even stand-up comedy is an excuse to defend transphobia on the platform. I should be writing my review of Dune following this afternoon’s press screening. Instead, I turned on my phone and have been incensed with Netflix since shortly after the screening. Upon checking one friend’s Twitter, I learned from The Verge that a transgender employee was suspended for tweeting. If…

"Netflix: An Open Letter From A Transgender Critic"

Dave Chappelle And His Transphobic And Antisemitic Comedy

Netflix keeps supporting not-funny transphobic comedy by way of releasing a new Dave Chappelle special every so often and it’s exhausting. Enough is enough. I’m so tired of having the same conversation every fricking time that a new special gets released. Netflix can say they are an LGBTQ ally–it’s great that they acquired Disclosure–the allyship feels performative when they keep releasing Chappelle specials KNOWING he’s a transphobic bigot. In the newest special, which I did…

"Dave Chappelle And His Transphobic And Antisemitic Comedy"

Sarah Silverman Talks Casting Non-Jews As Jews

In her recent podcast, Sarah Silverman commented about the recent casting of Kathryn Hahn as the late Jewish comedian Joan Rivers. Speaking on her podcast, the comedian remarked: “There’s this long tradition of non-Jews playing Jews, and not just playing people who happen to be Jewish, but people whose Jewishness is their whole being. One could argue, for instance, that a gentile playing Joan Rivers correctly would be doing what is actually called ‘Jewface.’” Silverman…

"Sarah Silverman Talks Casting Non-Jews As Jews"

Netflix Gets In Bed With Antisemite Roald Dahl

Netflix recently decided to get in bed with antisemitic author Roald Dahl but this critic will not be watching any work coming from the deal. It really hurt me to read the news about Netflix acquiring the Roald Dahl Company within the past few weeks. You want to know how to dampen the enjoyment of the Jewish holidays? This sort of news will do it. I didn’t just roll my eyes but felt a pit…

"Netflix Gets In Bed With Antisemite Roald Dahl"

Indiana Jones: Don’t Replace Harrison Ford

Unlike the James Bond franchise that inspired the creation of Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford should not be replaced as the iconic hero. While audiences await the release of Indiana Jones 5, it is in the best interest of the franchise to not go forward without Harrison Ford playing Indiana Jones. It’s one thing to pass the fedora and whip to the next generation but it’s another to outright replace him in the role. If they…

"Indiana Jones: Don’t Replace Harrison Ford"

Jewish Holidays: When Studios Don’t Accommodate

When the Jewish holidays fall during the week, it isn’t too much to ask the studios to make accommodations because of religious observances. September is a very busy month every year because the fall film festivals kick off awards season but the Jewish holidays can fall whenever. Sometimes, they fall during the weekend, which means a lesser chance of running into a screening conflict. But other times, they take place during the week, which is…

"Jewish Holidays: When Studios Don’t Accommodate"

Hamilton Benefits From Category Fraud At Emmys

When Hamilton bypassed theaters and launched on Disney+, there were questions about whether or not it would be eligible for an Oscar. It turned out, however, that Hamilton did not meet the qualifications even with a planned theatrical release. It’s a filmed Broadway musical so it’s not exactly a documentary either. When Disney submitted the film to the Critics Choice Awards, they did so as a TV movie. This answered the immediate question of how…

"Hamilton Benefits From Category Fraud At Emmys"

James Bond 007: Who Will Replace Daniel Craig?

The million dollar question heading into the release is who will be replacing Daniel Craig after No Time to Die in the role of James Bond. While I believe that actors like Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, or Henry Cavill would do a good job in the role, there’s a question of if they are too old for the role. With Cavill, he put his foot in his mouth a few years ago when it came…

"James Bond 007: Who Will Replace Daniel Craig?"