Posts by Samuel R. Staley
Samuel R. Staley is a Research Fellow at the Independent Institute and Director of the DeVoe L. Moore Center in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University. He is a contributing author to the Independent books, Property Rights and Housing America.
Can Family Theme Push Avatar: The Way of Water to Blockbuster Profitability?
An earnest story of family, loyalty, and acceptance grounds technologically groundbreaking film
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, January 16, 2023
Blonde Deprives Marilyn Monroe of the Dignity She Earned
Stunning cinematography and an Oscar-worthy performance by Ana De Armas can’t save this off-the-rails cinemagraphic meditation on Monroe's life
Samuel R. Staley  •  Friday, December 30, 2022
Wakanda Forever Charts Risky Course in Marvel Universe
Afrocentric plot and themes may fail to engage broader audiences
Samuel R. Staley  •  Thursday, December 15, 2022
Spielberg Chooses Art Over Biography to Elevate The Fabelmans
An exquisitely crafted and executed “coming of age” drama grounded in Steven Spielberg's own childhood
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, November 28, 2022
The Gray Man, Harvard Elites and State-Sponsored Murder
Well produced action movie saved from a thin plot by an excellent, experienced cast
Samuel R. Staley  •  Tuesday, August 2, 2022
The Black Phone’s Christian Themes
The sleeper hit movie The Black Phone is a well crafted coming of age story within the horror genre
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, July 25, 2022
CODA’s Middle American Heart Upends Industry Heavyweights
Did a small movie with a mainstream coming-of-age message humble woke Hollywood?
Samuel R. Staley  •  Thursday, July 14, 2022
Elvis Movie Tells Cautionary Story of Conflicting Interest and Ambition
Bold Creative Choice Uses the Villain to Tell the Story of A Pop Icon
Samuel R. Staley  •  Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Jurassic World: Dominion Falters on Heavy-Handed Eco-Disaster Message
A satisfying dinosaur romp refuses to grapple with the complexity of environmental challenges
Samuel R. Staley  •  Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Top Gun Maverick Soars With Drama and Action
Sequel to Top Gun Shows More Commitment to Craft and Story
Samuel R. Staley  •  Thursday, June 2, 2022
No, Will Smith’s Assault at the Oscars Was Not “The Most Beautiful Thing”
Normalizing Retributive Violence Is Tearing America Apart
Samuel R. Staley  •  Thursday, March 31, 2022
The Beatles: Get Back Is Long Overdue Correction to Beatles Narrative
Samuel R. Staley  •  Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Spielberg’s West Side Story Doubles Down on Tragedy of Prejudice
Samuel R. Staley  •  Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Free Guy is Light-Hearted Take on Heavy Tech Issues
Samuel R. Staley  •  Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Earns Its Blockbuster Stripes
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, September 20, 2021
Three Movies that Explore Complexity of the War on Terror
Samuel R. Staley  •  Sunday, September 5, 2021
In The Heights Celebrates First-Gen Americans
Samuel R. Staley  •  Thursday, August 19, 2021
Black Widow’s Performances and Familial Intimacy Lift Marvel Action Movie
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, July 12, 2021
Nomadland’s Humanity Drives Cinematic Brilliance
Samuel R. Staley  •  Wednesday, March 24, 2021
A Well-Crafted Action Movie, Run Hide Fight Contributes to Larger Discussion of School Violence
Samuel R. Staley  •  Friday, February 26, 2021
Revenge Thriller Promising Young Woman Challenges Thinking About Sexual Assault
Samuel R. Staley  •  Friday, February 5, 2021
Wonder Woman 1984 Lassoed by Sprawling Plot and Confused History
Samuel R. Staley  •  Friday, January 29, 2021
The Jim Crow Legacy of Southern Military Bases
Samuel R. Staley  •  Friday, January 15, 2021
Mr. Jones Makes Compelling Case for Scrappy, Robust Journalism
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, January 4, 2021
Mulan’s Subtle Subversion Withstands Beijing’s Censors
Samuel R. Staley  •  Monday, October 12, 2020
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