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My family is heading out today on a long and much needed vacation, spending some time in the Smoky Mountains. I can’t wait to spend some time hiking, eating Southern food, drinking bourbon and enjoying Dollywood for our first time ever. As much as possible, I’m going to try to make it a screen-free vacation.

It’s been a very busy summer. Work is busy, my kids have been home, my wife and I have been involved in some events and programs with church, and this newsletter has seen a flurry of activity. July was by far the biggest month for Chrisicisms ever in terms of views – and while part of that is due to a bunch of transphobes and homophobes getting upset over an old Ace Ventura review I wrote, I’ve been pleased to see the newer work get more engagement than usual. Part of it is because films like The Odyssey are actual cultural moments. I’m sure part of it is also that writing, reading and sharing build momentum. I hope that some of it is because this conversation is proving engaging. Whatever reason you’re here – unless you’re one of the transphobes or homophobes – I’m glad you are. I plan out an editorial calendar several months in advance and I’m really excited about some of the things in store for the rest of the year.

But burnout’s a real thing, and I’m feeling it. Not due to this newsletter. It’s just the accumulation of all the things, good and challenging. And I know I’m in need of a break. Hence, the screen-free vacation. But don’t worry – you won’t be left with nothing to read. Because we’ve had so many new readers over the last month or so, I thought it might be time to share some “greatest hits.” So over the next two weeks1, I’m going to share posts that I’m particularly proud of, some of which were shared so early in this newsletter’s life that they didn’t get much attention. I’m excited for them to make the rounds. After that, we’ll be at the halfway mark for August. I have an interview transcribed and ready to go that I can’t for you to read and two Summer of ‘86 posts that I’m eager to get out there*. We’ll close that series out by the end of the month, and there are new releases on the horizon such as Nimrods, The End of Oak Street and Coyote Vs. Acme that I’m really excited to see. And then in September, I have a new series I’m very excited about, and we’ll be in the start of the fall season, on the cusp of the awards run.

As usual, if you missed anything this month, I wanted to provide a handy digest! Here’s what’s been at Chrisicisms in July!

We're Watching Here talks 'The Invite' and 'The Odyssey'

Jul 20

Perry and I caught up with "The Odyssey" and "The Invite." Side note: "The Invite" is one of my favorite movies of the year. That said, it's not for everyone. For instance, my parents heard me recommend it and went for a date night. It was not their jam. Please research these movies before taking my advice. :-)

The Chrisicisms Conversation: Gina Dalfonzo (The Screen and the Mirror)

Jul 27

The latest Chrisicisms Conversation posted this month. I'm having a great time with these interviews, which gives me the chance to talk with people whose work about art, faith and more inspires me. I had a great time talking with Gina Dalfonzo about her wonderful new book, "The Screen and the Mirror."

Review: Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass

Jul 10

David Wain isn't for everyone. Some people think he's hilarious, but his sense of humor bounces off others. I'm in the former crowd -- his work makes me laugh, particularly "Wet Hot American Summer" and "They Came Together." So, I was the target audience for "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass," a very silly "Wizard of Oz" riff featuring endearing and funny work from Zoey Deutsch, Ken Marino and a very forgiving John Slattery.

EVIL DEAD BURN is an oppressive, punishing horror experience.

Jul 14

The "Evil Dead" series has always had a mean streak, but this might be the franchise at its meanest. The new film lacks the humor of the best of the movies, but ups the ante on tension and gore. I admire the effort and I was impressed by how far this one was willing to go, but I'll admit that I also don't really know if I can say I like this. It's punishing and overwhelming, and by the end, I found myself numbed by the violence and carnage.

Review: The Odyssey

Jul 15

Christopher Nolan's latest film is epic in every sense of the word, and while I have a few quibbles, I'm incredibly impressed not only at its scale but at its emotion and thematic resonance. I've seen it twice, the latest being on IMAX, and I think it's one of Nolan's best works and one of the best films of the year.

Review – Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Jul 29

Spider-Man, Spider-Man
Read my review of Spider-Man
What do I have to say?
I quite liked 'Brand New Day'
Hey there, read my thoughts on Spider-Man

Did I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate NORTH?

Jul 8

Some bad movies just were ahead of their time and get the respect they deserve years later. "North" is not one of those movies. Rob Reiner's family comedy is insufferable, insipid and inane. It might not deserve every "hate" Roger Ebert lobbed at it in his review...but it deserves most of them.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT is an American fantasy

Jul 24

I closed out my Rob Reiner retrospective with the last film he made that most people would agree is "good." This one has the hallmarks of screenwriter Aaron Sorkin all over it, but it's Reiner's skill with actors and his innate charm that turn this into as good a rom-com as it is a political drama.