Illustration by Michael DiMilo By Geoff Carter The shocking assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was horrifying and despicable, but—unfortunately—not all that surprising, considering the catalog of political violence over the past several years, including the murders of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa and Mark Hortman; the brutal attack on Paul Pelosi; the conspiracy to kidnap Governor …
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Category:Michael DiMilo
Kickass September 18, 2025
Illustration by Michael DiMilo By Bill Stokes Kickass, the doorstop dog, joins the keeper and Phyllis in noting that yesterday was “Constitution Day” marking the 250the anniversary of the framers signing the Constitution which more or less informed the king of England to pick up his trinkets and get the hell back to his little …
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The Pen in Hand’s Guide to the Movies: The Legacy of Robert Redford
In Memorian: 1936-2025 NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons By Geoff Carter During his storied career, Robert Redford was not only known as one of the great leading men of his generation, but also as a gifted director, producer, and outspoken advocate of independent film. He will be missed. Founder of the now internationally …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: Great Films That Have Faded Into Obscurity
The Lost and Forgotten Illustration by Michael DiMilo By Geoff Carter Movies are more than entertainment, more than art, and more than artifact. Scenes and moments from film have become so embedded in our cultural that they are part of our national—and international—consciousness. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”, “I’ll make him an offer he …
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Working Class Blues
Illustrated by Michael DiMilo By Geoff Carter We marched in the Labor Day parade yesterday. I fell in with my old union, the MTEA, as we lined up with firefighters, machinists, ironworkers, electricians, plumbers, and hospitality workers. Thousands participated. It can be argued that what truly made America great was not the rugged individualism embodied by …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: Review of “The Legend of Ochi”
Illustration by Michael DiMilo Beauty of the Beast: Review of The Legend of Ochi ★★★★☆ By Geoff Carter As a child in the sixties, I cut my teeth on family films like Old Yeller, Babes in Toyland, 101 Dalmatians, and The Parent Trap, a cinematic universe dominated by Walt Disney, whose influence spread from the big screen into …
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Cornered
Illustration by Michael DiMilo By Geoff Carter We’re in deep trouble and there doesn’t seem to be anything anybody can do about it. Our rights, our way of life, and our democracy are under attack from within. Armed soldiers are patrolling the streets of our greatest cities, U.S. citizens are being arrested, detained, and deported …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: Review of “Parthenope”
Illustration by Michael DiMilo Skin Deep: Review of Parthenope ★★★☆☆ By Geoff Carter The beginning sequences of Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope are nothing short of breathtaking. Set in the beautiful coastline of Posillipo in Naples, Sorrentino’s loving and perfectly framed shots of the Mediterranean coast, the sea, and the quaint streets are suitable for framing. But like framed …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: Lost in the Library
Photo by Geoff Carter By Geoff Carter In the present-day wonderland of streaming movies and videos available on dozens of cable channels like HBO or Apple TV, old television programs on retro TV stations like MeTV or Cozi, and platforms with huge libraries like Amazon Prime or the Criterion Channel, it seems as if every …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: Film Review of “Death of a Unicorn”
A Rare Breed: Review of Death of a Unicorn Illustration by Michael DiMIlo ★★★★☆ By Geoff Carter Every now and then a movie comes along that not only stretches the envelope but tears it wide open, combining usually disparate elements or sensibilities into a new and unique vision. Everything Everywhere All at Once is a good example …
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The Pen in Hand Guide to the Movies: Review of “Opus”
Illustration by Michael DiMilo ★★★☆☆ Starstruck: Review of Opus By Geoff Carter A24 has become synonymous with originality, daring, and independence in the film industry. It is also typically synonymous with quality. With quirky and beautiful productions like Queer, Ghost Story, The Witch, Midsommar, and Oscar winners like Ladybird, Moonlight, and Everything Everywhere All at Once—and dozens more great …
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Dialogues on Big Bilious Billionaire Boys’ Bill: Profiles in Avarice
Illustration by Michael DiMilo Featuring the Fabulous Dadbots: Dave S., Mark M., Mark O., Dennis C., John K., and Geoff Carter Hey bots, Well, it’s about to become the law of the land. Somehow, Trump and the spineless Republican invertebrates (redundant, I know, but their lack of courage bears repeating) have passed the bilious Billionaire …
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