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  • 'Civil War' envisions a too-near future : Pop Culture Happy Hour

    The new film Civil War depicts a contemporary America torn apart by a military conflict between the federal government and an alliance of secessionist states. Directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina), the film follows a small band of journalists led by Kirsten Dunst's jaded war photographer. They embark on a harrowing journey to the heart of the conflict, encountering brutality and bloodshed along the way.

  • Monopoly: the Movie? Pop culture has become a series of lukewarm adverts – and it’s all so very dull

    From films about Play-Doh and Barbie to the Shrek ‘experience’, consumer capitalism has run out of ideasWhen it was announced last week that Margot Robbie will follow up the success of Barbie with a film based on Monopoly, my heart sank, did not pass go, and did not collect £200. Robbie’s production company will partner with Hasbro, just as the Barbie film was an initiative from rival toy company Mattel. Barbie was criticised for being little more than a 114-minute toy ad, but it did so well at...

  • 'Cannasations' Podcaster Kris Brown Aims to 'Humanize' Vermont’s Weed Culture

    Kris Brown was in a supermarket last year when he noticed a "tall, skinny white dude" watching him intently as Brown and his family made their way through the aisles. A six-foot-two, muscular, tattooed Black man who's lived in Vermont since 2013, Brown is never surprised when white people eyeball him. He steeled himself for a confrontation. When the man finally approached Brown, he said, "Kris from 'Cannasations,' right? I listen to your podcast. I heard your voice and knew it had to be...