Contributor: Emily Tsiao

Emily studied film and writing when she was in college. And when she isn’t being way too competitive while playing board games, she enjoys food, sleep, and geeking out with her husband indulging in their “nerdoms,” which is the collective fan cultures of everything they love, such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate and Lord of the Rings.

On the Radar: Meta Loses, ‘Auramaxxing’ and Sugary Drinks

Meta and YouTube lost a landmark social media case. What is the “auramaxxing” trend? How are sugary drinks increasing anxiety?

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the pout-pout fish

The Pout-Pout Fish

‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ encourages us to help others no matter what the cost—and to always look for the good in a bad situation.

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Reflecting on ‘The AI Doc,’ or How I Didn’t Change My Mind About Apocaloptimism

Daniel Roher’s ‘The AI Doc’ reminds us that we aren’t in control. But really, neither is artificial intelligence.

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Forbidden Fruits

Witchcraft, foul language, suicide, murder, sex and nudity all besmirch this film about women seeking female friendships.

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Send Help

In Sam Raimi’s ‘Send Help’, blood and gore pass for humor in what is essentially a drawn-out, gory revenge fantasy.

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On the Radar: Sleeping In, ‘Slot Machine Apps’ and Phone-Shaming

Sleeping in on weekends can protect mental health. “Slot machine apps” drive us to our phones in addictive ways. Kids are phone-shaming their parents over screentime habits.

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The Faithful: Women of the Bible

Fox’s ‘The Faithful’ explores stories from the Bible through the eyes of biblical matriarchs, highlighting these women’s incredible faith.

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Tafiti: Across the Desert

‘Tafiti’ teaches important lessons about friendship and prejudice through the shared adventure of a meerkat and bush pig.

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On the Radar: ‘Boy Kibble’ vs. ‘Girl Dinner,’ Elio’s Original Plot and Social Media’s Jury Deliberations

What are the “boy kibble” and “girl dinner” trends on social media? Why did Pixar ax the original plot of ‘Elio?’ A jury deliberates whether social media giants should be held accountable for harms to teens.

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Virgin River

This show has become a sensation on Netflix—and it’s cleaner than some. But before you walk into this small town, know that not everything is fit for families.

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Slanted

‘Slanted’ applies bloody body horror and teenage rebellion to tell a cautionary tale about a teenage girl’s insecurities regarding her racial identity.

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plugged in movie awards

Plugged In Movie Awards: 2026 Winners

You voted. We debated. And now they’re here: the winners of the 2026 Plugged In Movie Awards!

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On the Radar: Talking About War, Teen Boy Eating Disorders and ChatGPT’s ‘Adult Mode’

How to talk to your teens about war. Eating disorders in teen boys on the rise. ChatGPT’s “adult mode” is delayed, but parents should prep now.

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BeddyByes

Disney’s ‘BeddyByes’ may help parents of little ones start the wind-down process before bedtime.

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Hoppers

Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ encourages viewers to be better stewards of the planet. But the messages (and the comedy) fall a little flat.

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