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Keith Phipps lives in Chicago and is the editorial director of The Dissolve.

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Hollywood's Cringe Transgender Evolution

PROGRESS

While the film industry may be earning praise today for how it depicts transgender issues, there have been some awkward missteps.

Keith Phipps | Published Aug 08, 2015

When Kids Movies Were Dark and Beautiful

MOTHER NATURE

Children’s movies are better than ever, but the live-action film grappling with bonds between human and animals has disappeared.

Keith Phipps | Published Aug 01, 2015

The Childish Genius of Pee-wee Herman

SECRET WORD

<p><i>I know you are, but what am I</i>? Is Pee-wee a timeless entertainer or a throwback for Gen Xers who want to see a childhood hero grown up and ironically knocking back shots?</p>

Keith Phipps | Published Oct 23, 2014

The ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Scam?

Creative Inspiration

Is Led Zeppelin guilty of plagiarizing its most iconic song? ‘Stairway to Heaven’ would hardly be the first time the band faced legal action for borrowing too liberally.

Keith Phipps | Published Oct 22, 2014

Restless Prince Returns From Wilderness

Spark of Potential

<p><i>PlectrumElectrum</i> and <i>Art Official Age</i> show Prince’s willingness to shape his material into coherent and compelling albums that’s been absent for a while. He's not coasting anymore.</p>

Keith Phipps | Published Oct 01, 2014

‘Ryan Adams’ Is No Domestic Bliss Album

Where to Now?

Filled with songs about desire, absence, and restlessness, Adams’ latest is far removed from an ode to tranquility. Whatever peace he has found seldom finds its way into his music.

Keith Phipps | Published Sep 12, 2014

Insidious' Unsettling Horror

Insidious is by the Saw team, but it’s the bloodless opposite of torture porn. Keith Phipps on why Saw’s ultraviolence spoke to us then, and why Insidious’ creepiness speaks to us now.

Keith Phipps | Published Apr 01, 2011

The Enduring Terror of Paranormal Activity 2

It's essentially a remake of the original, but the sequel to the surprise blockbuster Paranormal Activity manages to be scary throughout.

Keith Phipps | Published Oct 22, 2010

Stop Remaking Horror Movies!

Despite the Nightmare on Elm Street reboot’s huge $32 million haul this weekend, Keith Phipps asks Hollywood to stop dragging yesterday’s monsters into a world they’re ill-equipped to scare.

Keith Phipps | Published Apr 29, 2010

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