Lisa Laman

Computer-generated imagery (or CGI) can produce beautiful images and ensure once unthinkable storylines could finally get put on screen. Like any cinematic tool, though, they can also prove underwhelming when used poorly. For prime examples of this phenomenon, just look at the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy. This trio of movies featured many inspired uses of the tech, such as creating entirely digital characters like Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) or (at least in her "The Force Awakens" incarnation) Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o). The franchise's knack for groundbreaking technological wonders and visual effects triumphs was once again at the forefront.

CW: Discussions of abuse, sexaul assault, rape, and other heavy materials, as well as spoilers for Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, ahead My ...

The premium cable channel HBO just bid farewell to "Euphoria." The show, which started airing in 2019, had tremendous creative ups and downs during its years on the air. However, "Euphoria" was also a kind of provocative program that few other networks (even among premium cable outlets) would take a chance on. That's the legacy HBO has cultivated after decades of original programming, often regarded as giving life to some of the best pieces of television ever produced. Whether it's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Sharp Objects," or "Big Little Lies" (among many others), HBO has redefined what's possible in this storytelling medium.

With "Toy Story 5," Pixar Animation Studios will have 31 feature films in its library of titles. This studio has clearly come a long way from the days of debuting "Toy Story" over Thanksgiving weekend in 1995. Now Pixar has a whole mess of motion pictures that span all kinds of genres and artistic sensibilities. Unlike in the 2000s, when its artistic track record was considered spotless, that more expanded roster of movies means Pixar has inevitably made some box office and critical duds. However, creating 31 motion pictures has also meant Pixar has expanded its visual palette as well as the filmmaking visions it can house.

Pixar's very first movie, 1995's "Toy Story," just won't go away. The story of Woody, Buzz, and all their other toy pals have anchored multiple movies, including the latest installment, "Toy Story 5," which follows up the enormous cultural legacy left behind by its predecessors. Part of the untold truth of the "Toy Story" franchise

If Batman is out and about fighting crime, the Joker can't be far behind. First debuting in this superhero's comic escapades in April 1940, Batman's archnemesis has proven to be not just one of his most resilient foes, but also one of the most famous characters in all of pop culture. This clown, who commits towering crimes and wields a bleak vision of humanity, continues to fascinate people all over the world. If Batman captivates the imagination for being a figure of good people can look to, Joker rivets people for epitomized chaotic evil to such a pronounced degree.

As beloved as most of Steven Spielberg's films are, he still has a handful that have flown under the radar for one reason or another.

Among the many Spider-Man facts you may not know is that the Marvel Comics icon has had a shockingly limited amount of live-action appearances. That might sound strange given that the 21st century movie scene has been utterly dominated by the webhead. However, unlike Batman and Superman, whose live-action exploits span 1940s serials and multiple TV shows, Spidey had only two flesh-and-blood incarnations before Tobey Maguire's "Spider-Man" hit theaters in 2002. Since then, the character's live-action presence has been limited to cinemas and (exempting the uncredited baby playing Peter Parker in "Madame Web) only two other actors have taken on this role since Maguire.

The CW, as many knew it, is largely defunct today. In its modern form, the channel just focuses on game shows and airing Canadian dramas. If younger viewers were to stumble upon this channel for the first time today, they'd never imagine that it once hosted a barrage of popular shows of various genres. These included everything from the Arrowverse superhero programs to the audacious musical/comedy "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" to steamy romantic melodramas like "Gossip Girl." These shows were cheap-looking and cheesy, but at their best, they could scratch a certain itch.

The Western movie has had an enormous impact on American cinema. Not only are the Western movies you need to see before you die mighty acclaimed, but they've also influenced countless artists making new movies. Just look at the endless number of motion pictures that have referenced the iconic doorway shot of "The Searchers," or the deluge of features that are rooted in iconography that originated in Westerns. This genre's legacy includes spawning the neo-Western, a contemporary genre successor.