It's the Pictures

Brief insights and opinions on various forms of media, such as films, TV shows, animation, and additional content.

National

English

Newsletter (Digital)

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

N/A

Country

N/A

Articles

In-Review: April 2025

3 weeks ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill |Brian Merchant

A little over a week ago, Studio Ghibli was under attack. Not the studio or the people, but the legacy they’ve created over the last forty years. Perhaps you didn’t come across the images online, but brands and people were using AI to create ”art” that tried to replicate that Studio Ghibli magic. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that it has come to this so quickly.
A Looney Tunes Movie Blasts Into Theaters

4 weeks ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

You can still see The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie in theaters. I wholeheartedly suggest you make that trip. The Day the Earth Blew Up is the first Looney Tunes adventure since the forgettable Space Jam 2 came out. It doesn’t feature ALL the Looney Tunes characters— only Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Petunia Pig. Maybe that’s why parent company Warner Bros. unceremoniously shelved the movie.
Would You Like to Live in a Secret Mall Apartment? Review Inside

1 month ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

Secret Mall Apartment is a new documentary about eight artists who made a home inside the Providence Place Mall in Rhode Island. For four years, 2003-2007, these Rhode Island artists secretly (illegally) built and lived in an undetected apartment. When officials eventually found the space, the group was forced to abandon the apartment, and artist Michael Townsend was banned from the mall for life.
Criterion Collection Flash Sale Spring '25 Sale

1 month ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

The Criterion Collection will (in all likelihood) hold its semi-annual Flash Sale on its website tomorrow. You’ll have 24 hours to purchase anything in their store and it’s a fantastic time to catch up with all the titles you’ve missed out on since the end of November. Not only are the latest movies available for a steep discount (only in-stock items, no pre-orders), but any of the apparel, eclipse boxsets, and tiny Criterion Closet trucks should be available at a discounted price.
In-Review: March 2025

1 month ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

If you missed the Oscars, Anora was the big winner. It took home five awards including Best Picture. Anora director Sean Baker made history on the evening by tying Walt Disney for winning the most Oscars in one night. Given the many precursors to the Oscars, I wouldn’t say I was surprised with how the night turned out, but the Academy loved Anora. That meant other movies likeConclave, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist were left with many of the remaining awards. As for the show itself?
Stream 2025's Academy Award Best Picture Nominees

1 month ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

Sunday night is Oscars night. The glitz and the glam will be on the red carpet and inside the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, some of Hollywood’s brightest and best creatives will eagerly anticipate the results from tiny envelopes. A few people sitting there certainly won’t be sweating (looking at you Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana) since their victory is already assured. If you’d like to watch some of these movies before the big ceremony on Sunday night, you still have time.
What Does Robert Eggers Dream About?

2 months ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

After delighting horror fans throughout the holidays, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu was released on home video this week with a spectacular presentation on Blu-ray and 4K UHD. Given Eggers’ attention to detail and use of blacks in the cinematography, this home video release represents the best way to relive the gothic tale at home. Throughout his filmography, his images and stories have left audiences spellbound.
In-Review: February 2025

2 months ago | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

Movies are a great escape. January was an opportunity to watch some movies that entertained me without being too heavy. I watched some goofy movies like Tremors and Heavenly Bodies but also took time to watch some blind spots from the late David Lynch. Movies like The Straight Story and The Elephant Man represent some of the best entry points to understanding Lynch and I’m glad I finally caught up with them. There were also some TV shows I followed in January.
2025 Oscars Nominations: The Good, The Bad, The Huh?

Jan 23, 2025 | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

Earlier this morning, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced their nominations for the 2025 Oscars ceremony. Netflix’s Emilia Perez led with 13 nominations, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked with 10 nominations a piece. Emilia Perez got nods in most places it was expected to including— Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and many more. Earning the most nominations won’t always mean a guaranteed Best Picture win, but it doesn’t hurt.
My Favorite Movie Discoveries in 2024

Jan 13, 2025 | itsthepictures.substack.com | Max Covill

I watched a lot of movies in 2024 (177 to be exact). While almost 42% of the movies I watched in 2024 came out during the year, there was still time to go back and watch some classics. I wanted to share some of those below and let you know where you can watch them yourself. I’d argue that half of watching movies is the thrill of discovery and perhaps this list can help you in the new year.