Chuck Caruso

Read This Before You Watch “She’s the Man”

This week we continue the “Secret Shakespeare” media studies series with “She’s the Man” (2006), inspired by Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, or As You Will (1600). I wanted to include this movie because it’s a fun and fairly faithful adaptation, and also because it features some characteristic elements you find in a lot of ShakespeareContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “She’s the Man””

Wrap-Up of “The Lion King”

Once again, thank you to all those who are working their way through this media studies series at home. I enjoy hearing from you and reading your answers to the discussion questions I pose about these films. Keep watching and keep sending me your feedback. Even if you’re trailing behind, I’d still love to hearContinue reading “Wrap-Up of “The Lion King””

Discussion Questions for “Zootopia”

Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following. Note that some of these questions are hard. The answers might not be obvious or might require you to explain in some detail to justify your answer. Do your best. You’ve got this! What is the Call to Adventure that starts the hero’sContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “Zootopia””

Read This Before You Watch “Zootopia”

Welcome back to another week of our media studies series on “The Hero’s Quest.” Big thanks to all of you who sent me your responses to our discussion questions about “The Hunger Games” last week. I’m so pleased to see how you were able to connect the classic elements of the narrative arc in aContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “Zootopia””

Katniss and Peeta as “Star-Crossed Lovers”

The phrase “star-crossed lovers” originally comes from the Shakespeare play Romeo & Juliet, a tragedy about two teenagers from rival families who fall in love. Romeo and Juliet are doomed from start to finish. He’s a Montague and she’s a Capulet. Their families hate each other so much that they’re constantly having sword fights andContinue reading “Katniss and Peeta as “Star-Crossed Lovers””

Wrap-Up of “The Hunger Games”

First off, I’d like express my thanks to all of you have joined me on this five-week exploration of “the hero’s quest.” Your feedback and comments are much appreciated. I’ve also been thrilled to see all your thoughtful and insightful answers to my discussion questions about “The Hunger Games.” This movie has proven to beContinue reading “Wrap-Up of “The Hunger Games””

Discussion Questions for “The Lion King”

For this week’s discussion questions about Shakespeare’s influence on “The Lion King” (2019), I will ask you to watch a few short video clips before you answer the questions. For your convenience, I’ve provided links to each video on YouTube. Note that you may need to view the videos more than once to get theContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “The Lion King””

Read This Before You Watch “The Lion King”

We continue our “Secret Shakespeare” media studies series this week by watching “The Lion King” (2019) a photo-realistic CGI remake of Disney’s animated 1994 hit. The movie, like its predecessor, draws some key plot elements from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (1599-1601) and some lesser-recognized aspects from his play Macbeth (1606). Some observers have also noted similaritiesContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “The Lion King””

Wrap-Up of “10 Things…”

Well, I hope you enjoyed our first film of this Secret Shakespeare series. “10 Things I Hate About You” transports The Taming of the Shrew from the renaissance Italian town of Padua to a Seattle-Tacoma area high school named Padua. Katherine, or Kate, from the play becomes Kat. Her sister’s name Bianca stays the same.Continue reading “Wrap-Up of “10 Things…””

Discussion Questions for “The Hunger Games”

Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following cluster of questions: The significant first step in any hero’s journey is the Call to Adventure. This call is often answered by the hero’s initial refusal, but soon after – sometimes with the mentor’s help – the hero accepts the call. How doContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “The Hunger Games””