Matt Monagle
@monagle.bsky.social
Freelance film critic. Co-founder of Certified Forgotten (www.certifiedforgotten.com), a writer-owned horror publication. Find my work at IGN, Polygon, Inverse, Dicebreaker, and more.
Pinned
'We Bury the Dead' Review: Apocalyptic Scale Minus the Stakes
'We Bury the Dead,' the latest film from 'These Final Hours' director Zak Hilditch, offers apocalyptic scale but little human connection.
certifiedforgotten.com
“Rather than distance us from the emotional stakes of the film, these floating viewpoints drive home the sheer scope of the tragedy.” I was so into what WE BURY THE DEAD was doing — until I wasn’t. Here’s my first review of the year for @certifiedforgot.bsky.social.
Reposted by Matt Monagle
...it's January 16th
January 18, 2026 at 2:28 AM
...it's January 16th
I may not believe in God anymore, but I have a lot of room in my heart for the people who practice the inclusive and selfless kind of faith I was taught growing up. Pieces like this keep me from despairing.
"Theology is never neutral; it can be used to bless bombers or fight imperialism. As in previous times, Christians are confronted with a choice." sojo.net/articles/opi...
The God They Preach at the Pentagon
It is time to call such characterizations of God what they are: not just bad theology, but the creation of an entirely different deity.
sojo.net
January 17, 2026 at 5:05 PM
I may not believe in God anymore, but I have a lot of room in my heart for the people who practice the inclusive and selfless kind of faith I was taught growing up. Pieces like this keep me from despairing.
Reposted by Matt Monagle
Tyler’s Comic Book Cooldown is live from @powells.bsky.social tonight! Out of Alcatraz, Big Jim and the White Boy, and making historical fiction comics 🤌
Me and @davidfwalker.bsky.social are in the Pearl Room at Powell's City of Books (Portland, Or) to talk about making historical fiction comics!
Watch live in 15 minutes (7pm PT)! www.youtube.com/live/sF_oG6_...
#ArtPost #Comics
Watch live in 15 minutes (7pm PT)! www.youtube.com/live/sF_oG6_...
#ArtPost #Comics
CBCD - Live from Powell's City of Books!
YouTube video by Mr. Tyler Crook
www.youtube.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Tyler’s Comic Book Cooldown is live from @powells.bsky.social tonight! Out of Alcatraz, Big Jim and the White Boy, and making historical fiction comics 🤌
Hey, we're all just either taking turns piling onto posts or being incredulous about people piling onto posts. That's the sickness, baby.
January 16, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Hey, we're all just either taking turns piling onto posts or being incredulous about people piling onto posts. That's the sickness, baby.
Reposted by Matt Monagle
This week on the podcast, @ryanprows.bsky.social talks with @donatobomb.bsky.social and @monagle.bsky.social about NIGHT PATROL, his latest mashup of vampires and cops. He also shares his enduring appreciation for Amat Escalante's LOS BASTARDOS.
Podcast: Ryan Prows on 'Los Bastardos'
Writer-director Ryan Prows ('Night Patrol') joins the podcast to talk about vampire cops and Amat Escalante's 'Los Bastardos.'
certifiedforgotten.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:47 PM
This week on the podcast, @ryanprows.bsky.social talks with @donatobomb.bsky.social and @monagle.bsky.social about NIGHT PATROL, his latest mashup of vampires and cops. He also shares his enduring appreciation for Amat Escalante's LOS BASTARDOS.
Here's the lesson: write about what you like! Sometimes you get lucky!
January 16, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Here's the lesson: write about what you like! Sometimes you get lucky!
In June, I published a piece on ROOM SERVICE, James Tynion's crowdfunded short feature, because I like writing about shorts. Today, it was announced that ROOM SERVICE was being adapted to a feature. @certifiedforgot.bsky.social currently is the top result for 'room service tynion' on Google.
Short Cuts: 'Room Service' Brings Horror Comics to Life
James Tynion IV and PK Colinet join forces to write and direct 'Room Service,' a short film with a comic prequel.
certifiedforgotten.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:28 PM
In June, I published a piece on ROOM SERVICE, James Tynion's crowdfunded short feature, because I like writing about shorts. Today, it was announced that ROOM SERVICE was being adapted to a feature. @certifiedforgot.bsky.social currently is the top result for 'room service tynion' on Google.
Was curious, so here's a list of the towns I've driven to for a movie in the last month: Plymouth Meeting, King of Prussia, and Bryn Mawr. Also just purchased a membership to the Hiway Theater in Jenkintown. I'll drive 20-30 minutes for a movie without question. 30-45 minutes is where it gets iffy.
"You’re not going to get in the car and go to the next town to see a movie," says Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos
Ted Sarandos commits to 45-day theatrical windows, believes theaters are for city folk
Ted Sarandos commits to 45-day theatrical windows, believes theaters are for city folk
www.avclub.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Was curious, so here's a list of the towns I've driven to for a movie in the last month: Plymouth Meeting, King of Prussia, and Bryn Mawr. Also just purchased a membership to the Hiway Theater in Jenkintown. I'll drive 20-30 minutes for a movie without question. 30-45 minutes is where it gets iffy.
Reposted by Matt Monagle
living in a world where the only two jobs are “gambling” and “murder” isn’t nearly as cool as Cowboy Bebop made it out to be
January 12, 2026 at 3:47 PM
living in a world where the only two jobs are “gambling” and “murder” isn’t nearly as cool as Cowboy Bebop made it out to be
Reposted by Matt Monagle
Oh! Barnes & Noble has Arrow 50% off right now, so it's a great time to buy!
January 16, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Oh! Barnes & Noble has Arrow 50% off right now, so it's a great time to buy!
@weinbergs.bsky.social hey good news tho
Phillies To Re-Sign J.T. Realmuto
The Phils dabbled with shaking up the roster but it seems they're getting a lot of the old band back together.
www.mlbtraderumors.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:42 PM
@weinbergs.bsky.social hey good news tho
(That said, this was not a piece commissioned by Arrow Films for the Limited Edition. They secured permission from The Playlist to republish a piece I wrote in 2020, which you can read at the link below. So it's kind of a bit of stolen valor, but whatever.)
'Narc': Revisiting Joe Carnahan's Story About The Fallout Of Police Violence
In bringing a heavy dose of existential dread to the police procedural, Joe Carnahan's 'Narc' has proven itself a cop film that matters.
theplaylist.net
January 16, 2026 at 6:18 PM
(That said, this was not a piece commissioned by Arrow Films for the Limited Edition. They secured permission from The Playlist to republish a piece I wrote in 2020, which you can read at the link below. So it's kind of a bit of stolen valor, but whatever.)
Since Joe Carnahan has a new movie out this weekend (THE RIP), a friendly reminder that if you buy the Limited Edition Blu-ray of NARC from Arrow Films, you can enjoy an essay from me on the film's place in the history of police cinema.
Narc Limited Edition Blu-ray | Arrow Video
Shop Narc Limited Edition Blu-ray at Arrow Video. Free UK Delivery
www.arrowvideo.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Since Joe Carnahan has a new movie out this weekend (THE RIP), a friendly reminder that if you buy the Limited Edition Blu-ray of NARC from Arrow Films, you can enjoy an essay from me on the film's place in the history of police cinema.
Reposted by Matt Monagle
hi @hellgatenyc.com this feels right up your alley
January 16, 2026 at 2:08 PM
hi @hellgatenyc.com this feels right up your alley
Picked up all three volumes of RED MOTHER over the weekend and started in on them last night. Already knew I was going to love Danny Luckert's art, but I'm impressed by how slowly Jeremy Haun's story unfolds. One TBP down and we still know very little about the world. Love me a slow burn.
January 16, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Picked up all three volumes of RED MOTHER over the weekend and started in on them last night. Already knew I was going to love Danny Luckert's art, but I'm impressed by how slowly Jeremy Haun's story unfolds. One TBP down and we still know very little about the world. Love me a slow burn.
Bet. Opens 1/30 and you’ll get a full breakdown.
January 16, 2026 at 5:06 AM
Bet. Opens 1/30 and you’ll get a full breakdown.
I had completely forgotten this movie existed until you tagged me just now!
January 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM
I had completely forgotten this movie existed until you tagged me just now!
I will never pass on a Brad Anderson movie. My favorite director-for-hire.
Luke Evans and Milla Jovovich fight for survival against otherworldly creatures in the trailer for WORLDBREAKER, from director Brad Anderson (Session 9, The Call).
January 16, 2026 at 4:58 AM
My hope is that Newsom is like one of those high-profile award bait movies that has everyone buzzing right up to its release, then falls flat on its face once people actually get a good look at it. Like the ELIZABETHTOWN of politicians. Someday, we'll look back and say, "THAT guy ran?"
January 16, 2026 at 3:28 AM
My hope is that Newsom is like one of those high-profile award bait movies that has everyone buzzing right up to its release, then falls flat on its face once people actually get a good look at it. Like the ELIZABETHTOWN of politicians. Someday, we'll look back and say, "THAT guy ran?"
I hated Ben Affleck growing up, and now everything he does is appointment moviegoing for me. I’m a sucker for da boys. GETTIN’ IT INNNNNN.
January 16, 2026 at 2:22 AM
I hated Ben Affleck growing up, and now everything he does is appointment moviegoing for me. I’m a sucker for da boys. GETTIN’ IT INNNNNN.
When the embargo for THE RIP <finally> drops and the reviews are actually good
January 16, 2026 at 2:19 AM
When the embargo for THE RIP <finally> drops and the reviews are actually good
Reposted by Matt Monagle
There are places where Trump, as president, has broad freedom of action. And there are places where Trump, as president, has been able to act unilaterally because the main point of opposition, Congress (and SCOTUS), support his program. (1/?)
January 15, 2026 at 10:17 PM
There are places where Trump, as president, has broad freedom of action. And there are places where Trump, as president, has been able to act unilaterally because the main point of opposition, Congress (and SCOTUS), support his program. (1/?)