Jeremy Thompson
@rollercoasterphilosophy.com
Writer & themed experience creative. Roller Coaster Philosophy. U.S. Marshals Museum. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Lionsgate Entertainment World. WB Studio Tours.
rollercoasterphilosophy.com
rollercoasterphilosophy.com
Pinned
My Top 10 Films of 2025.
Overall a pretty good year, including a "best of the decade" contending headliner.
Still a bunch more on my watch list that could shake things up, especially a number of foreign films, but I won't likely get to them all until they're streaming in the coming months/years.
Overall a pretty good year, including a "best of the decade" contending headliner.
Still a bunch more on my watch list that could shake things up, especially a number of foreign films, but I won't likely get to them all until they're streaming in the coming months/years.
There could be a good argument about how the Harry Potter series' lukewarm liberalism politics has aged poorly. (Harry's only dream after defeating Voldemort is to become a cop.)
I don't think you can make that into a good argument without centering it around its creator's rampant transphobia.
I don't think you can make that into a good argument without centering it around its creator's rampant transphobia.
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com
Younger generations “have fallen out of love with Harry Potter because they have fallen out of love with the worldview the series represents,” writes Louise Perry. “Which is to say that young people have fallen out of love with liberalism.”
Younger generations “have fallen out of love with Harry Potter because they have fallen out of love with the worldview the series represents,” writes Louise Perry. “Which is to say that young people have fallen out of love with liberalism.”
Opinion | Why Gen Z Doesn’t Love ‘Harry Potter’
The wizarding worldview is naïve.
nyti.ms
January 26, 2026 at 10:37 PM
There could be a good argument about how the Harry Potter series' lukewarm liberalism politics has aged poorly. (Harry's only dream after defeating Voldemort is to become a cop.)
I don't think you can make that into a good argument without centering it around its creator's rampant transphobia.
I don't think you can make that into a good argument without centering it around its creator's rampant transphobia.
First day this week I didn't have a 7am meeting, and waking up all I could think was "thank god it's whiskey Friday with Tony Dokoupil".
January 23, 2026 at 3:18 PM
First day this week I didn't have a 7am meeting, and waking up all I could think was "thank god it's whiskey Friday with Tony Dokoupil".
Reposted by Jeremy Thompson
My wife doesn't like Chloe Zhao because she's been anti-China. I haven't cared for Zhao because her movies strike me as a simulation of American arthouse prestige films without always earning it.
We agree there's probably some connection there. And it gives us something to bond over!
We agree there's probably some connection there. And it gives us something to bond over!
One film I haven't figured out is Hamnet. Haven't seen it yet.
To me the trailer looked dreadfully hacky. Yet general reviews were very positive.
But more recent reviews by people/outlets I most respect have come out hard against it, confirming my suspicions.
Do I still bother to see for myself?
To me the trailer looked dreadfully hacky. Yet general reviews were very positive.
But more recent reviews by people/outlets I most respect have come out hard against it, confirming my suspicions.
Do I still bother to see for myself?
January 22, 2026 at 5:04 PM
My wife doesn't like Chloe Zhao because she's been anti-China. I haven't cared for Zhao because her movies strike me as a simulation of American arthouse prestige films without always earning it.
We agree there's probably some connection there. And it gives us something to bond over!
We agree there's probably some connection there. And it gives us something to bond over!
Feels like a respectable, safe list of Oscar nominees this year.
That this year's slot for a big budget, middlebrow crowd-pleaser went to F1 is weird, but not offensive.
Good year for Warner Bros. with OBAA, Sinners, even a Weapons nod. Really underscores how sad it is they're getting gobbled up.
That this year's slot for a big budget, middlebrow crowd-pleaser went to F1 is weird, but not offensive.
Good year for Warner Bros. with OBAA, Sinners, even a Weapons nod. Really underscores how sad it is they're getting gobbled up.
January 22, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Feels like a respectable, safe list of Oscar nominees this year.
That this year's slot for a big budget, middlebrow crowd-pleaser went to F1 is weird, but not offensive.
Good year for Warner Bros. with OBAA, Sinners, even a Weapons nod. Really underscores how sad it is they're getting gobbled up.
That this year's slot for a big budget, middlebrow crowd-pleaser went to F1 is weird, but not offensive.
Good year for Warner Bros. with OBAA, Sinners, even a Weapons nod. Really underscores how sad it is they're getting gobbled up.
Reposted by Jeremy Thompson
Is Meow Wolf Art—or Just America Entertaining Itself?
"Denver's Convergence Station reveals what immersive experience really sells: nostalgia, managed weirdness, and the pleasure of seeing the seams."
www.architectmagazine.com/des...
"Denver's Convergence Station reveals what immersive experience really sells: nostalgia, managed weirdness, and the pleasure of seeing the seams."
www.architectmagazine.com/des...
Is Meow Wolf Art—or Just America Entertaining Itself?
Is Meow Wolf art or spectacle? Explore Denver’s Convergence Station and discover what immersive experience really sells. Read more.
www.architectmagazine.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:46 PM
Is Meow Wolf Art—or Just America Entertaining Itself?
"Denver's Convergence Station reveals what immersive experience really sells: nostalgia, managed weirdness, and the pleasure of seeing the seams."
www.architectmagazine.com/des...
"Denver's Convergence Station reveals what immersive experience really sells: nostalgia, managed weirdness, and the pleasure of seeing the seams."
www.architectmagazine.com/des...
D'Amaro is the favorite, but using the exact same "parks president-to-CEO" playbook that led to Chapek and, before him, Tom Staggs' ouster, has got to give Disney & Iger a little pause for reflection?
Or maybe they're just convinced that third time's the charm?
Or maybe they're just convinced that third time's the charm?
Disney is expected to announce their next CEO next month
(via LA Times)
(via LA Times)
January 20, 2026 at 8:02 PM
D'Amaro is the favorite, but using the exact same "parks president-to-CEO" playbook that led to Chapek and, before him, Tom Staggs' ouster, has got to give Disney & Iger a little pause for reflection?
Or maybe they're just convinced that third time's the charm?
Or maybe they're just convinced that third time's the charm?
My Top 10 Films of 2025.
Overall a pretty good year, including a "best of the decade" contending headliner.
Still a bunch more on my watch list that could shake things up, especially a number of foreign films, but I won't likely get to them all until they're streaming in the coming months/years.
Overall a pretty good year, including a "best of the decade" contending headliner.
Still a bunch more on my watch list that could shake things up, especially a number of foreign films, but I won't likely get to them all until they're streaming in the coming months/years.
January 20, 2026 at 7:08 PM
My Top 10 Films of 2025.
Overall a pretty good year, including a "best of the decade" contending headliner.
Still a bunch more on my watch list that could shake things up, especially a number of foreign films, but I won't likely get to them all until they're streaming in the coming months/years.
Overall a pretty good year, including a "best of the decade" contending headliner.
Still a bunch more on my watch list that could shake things up, especially a number of foreign films, but I won't likely get to them all until they're streaming in the coming months/years.
Not New York Drift?
It's official: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is coming to Universal Studios Florida. The high-speed coaster will open in 2027.
January 20, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Not New York Drift?
Reposted by Jeremy Thompson
Young Hegelians vs Old Hegelians
existentialcomics.com/comic/638
existentialcomics.com/comic/638
Young Hegelians vs Old Hegelians
A philosophy webcomic about the inevitable anguish of living a brief life in an absurd world. Also Jokes
existentialcomics.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Young Hegelians vs Old Hegelians
existentialcomics.com/comic/638
existentialcomics.com/comic/638
Reposted by Jeremy Thompson
Back on my bullshit.
www.noproscenium.com/always-in-mo...
www.noproscenium.com/always-in-mo...
Always In Motion Is The Future: Star Wars Enters A New Era At Disneyland & On Screen (Op-Ed)
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge faces big changes this year, and Lucasfilm has new leaders. Our founder and Chief Star Wars Officer weighs in.
www.noproscenium.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Back on my bullshit.
www.noproscenium.com/always-in-mo...
www.noproscenium.com/always-in-mo...
I had an hour to kill today in the San Gabriel Valley, so stopped in at the American Military Museum.
Basically some volunteers have collected a bunch of tanks, jeeps, and so on in an open lot, and for $5 on weekends you can wander around. (Just remember rule #1: no throwing rocks.)
Basically some volunteers have collected a bunch of tanks, jeeps, and so on in an open lot, and for $5 on weekends you can wander around. (Just remember rule #1: no throwing rocks.)
January 17, 2026 at 11:48 PM
I had an hour to kill today in the San Gabriel Valley, so stopped in at the American Military Museum.
Basically some volunteers have collected a bunch of tanks, jeeps, and so on in an open lot, and for $5 on weekends you can wander around. (Just remember rule #1: no throwing rocks.)
Basically some volunteers have collected a bunch of tanks, jeeps, and so on in an open lot, and for $5 on weekends you can wander around. (Just remember rule #1: no throwing rocks.)
This graphic does a poor job of communicating this year's offerings, since at a glance there are fewer titles with only one that's new.
But the top three sound bigger and better than their equivalents last year; seems like more to do that's worthwhile. Hopefully they learned what works and doesn't.
But the top three sound bigger and better than their equivalents last year; seems like more to do that's worthwhile. Hopefully they learned what works and doesn't.
🌎 Tickets are Now on Sale for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Second Annual Universal Fan Fest Nights
We have all the details here: thrillgeek.com/2026/01/15/t...
We have all the details here: thrillgeek.com/2026/01/15/t...
January 15, 2026 at 7:35 PM
This graphic does a poor job of communicating this year's offerings, since at a glance there are fewer titles with only one that's new.
But the top three sound bigger and better than their equivalents last year; seems like more to do that's worthwhile. Hopefully they learned what works and doesn't.
But the top three sound bigger and better than their equivalents last year; seems like more to do that's worthwhile. Hopefully they learned what works and doesn't.
Star Wars once again giving the fans exactly what they ask for, no matter how sickly saccharine it might be.
I for one appreciate it when a theme park can show the courage of absolute commitment to its creative vision, even if it is somewhat obscure (terrible).
I for one appreciate it when a theme park can show the courage of absolute commitment to its creative vision, even if it is somewhat obscure (terrible).
BREAKING: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline (Further) Abandoned – Darth Vader, Han Solo & More Coming Soon
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Timeline (Further) Abandoned - Darth Vader, Han Solo & More Coming Soon
The Disneyland Resort has announced that the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge timeline will be further abandoned as classic characters arrive
blogmickey.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Star Wars once again giving the fans exactly what they ask for, no matter how sickly saccharine it might be.
I for one appreciate it when a theme park can show the courage of absolute commitment to its creative vision, even if it is somewhat obscure (terrible).
I for one appreciate it when a theme park can show the courage of absolute commitment to its creative vision, even if it is somewhat obscure (terrible).
"Immersive." Everyone hates it but no one can quit it.
What is the most overused word in your industry?
Let it out.
Let it out.
January 13, 2026 at 3:25 PM
"Immersive." Everyone hates it but no one can quit it.
Reposted by Jeremy Thompson
Foolish Mortals is currently available for 10% OFF for Steam Detective Week!
January 12, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Foolish Mortals is currently available for 10% OFF for Steam Detective Week!
Poetry is everywhere you look.
January 12, 2026 at 6:32 AM
Poetry is everywhere you look.
In other news, Lightwater Valley has been purchased by the Mellors Group, with plans to shift it back to an all-ages park.
Glad to see it has a future again, but frustrated the previous management's "kids only" strategy achieved nothing but the demise of The Ultimate.
blooloop.com/lightwater-v...
Glad to see it has a future again, but frustrated the previous management's "kids only" strategy achieved nothing but the demise of The Ultimate.
blooloop.com/lightwater-v...
January 11, 2026 at 1:23 AM
In other news, Lightwater Valley has been purchased by the Mellors Group, with plans to shift it back to an all-ages park.
Glad to see it has a future again, but frustrated the previous management's "kids only" strategy achieved nothing but the demise of The Ultimate.
blooloop.com/lightwater-v...
Glad to see it has a future again, but frustrated the previous management's "kids only" strategy achieved nothing but the demise of The Ultimate.
blooloop.com/lightwater-v...
When I first saw this entry pop up on RCDb, I figured how nice it is that MagicLand is finally taking steps to expand and is next in line to get a family wooden coaster.
But the end of this article hints that it may be something quite a bit bigger and more thrilling.
blooloop.com/martin-vlemi...
But the end of this article hints that it may be something quite a bit bigger and more thrilling.
blooloop.com/martin-vlemi...
!["This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of MagicLand," says Guido Zucchi, CEO of MagicLand. "Working with Martin & V|eminckx allows us to introduce an attraction that is truly unique for Italy and [BOLD] highly distinctive on Europeans scale. [/BOLD]
"This project underscores our commitment to continuous innovation and our ambition to offer memorable, high-quality experiences to guests of all ages. It is a cornerstone of a broader strategy that also includes significant investments scheduled for 2026 and beyond."
Chuck Bingham, senior executive vice president and sales director at Martin & Vleminckx, adds: "Bringing Europe's [BOLD]most exhilarating wooden coaster[/BOLD] to life is a milestone for us.
"Partnering with MagicLand has allowed us to fuse bold design, precision engineering, and beautiful theming to create an experience that will redefine thrills for guests."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:hczjhx46qskrmb26c2q2za53/bafkreiglizymiqmahaso5ulugezdsl7hdkfxd3fgv5u37wpig6rmxqfxz4@jpeg)
January 11, 2026 at 1:14 AM
When I first saw this entry pop up on RCDb, I figured how nice it is that MagicLand is finally taking steps to expand and is next in line to get a family wooden coaster.
But the end of this article hints that it may be something quite a bit bigger and more thrilling.
blooloop.com/martin-vlemi...
But the end of this article hints that it may be something quite a bit bigger and more thrilling.
blooloop.com/martin-vlemi...
Sad but not surprising they're considering spinning off SF St. Louis and Michigan's Adventure.
St. Louis in particular was one of the original three Six Flags parks to never have had an identity as anything else.
As for MA... that's a quarter century under Cedar Fair with not much to show for it.
St. Louis in particular was one of the original three Six Flags parks to never have had an identity as anything else.
As for MA... that's a quarter century under Cedar Fair with not much to show for it.
Is Six Flags preparing to offload more of its theme parks? A series of trademark applications filed yesterday seems to be raising that question.
Trademark applications may point to sale of Six Flags parks
Is Six Flags preparing to offload more of its theme parks?
A series of trademark applications filed yesterday seems to be raising that question.
www.themeparkinsider.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Sad but not surprising they're considering spinning off SF St. Louis and Michigan's Adventure.
St. Louis in particular was one of the original three Six Flags parks to never have had an identity as anything else.
As for MA... that's a quarter century under Cedar Fair with not much to show for it.
St. Louis in particular was one of the original three Six Flags parks to never have had an identity as anything else.
As for MA... that's a quarter century under Cedar Fair with not much to show for it.
Interesting. This actually makes some sense. Lake Winnie already feels a bit like the Indiana Beach of the South. It was also struggling the last I was there, so hopefully any change can be good change.
IB Parks and Entertainment has acquired the rights to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Georgia!
Lake Winnie was founded in 1925 and is home to the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Cannon Ball which was built in 1967.
📸: Richard Koppelman
Lake Winnie was founded in 1925 and is home to the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Cannon Ball which was built in 1967.
📸: Richard Koppelman
January 10, 2026 at 12:32 AM
Interesting. This actually makes some sense. Lake Winnie already feels a bit like the Indiana Beach of the South. It was also struggling the last I was there, so hopefully any change can be good change.
Upon getting off Great Adventure's new strata-spinner:
January 9, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Upon getting off Great Adventure's new strata-spinner:
Reposted by Jeremy Thompson
Leslie Iwerks has a new documentary about the building of Disneyland that will make you feel like you are there, on site, watching it happen. I talked with Iwerks about her new film. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202601...
Step back in time to the making of Disneyland
Leslie Iwerks has a new documentary about the building of Disneyland that will make you feel like you are there, on site, watching it happen. I talked with Iwerks about her new film.
www.themeparkinsider.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:59 AM
Leslie Iwerks has a new documentary about the building of Disneyland that will make you feel like you are there, on site, watching it happen. I talked with Iwerks about her new film. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202601...
Streaming platforms are the worst.
January 6, 2026 at 3:52 AM
Streaming platforms are the worst.
I remember when some of the pro-merger folks insisted that it was the only way for both companies to grow and thrive.
Despite investing millions in a new, recording-setting roller coaster, Six Flags will not be buying full ownership of Six Flags Over Texas, after all. Story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202601...
Six Flags declines to buy full ownership of its first park
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced today that it has decided not to exercise a call option to acquire the remaining partner interests in Six Flags Over Texas. Six Flags faced a December 31,...
www.themeparkinsider.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:58 PM
I remember when some of the pro-merger folks insisted that it was the only way for both companies to grow and thrive.