M3GAN is stock. But is it good? Plus, the annual Slate Movie Club and how TikTok is shaping our culture.

This week Dana, Julia and Stephen begin reviewing the very lively horror comedy M3GAN. Then the panel dives into Slate’s annual film club. Finally, LA Times columnist Carolina A. Miranda discusses her article on how TikTok is changing our culture.

At SchieferPlus The panel answers a listener’s question as to whether it’s more fun to love or hate a work of art when working as a critic.

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Confirmations:

dana: Eleonor Bindman is an incredible pianist, arranger and transcriptionist. Her big thing is the transcription of Bach for piano four hands. I’ve seen her duet with another person and the four hands do things that the two hands can’t. Her most recent release is JS Bach: Orchestral Suites (transcribed for piano duet by Eleonor Bindman), performed by Bindman and Susan Sobolewski. Also follow her on social media and just learn something about Bach from her.

Julia: I think regular listeners know that I like to bake. I support a cookbook recommended to me by the LA times Newsletter. It’s a Good Day for Baking: Easy Baking Recipes for Every Mood by Benjamina Ebuehi, who was a candidate The Great British Bake Off. For my husband’s birthday, we made a no-olive oil chocolate cake that you top with a ganache frosting. Wow, that’s a great recipe.

(Bonus link for listeners who asked: Julia’s article on her family’s German potato balls.)

Stefan: Zadie Smith wrote a definitive essay on the film that sticks in my mind the most from last year: tar. It’s a masterpiece. My admiration for Zadie Smith as a critic is reaching a zenith and I thought it couldn’t get any higher than it already was. Dear God, the woman is just skillful and lovely and deep.

Podcast Production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance of Yesica Balderrama.

Outro music: “Self Made Woman” by Katharine Appleton