Go ad-free with Premium

S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate

"A Christmas Story" (MGM)

What makes Christmas movies so popular

S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate
TOKYO, JAPAN - OCTOBER 19: The Comminicationa Robot 'Paro' for use in care homes and nursing homes during the Japan Robot Week 2016 at Tokyo Big Sight on October 19, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. At this biennial event, the participating companies exhibit their latest service robotic technologies and components. (Photo by Taro Karibe/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Why we love robotic dogs, puppets and dolls

S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate
Emile Hirsch as Chris McCandless in the film version of Into the Wild (Paramount Pictures)

When do moviegoers become pilgrims?

S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate