Michael Ramirez: Twisted 5-7-25

From America's Premier Editorial Cartoonist

Twisted. -Michael

Editor’s Note: One of my favorite ever jobs was reviewing movies. I loved buying a single ticket to a weekday matinee, sitting in a mostly empty theater, and jotting down notes by the light of an ever-changing screen that has, over the course of my life, made me feel the full range of human emotions. No medium is like film; last night I showed my daughter the famous chariot race scene from the 1959 movie Ben-Hur, and this stunning spectacle in motion blew both of us away, a generation apart and almost seventy years after audiences saw it for the first time.

If Hollywood is dying, it’s not because Americans are clamoring for French art films or Chinese-produced animation. We still want to love Hollywood and support big domestic studios that have made us laugh and cry before. But I’m struggling to think of a recent movie that was even entertaining, let alone good by critical standards. I don’t think Disney has made a decent movie since 2021’s Encanto. This also might be their last truly authentic-feeling “diverse” movie, with a distinctly Colombian cast and story that still resonates with everyone. Disney used to do diversity so well!

I’ll go to the movies again when studios like Disney are, as they once were, in touch with the zeitgeist as well as the themes and stories that carry meaning, relevance, and appeal for audiences of all creeds and walks of life. As humans, I think we naturally yearn for unity and connection with each other, not an emphasis on our differences to the point of alienation.

-Bree

Editor’s Choice Links:

Trump orders 100% tariff on foreign-made movies to save 'dying' Hollywood- Andrea Shalal and Tim Reid, Reuters

India Says Pakistan Shelling Killed 15 Civilians: Live Updates- Shane Croucher and Hannah Parry, Newsweek

A Supreme Court Win on Transgender Soldiers- John Hinderaker, Power Line

The Next Pope Must Be A Moral Voice In An Immoral World- Matt Miranda, The Federalist

The Rise of Anti-Politics

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Michael’s latest essays:

• California Exodus

• On Absolute Immunity

• Walking in Memphis

• IRS Targeting (video)

• Blame Hamas (video)

• Worshipping Idols (video)

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As you can imagine, we receive many emails, and Michael reads everything you send with one exception: I regret that I cannot share your cartoon ideas. As an editorial artist, every original cartoon he publishes must spring from within his mind, though I will happily forward your good wishes, complaints, concerns about issues, or opinions about politicians who seem to make a mess of everything. Michael tries to keep his finger on the pulse of America, so what’s on your mind? What can we do better? Let us know in the comments or by emailing the editor, Bree Lindquist, at breelinguist@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you and will do our best to respond soon.

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