This week, I welcome Kristen Lopez, a writer and film historian who captains The Film Maven, a terrific site that keeps tabs on Hollywood’s daily machinations, while also looking back at film’s fascinating history. Kristen not only publishes on her own site, she has also had her work appear in esteemed outlets such as Variety, The L.A. Times, the Golden Globes, and The Hollywood Reporter, to name a few. Lopez has also penned a pair of books, including one on a topic very close to her heart. In addition to being an accomplished film writer, Kristen is also a dedicated activist for disabled representation in the movies. Her second book, Popcorn Disabilities: The Highs and Lows of Disabled Representation in the Movies debuted in November 2025.
During our discussion, Kristen and I talked about our collective loss of civic pride, and we wonder if times were ever really simpler, or if they have always been this complicated. We hit upon the ideals of self-improvement, and ponder the power of self awareness.
Kristen shares her love for “moody, swoony, romance pics” as she explores a forgotten 80’s classic. We dive into camp, dumb ambition, and the glory days of 90’s trash films The pair of us also cover the days when Hollywood made a few meat and potatoes films every year. You’ll also find talk about childhood film crushes, tweed-clad English teachers, and the importance and value of the movie theater experience.
Here now are me and Kristen Lopez with six cinematic questions.
Let’s get into it.
Cheers,
Matty C
