The hottest Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

A Fun (And Predictable) New Zealand Flick

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The movie 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' is a comedy from New Zealand that is fun and entertaining, even if it isn't an art film.
  2. The main character, Ricky, goes from being a troubled kid to finding friendship and adventure while on the run with an old man, Hector.
  3. The film has humorous moments and a predictable plot, but it still delivers enjoyable entertainment with charming characters.

Friday Funnies: Hissy Fits

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
😂 Humor Reviews
  1. A light, visual collection of emu cartoons and photos that play up their funny, unpredictable behavior.
  2. Humorous captions and Amazon-review style jokes are used to make the animal scenes even more relatable and entertaining.
  3. A brief travel note mentions chilly weather in Charleston, West Virginia, and the relief of driving home.

Subscriber Writing, February 2025

Freddie deBoer • 1516 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. There's a lot of great writing by subscribers every month, so readers should check it out. Submitting work helps gain more readers too.
  2. The email format is changing because there are more submissions than can fit in one message. This change makes it easier for interested readers to find what they want.
  3. The topics covered range widely, from politics to personal experiences, showing the diverse interests of the community and offering something for everyone.

Midwest Tour, ready set go

sweater weather • 1257 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Reviews
  1. The author is on a Midwest tour hitting Minneapolis, Iowa City, and Madison.
  2. After the Midwest tour, the author will go back to New York, then to Toronto and the UK.
  3. The author shared upcoming UK tour dates and various reviews and interviews related to their work.
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My Favorite Music of 2023

In the Flash • 899 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The author shares their favorite music of 2023 including a variety of artists and genres.
  2. Music has played a significant role in the author's life, from childhood experiences to discovering new artists and albums.
  3. The post provides links to the Spotify playlist of the best music of 2023 and recommends other music writers on Substack.

The 2025 Jazz Recs Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Jazz is experiencing a really exciting time right now, unlike any we've seen in the last 40 years.
  2. There are some new albums out that show how diverse and talented jazz music has become.
  3. Checking out these recent releases can help you understand the current state of jazz and its fresh talent.

My Review of George W. Bush's Substack

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
😂 Humor Reviews
  1. He launched a Substack but has only posted once so far. To grow an audience he should publish more often because quantity helps build momentum.
  2. The first post is a straightforward biographical piece about George Washington rather than a personal or sensational essay. It doesn’t use clickbait and might be a tie-in to a movie promotion.
  3. Better visual branding and a bolder, more varied posting strategy would likely attract more subscribers. A fresh banner and more frequent, varied content could help signal seriousness and draw readers in.

Zvi's 2024 In Movies

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1299 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. Watching movies in theaters is way better than at home. The experience with big screens and better sound makes a big difference.
  2. People become more picky about movie quality when they watch more films. This means great movies stand out more when you watch less overall.
  3. Tracking and reviewing the movies you watch can help you learn about your own tastes and make better choices in the future.

Woe's Weekend in D.C.

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Reviews
  1. The author shares their recent trip to Washington D.C. for an event, talking about the excitement and experiences they had during the weekend.
  2. They mention personal interactions with famous people and include behind-the-scenes photos, making the content special for paid subscribers.
  3. Despite being known for spicy political commentary, this article has a more optimistic tone, suggesting the author is in a good mood and looking forward to engaging with their audience.

A fun, gripping fantasy epic for summer reading; an overlooked '00s European thriller; and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. There's a great new fantasy book out that's perfect for summer. It's similar to popular titles like 'The Goblin Emperor' and 'Gideon the Ninth'.
  2. You can find essays on various topics like Trump and Musk, and even sports gambling. These might be interesting if you like discussions on current events.
  3. There's an underrated thriller from the 2000s with an amazing central performance. It could be a hidden gem you haven't seen yet.

The Monday Media Diet with Joe Weisenthal

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Reviews
  1. Joe Weisenthal loves using Twitter in the morning to catch up on fast finance news, but he also checks his email and Bloomberg for important updates.
  2. He enjoys reading Substack newsletters, especially about country music and geopolitics, and he recommends some that he thinks others should follow too.
  3. Weisenthal has spent years exploring media theory and believes it helps understand today's changes in society and technology, particularly with social media.

Circle jerks: in praise of negativity

The Leftovers • 479 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Negativity in literary culture is often repressed, leading to toxic behaviors like sabotaging peers on platforms like Goodreads.
  2. Year-end book lists can sometimes involve favoritism and promotion rather than honest critique, affecting the authenticity of recommendations.
  3. Encouraging fair and open criticism among writers and reviewers is essential for a healthy literary discourse and reducing toxic behaviors.

An American Werefolf in London

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The film leans more toward comedy than pure horror, and it’s genuinely enjoyable if you suspend disbelief.
  2. Setting an American werewolf in London feels plausible because cities host many Americans and people often tolerate eccentricity, so odd things go unnoticed.
  3. The rural pub full of wary locals is convincingly portrayed, but the scene with a working gum machine on the Northern line feels implausible since those machines rarely worked.

Spring Cleaning for the Mind

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. The start of 2024 has been eventful domestically, economically strong in the US, and characterized by international chaos.
  2. Reading 75 books this year is a goal, with a bias towards nonfiction titles and a focus on literary reviews.
  3. Engaging with podcasts continues to be a significant part of consumption, with an emphasis on diverse shows and episodes for various interests.

State of the Nation

Fragmentary • 550 implied HN points • 22 May 23
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. The author feels calm after book publication
  2. The political situation is described as chaotic and filled with nonsense fatigue
  3. The author dreams of living in a wood-frame passive house by a lake or sea, but worries about dramatic weather events

"Dylan Didn't Sell In Seattle"

Flagging Down the Double E's • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The Seattle Dylan concert had chaotic fan behavior due to general admission
  2. The afternoon show in Seattle had poor ticket sales and led to national news coverage
  3. Protesters at the Seattle show criticized high ticket prices and lack of inclusion in the live album

What Was Singburi?

Vittles • 238 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. Singburi was a beloved local restaurant that people felt connected to, almost like it belonged to them. Regulars enjoyed its quirky charm, which made it special.
  2. The new Singburi in Shoreditch is different, with modern changes like a booking system and a nicer environment. This change has made some fans of the original restaurant uncomfortable.
  3. Despite its fame and high ratings, the original Singburi's story was about simple good food and community, showing that a restaurant can be great without fancy marketing.

NCR PC4i

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. NCR started as a cash register company and later moved into computing technology after World War II. They became known for their robust computers like the PT4 and PC4i, which were designed to compete with IBM.
  2. The NCR PC4i was praised for its durability and good build quality, making it suitable for heavy computer use. It was not portable, weighing 50 pounds, but offered performance and exceptional compatibility with existing software.
  3. NCR provided excellent customer support for their computers and included user-friendly software with detailed documentation, making their machines accessible for users.

Electronic Chopsticks!

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The HT140 Solder Tweezers are versatile and can be powered by both a DC jack and USB-C, making them convenient to use. They heat up quickly, which is great for soldering and desoldering tasks.
  2. The tweezers come with useful accessories like a flexible USB cable, a 65W power supply, and a stand, ensuring everything is organized and easy to set up.
  3. They work well for both small and larger components, but using flux can help improve heat transfer. It's a handy tool for electronics projects, especially if you need to fix or modify boards.

It’s Oscar Night!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1507 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The Oscars ceremony might not be highly anticipated, but the lineup of movies competing for Best Picture is impressive.
  2. The movie 'American Fiction' provides a satirical take on identity politics in the context of a black writer's success with writing cliched storylines.
  3. In 'Oppenheimer,' director Christopher Nolan uses a unique structure to showcase the creation of the atomic bomb and the interplay of fusion and fission processes.

Happy Late Valentine's Day: Let's Shit on "The Wedding Planner"

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. It's a by‑the‑numbers rom‑com that delivers predictable pleasures and still found commercial success despite offering little originality.
  2. The movie leans on absurd plot beats and lazy character logic — from a life‑threatening rescue for designer shoes to an oddly unfazed fiancée and awkward race/heritage choices.
  3. It feels like commerce more than art, a churnable formula that makes it easy to imagine AI producing indistinguishable scripts.

Rob Henderson's Reading List

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1609 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Rob Henderson has put together a free reading list with 31 impactful books.
  2. The topics in the reading list cover human nature, psychology, and social class, among others.
  3. To get the free reading list, pre-order Rob Henderson's book 'Troubled' and email proof of purchase.

Songs for Drella

Austin Kleon • 1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The album 'Songs for Drella' is a tribute to Andy Warhol, created by Lou Reed and John Cale, who were once estranged.
  2. The nickname 'Drella' combines 'Dracula' and 'Cinderella,' reflecting the complex nature of Warhol's personality.
  3. The songs on the album present Warhol's life from different perspectives, including his own and those of Reed and Cale.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Tom Petty's music carries themes of longing and boundaries, suggesting to others to stay away when needed.
  2. His lyrics often reflect a sense of personal struggle and discontent, which resonates with many listeners.
  3. Enjoying a musical interlude can provide a break and a moment of reflection in daily life.

My Recommendations for 2026

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 22 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. A wide-ranging set of cultural recommendations spans movies, books, albums, articles, and podcasts to explore in 2026.
  2. Many picks center on modern themes like loneliness, identity, political change, masculinity, feminism, and the effects of technology and AI.
  3. The selection mixes mainstream hits with overlooked multilingual and niche works and models swapping phone scrolling for more deliberate reading and listening.

Audio Autopsy, 1985: Prefab Sprout, Paddy McAloon: Steve McQueen UK/Two Wheels Good US Album + 2023 Acoustic Vinyl

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The album 'Steve McQueen' by Prefab Sprout has an interesting history of different titles between the UK and the US.
  2. Prefab Sprout's music from the mid-'80s is considered sophisticated and beautiful, standing out from other popular music of that time.
  3. In 2023, an acoustic version of 'Steve McQueen' album was released in the US, bringing a new take on the classic songs.

First Floor #203 – Looking in the Mirror

First Floor • 176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Many recent articles have highlighted challenges faced by music journalism, especially in the era of streaming and social media.
  2. Former Resident Advisor editor Ray Philp offers constructive criticism on music reviews and suggests potential improvements.
  3. Music journalists are exploring solutions to industry challenges, such as declining demand for music news and the evolving media landscape.

The Pen Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1387 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Reviews
  1. People have strong preferences for specific pens and writing tools.
  2. There is a variety of pens and tools preferred by different individuals for writing tasks.
  3. Some individuals have specific pens they prefer for different purposes like work, travel, or drawing.

The strange afterlife of books (Nevédomosti №4)

The Lifeboat • 217 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. A published book can have a surprising life after its release. It can gain new readers and interest even when the author thinks it's faded away.
  2. The role of an author doesn't end with publishing; they can also be a guardian for their work, helping it to stay relevant and connecting with readers.
  3. Readers often shape the understanding and appreciation of a book, sometimes knowing its importance better than the author does. Feedback from readers can deeply impact an author's view of their work.

My Ten Favourite Books of the Year

The Ruffian • 485 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. The author shares their top ten book recommendations for the year. These books are meant to inspire and entertain readers.
  2. There are special offers like discounts for subscriptions available until Christmas. This can be a good time to treat yourself or someone else to a subscription.
  3. The post includes links to podcasts and additional content, keeping readers engaged with a variety of topics related to culture and politics.

Inside baseball

A Small and Simple Thing • 294 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. In a world of hyperbole, everything is either the best or the worst.
  2. Critiques and recommendations lack nuance and balance, with extreme ratings becoming the norm.
  3. Being the favorite is more important than striving to be the best.

A song for you

Disaffected Newsletter • 619 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Nostalgia can provide comfort and make us feel better about the present.
  2. Music often evokes memories and emotions that connect us to past experiences.
  3. Sharing music and memories with others can strengthen our bonds and create a sense of community.