Trivia

Suffers from depression and spent a month in hospital when he was age 14.

His feature "My Year Of Flops" in which he reviews Box-office failures actually lasted just under five years.

Grew up in a group home in Chicago.

Is an avid fan of Dave Barry and credits his work with helping him during periods of depression.

Estimates that he watched between twelve to sixteen hours of television a day growing up.

Is a big fan of Philip Roth.

Lives in Chicago with his wife and dog.

Worked at a video store before he started at The Onion.

Started his ''My Year of Flops'' experiment after seeing and greatly disliking ''Elizabethtown (2005)''. He later had a much more positive view when he watched it the second time and published a glowing review in his ''My Year Of Flops'' book.

Grew up in poverty after his father couldn't work due to illness.

Was a big fan of classic MGM musicals growing up.

Often cut class to watch movies or play arcade games while in high school.

Coined the term "Manic Pixie Dream Girl".

Left the AV Club in May 2013 after having been head writer since it's beginning.

Loves cats and used to own five, but had to sell them because his wife is allergic.

Was the victim of intense bullying in middle school.