Episode IX The Saga of Damage Control

I have not written about The Last Jedi due to not wanting to repeat what most have already said, while I do not agree with the abusive hate directed towards the film's actors, I am at the least a bit irritated with Rian Johnson. I was extremely psyched to hear he would be helming this picture, I loved his early works like Looper and Brick. So I was ready for a much darker take on the Galaxy Far Far Away. What I got was something I did not expect, a film that said screw the storytelling beats that came before it. I do not expect answers to all questions, but what we got was something very strange, and it is something that I think most people are downplaying when talking about the issues with this film, it is not just a few bad scenes in a casino, it is not Rose being a bad actress or the person being bad in any way. The real issue is that the film does not work as a trilogy because of its lack of respect for the story that we started to follow in Episode VII.

Which is why Episode IX is shaping up the be Damage Control The Movie. We did not need every question answered, we did not need a film that followed all the fan theories, all that should have been expected was for the film to continue the story. Simple as that, however what The Last Jedi does is perhaps the height of arrogance. Rian Johnson got the keys to the biggest franchise in history, and instead of taking that responsibility as an honor, he saw it as a chance to defy all conventions, ideals and create a film that is Rian Johnson's Star Wars, not Star Wars. This would not be a problem if the story was truly amazing, but most of the story beats seem to be in place just to do the opposite of what is expected. 

I understand that going against the grain is not a bad thing, hell a lot of great films are made that way, the issue is that this is not a stand-alone story, this the middle part to a trilogy that is meant to begin to bring all the pieces together. Because the final act is always how everything comes together as a whole, which is why questions being answered is not always important. Yet, this film does not simply leave out some questions, it seems to answer them in a way that would be least expected. Yes, we do need to subvert expectations, yet there is an issue when instead of merely doing something original and exciting, you do something just because it's the opposite of expectations. The issue is that it often results in poor storytelling, and bad filmmaking.

For example, setting up Rey to fall for Kylo Ren is an issue because of a key scene in The Force Awakens, Kylo torturing Rey by forcefully entering her mind, may not make her hate him, but trust him? Falling in love with him? Even if this is realistic in some fashion I can not think of, it is a strange move for a strong, independent, female warrior. Even more so when you consider all the scenes alluding to her and Finn falling for each other, yet that is not the big one, that is not the major reason her feelings for Kylo are contradictory at best, and problematic at worst. Kylo betrays and murders his father, Rey at this point in the story's only father or hell even parental figure in general. This was her Obi Wan, yes Luke forgives Vader, but remember that took place in the last film, after developing the characters and their relationship further, giving him a good reason for wanting to trust his "Father". 

What is Rey's reason, I shit you not, I am sorry this bugs me, this brought the film into Twilight Land... He takes his shirt off, and next thing you know she's all in love with him. Ok, it is played with more subtlety than Twilight, but still that is what happens, she really falls for him after seeing him shirtless, I am not making that up, I kinda am laughing as I am writing this though, seriously who thought this was a good idea for a Star Wars film? 

My problems with The Last Jedi are not the one's that most have, my problems are rooted in the fact that we could have had a better film, if Rian Johnson was focused on making a great film period, not his version of Star Wars. Let me also make this very clear, Rose is not a good character, but that has nothing to do with Kelly Marie Tran, she is an actress and simply did what Rian told her to do. So if you have an issue with the film, please do not direct it at people who for all we know, could have said to him, hey this doesn't make much sense, or made suggestions to do it in a different way. What we got was his film, while I am sure he was not the only one with ideas, he was given great control over the story, so it is foolish to blame anyone but him and Kathleen Kennedy whom have the utmost control of the film's development and story.

All the issues that are being directed towards the film's cast, are misdirected in a big way, it is a shame that so many do not understand the actors have little say in the storytelling process. While it differs from film to film, it is clear by Mark Hamil's statements, that Rian was only interested in his vision, and Kathleen Kennedy fully supported and endorsed this. So take your issues up with them, otherwise your just attacking someone for doing their job. The sad problem is that Episode IX is not shaping up much better, though it really has very little to work with.

The next film has to answer the bizarre questions this film raised, like floating Leia... Come on, no one that has watched this film, saw that and went yea, this makes total sense, this is the best way this scene could have been done. Regardless this all means that Episode IX will surely treat VIII's story beats in a similar manner to how VII's was treated. This is clear by the announcement that not only will Luke make a return, but so will Lando and gasp Leia with unseen footage shot for VII & VIII? Did no one think it odd, that JJ will be using footage from VII in IX, instead of footage shot just for VIII. It is clear that he like a lot of us, was underwhelmed by VIII and choose to continue his story and bring it to some sort of conclusion by using what footage he has.

This is not ideal for any filmmaker and creates problems. The real issue being that this film will become the Saga of Damage control. It will retell story ideas brought up in VIII, it will also surely subvert most of Rian's ideas, and bring the ones JJ started in VII back into focus. If anything this should be a lesson to filmmakers that creating a Trilogy, without at the least a roadmap is a bad idea. What you get is a muddled story that simply does not film like the films are parts of one larger story, but pieces that just barely fit together. This Trilogy is written like unplanned sequels, which normally is not a problem except these are numbered films, and the first ended on such a cliffhanger, that it clearly sets the films up as one story, separated by three parts. To me these are the glaring issues with The Last Jedi, not the cast, poor direction and a lack of story continuity is the issue. The film can be enjoyable, yet if you have an issue with it, that is understandable from an objective storytelling perspective.

A film does not have to give answers, but a film that chooses to give answers, or bring new story ideas to the table is open to scrutiny. Even more so, when those answers either make little sense or even seem to be a "Fuck You" to certain story beats. He clearly did not want to follow the story set up in the first part, he clearly wanted to make his own story, and leave his mark on the franchise. This is arrogance, because his ego clouded his judgment in a big way. The issues with the film are only there, because of his agenda, which is not a political one, but one of his own ego. If he was forced to do certain things by Kathleen, he should grow a pair and speak up. Meddling producers are a major factor in the creation of lackluster films, he could easily speak up especially given the failure of Solo. Hell that would be good PR for the damage control campaign Disney seems to be running. 

Yet he has only defended his film, and one only defends their work if they are insecure, or extremely arrogant. His enjoyment at fans displeasure, the joy you see on his face defending this film, to people who are not all angry bitter fanboys, but people who care a great deal about this franchise, who are merely saddened by the lack respect for the story. It shows extreme arrogance on his part, the proof is in the fact that regardless of how Lucas played with the first three films, and the mistakes made in the prequel trilogy, he never came out in defense of his choices like this, he never fed the trolls and hate. Fans bashed him regularly, put the films down constantly, found issues to bring up and he never once acted like Rian has. The reason is clear, he had confidence in his vision, he knew it was bringing joy to a lot of fans so he let the art speak for itself.

Rian is arrogant and I say this as a fan of his work, because he clearly understands the film is lacking, but does not care and will defend how great it is, and how wrong fans are till the day his career is over.  I will gain a lot of respect back for him if I am wrong, and I hope I am wrong. A person who one is happy with their creation, and two cares for the fans will not feed the flames. They will do what they think is best for their art, but that is where it ends. My problem is not so much with The Last Jedi as the person who made it, I think to make petitions over the film is totally silly. It will do nothing and only splits the fandom, also if you have an issue with the film attacking the actors with such hate is ridiculous. 

If you are that passionate, surely you can focus that anger into what is truly the matter with the film. If you hate the film, try to understand what is wrong with it. Though hating a film is strange, I can understand being annoyed with a movie, or even irritation, but the level of hate is strange. Like if you hate it so much, why care. I am only this detailed simply out of a passion for film and storytelling, if film is that passion for you cool, learn about it. Because the people hating Rose, for example are not saying anything reasonable about what is wrong with her character, thinking Finn and Rose's story arc makes little sense because of what we know about Finn from the last film is not wrong. Those are not fan expectations, when a film invests time in developing certain elements and is a part of a three-film arc, it makes perfect sense to think the story should go down a certain road. Because if the car takes a random turn, just to be subversive it becomes disorienting and tends to make little sense in the end. Like the way I just worded that, just to be disorienting and pretentious.

Then you're forced to make a film not to end a story, but to put a story back on track in hopes of finding a decent conclusion. This is worth discussing if you're a fan of cinema, it is interesting to see such a huge franchise come off the rails in such spectacular fashion. However buying figures to destroy them, or directing obscene hate towards an actor, is fucking abhorrent and does no damn good.  It is the reason I choose not to write anything, I choose to stay silent until I had something worth saying, something that is not talked about in regards to the film's issues. I also wanted to put a spotlight on the only real problem with the film, Rian Johnson although it is important to remember what Star Wars is, this is the biggest film franchise in history, any filmmaker given those keys will surely be forced to deal with the responsibility of that kind of power, and how it affects you and your vision. 

I think it makes sense that an independent filmmaker who always had to fight for his films, would be slightly consumed by the power and weight of what he has been asked to do. I think that level of flattery and the oh my god, I am making a Star Wars film would be a very tempting and possibility tainting experience.

Autism, Police and Star Trek

As many of my readers know, I am autistic, I am fairly high on the spectrum but that does not mean I do not have my fair share of issues. Which makes it very frightening to see how police routinely deal with the autistic community. Violence is often heavily used, and without any form of remorse. Is it fair to defend against someone going through a heavy mental illness episode? I do think if your life is in danger, non-lethal and also force that is meant purely to protect yourself, and also the victim. Yes never forget how a person maybe freaking out, lashing out, they are a victim.

Which makes it even more disgusting that police do not serve and protect the autistic community, in fact, they often seem to either not care, not understand, or have zero compassion for anyone other than their brothers in blue. I could not mention that and not bring up the fact, that this level of abuse is far greater to people of color, autistic or not. There is a major issue regarding police brutality. If you are seen as a lesser citizen, someone with mental health difficulties, or worse just someone who is of a different color or background, suddenly you are fair game for beatings, shootings, and murder at the hands of those who are supposed to be our protectors.

This is where Star Trek comes into play. Starfleet protects life, and searches for understanding. Take this clip from the classic series as a great example.

The landing party is attacked by what seems to be some kind of monster, at least upon first glance. While they do defend themselves in standard action show fashion, it is what comes after the fight that is so damn meaningful and something we could all learn from. They learn it is no monster, rather a humanoid creature with the mind of a child, who was simply upset that his tricycle was broken, and also being fearful of a new being. As a person with autism, I did think of it as a sort of analog for autism. They are attacked, yet once they learn this being is simply confused and in a fight or flight state, they offer help, compassion and caring. Why are police not like this?

This show is well over 60 years old now, and has many spin-offs which focus on this very important message. Life is meaningful, life is worth preserving. Even in moments of danger, because you simply can not always know if someone is a threat, or a victim in need of help. These heroes would give their life to save another, which growing up is what I always thought the police were. I thought they joined to protect the world for evil, to search for justice. Boy did I watch too many good movies as a kid. 

Anyone who a net connection, knows that police rarely serve and protect anything other than their own hides. I will not apologize for talking down about police officers, or the fact that they do not serve justice or peace. Rather they serve to get thrills and feel powerful. While I realize their is a niche of good officers, it's just that a small niche. Most officers may start out with good intentions, but for most this is just a job to pay the bills which causes the problem. 

Why do members of Starfleet wish to serve, not because it is a job, because it is a calling to something greater. This franchise has spent it storied and long history, trying to show us a better way, trying to instill better ideas about life. It is such a shame that so many do not hold these ideals close to their heart. To seek out new cultures, new forms of life, to not be afraid of them but wish to learn, to live together in peace. Of all programs, Star Trek is the few that shows one time enemies becoming great allies. This is what we need to learn, compassion for life and to grow, to see things from another perspective, not just your own. 

Others and I am sure Police will feel this way, that this kind of ideal is naive and not possible in our world. But that is the view of a scared, nihilistic, cynic. The truth is we could have a world much like the one in Star Trek, hell we are even getting to their kind of tech. But a world like Trek, it means we cherish all life, it means we care to help others, to understand others. If we only get the cool toys, its a waste. Sure the tech is cool, and we got plenty today, but it was never the tech that mattered, it was the values. It showed us regardless of our cruel world, that seems to have forgotten the importance of helping others, of understanding those who are different from us, could still be within reach. If we only strive to make it so.

Sadly we seem to be taking major strides backward in a lot of areas. The fact that so many see no issue with police brutality, that no one sees a need for a different kind of justice, one that does not come from the barrel of a gun, is utterly depressing. It seems a great many people, just live within their own bubble. If it does not affect them, they have zero drive to do a thing about it. I do not understand how so many, could be so callous. 

Life affects us all, seeing Israel murder protesters, seeing police abuse the autistic community, and murdering and abusing innocent people of color should be a rallying call for all of us. That if you strike one of down for nothing, the rest of us will make a difference, we will show the world that life and cherishing others lives matters more than anything else. 

If you claim to be a Christian or of any faith, this should be your mission in life, yet too many people who claim faith, only seek to protect their own interests and care little for the preservation of life. Hell Christians worship what can take life away, with their sick affinity for firearms. Sure I like weapons in games and film, they are fantasies, they serve a purpose other than to take life, art is meant to explore life. Yet in the real world, we have no use for such tools of death. Just like our Police have no use to be violent thugs. 

Protect and serve, it means to protect life not take it away. Something that few in power care about. Does this rant serve a greater purpose, I honestly have no clue. But seeing the violence and hate, knowing that life is not seen as a worthwhile thing to save, in that case, none can be silent. So if it does nothing but shows a different perspective, I am good with that. After all the government and the police do not care, they make excuse after excuse for abhorrent behavior and it can not stand.

One day maybe just maybe, we can all live long and prosper. 

The Superhero film we needed, but did not deserve - An Essay

This will be a first for me, as I already reviewed Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice upon release, and my thoughts on the film have changed little; though my admiration for the film has certainly grown. Maybe it is because I look at film's differently, as a would-be artist myself; I do not simply watch a film and enjoy it just for what's on screen. No, I watch a film and love to digest why the director made certain choices, why characters are put in those situations and what it means for those characters. And when you have such legendary and wonderfully established characters like Batman and Superman; it is important to present them and maintain their essence, but also to try and show what these characters mean in this time and to the person or persons who created the film, game or comic.

Upon viewing the theatrical cut of the film, I was enthralled by seeing new versions of some of my most beloved characters, but at the same time, I saw how these new versions embodied the ideals that I adore about each character. I find it very funny though how right my ideas about this film were, in fact, every flaw that I mention in my review of the theatrical cut, was mostly fixed. Yet what I found even more ironic was nearly everything that I thought was removed, or that what was removed not only muddled the film's true vision but, that everything that was cut made the film's story impossible for the casual viewer to follow.

As a fan and a cinema addict, I can connect the dots with very little, especially when I know the source marital so well, but while I could follow the butchered cut, the response showed that few could. And let’s be honest, there is a huge difference in subtle filmmaking and when a film is butchered because a studio gets nervous out of greed. I find the hate that Zack Snyder receives to be infuriating to be quite honest if you watch his real film's the longer director’s cut's that are put to DVD, most complaints leveled at his films are absent. But for most it is too late, first impressions are the most vital, and if someone walks out disappointed, it's highly unlikely they will ever be able to shake that feeling.

The man knows how to make great film's but the studio rarely has total faith in his vision, while they do release his cut to home video, they do not roll the dice and give his true vision the chance it deserves in cinemas. While the sad Batfleck memes were funny, you can honestly see why he was so melancholy, he knew the film they made, he knows it was butchered and that people would not understand what is the best Superhero film to date.

I had my suspicions that the extended Ultimate Edition would be one of the best DC films, but I only had wishful hopes that it would be the genre-defining masterpiece that it is. I do not say that lightly, this film really is that good and it shows you just how important these kind of films can be, while even at their worst superhero movies can provide a great escape, but at their best they can inspire, and help you understand the world we live in a little better.

While most people may scoff at that statement, it is true. We look to our art to gain perception on our own existence, and just as Zack Snyder says in the behind the scenes feature, superheroes are our modern day myths, they are our legends, sometimes even our religion. We look to them as a way to guide our morals, and we look to our heroes to give us a sense of faith in the world, and something to aspire for. Which is why it is so vital that our heroes are flawed like the rest of us, they should embody those mythic ideals, but they should deal with real human struggles, they should never be perfect.

Batman's arc in BVS: DOJ is simply one of the best that has ever been put to screen, and I think in the age we live in, it has never been more relevant. Batman has seen the evil of the world and been pushed beyond the brink, this is Batman barely holding on. We have simply never seen this side of him on screen. And that is why it is so important, I will spoil the film now so you're warned, by the end of the film Batman has regained what he lost, his faith and hope in the world.

Living in this world, I think anyone with a heart could lose hope just looking online at the state of the world. So seeing that a symbol for so many could lose that hope, and get it back. That is truly inspiring, while it could also be totally corny the film handled things with subtlety and grace. While the theatrical edition never stops to breathe and thus feels too hectic and too muddled, and as such did a major disservice to the story. So much was cut out that what truly makes this film shine, and more than just a loud flashy, brooding good time was lost.

The entire scope of the film was so narrow at the theaters that you truly lost what the film was trying to accomplish beyond being entertaining. While Synder's films may not be uber deep philosophical puzzles, he does know how to make films that are both entertaining and try to invoke a greater sense of emotion. Yet every time he makes a film above the general crap released to theaters, the studio gets nervous and demands unnecessary and damning cuts all in the name of greed. They really truly should have learned their lesson with SuckerPunch, but they once again cut the film to try and ensure its success only to damn it.

Studios do not understand how to make great cinema, when you hire someone who does let them do their work! This film was made with such passion to show how relevant these heroes are. But also how we can still learn from them, how we can draw strength and hope from their stories. People are so quick to judge and act like they could make a better film, and that is not true. They could make a movie they might enjoy more, but that is not the point, cinema is art and you should never concede your art to please a larger audience. 

I enjoy bombastic popcorn movies that serve little purpose other than fun, that is still art to me; but when you manage to make something both moving, relevant, inspiring and yes damn entertaining then that is the dream. In the words of a superb artist who was taken far too soon "It's a human need to be told stories. The more we're governed by idiots and have no control over our destinies, the more we need to tell stories to each other about who we are, why we are, where we come from, and what might be possible." (Alan Rickman) 

If a hero like Batman can be pushed to the brink by the evils of his world, and come back more hopeful than ever anyone can. The point of a hero is not an infallible perfect being, but someone who strives to simply do what is right, no matter their personal struggles. Everyone has a very different version of their most beloved characters in their head, no adaption in any medium will ever match "YOUR VISION COMPLETELY". At some point fans need to wake up and realize you have to enjoy a film for what it is, or don't watch it. 

Here is the thing, this new DC universe is not taking any greater liberties than Nolan's did. As a matter of fact, this Universe is far closer to what is seen in the comics than any other adaption to date. But things were changed, not in terms of what makes these characters who they are; but to tell a new story. Which should be admired, taking such historic story lines and characters and blending it all into a brand new and very relevant tale. 

Fan input can be very helpful, but most fans have no idea how to tell a story, they only know what they want to see on screen. Yes, many of the comic story lines are deserving of a straight up adaption, but the thing is, stories are written for the times, and so it becomes necessary to adapt these stories and find that essence and make it meaningful for a new day and age. Sadly, the story that was so masterfully constructed, never got to be seen by a wider audience. This film now is being drug through the mud so much, I doubt anyone will even take this essay seriously. How could the biggest disappointment of the year be the best superhero to date and the best film of the year thus far?

Simple the disappointment is almost entirely on Warner Brothers, Zack Snyder created a phenomenal film that I hope will someday get the respect and admiration it truly deserves. Now I did say almost entirely, that is because "fans" do just as much damage. In this day and age, we have become so vocal and with the level of direct interaction now available in the digital age, fans are heard... But I really wish we were not heard as much. The studio listened to all our bitching and, I believe that the lukewarm reception to the mangled advertising campaign is why they shredded such a powerful film.

Cutting those thirty minutes, cutting the added level of violence and fearing an R rating completely destroyed the emotional impact of the film. With such a hectic pace and never having any room to breathe and simply develop its world and characters, you not only lose out on some terrific moments, but the elements that truly shaped the motivations for each character's actions. When you chop out huge sections of the film you lose the scope and nearly the heart of the film.

It is such a shame that this film was not given the chance it truly deserved, as a Bat-fan I was just as angry when I saw The Dark Knight. I was so disappointed cause that film was so far and away from my ideal Batman. But even then, I knew it was a damn fine film. Personally, it took a long time for me to truly enjoy it, but for many, that is how Batman should be. So why is it so wrong to have another version of the character that is so different, but also feels so familiar. One thing fans need to learn is just cause a film did not meet their expectations does not make it a crap movie. We have become so damn entitled over the past two decades, people used to know how to enjoy a film or a game. 

Now it seems people only enjoy shredding things, people only enjoy being as negative as they possibly can be. I guess it is the cool thing to do to hate everything. But that is why I say fuck being cool and just fucking enjoy art, love, cannabis and life.