[Weekly Update] Oct 23, 2022

It's almost Halloween! Although it's pretty much only a North American thing, the season itself is still really fun. Autumn festivals are pretty common around the world. I hope you are having a great time!

WEEKLY UPDATE

Our next video is a little behind schedule. I was looking through hidden horror gems from around the world, and sadly not every movie is good enough to be recommended. I was genuinely disappointed by Seoul Station.

Anyway, if nothing works, I can always rely on French and Australian horror. They tend to produce really good horror movies.

I've also began preparing for a video on Jet Li, as voted by you! I still don't have every film that I need, but there are already so many movies I need to cover, some movies may have to be skipped over anyway.

I'm also currently working on a video about Chinese Shlockbusters in iQiYi. I'll either lose my sanity trying to watch them all, or have an absolute blast doing it.

Two additional ideas are waiting to be develop: (1) All of the Gods Must be Crazy sequels, which it has many. (2) All of the other Ip Man movies that doesn't feature Donnie Yen. We'll see what comes of it.

Finally, starting January, I think I'll slow down the channel to a monthly upload for a bit. I've been overworked a lot this year, and I desperately need a break. I'll use this opportunity to create videos that are a bit more in-depth and longer form as well.

I also plan on taking at least one month entirely off, either May or September. I've stopped accepting sponsorships, which is always nerve-racking because how much it affects income. But it's better that than complete burnout.

As with the break I have before, I'll pause Patreon for a month, and you won't have to pay for my break. Will keep you updated on everything!

MEDIA TALK

Well, with publicity for Creed III on the way, I have something to look forward to in 2023.

Honestly, all of my friends have expressed a similar sentiment. There just aren't that many interesting movies coming out lately. It's really hard to get excited about yet another Disney movie.

Although Creed III is far from being an original Indie movie. Tossing away the entire Rocky series aside, even the fact that it has a "III" at the end is a bit much. Nevertheless, the Creed series remains a semi-creative endeavour that doesn't reek of corporate stench. When a Creed movie tells a story, it feels like it's a story the creative forces behind it wants to tell. It feels like a worthwhile story.

Creed II in particular is pretty underrated, to be honest. There are a few reasons why I love it. It came out around the time where "relatable villain" is the new hot trend, and Ivan Drago in that movie is still one of the best written villains of the decade. Actually, most Rocky movies have excellent villains.

Another reason is the central conflict the film presents. Rocky movies (and most boxing movies, in fact) are ostensibly about the struggle in life, not the fight itself. It began in the very first movie, in which Rocky lost the fight and won his life. Creed II did not forget that. As such, the film merely uses the conflict with Drago as a hook. The film, in reality, is about Adonis learning to be a good husband and father outside the ring. And the conflict it presents feels human, relatable. In a sea of larger than life conflicts, seeing a movie with such emotional sensitivity is really refreshing.

I think that's the last reason I enjoy Creed II. I'm just tired of big action movies, and want something that's simple and human. Judging by everyone's reaction to Top Gun Maverick, maybe everyone feels the same, too. Both movie presents some major obstacle, but secretly, it's all about being a human, dealing with grief and loses, learning to be a better person. It's what elevates a movie to me.

So what movies leave you with that kind of feeling? A movie that's grand on the surface, but emotionally vulnerable and sensitive in actuality?

Anyway, hopefully video will be ready by the weekend!