[Weekly Updates] May 29, 2022

I'll be shooting a short film next weekend, so update will be a bit sporadic. Sorry if I disappear for a bit.

CHANNEL UPDATE

We interrupt our original schedule, again, because I finally cracked the code! I saw through the matrix and understood the symbolism within Everything Everywhere All at once. That means I'll be making a video on the film next. In fact, I already started. Script should be uploaded tomorrow, if I'm not too busy with work.

Rest of the upload schedule is (perpetually) the same: A video about patriotism in kung fu movies; A video about Gallants, and A video about Ringu.

I'll be taking a trip in July, which means some videos will be recorded and edited ahead of time. Schedule may continue to be sporadic, but I'll try my best to keep in touch.

MEDIA TALK

So, Top Gun.

Looks like it's trying to be the next big sensation after Everything Everywhere. I expected it to be successful, knowing what that Tom Cruise is the producer and it's basically another Mission Impossible, but without the sequel fatigue.

I, however, did not expect how many people are talking about it. Or rather... how many media outlets are talking about it. The publicity, paid or not, is freaking wild. Every time I scroll through Reddit, r/movie would have a new post about this movie receiving huge praise, or is gonna change the industry, or bring Hollywood back to the golden age of 80s action.

And all of those articles just makes me feel... really sus about this film.

Don't get me wrong, Top Gun is gonna be good. That much I believe in. And undoubtedly, it fills an action niche that many people crave: the practical, high adrenaline, macho films that relies on star power, rather than IP recognition.

But it changing the state of cinema? Really?

I guess I'm just apprehensive about this line of thought for a lot of reasons: For one thing, seeing the 80s as action golden age is kinda... strange? Outside of Arnold and Stallone, how many action films can you think of from the 80s that aged well? Robocop, Mad Max, Escape From New York, Temple of Doom... that's kinda about it?

Do we really want to go back to a time where cinema is dominated by just a few stars and icons?

Another thing is, this highly macho energy is already generating a lot of... shall we say, toxic discussions online. I won't go into details, but let's just say, the incels love it.

And finally, with so few film companies remained in Hollywood, and with Disney being the most dominant one, I really do not think anything Top Gun brings to the table can change the industry in a significant way. Will Disney look at Top Gun with envy? Does Top Gun threatens Disney's brand and market share? Chances are, nope. We know Top Gun is a once in a decade kinda film. Disney know that, too.

If there'll a change to the industry, I think it'll likely come from the fall of the superhero genre. Maybe other films will draw people away from superhero movies, which critics increasingly dislikes. Eventually our interest will settle onto another niche. Will that be Top Gun? Only time will tell.

That is my pessimistic view on Top Gun. With all that said, I'll still watch it, and will probably enjoy it. What do you think of the film. Have you watched it? Are you excited for you? Do you think it's the next thing since homo-erotic beach volleyball? Let me know.

Otherwise, I'll see you soon with a new video.