Spoiler warnings for THE LAST JEDI
There has been a great deal of talk on social media about “The Last Jedi”. It opened with a $220 million weekend, becoming the second biggest opener in domestic history after “The Force Awakens,”. Inspite of near universal critical and fan acclaim and undeniable financial success, this film triggered boycotts and passionate denouncements from a small but loud minority of fans.
Rian Johnson, the cast, and the Lucasfilm team have delivered an experience that is totally ‘Star Wars’ yet at the same time fresh, unexpected and new,” Disney president of theatrical distribution Dave Hollis told Deadline in response to the backlash. “That makes this a ‘Star Wars’ film like audiences have never seen – it’s got people talking, puzzling over its mysteries, and it’s a lot to take in, and we see that as all positive, that should help set the film up for great word-of-mouth and repeat viewing as we enter the lucrative holiday period.”
The reaction by many of these fans seem, in the context of other films in the series, overblown. Admittedly, these films, though beloved by many, structurally aren’t cinematic masterpieces as YouTube staple Mr. Sunday Movie chides ”Star Wars has always been great! Just decades and decades of redefining cinema!” Check his hilarious Easter Egg Video here:
Star Wars films typically are frought with plot holes, cheesy dialogue and head scratching leaps of logic, (yes even Empire). Long ago George Lucas himself called his franchise “A space fantasy for ten year olds.” And, The Last Jedi isn’t the first to shamelessly market toys.
Yet, for some reason, people who happily sat through similar annoyances now are incensed how Kathleen Kennedy, Rian Johnson and Disney “ARE TOTALLY RUINING THE FRANCHISE.” Citing the “direction” the franchise has taken and rattle off confusing, contradictory lists of reasons why they hate this particular film so much.
Trust and believe it’s not the dumb plot, green walrus milk, or “Space Mary Poppins” scenes.
In a terrific article from bittergertrude.com blog titled –“Why So Many Men Hate The Last Jedi But Can’t Agree On Why.” She gives a solid, if hard to hear take on this latest Fanboy brouhaha:
“Usually, when a film is genuinely bad, we’re all in agreement about at least a few areas of obvious badness. There’s not much controversy about the general awfulness of Jar Jar, Hayden Christiansen’s acting, or the wooden love scene dialogue of the prequels.
Sure, there’s the occasional outlier insisting they love Jar Jar, but on the main, these are obvious, agreed-upon flaws. Yet there’s no agreement about The Last Jedi. Instead, I’ve seen dozens of contradictory opinions, and at least half of them are stated like this:
“I’m fine with female-driven films, but I just hate this particular one for reasons.”
The Last Jedi has become the Hillary Clinton of filmmaking.”
In my experience, the simplest answer is typically true. It’s just too female and diverse for sone of them. Not all, but more than are honest enough to admit.
Now sure, you’ll find angry detractors using thier Black or Female friend who didn’t like the film as cover for thier reaction to The Last Jedi. Fans I respect were left a bit crestfallen too.
It might not be your cup of tea, but not caring for a Directors artistic choices are a far cry from the vitriol that forced the director off social media for a time. Hatered isn’t a typical fan reaction to a disappointing film. Zach Snyder didn’t get death treats behind Batman vs. Superman.
I think another reason men hated this movie are, we are long-in-the-tooth and frankly, having a hard time letting go of our youth.
I’ll share a true story:
I took my 10 year old son to a Thursday night screening. I walked out of “The Last Jedi” enthralled yet bemused at the same time. I have been a STAR WARS fan since I was nine. I’ll share an obituary wrote: “Carrie Frances Fisher Dead at 60, Drowned in Moonlight, Stragled by Her Own Bra.”
By contrast, my boy was euphoric about the film the way only a child can be at the movies. Exactly as I was with my mother when the original “Star Wars” debuted. He declared it was by far his favorite STAR WARS film.
My son read my face and asked me what was wrong. I answered, “I liked it, there were things I really loved, but It’s not what I expected.”
My son replied, “Well, you loved it and it surprised you, isn’t that what a movie should do?”
I said, “Well, yeah but…”
He cut me off. In his best Yoda voice said, “Daddy, you must UNLEARN what you have learned.” And walked to the car.
He was the Master and I was the Padawan in that instant I realized why I was resistant. I was holding on to another era. It took my ten year old raised on STAR WARS to wake me up.
This is HIS Star Wars. Not mine. Here I was, a 50 year old man nitpicking about a movie for ten year olds. There were so very many genuine “Star Wars” moments in this film, my inner 9 year old loved once I ditched my crusty, limited 50 year old expectations.
It’s much like Yoda said, “You still have much to learn Young Skywalker.” There is this exchange I loved between Force Ghost Yoda & Luke Skywalker in the film:
“L: So it is time for the Jedi Order to end.
Y: Time it is. For you to look past a pile of old books, hmm?
L: The sacred Jedi texts.
Y: Oh. Read them, have you? Page-turners they were not. Yes, yes, yes. Wisdom they held, but that library contained nothing that the girl Rey does not already possess. Skywalker, still looking to the horizon. Never here, now, hmm? The need in front of your nose.
L: I was weak. Unwise.
Y: Lost Ben Solo, you did. Lose Rey, we must not.
L: I can’t be what she needs me to be.
Y: Heeded my words not, did you? Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.”
With my boys help. I’m free to enjoy this film as-is! Warts and all. WE (Orig-Trig Geeks) had our shot. It’s not about US anymore. This new series is for my son and my daughter and your sons, daughters and gender non specific children too.
This is the Star Wars for all the little Asian girls who saw themselves in The Heroic Tico Sisters. And my adult Asian female friends who excitedly clamor for Rose and Paige Collectibles!
This is the Star Wars for the grown woman who leapt up at my screening and shouted “Fuck Yeah!” applauding and whistling cathartically at Laura Dern’s General Holdo’s sacrificial (and awesomely anime) smash of the Patriarchy er, First Order in a pivotal scene.
As a Bleek (Black Geek) THIS is the Star Wars I wish I had growing up! If you read my piece above. I saw myself in Luke because a) he was a poor kid that no one expected much from and went on this adventure. And, b) there were no black folks in this galaxy. You might think “It’s the heroes journey, it’s universal.” And that’s true. However, where my little white playmates had limitless examples of heroes that looked like them. I didn’t have anyone until Lando showed up, and he was a traitor. Representation matters.
It’s about choice. And lack of choices. Sure, Finn is a bit goofy and isn’t a Jedi, and Rey doesn’t have a Skywalker Pedigree. And Rose is just a plucky mechanic with heart. And you know what? That’s OK. They don’t need to be anything we expect them to be.
Female, Black and Asian lead characters in a 40 year old franchise that had been until very recently nearly exclusively White and Male is more representative and makes new younger fans feel included. I asked asked my son what he thought the message was. I love his answer-
“Anyone can have The Force. And everyone can be a hero! A poor girl, a stormtrooper even a stable boy.”
It’s progressive and socialy conscious. If you label that being “social justice warrior” talk? So be it. What’s so wrong with fighting injustice? Do you want your kid to stand up to bullies or become one?
Another example of Disney’s more Representative bend is Black Panther. Let me ask you a question. Without Google. What black heroes have headlined a live action Comic Book Movie before Black Panther?
I’ll wait…
Blade? It holds up today, but it was released in ’98. 20 years ago and is rated R. Hancock? Not a role model for kids and R rating. Luke Cage on Netflix? I enjoyed, but the themes were adult. Spawn? R rated.
It was Steel.
Yep. I’ll bet you’ve never seen it. Trust me, you’re better off.
My son and daughter have had no non-sidekick or solo black live action Comic Book heroes or sheroes thier entire lives. NO black kid has born in the last twenty years.
Think about that a second.
Zero representation in this cinematic “Age of Heroes”. Meanwhile, there have been Ten Batman films, Seven Superman films. They even made a Jonah Hex movie.
Seth Rogan was The Green goddamn Hornet?! You feel me? You get my issue with this? Best friends & sidekicks just aren’t good enough anymore.
There is no shortage of strong, proud, intelligent capable white people headlining entire franchises. My son and daughter will see a superhero film where EVERY major character is black, and majority black women. That’s unprecedented. That’s important.
To that end, the marketing of toys and collectibles have also come a long way. A friend of mine, Charles Conley a talented Cosplayer, Foamsmith and owner of Ebony Warriors Studios said this about the commercial below for Black Panther toys featuring Black kids. –
“I just saw my first Black Panther toy commercial and it brought me to tears. The little black boy looked like me. FINALLY seeing this happen on a global level makes me feel that I can be a superhero too.“
When all is said and done. It’s not only about what’s on the screen or, on the shelves. It’s about folks who are typically on the outside looking in controlling the means of production, heading studios, green lighting projects, employing each other, writing, directing, collaborating to tell stories For Us By Us that celebrate and inspire our youth.
But Marvel to thier credit is allowing this AAA property to be unapologeticly black in most aspects of its production. The importance of play is vital to a child’s development and inspires young minds. Films like Black Panther represent the endless possibilities of a divesity of creative talent that is often overlooked to be harnessed in endeavors that intern inspire our daughters and sons. And, yours. Because Pop Media isn’t only a mirror it’s a window for all kids to learn to value others as well as themselves.
Black Panther Production Designer Hannah Beachler in article with Okayplayer speaks in depth about her choices and what it meant to work with so many black & women creatives –
“When I was on Black Panther, I looked around and I actually got tears in my eyes. The DP is a female, I’m a female, the costume designer’s a female, the UPM was a female, the AD was a female, the executive producer, Victoria Alonso, is female, all of different shades, sexual orientations, and they represent all of us. So, you look around at that crew, it was a diverse crew. For the first time I looked around and I saw everybody. I saw everybody, and that was pretty awesome. That was well worth the many years of hard work. I think as a female you have to be okay with not worrying about, ‘Oh, they might not like me.’ I don’t care if they don’t like me. At the end of the day, I’m here to help as a piece of the puzzle to put the director’s vision on the screen”
Micah Blumenthal, in this TMI PROJECT VIDEO, “In the Movies and in Real Life, Black People are Written off as the Supporting Character.” talks about the remarkable life of his his “superhero” Grandmother, and he catalogues the TV shows and films of his youth and their one-sided depiction of black people, always the first to die and written off as the supporting character of the American dream.
Re: Black character surviving a horror film ”I say “we” because that’s how it feels. When the portrayal of your people is so few and is so often lacking of depth or truth, or only used as a means to remind you of your place. It feels like a “we” thing.
It was “Deep Blue Sea”. To underscore his point, survivor LL Cool J was the Cook. Sam L. Jackson played the wealthy owner of the underwater facility and the scientist who created the super intelligent shark. He was the first victim. Remember what happens to black men when we rise above our station.
Check Micha Blumenthal’s video here:
Inspired by the New York Times article at an All-Female Screening of Wonder Woman. Mr. Blumenthal started a “BLACK PANTHER MOVIE POC TAKEOVER” On generosity.com.
“It’s no secret that many cities across the country are struggling with segregation and the Hudson Valley is no different. More than that, there is a lack of friendly spaces for POC to live, create, meet, organize, and just be. That’s why groups like Black and Brown have cropped up and why TMI Project created their Black Stories Matter program.”
He also speaks about having a safe haven without feeling isolated or harassed and the simple joy of sharing this important film experience with other black folks.
“I miss going to a movie theater filled with black people. My people. The feeling of being in majority for something so simple as watching a movie. Growing up further south of here in Mt. Vernon I was able to have this experience, but here in Kingston – not so much.”
“Buy a movie ticket for someone else, a person of color – $15. Or give more, or less, whatever you can. At the end of this campaign, I will take all of the money to buy movie tickets for the February 16th, opening night showing of Black Panther at Regal Cinemas in Kingston. I will then disperse them to people of color specifically in the effort to create a space, even if it is just for two hours, where people of color can convene and be themselves.”
(PS – If your significant other or your children or your friends are not people of color, you can still bring them. We understand that those people exist in your life, its wonderful. Our goal is make sure that people of color are in the majority. We ask that if you have never been in a room where people of color were the majority, that you reflect on what may happen during this movie and be respectful of the way that your culture may be different from theirs. This is a regularly scheduled public showing of the film, we are just making the effort to bring as many people of color as possible.)
This Screning will be at 2/16 at 7 Regal Hudson Valley Mall 12 Open to All people of color & family members.
Representation still matters a great deal. Disney has stepped up thier game in marketing toys and content toward girls and representing ethinc diversity as of late in print and on screen. I’m very pleased this trend is continuing with “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors”.
The program will launch with six, four-minute digital shorts that spotlight Spider-Gwen with her new secret moniker, Ghost-Spider, and introduce audiences to the world of “Marvel Rising.” Following the shorts, a feature-length animated film, “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors” will premiere later this year. Distribution partners for the content to be announced at a later date.
“Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors” is a long-anticipated event, bringing together Marvel’s newest and beloved characters that have garnered major fan excitement over the last few years. Powered teens Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, Patriot, America Chavez, and Inferno join forces as an unlikely, but formidable crew of aspiring heroes.
“Marvel characters are so relatable because they live in our world and face the same challenges we do. So I’m very excited that our Marvel Rising team of heroes is so inclusive, reflecting characters with different backgrounds, particularly a set of strong female leads that our young audience can connect with,” – Cort Lane, Marvel’s Senior Vice President of Animation & Family Entertainment.
Sana Amanat, Marvel’s Director of Content & Character Development, added, “This project is unlike anything we’ve done before—from featuring the rising and fan-favorite stars of the Marvel Universe, to a visually distinct animation style, this is a groundbreaking animated event. It’s an action-packed adventure, full of comedy, heart and powerful messages for every kind of Marvel fan.”
Here is the perfect example of what this type of initiative is up against.
The deceivingly named “Diversity & Comics” I say it’s deceiving because basically this “Anti-SJW” channel and it’s 50K+ followers shits on any attempt for Diversity in Comics. Period. I hate to give this channel any publicity, but it’s instructive. It puts everything I’ve said prior about Pop Culture Misogyny and Racism in perspective. A grown man having a tantrum about a kids TV show.
Even the title of the video – “Marvel Rising Secret Warriors is Paw Patrol For SJW Purse Puppies” Is incredibly dismissive and sexist. Any attempts at diverse representation are “ridiculous” “in-organic “. “Its pandering” “it’s tokenism”. Ponficationg about gernder swaps & the “inferiority” of ethically diverse heroes.
It’s worth a look if only to understand the truth about how many Geeks feel about me and mine. We are not welcome in fandoms because we aren’t White Males. OR We are allowed to ride the bus as long as we sit in the back and continue to keep our mouths shut. If pointing out a need for diversity makes you a SJW, then how isn’t decrying diversity blatantly sexist and racist? If you can stomach it, check it out.
I’ll bet if that guy lived during the Civil Rights Era he’d proclaim, “Hey, what are you compiling about? The water fountains in the Colored section work just fine.” This has 50K subscribers. Let that sink in a bit. To talk trash about diversity with no value add to examine why the Comic Books, Heroes or Stories they love so much have any current relevancy or worth.
Who is this for exactly? “When will it be ok for there to be a Miles Morales?” “Why are you so fucking fragile about your heroes?” “Why do you care so much my kids or girls have Heroes that look like them?”
I only want the same for my children that Mediocre White Men have taken for granted over 75 years.
A positive sense of self is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Children with high self-esteem feel loved and competent and develop into happy, productive people. To help build your child’s positive self-image as it grows, consider this, if a young child sees heroes they identify with, that reinforces positive self esteem. The reverse is also true. There are decades of scholastic studies that support this view. As Mr. Blumenthal articulated so well, “Black stories matter.”
I had mentioned in my article -“Shiledmaidens not Handmaidens” a similar backlash to Patty Jensen’s Wonder Woman and the heated controversy about Alamo Drafthouse “Women Only” screenings.
White fragility fueled nearly 75 years of comic book white male supremacy and this needs to stop. All this fragility occurs under the false assumption that both racism and sexism are issues rooted in personal morality rather than systemic, intentionally baked into our society for hundreds of years.
There are no accidents, only precedents. Racism and Sexism aren’t just ideologies but institutions. Women and Blacks are second class citzens in American society, so our heroes are also made second tier.
It starts early. It starts when children first see themselves in the mirror of Pop Media. When we see people that look like us. How are they portrayed? Do we even see them? Do they have a voice? What’s the message?
Some White CIS Males love to lecture everyone about how representation doesn’t matter as the entirety of Mass Media has catered to them from inception.
Think there isn’t a hunger problem because your fridge is full?
White supremacy is a hell of a drug.
Black Heroes Matter.
– David F. Walker ( Comic Book Writer, POWER MAN & IRON FIST, NIGHTHAWK, WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES) #blackheroesmatter
White Supremacy and Misogyny has been an inconvenient truth for a long time in Hollywood, Fandoms & Pop Culture Media. And the majority of this pushback against Pop Media companies like Disney follows this disturbing pattern. It’s not cool today to be a Racist or Sexist. But “Anti-SJW” Fans think they are “edgy” and “non-politically correct” heroes of free speach promoting Racism and Sexism all while being fragile AF when called out.
“I’m not a racist!” Well, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck? What would you call it?
“STOP PLAYING WITH MY TOYS!” attitudes about diversity in Pop Media is failing. Because there’s such an over-reaction to it. Disney is a business. If diverse customers want representation in their products? They will create more. Supply & Demand. No matter how much fanboys whine about it.
Fanboys are going to have to share. Here we are, playing with your toys. And you know what? We are creating, designing, and marketing them too. And, if not you? YOUR kids are playing as Moon Girl on MARVEL Future Fight. Your daughters are reading Squirrel Girl and identifying with Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan. Your sons want to be Black Panther next Halloween.
Deal with it.
We will spend our hard-earned regardless what haters say, we want more of it. Because no matter what threats of boycotting Marvel or Disney the vocal few will NEVER stop progress. Privlaged douchebags who think they are gatekeepers of taste and the ”Only True Comic Book Fans” dwelling within hateful sites worshiping sacred cows only strengthen our resolve with “MAKE MARVEL GREAT AGAIN.” rhetoric.
One day, maybe they’ll join us in the 21st Century, the kids are. I’ve met little white kids who say their favorite hero is T’Challa. Read Black Panther Comics and want to be Black Panther. That’s cool AF!
Go Disney, make that money and make those changes. Use that revenue to support diversity within your Boardrooms, Studios and creative talent pool. Disney bought Marvel and Lucasfilm not to be politically correct. They saw lucrative opportunities. It’s because they recognized a growing and diverse casual fan base enjoys this stuff. They hired more diverse creatives and female executives to deliver this new diverse content. They are planting seeds for growing market share with younger viewers. They don’t care if every fanboy reads the excellent and award winning Ms.Marvel, plenty people do. AND those kids will watch her new show. AND buy her Marvel Legends Action figure. My kids are.
Geek franchises and large Pop Media Producers haven’t historically loved Women, People of Color, or the LGTBQ community. We don’t need need love, as paying consumers, we demand representation. And slowly but surely, Disney is deliverng. It’s just good business and ther right thing to do.
One day, maybe even the anti SJW crowd may gain the courage to look past thier pile of old books as well.
P.S. Brother Blumenthal,
You and yours are invited to watch BLACK PANTHER with me & mine anytime at CITYPLEX 12 360-394 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103
Co-owned by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, this all-digital movie theater offers stadium seating SUPER TUESDAYS all tickets $6.50! Best part? It’s FUBU!
Peace family!
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ART CREDIT – DISNEY / listed