I'm glad that productions like this and Top Gun: Maverick are getting made because it becomes crystal clear that the appetite is more than wetted for classic stories and narratives of heroism; they've never gone away.
I'm sitting on seven potential children's properties atm, with at least one I know I want made, and the core tenant across all is being approachable and direct. Miracle what you can do with honorable characterizations and a sense of right and wrong. Crazy stuff lol.
You summed it up well, but I want to do some overkill on the “Peach was a girlboss” point to make sure it stays dead. That complaint is either a cynical product of the outrage machine or else it is rooted in lack of research.
Peach played the damsel role in games often, yes, but there is also plenty of precedent for her being a tough hero character in her own right. She’s been playable as far back as Mario Bros 2, was an endgame character in Mario RPG, kept up with the boys in all the sports games, and was the protagonist of her own game on the DS.
Anyone saying “ugh they RUINED Peach by making her a GIRLBOSS FEMINIST in this movie” is either preying on the ignorance of their audience or doesn’t know what they are talking about.
Spot on. Peach has always been an integral part of the Mario mythos, such as it is, and she’s never ever been a shrill ball-cutting harridan. They didn’t make her that in the movie either. She actually LIKED Mario and was affectionate towards him! Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that.
Well said. I've been reflecting deeply on the type of stories I love to consume. Reading some of the golden age fantasy/adventure pulps these last few years really inspires my writing. Good old fashioned fun never goes out of style.
Excellent post - and thanks for the shout out - an unexpected surprise!
I think the success of Top Gun: Maverick, Puss in Boots 2, Mario, and even Avatar 2 (heavy emphasis on family in the latter) has been a wake up call for Hollywood to start investing more in (*sigh*) non-woke films. Sure, Disney will still keep running itself into the ground with Marvel madness and Indiana Jones 5, but diminishing returns for the latter films should hopefully seal their fate.
Me, I doubt Hollywood will learn. It’ll always be propped up to weather any financial loss. The message is all that matters. I think the best we can do is foster competition so people have choices of where to devote their money and attention.
I'm glad that productions like this and Top Gun: Maverick are getting made because it becomes crystal clear that the appetite is more than wetted for classic stories and narratives of heroism; they've never gone away.
I'm sitting on seven potential children's properties atm, with at least one I know I want made, and the core tenant across all is being approachable and direct. Miracle what you can do with honorable characterizations and a sense of right and wrong. Crazy stuff lol.
These universal truths speak to something in us that is spiritual, not merely intellectual. No wonder nihilists hate it.
You summed it up well, but I want to do some overkill on the “Peach was a girlboss” point to make sure it stays dead. That complaint is either a cynical product of the outrage machine or else it is rooted in lack of research.
Peach played the damsel role in games often, yes, but there is also plenty of precedent for her being a tough hero character in her own right. She’s been playable as far back as Mario Bros 2, was an endgame character in Mario RPG, kept up with the boys in all the sports games, and was the protagonist of her own game on the DS.
Anyone saying “ugh they RUINED Peach by making her a GIRLBOSS FEMINIST in this movie” is either preying on the ignorance of their audience or doesn’t know what they are talking about.
Spot on. Peach has always been an integral part of the Mario mythos, such as it is, and she’s never ever been a shrill ball-cutting harridan. They didn’t make her that in the movie either. She actually LIKED Mario and was affectionate towards him! Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that.
I enjoyed both the Mario movie and Puss in Boots.
I have heard good things about the Puss In Boots movie. If my kids want to see it, I will not be averse.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is so good! I went with my niece and we both loved it.
I’ve seen many people say it was shockingly good.
Can confirm, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is top-tier animation. Made me feel like I was a kid.
It’s surprisingly deep too, I’ve heard.
Well said. I've been reflecting deeply on the type of stories I love to consume. Reading some of the golden age fantasy/adventure pulps these last few years really inspires my writing. Good old fashioned fun never goes out of style.
No it does not. Those hoary old tropes work for a reason, and to be truly subversive in Current Year, be sincere.
Excellent post - and thanks for the shout out - an unexpected surprise!
I think the success of Top Gun: Maverick, Puss in Boots 2, Mario, and even Avatar 2 (heavy emphasis on family in the latter) has been a wake up call for Hollywood to start investing more in (*sigh*) non-woke films. Sure, Disney will still keep running itself into the ground with Marvel madness and Indiana Jones 5, but diminishing returns for the latter films should hopefully seal their fate.
My pleasure man. Glad you liked the post.
Me, I doubt Hollywood will learn. It’ll always be propped up to weather any financial loss. The message is all that matters. I think the best we can do is foster competition so people have choices of where to devote their money and attention.