Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #4 (Year -End Post)

 

    Hello followers!!! Congratulations on making it to the end of 2020. I think it's an understatement to say that everybody is very much relieved to be just about over and done with this year because...people are just about over and done with this year. Under normal circumstances, this would be the day that I would give you 5 top five movies of the year and get you prepped and ready for the new films coming next year. However, the way the world is right now has changed a lot of what would be thought a fun-filled year at the cinema. Even now, the amount of uncertainty in the air makes the possibility of getting that event type atmosphere back pretty scarce for the time being. Don't get me wrong, I will still try to get a 2021 top 10 list to you as per usual. But for this post, I wanted to take a look back at this year and how it fundamentally changed and or could change blockbuster filmmaking going forward. 

The amount of emotional baggage that has piled up over these past 365 days has been stressful, depressing, infuriating, and just downright tiring. Despite some progress being made to get us out of the hole we are in, which is pretty encouraging, it's obvious things could take a while to get back to a sense of calm and normalcy if that is even possible anymore. One of the big things that we lost this year was the theatrical experience. After 2019 brought us so many memorable films, I and a lot of other theater dwellers were eagerly anticipating what the next crop of theatrical blockbusters had in store. Thennnnn COVID-19 happened and any and all plans for seeing movies in theaters were all but lost.

Mulan and Tenet were once looked at as the  

tentpole releases that would get us back to the theaters. 

Ultimately, Mulan streamed exclusively on Disney + 

while Tenet released to theaters as

 intended with middling box office returns. 

The pandemic's chokehold on the movie theater industry this year is pretty staggering and quite depressing. With the chaos of an unraveling world enveloping our every waking hour, it can be damaging to the psyche and the spirit to be around all that negativity for an extended period of time. The theatrical experience offers a chance to escape in the literal sense and get lost in worlds on larger than life screens. Sadly, COVID-19 hit putting any and all plans for theatrical outings on indefinite hold. Its effects are still being felt even hours before the new year rings in. The year that saw three high-profile blockbusters that were headlined by women both behind and in front of the camera (Mulan, Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow) being all but lost with one going to streaming, one releasing during the holiday season, and one ultimately pushed back to the still uncertain 2021 release calendar. Marvel Studios was depressingly MIA all year marking the first time since 2009 that the studio didn't release a tentpole film in the MCU series. In addition to that, Warner Bros Pictures sent shockwaves through the industry announcing that every film (and I mean EVERY FILM) in the studios 2021 lineup would release simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters. It's a double-edged sword to be sure. One that could have positive and negative effects moving forward. On the one hand, this ensures that all the movies in WB's lineup for next year will release on time and in theaters that are operating. Conversely, this inevitably causes a rift between the studio and the filmmakers who intended to show their projects exclusively in theaters.

Wonder Woman 1984 and Soul found themselves indirect 

competition with each other over Christmas Day. The latter garnered critical acclaim despite 

being a Disney + exclusive and the former 

released to moderately mixed reviews while also

 being the official launching pad of a slew of Warner Bros Pictures 

releasing simultaneously in theaters and the HBO Max Streaming Service. 

I for one see it from both sides. From the filmmaker's standpoint, it's a pretty rough blow to know that you set out to make a film that most people could potentially choose to see a home when you really want them to see it on the biggest screen possible. That said, some of these films that are set to come out next year cost a pretty penny, and keeping it on the shelf and or pushing it back could mean trouble down the road. Especially in a time where the industry is in a serious financial drought. If theaters are not open, streaming is the last resort to get your project out there for the world to see. A ton of the films in Warner Bros lineup (some of which will be on the top 10 tomorrow) ranges from anticipated installments of established franchises to the launch of potential new ones. A lot is riding on these movies and if a simultaneous theatrical and streaming release is the way to go, then so be it. If the film is quality, then the format shouldn't matter. 

But just to be clear, there are a bunch of movies that will debut both in theaters and via streaming that I will automatically choose to see in theaters because of the scale of the film. As they say: some movies are meant to be seen on the big screen. But the fact of the matter is, we just don't know. Hell, all of my 2021 most anticipated movies could get pushed back or sent to the streaming in just a matter of a few months. This is what 2020 has given us the most. Uncertainty, confusion, anxiety, and a new landscape to adapt to. Overall, the future seems both bleak and bright at the same time. I'm optimistic that the theatrical experience can be salvaged but I'm not oblivious to the changes that have occurred just this year alone. 2021 certainly has questions around it but hopefully, it will be the beginning of a renewed sense of security and joy not seen since the early part of 2020. 

Before I close out this post, I actually did get to see some films this year. 4 to be exact. I wanted to give you my thoughts on the cinematic experiences I did have this year despite the limited visits to a cineplex.

Pete Doctor's first film since the incredible Inside Out is a movie that has really stuck with me long after viewing. The gorgeous animation aside, the film's message about not letting the passions you want to make a living off of keep you from actually living is poignant, layered, heartfelt, and complex. Pixar always excels at blending high-quality storytelling telling with engaging nuance and this movie is no exception. A treat to watch from start to finish. 

 

Christopher Nolan's latest film was one of the most thrilling and confusing blockbusters put to screen this year. A commanding performance from John David Washington made him a star on the rise I can wait to see him light up the screen this decade and the action was bombastic and pulse-pounding even if the script made you more confused than engaged. Overall, I'm happy to say I caught this one in IMAX making the experience all the more memorable. Tenet was a great reminder of why streaming services can't match the gravitas and ambiance of the cinematic experience. 

Ironically, Onward was the first and last film I saw before COVID-19 shut down the world. A fun and heartfelt film that had plenty of laughs and a ton of heart, the movie proved to be a solid addition to the Pixar portfolio despite not quite living up to the monumental standards of its studio predecessors. Overall, this was a vibrant road trip I thoroughly enjoyed and would never be against taking again.

Wonder Woman's latest endeavor has been marred with controversy over the past few days. Whether it's a genuine dislike for the overall product or people unfairly holding it up to the standard of its genre-breaking predecessor, I appreciate Wonder Woman 1984 for what it is: a fun, vibrant, and surprisingly emotional follow-up to the 2017 blockbuster. Gal Gadot continues to shine as the DC cinematic franchise's brightest star and exudes the swagger and confidence fit for a leading lady. It is in no way a perfect film or sequel. But it's the type of escapist outing that is both welcome and needed. 

Despite the difficult year it has been, I’m still thankful that we were able to get through it all. I've never been more ready to turn the page and start anew. Until we see each other in the new year, have a wonderful and safe NYE!!!

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #3

Life and Purpose

A Deeper Look At The Layered Nuance of Pixar's Soul

By: Brandon Porter

    In the midst of this unprecedented global pandemic, a lot of people have been pondering what truly matters in the life that they live. What is my purpose? Does my life have meaning?, Am I living my life to the fullest? These questions seem to be cropping up more and more when you have had plenty of time to isolate, quarantine, and reflect while also protecting yourself from the dangers of COVID-19. It also is the emotional backbone of Disney & Pixar's latest cinematic outing Soul. Watching this wonderfully crafted film and reflecting on its after-effects of its messaging caused me to seriously consider how I look at the idea of purpose and how it can be both beneficial and detrimental to life and how someone lives it. We can evaluate this by looking at Joe Gardner, played by Jaime Foxx, and how he is living his life. 

Joe is one passionate guy. He loves music especially jazz and believes it is the reason he's been put on this earth. It's what drives him, it's what wakes him up every morning, it's the thing he "believes" gives his life meaning. It's always awesome when someone finds something that makes them happy and inspires them to move forward in life. But what happens when passion and purpose become a potentially poisonous and even destructive tool that keeps us chained down and not getting the most out of life. Now to clarify, Joe's passion is his greatest strength and it's the thing that makes him a character that you genuinely root for. It can be found in how he interacts with the people around him. Despite him not having an interest in teaching full time due to his ambitions, you can feel his excitement when one of his students starts to really feel and get lost in the music. He goes out of his way to share his passion with his students whether they are motivated or not. When he plays and he gets in the zone, his students start to perk up, they start listening more intently, they ingest his devotion and love for the arts. It's a quality that true teachers possess and separates them from those just coasting to get a paycheck. 

Despite him having a terrific ability to inspire his students, he is still fixated on his dream of becoming a world-famous jazz musician. There is nothing wrong with that at all. But once we get deeper into the film, the problematic elements start to come to the surface. When he dies and goes to the great before, we get a clearer picture of how he is living his life or rather how little he's actually living his life. He is so fixated on the endgame ahead that he hasn't made time to truly enjoy little things that balance out disappointment, failure, or even mediocrity. No romantic relationships, no life outside of music, a constant obsession with his passion. It's hard to establish deep relationships with people when you always seem to talk so much about what you know most about as shown with his visit to the barbershop. It's good to talk about what you love with people who share the same interest. But sometimes, nuance in conversations strengthen relationships and make you more layered and complex.

But the real question comes when Joe finally gets the gig of his dreams and knocks it out of the park. He is excited about the future now that he believes his life has officially begun. Then reality hits him when he realizes that his future in this new career endeavor is...doing the same thing over again. It's a real turning point for Joe as he comes to the realization that even his passion for jazz was his life, he wasn't truly living his life. This brings up my ultimate question. What happens when the passion that we want to make a living out of keeps us from actually living? What happens when the things we love take over our overall being to where there isn't much room for anything else? What happens to us? It's the questions that I continue to contemplate even after seeing the film. It's the overall message of the movie and why the film has stuck with me after the credits roll.

Look at some of the most famous people in the world. You may look at them excel at an activity and the word that you say is: "He was born to do this." That is an encouraging statement to make about someone who genuinely loves what they do. But what if the thing that you claim they were born to do is all they want to do or believe they should. Think about any professional athlete or, in Joe's case, musician. They live and breathe their craft and don't leave room for anything else. This can be problematic especially when they reach the peak of their careers and gathered up all the accolades possible for their genre or profession. For example, an NBA player lives and breathes basketball. He is so good at it and it's the thing he thinks about when he wakes up and when he falls asleep. He's locked in and focused on just improving his game and doesn't leave room for much else. No family, no relationships, no social interactions, no sense of purpose besides basketball. He gathers up all the accolades possible. All the rings, all the trophies, all the records. Once he gets to the end of his career, he looks around and realizes...his life had no meaning besides playing with that little orange ball. He has little to no connection with his family, he can't hold a conversation without bringing up basketball, he can't maintain a relationship, he doesn't really have friends, and he just stays in the gym, works, plays, goes home, and does it all again the next morning. Now for some, this could work to keep them out of trouble because things like family and friends can impede your progression especially if they aren't bringing value to the relationship. But life needs to be more than the passion you want to turn into a living. As Joe learns, it's the little things that give life meaning. Spending time with his father, passionately teaching his students, enjoying a nice piece of pie or pizza, loving his mother, enjoying a nice cool breeze. His journey with 22 makes him realize the things that give life meaning are the little things we take for granted. Actually living every day to the fullest and being content with outcomes. You'll have good days and bad days. But tomorrow is a fresh start and an opportunity to do be. 

By the end of Soul, Joe gets a second chance to live life but this time he'll do it without letting his passion overtake his life. It's a message that couldn't be more timely as we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of this pandemic for the remaining days of 2020 and into 2021. So many people could be questioning what their purpose is and making adjustments to be sure they get the most out of the time on earth they have left. It could be career changes, disconnecting from people who don't bring value to your life, or simply devoting more time to family and personal health. Your dreams are valid & your passion should be fed, celebrated, and shared. But make sure you balance it out with the beauty of the little things to truly transform your life into something it was always meant to be...worth living.

Re-Porter Blog: Star Wars The Force Awakens 5th Anniversary Special

Hey followers. Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this difficult year and holiday season. Today is going to be a special post for several reasons. I wanted to talk a little bit about Star Wars although we are not getting a Star Wars movie in December this year (or the next 3 years for that matter). For those who don’t who (or do know but decided to not acknowledge it for...reasons), today marks the 5^th anniversary of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. It was one of the many defining events of the past decade of pop culture and ushered in a new era for the beloved saga. I wanted to take this opportunity to express why I love this Star Wars film and why I have a love for this particular era of Star Wars. Now full disclaimer, I’m not oblivious to the climate of Star Wars fandom right now when it comes to these movies. I know that the sequel trilogy is pretty much destined to be labeled as the franchise bastard child for the next decade or two much to my sadness. I’m not looking for a debate on quality or minutiae, I’m not looking to be questioned whether I or anyone else is a real fan, a corporate shill, or an SJW, and I’m not looking to be the subject of some cynical “pop culture” expert’s psych evaluation because I like a certain piece of a series that he or she dislikes. If that is why you are here, sorry to say you will not find any of that in this post. Trust me, you have a plethora of options to experience that type of content on other platforms if that is what you are looking for. The TRUE goal of this post is to, like every other fan of this saga, express why these films and the stories told have meant so much to my personal Star Wars fandom. I apologize in advance for the length but let’s jump in.

Looking back on the hype leading up to The Force Awakens, my Star Wars fandom was strong but not like it is now. Star Wars: The Clone Wars came out at a time when my attention and passion was diverted elsewhere, the prequels appeal had severally faded as the trilogy's problems became more apparent, and my desire to dive into the series was regulated to just watching the original trilogy and not diving into comics and books. Throughout the film's promotional period, I was excited about it in every way, shape, or form. Meeting new characters who would soon become some of my favorites in the saga, seeing old friends who hadn't missed a step since we last saw them, fun humor, fast-paced action, dark and emotional moments, chill-inducing scenes that still resonate to this day, and just an overall good time at the movies. Once I experienced it for myself, the film lived up to my expectations of both being a fun and engaging Star Wars film and a terrific reentry point into the franchise. 

Once the film was over, I found myself so invested in where the story was potentially going and where the characters would go next. Credit goes to director JJ Abrams for delivering big-time despite initial hesitation about taking the job. To be totally honest and to his credit, I admire anyone who says yes to the task of doing a Star Wars movie given the huge amount of responsibility (and baggage) that comes with it. In Abrams' case, he would be either the craziest person alive to say that he will do a Star Wars movie or he'd be the craziest and dumbest person alive to turn it down knowing how much of a fan he is. Fortunately, he chose the former and did a hell of a job delivering a quality experience with a talented group of actors. 

Speaking of actors, how can I talk about this movie without acknowledging the incredible trio who brought characters into my life that are now among my favorites in the saga. John Boyega, Oscar Issac, and Daisy Ridley brought heart, humor, emotion, and swagger to this trilogy and created one the best trios I've seen since the original 3. John Boyega had star potential from the moment he came into the limelight and his connection to the fans made him an instant favorite. Oscar's veteran presence allowed him to bring prestige and charm to the role of Poe Dameron turning him into one of my favorite characters in Star Wars. As for Daisy, her quiet strength, humility, and megawatt smile lit up every room she was in making her a beacon of light for a new generation of female Star Wars fans. The characters they portray also leave a strong impact on me as well. Finn's journey from a man who wants to run to liberator for the oppressed is inspiring and powerful, Poe's journey is filled with valuable lessons about the distinct differences between leaders and heroes, and Rey's arc shows the importance of not being defined by who you share blood with and how your actions in the here and now will take you further than your name will. Rey, Finn, and Poe are characters I've had the pleasure of getting to know and connect with and I'm forever grateful to John, Oscar, and Daisy for gifting them to me. 

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't bring up BB-8. The lovable rolling droid who set the fandom on fire from the moment he rolled out at Star Wars Celebration 5 years ago. Rarely does a character come along that you love before the movie comes out and end up loving even more afterward? From how he talks, his movements, to this scene here...

BB-8 is a joy to watch and he instantly became one of my favorite droids in Star Wars. 

But if we're gonna talk about heroes, we gotta talk about villains as well. You wanna talk about making a freaking statement out of the gate, Kylo Ren did so within his first 3 minutes on screen. Adam Driver deserves all the credit in the world for delivering such a complex and layered antagonist and playing him with such intensity and physicality. Impulsive and violent when unfocused yet precise and unpredictable when calm and collected, Kylo Ren's inner instability makes you question his every move and motive. What makes him even more dangerous and threatening is that you don't know what he is going to do until it's already done. You can't read his face and you have no idea what his intentions are until the blood has spilled. A villain worthy of being in the conversation for sure as one of the best in the saga. 

The Force Awakens also gave me some of the most memorable moments of the saga. The birth of Finn and Poe's relationship via escape from the Star Destroyer is iconic in every sense of the word and has resulted in them becoming one of my all-time favorite duos in the saga. The friendship of Finn and Rey is sweet, emotional, and based on an understanding that they both want to find their place in the world. The sequence of resistance X-Wings flying over the waters of Takodana with John Williams Resistance March score blasting never fails to make me shiver with glee, Kylo Ren stopping the blaster bolt and Poe at the same time never fails to be awesome, Han and Chewie back on-screen are like the biggest hug ever for any Star Wars fans, the Jakku chase sequence with The Millennium Falcon, Rey's pulling the lightsaber to her, Finn's epic duel with the riot trooper and so many more make this a Star Wars movie I can't help but love. I could literally go on and on about how much this film means to me as it came at a time where I didn't think Star Wars would be as strong as it was back in my childhood. 

 I truly owe a lot to Episode 7 and its following installments for allowing me to do things Star Wars related I never thought of doing before. Over the course of the trilogy's run, my personal fandom started to grow and evolve. For the first time ever, I was actively looking to dive into stories outside of the movies. A practice I never considered doing in previous years. For the first time in my life, Star Wars could give me an unforgettable experience in places other than the theater. I credit it for motivating me to watch and be immersed in Star Wars Rebels which is now my favorite animated series in the saga. I went to Star Wars Weekends for the first time allowing me to mingle with fellow Star Wars fans, I read terrific novels and comics in the new canon some of which are among my favorites in the series, and I took a leap of faith and attended my first Star Wars Celebration and D23 Expo. These movies allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and connect with this franchise as I never have before. The Force Awakens wasn't my first step into a larger world. It was my first step into my re-entry and resurgent return as a Star Wars fan. Despite all of the discussions and debates about how everything went or should have gone, I hold these movies, their characters, and the stories that were told high as the best Star Wars trilogy since the Original. Each film changed how I will look at Star Wars down the road. Force Awakens showed me that the series can still be as relevant and impactful in this ever changing Hollywood landscape, The Last Jedi taught me to look deeper and never look at things from a surface level/face value perspective, and The Rise of Skywalker reminded me to quit sweating the intricacies and minute details and just be in the moment with the characters. All three may not be perfect, but they are among my favorites in the saga and will remain there for the foreseeable future. 

But as for Episode 7 and my connection with it, this movie brought Star Wars back into my life in a big way and I'm forever grateful for the memories it has given me. The fan I am now is due to this movie that had all odds stacked against it and became a generational lightning rod that introduced millions of people to a galaxy far, far away and welcomed older fans back into the fold. 5 years later, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a cinematic experience I cherish to this day that continues to thrill and excite me. A movie that proves to all that the force hasn't just awakened, it has never been stronger.  

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #2

Sand Trials

A Closer Look at Warner Bros' Large Scale Sci-fi Epic & Gamble 

by: Brandon Porter

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer." 

    That simple quote seems to speak volumes to an entire nation and world dealing with the continued calamity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of the unknown, fear that things will get worse, fear that things won't change, fear that things will change, fear of what the next chapter of all of our lives holds. Fear can make us act irrationally and impulsively causing us to descend deeper into self-doubt and anguish. How we chose to confront fear shapes us into the people we are destined to be. Therefore, It's no wonder that this quote is one of the many moments in the trailer for Denis Villeneuve's Dune that leaves an impression for what is shaping up to be the year's most anticipated epic of 2020. With summer pretty much wrapped up, fall and winter are prepping to conclude the year that has been littered with uncertainty and its fair share of tragedy. Bestowed the honor of being the year's holiday cinematic epic, Dune comes into the spotlight as a highly anticipated event while also facing a particularly challenging road of obstacles in its quest to the silver screen.   

For some added context, I'm not familiar with the literary source material. But over the last few years, I've gotten to know a little bit about the series' cult following and how David Lynch's adaptation from 1984 has a lot to do with the anticipation of this new update. So from my perspective, I am treating this as the arrival of a brand new ambitious IP and a potential new franchise from one of the powerhouse studios in Hollywood. That in itself gives this film a pretty steep hill to climb. Introducing a new franchise to cinematic audiences is hard enough. Doing it in the midst of a global pandemic makes the task all the more challenging. That said, the team that Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures have assembled for this film could be what is required to stick the landing.  

Starting at the top, if anyone is more than equipped to handle a film of this magnitude, this scale, and with this cast (trust me, more on them in a minute), it's director Denis Villeneuve. Speaking on Villeneuve as a filmmaker, his resume speaks for itself. Sicario, Prisoners, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049 are some of his most notable and acclaimed works. His attention to detail and passion for his craft has made him one of the most reliable directors in the industry. So it should make fans of the series and those familiar with his work excited that he sees Dune a passion project. A fan of the novel since he was a teenager, Villeneuve sees this as an opportunity to craft an adaptation of the 1965 novel that honors the source material while bringing in new fans as well. The movie will only be as good as the work that the director puts into it and lucky for Dune they got a director with a passion for the source material and an eye for detail. 

Besides the director, this film has arguably one of the most incredibly stacked casts I've seen for a film this whole year. To say that the talent is impeccable would undercut the sheer scope of this loaded roster of actors and actresses. The list itself is almost impossible to not faint over. A plethora of young up and coming talent as well as seasoned veterans round out the on-screen players. Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet leads the pack as the protagonist Paul Atreides with Josh Brolin, Oscar Issac, Rebecca Ferguson as Gurney Halleck, Duke Leto Atreides, and Lady Jessica respectively. Additionally, Zendaya Coleman, Jason Mamoa, Javier Bardem, Dave Batista, Stellan Skarsgård, David Dastmalchian, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster round out the collection of talent billed to light up the screen. Directing a cast this size is a big task in itself. But Villeneuve has proven he can handle the challenge and do it with grace and ease. So you have the director, the cast, one of the best composers in Hans Zimmer doing the score, and all the pieces in place to make this a hit. Unfortunately, current circumstances could derail not just the box office haul but the appeal for the general audience to make the trip to see it first hand.

COVID-19 has put Hollywood in a state of emergency that has left a gaping hole in a large chunk of the year. The summer movie season was all but completely wiped out with various theaters shut down since mid-March. Even now with theaters reopening, the amount of unknown still lingering in the air puts the rest of this year and possibly the next few years into question. For Dune, this creates a variety of obstacles that Villeneuve and company will have to overcome. It's already hard enough to not know if your film will even make it to theaters this year but now you have to couple that with the fact that you're the new kid on the block in a market of giants. Disney, Universal, and Paramount all have mega franchises that bring in billions in box office revenue year after year. Warner Bros has its share of franchises and is credited with delivering the first blockbuster to theaters in COVID-19 with the release of Tenet this past weekend. So for them, introducing a new franchise during one of the most important release periods of the year is the right move to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, during a tumultuous year where the studio's competition is pulling out or pushing back its heavyweight IPs, Dune has enough of a cult following and possibly enough intrigue in place to get the general audiences' attention. I'm hoping the film ends up being more of a rebooted Planet of the Apes type of reception and doesn't end up like Warner Bros' other attempt at a sci-fi franchise-starter Jupiter Ascending. 

Dune is an ambitious gamble for the studio and one that honestly has more risk of hurting all parties involved if things go south in the coming months. The 2020 box office is set to have a record low yearly total and it is uncertain when things will get back to normal. So the team for Dune has a lot of decisions to make and a lot of work to do to try and convince moviegoers to experience a film they deem to be the must see event in December. Sure, they can push the film back a year or two. But 2021, 2022, and 2023 are starting to get crowded with the studios prepping to get their theatrical mojo back. Now might be Dune's only chance to get a foothold in popular culture and establish itself as a giant in the genre. There is no doubt that the film will have an uphill battle when it comes to being a worthy spectacle for the end of the year. But the quality of the product and good word of mouth could be just what the film needs to make the climb.

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #1

A True Big Deal In The Resistance

In Response To John Boyega and Finn's Impact on The Sequel Trilogy & Star Wars

By Brandon Porter

    We all have moments where we feel our actions and hard work are not rewarded or recognized. Like we are led to believe we are destined for something great and because it doesn't happen the way we envision it, we feel like our time and energy has been wasted. To me, this is the danger of taking things at face value. So caught up in surface-level thinking we don't truly see the beauty of what we create or help build. To add a little bit of context to this intro, a GQ interview was published earlier this week that featured John Boyega, star of Star Wars Episodes 7 through 9, expressing his view on his role in the closing trilogy of The Skywalker Saga. What was said in the article was raw, unfiltered, uncensored, and brutally honest. I won't go into too much detail but from my account, his view is he feels his character's story was pushed to the side and wasn't important to the overall narrative. Other things came up like the notion that the new Star Wars trilogy dropped the ball on the representation of people of color and sidelined those same people's characters for the nuanced characters with lighter pigmentations. While I got plenty of opinions on that topic, for the sake of time (and personal sanity) I'm leaving that alone. One quote from John that really stuck with me and quite frankly hurt me was when he mentions that you shouldn't market a black character as important and then just push them aside. When I read that quote, I was partly hurt that he felt that way but also puzzled that he feels like he was just tossed to the side when his character's story, now looking at it as a whole, is actually pretty inspiring and engaging at least for me.

Let me first emphasize that John Boyega is one of my favorite actors in the business. It's hard not to be in awe of this dude's swagger, poise, and personality. A class act in every sense of the word who deserves every blessing that comes his way. That is what makes this entire article both eye-opening and a bit upsetting. Boyega should definitely be applauded for having the guts to speak his mind without fear of potentially being blackballed in the industry. Not a lot of actors or actresses of color could do that. But the question I raise is...Were me and John watching the same movie? Right from the jump, I was intrigued by the character of Finn. What was he doing in a stormtrooper outfit? Is he a spy? A deserter? a man running from duty? The fact that he is played by someone of African/African-American descent was just a bonus. I try my best to not look at things through a racial lens when it comes to films because it just creates a mental conundrum that kills what is supposed to be a fun time at the movies. Plus, looking at things through a racial lens opens doors for vitriolic and nasty verbal confrontations.



Getting to know who John was before I saw him on screen made me more excited to see him play a character in a franchise I've loved since childhood. When I finally saw him as Finn in The Force Awakens, I was incredibly interested in where his story would go in the latter two installments. As the series progressed, I put together all the pieces and find his story quite uplifting and filled with hope. Let's start from the beginning. Finn's biggest desire in Episode VII is to escape the first order. To run from the entity that stole his old life from him, brainwashed him, and turned him into an obedient weapon of war. He wants out of the life he's been forced to live. He's a child with no home, no identity, no name. Just a number with a blaster and orders. Once he rescues Poe, he starts to kind of craft his own personality and identity. It all starts with Poe dubbing him Finn, the first time he had something of his own in years. Over the course of his story, he still has that selfish desire to run away and disappear but circumstances change him for the better.

On multiple occasions, Finn proves he's more valuable standing up and fighting than running. He starts to see that running from the problems of the world is just as bad as contributing to them. A lesson he learned first hand in The Last Jedi after seeing DJ sell out the Resistance survivors to save his own skin. That lesson among others is the main reason why Finn isn't just a great Star Wars character, he is an example of the power one can have when they stop running and start fighting for the good of others. It's what kept him alive in his battle with the riot trooper, it's what gave him the edge over Phasma, and it's what turned him into a beacon of leadership for the Resistance as he led his regime to victory as a general in the Battle of Exogol in Episode IX. It's an arc that may not have the intended impact that some wanted but for me, it is an arc with moments I appreciate more and more as the days go by.

One example, in particular, is this scene from The Rise of Skywalker

When I saw this scene in the theater, It became one of my favorite moments of the movie and possibly the entire saga. Finn and Jannah back to back. Both were taken from their homes, both made to serve an oppressive establishment, both broke free, both forged a new identity and both are now leading an ARMY against the very establishment that took so much from them to ensure future generations won't suffer what they have suffered, and both...look like me. For me, this was one of the most pro-black moments in Star Wars history and no one talks about it. Think about it: two BLACK characters leading an entire army against an oppressive regime in an effort to prevent future children from suffering the same psychological torture they went through. What is there not to love about this sequence and it's symbolism? I had the biggest "hell yeah" face on when this happened and this was one example of why Finn is one of my favorite characters in the new trilogy.

It's a feeling that I didn't think I would get watching a Star Wars film but it is one I am overjoyed to have. This is why it puzzles me that John feels like he was pushed aside like he does. Trust me, if he was truly pushed aside he would not have made it past Episode VIII but that's just me. To clarify, John has every right to feel the way he does and say what he wants about how things went down. But what I would say to him if I could is this: Just because YOU feel your character wasn't important or impactful doesn't mean he wasn't. Finn's story may not be as "nuanced" as Rey or Kylo Ren's but it's still is a full arc of a man who once wanted to run from the problems of the world choose to stand up and secure a better future for those who will come after him. 

I would argue that despite what John, critics, analysts, and fans have to say, Finn, to me, is a Star Wars character I am personally really connecting to more and more as the months past since the trilogy's conclusion. Not just because he's played by someone black. But because I see the overall value in the story that was given instead of harping on what could have or should have been. You can go on and on about execution or think I'm making excuses cause I like a series of movies that you don't. But in this Star Wars fan's humble opinion and it is an opinion, I'm certain that when the current and future generations who are gonna grow up with these movies start to have a voice, some will see John's performance, his character, these movies, and his story the way I see it now...A big deal.

Re-Porter Blog Special Post

A Retrospective By Brandon Porter

    Long time no see followers. Hope everyone is doing well during these crazy times we are living in right now. As you might have noticed, the 2020 summer movie season didn't quite go as planned. In fact, we didn't have one at all. The majority of the big-time releases that were supposed to debut this summer or in the coming months have either been pushed back or forgone a theatrical release altogether and debuted on direct-to-consumer platforms. It's been a real bummer not being in a movie theater for the majority of the year and there is still a lot of uncertainty in the air moving forward. However, the past few weeks saw several theaters start to open back up with updated safety protocols in place to keep moviegoers safe from COVID-19. This is great news for me and others starving for that theatrical experience again but it also makes me nervous about the slippery slope theater chains are walking on to maintain the survivability of their industry.

Once looked at as the year's most anticipated cinematic event,
Niki Caro's live-action Mulan now faces a new set challenges
as it prepares to forgo theaters and premiere on
Disney's much-acclaimed streaming service  

I'll be honest with you guys. As much as I am happy to see movie theaters reopen for business, the road to get here has been rocky, to say the least. The tug of war between studios and the chains that showcase their products, the constant delays that are now starting to affect the next ten years of filmmaking, and we can't forget about all the civil unrest in various parts of the world. This is truly an unprecedented time that no one saw coming and nobody was truly prepared for. It has been especially hard for people who rely on the moviegoing experience as a source for escapism as I do. Not being able to sit down in a large auditorium and get lost in epic stories and characters has been pretty rough on my mental health especially in an age where the internet and social media have become this entity of bitterness, vitriol, and just straight-up bogus nonsense.

Christopher Nolan's ambitious sci-fi thriller now is
looked at by many as the jumping-off point
for restarting the cinematic box office.

All that aside, the fact that the blockbuster films will start returning to cinemas as early as today with the release of Christopher Nolan's Tenet has me excited that I'll be able to get that immersive movie theater experience again. Unfortunately, some considerable damage has been done to the 2020 box office and its film lineup as well. For instance, today also marks the long-awaited release of Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan. What was once looked at as one of the must-see films of the year will now reach audiences not from an auditorium with booming surround sound and reclining seats, but from the comfort of people's own homes. Prior to now, both Tenet and Mulan were seen as the supposed saviors of a summer movie season that was pretty much DOA. However, Disney made the decision to release one of it's most ambitious (and expensive) films to its popular streaming service Disney +. The move sent shockwaves through the industry as many saw this as not just bold but potentially telling about how things might go moving forward.

After a plethora of delays, DC and Warner Bros are finally looking
to release their anticipated sequel Wonder Woman 1984 this October.

Let's not beat around the bush, going to the movies, especially with a large group of friends or family, can be an incredibly stressful time on the wallet. Theater chains haven't made it that much easier with increasing prices year by year. Streaming services delivering quality content for fractions of the price make staying at home a much more affordable, convenient, and in this case safer option. Mulan moving to Disney + might actually be just a one-off move but it's something to pay attention to now that the possibility of big-budget, large scale blockbuster films coming directly to the consumer is being tested. That said, studios like Disney, Warner Bros, Universal, and Paramount have not given up on the movie-going experience. Despite the beating, the 2020 spring and summer box office took, fall and winter may point to maybe not a complete resurgence but a jumping-off point in starting up a car that has been collecting dust for the majority of the calendar year.

In a scenario almost unheard of since 2010 to 2012, Marvel Studios'
Black Widow film will be the sole theatrical release for the
Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2020.

Tenet finally arriving in theaters is just the beginning. Over the next few months, big-time movies will start arriving in cineplexes across the country allowing a chance for more people to get that theatrical experience they have longed for since before the pandemic. October sees the release of DC's Wonder Woman 1984, Universal's remake of Candyman, and Kenneth Branagh's Death on the Nile, the sequel to 2017s Murder on the Orient Express. November starts the holiday movie season and for the most part, it remains relatively intact. Things start off on November 6th with the release of Marvel's only movie this year Black Widow. Yes, you read that right. After years of 2 to 3 movies from the shared heroverse, circumstances have the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the only film releasing this year from the studio. A scenario not seen since the release of 2010's Iron Man 2 and 2012's The Avengers. November also sees the release of the latest installment of the 007 series No Time to Die and Pixar's latest potential masterpiece Soul starring Jamie Foxx. Rounding out the year for December will be 20th Century Studios' Free Guy starring Ryan Reynolds. The week prior to Christmas has heavy hitters all around. The much-anticipated sequel to Eddie Murphy's beloved 1980s classic Coming 2 America, Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story, and Denis Villeneuve's ambitiously large scale adaptation of Dune, based on the novel by Frank Hubert.

Denis Villeneuve's ambition adaptation of Frank Hubert's 
acclaimed novel will serve as one of the
year's tentpole holiday year-end epics.

Despite all that I just mentioned, every single theatrical movie release after labor day is going to have to have a giant asterisk on it. There is still so much uncertainty in the air and everything could go sideways in a matter of days or even after this post is published. I'm hoping that won't be the case. I pray we will be able to see all of these films and the ones next year and the year after without fear of contracting a dangerous disease. I truly missed not writing reviews for you all and sharing all that the summer movie season has to offer. In an alternate timeline, I would have been preparing my summer movie awards and wrapping up the season until next year. But that isn't the case right now. I look forward to seeing things get back to normal in more ways than one. Who knows. It may start tonight. Thanks for sticking with me as I shake the cobwebs off and get back to writing. Look forward to being in the cinemas with you all again soon. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Re-Porter Blog: Top 10 Upcoming Films for 2020

Happy New Year Followers!!! Welcome to the start of a new decade!!! 2020 will see many films lighting up the screen and taking audiences on a wild ride through different worlds as they encounter different characters, villains, and heroes alike. Let's start the year right by going over the must see films and big storylines heading into this year.

Potential Storylines for 2020

The ladies are here to rock the silver screen!!! Three of the biggest and most anticipated films of this year will star a female actress in the lead role. Female representation is always a strong point, but this is the first time I can say that the trend is the center of attention this year. Gal Gadot, Lui Yefei, and Scarlett Johansson will look to lead their respective films to global domination both in culture and box office. Girls' night out is about to be lit!!!

Some seasoned veterans return to their iconic roles for one last hurrah. Daniel Craig prepares to say goodbye to the character of James Bond with the 007 installment No Time To Die. Then, Tom Cruise returns to the danger zone in the high octane sequel to the 1980s classic in Top Gun: Maverick. 2 amazing actors, 2 big flicks, one last ride.

Animation will be on full display throughout the year with Disney, Warner Animation Group, & Nickelodeon Movies will give fans a plethora of fun movies that will be fun for the whole family. The little ones will have plenty to look forward to over the next 365 days.

Now Let's Get Start This New Decade Off Right By Going Over My Top 10 Must-See Flicks for 2020

#➊

Cometh of Age

It's an awesome time when your children become of age and have that desire to explore and see the world. For Ian and Barley, their chance arrives when they embark on a mystical quest via...ROOOOOAAADDD TRRIIIPPP!!!! Pixar Animation Studios brings you a new take on the fairy tale fantasy genre where the elements of the fantasy realm are modernized to reflect society today. Chris Pratt and Tom Holland star in this magical adventure that will send them on a cross country trek to reconnect with each other and their once broken family. Witness a quest that would make merlin howl when Onward hit theaters early March.

Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➋

Honor to All

There are many figures that history remembers. Then there are legends that define strength, bravery, and sacrifice. Hua Mulan risked everything to protect those she loved and became one of China's most beloved heroines. Walt Disney Pictures prepares to bring the 1998 classic film to life in a whole new way. The story of one of the bravest heroes in the history of China comes to life like never before when Mulan arrives in cinemas on March 27th.



Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➌

Ledger of Red

Natasha Romanoff has always had a shaky history. Though she has gone straight an become a loyal member of the Avengers, there is still a part of her life that still haunts her. Determined to close a chapter of her life that continues to linger, Natasha teams with her old family to right some wrongs and start fresh. Marvel Studios prepares to kick start summer right with the long-overdue solo film starring one of the original members of the Avengers. Some red is about to be cleared from the ledger when Black Widow comes to cinemas on May 1st.


Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➍

Jinkie With It

You know his name. You know his laugh. You know his friends. But you've never seen Scooby-Doo like this. Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, Daphne and Velma are back on the big screen for an all-new adventure that also happens to be the first installment of the Hannah-Barbara Animated Shared Universe. Scares and Laughs will be aplenty when the origin of the Mystery Inc kick starts a new era when Scoob! hits theaters this summer.




Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➎

No Slowing Down


Guess who's back for more!!! Dom and company have returned for an all-new adventure this time with some returning enemies and new allies. Justin Lin of Tokyo Drift, Fast and Furious, Fast Five, and Furious 6 comes back to the director's chair to give fans the next chapter in the Fast and Furious franchise. Buckle up and get ready for mayhem to the 9th degree when Fast and Furious 9 arrives in theaters Memorial Day Weekend.







#➏

Golden Goddess

It's lonely out here in the world when your one true love is nowhere to be found. Diana is still fighting the good fight but she longs for connection ever since her lover Steve Trevor sacrificed himself to save the world. But a new threat emerges that requires her attention and it will take all the help she can get from trustworthy allies...even if that ally is Steve Trevor himself. Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins return to bring back the DC universe's crowd-pleasing hero in the sequel to the 2017 phenomenon. the pride of Themiscyra is back for more when Wonder Woman 1984 hits theaters in early June.




Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➐

Soulful Nature


Everyone has a higher calling in something. Your purpose is defined by your belief that everything you do has a set path for you to walk no matter how difficult the journey may be. But sometimes life takes you in directions you don't expect or anticipate. In those moments, will you stumble and fall or become better than you originally imagined? Pixar aims to deliver another heartfelt story that has that authentic feeling and emotional reverence they are so good at conveying. Jaime Foxx leads an all-star cast in what is sure to be the must-see animated film of the year. Find your voice and sing your own tune when Soul hits theaters on June 19th.



Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➑

Time and Pace

Christopher Nolan is a master of the art of mixing complexity with large scale action and scope. He makes films that feel big even without the use of constant action and visceral adrenaline. His name alone is guaranteed to drive audiences to the theater. That's why his latest film is such an anticipated event this summer. A twisty sci-fi action thriller that is equal parts adrenaline rush and mind trip. An all-star cast led by John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki is a sure-fire promise that this is a cinematic event not to be missed. Time will be an ally and an enemy when Tenet hits theaters on July 17th.


Check Out The Latest Official Trailer

#➒

Giants Slayers

What more can be said? The title speaks for itself. Two icons, two forces of nature, two titans vying for dominance..finally brought together. The Legendary Monsterverse brings two of its biggest stars together for what is sure to a can't miss brawl for it all. The monster fight of the century arrives in time for the holidays when Godzilla vs Kong hits theaters on November 20th.





#𝟏𝟎

End To End

Marvel Studios tends to pride itself on introducing new worlds, new concepts, and new characters. After Black Widow, Marvel Phase 4 kicks into high gear with an all-new adventure featuring a can't miss ensemble. Brian Tyree Henry, Selma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kit Harrington, and Kumail Nanjiani are just a handful of the talent on display for this epic-scale adventure that will take us into the further unknown realms of the MCU. The universe gets a whole lot bigger when The Eternals arrives in theaters on November 6th.

Big things coming our way in the first year of the new decade. Be on the lookout for these films and more throughout the calendar year. Have an awesome hump day followers and welcome to the new year!!!!