Re-Porter Blog: 2021 Year End Special

 

Hey there followers. Well, another year is about to be in the books. It has been quite an eventful year that has had its ups and downs but through and through we made it another 365 days. As the clock whines down on 2021 and gets ready to usher us into the next year of the 2020s, I wanted to take a moment to look back on the year at the cinema and the incredible silver screen escapades that defined the past 52 weeks. 

Despite the unfortunate reality of still living in the COVID-19 era, 2021 was a real bright spot for the theater industry and moviegoers alike. Seeing theaters filled to near capacity was such a welcome sight for an industry that has been starving for relevancy for an entire year and a half. It’s one of the first forms of life we’ve seen from the cinema industry in this new decade culminating in our first billion-dollar movie of the 2020s. Though there is still a long way to go for the industry to return to its former glory, if that’s even possible, it’s great to know that so many people still value going to the movies.

Representation is such a vital part of the theater-going experience. It allows for underrepresented groups to see themselves in a larger-than-life setting which can inspire their people to reach higher than they ever thought was possible. The Latino community got a triple dose of that with three high-profile blockbusters. Disney’s Encanto, Warner Bros’ In The Heights, and Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story beautifully captured the essence of Latino culture and may have also started the superstar career of several up-and-coming performers. Another classic example of what the power of seeing yourself represented on screen can do for the culture.

The word “Fan Service" gets a bad rap these days. Some look at it as opportunistic pandering from studios while others see it as a means of elevating the story in a way that connects both new and established audiences. A number of films took the fan service approach and thankfully the majority of them delivered on the latter. Whether it was rectifying old mistakes made in the past or delivering something that fans have been wanting for years, these cinematic events made longtime fans of several franchises shed tears of joy as they were given something that they’ve been wanting since they were young. Fan service doesn’t always work out but when it’s done right and in a way that elevates the story on screen, it can be a terrific method of reinvigorating the world fans love so much.

Before I Announce My Top 5 Films of 2021, Here are My Honorable Mentions/Runner-Ups For This Year

Natasha Romanoff finally got her time in the sun in her very first solo outing in the Marvel cinematic universe. Filled with breakneck action, some brand new fan-favorite characters, and a thought-provoking commentary just under the surface, Black Widow was a long overdue yet welcome addition to the MCU. 

Magic and music go hand-in-hand. For the Madrigal family, that couldn’t be taken more literally. Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers a touching and vibrant story about family and the importance of the foundation you build. A terrific animated film that is an uplifting endeavor for the soul.

If I’m being totally honest, the appropriate title for this movie should’ve been "Understanding the Assignment". Adam Wingard knew exactly what to put on screen in this big one-on-one brawl for it all. It’s amazing to see a film that knows exactly the film it is it doesn’t try to be something it isn’t. Yes, movies that are thought-provoking are great. But sometimes watching a giant monkey and a fire breathing lizard beat the hell out of each other is all the entertainment one needs

Ironically, the baggage that has been piling up within the Ghostbusters fandom was one of the main reasons why I almost didn’t experience director Jason Reitman's latest addition to the series. Fortunately for me, I put all of that aside it was treated to a super fun and emotionally earnest love letter to the Ghostbusters series. Bustin is back and it feels as good as it did back in the 80s.

If you were convinced that there wasn’t a genre the cinematic legend Steven Spielberg couldn’t tackle, then his latest adaptation of the classic 1961 musical should put all of that to rest. With stunning cinematography, breathtaking dance sequences, hair-raising vocal performances, and a gritty essence that captures the spirit of the time period, West Side Story can be looked at as a terrific example of how to honor the classic while also fixing some of its overlooked and glossed over faults.

Now without further ado, here are my TOP 5 BEST MOVIES OF 2021!!!

Trust and Believe 

Disney’s 59th animated film is done on a scale that truly is a sight to behold. A large-scale fantasy adventure epic with lovable characters, tense action, hilarious moments, and an emotionally powerful message about faith and trust. Raya and the Last Dragon sets the bar high for all incoming films for Disney Animation Studios in this new decade as the mouse house’s latest Disney princess makes her mark among her royal sisterhood.

Here is Some BTS Footage

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy

When it comes to video game-centric movies, the success rate is pretty rare among some of the latest attempts. But this new take somehow made the idea worth further exploration. A surprise summer hit that came literally out of nowhere, Ryan Reynolds’ action-comedy delivered on the action and the heart in a story that has everything for nearly everybody. A welcome addition to the video game film genre that manages to show that gems can manifest with the right people involved. 

Here is Some BTS Footage

Master Of Kung Fu

The MCU brought a lot of change to its ever-going heroverse. The most significant one however was the introduction of the franchise's first Asian superhero. In a story whose roots go all the way back to the very first Iron Man, Marvel introduced us to the master of kung fu in a fun, emotionally enveloping, and breathtaking action-adventure. Though Shang-Chi’s journey is just beginning, his future in this ever-growing universe couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. 

Here is Some BTS Footage

Time and Death

With a cinematic legacy spanning 15 years, Daniel Craig ended his reign as 007 agent James Bond in explosive fashion in one of the most thrillingly satisfying conclusions to this current iteration of the character. Some welcome changes in the form of some deep narrative cuts and the introduction of some standout characters made this a showstopper of a finale. The future of James Bond is uncertain as of now, but we can look back at Craig’s run as one of the most iconic in film.

Here is Some BTS Footage

Spider-Verse Unleashed 

I really don’t even know where to start with this one. Whenever you have a movie come in with such hype, such anticipation, such unattainable expectations and still manage to deliver on that and so much more, you truly have a special type of movie that is easily one of the best of the current decade. Spider-Man‘s latest MCU endeavor turned into a cinematic experience of a lifetime thanks to unforgettable moments from current and familiar faces. The bar has been set pretty high after Spidey‘s latest swing and it will be tough to see if this will ever be topped as the ultimate Spider-Man experience.

Here is Some BTS Footage

Felt so good to see some life in the theaters again. Fingers crossed that this momentum carries over into the later years. I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve and I will see you tomorrow as we look down the road that was coming in the next chapter of the 2020s.

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #10

 

The Foundational Rebirth of House Madrigal

The Inner Workings of Disney's Encanto

By: Brandon Porter

⚠️SPOILERS FOR THE FILM ARE PRESENT IN THIS PIECE. READ WITH CAUTION ⚠️ 

    Family is something that is cherished by so many people. They can be a light in dark times and uplift us when we feel at our lowest. The best families are those that have thrived for generations because of the strong foundation that's been established by the matriarchs. But what happens when that foundation becomes dated and begins to show its age? Sometimes to the point where it starts to damage the soul of members of the family? Disney’s 60th animated film Encanto actually tries to answer this question through the trials and tribulations of the Madrigal family. What happens is a film that can serve as a commentary on generational burdens that come as a result of trying to maintain a family foundation that is quite frankly old and tired. Let’s examine the film and pinpoint the poignant message that is being said by looking at the journey of Mirabel and her family. Spoilers for the film are present past this point. You have been warned.

Since that fateful day that saw Alma Madrigal see her beloved husband Pedro murdered by savage invaders, She has been the shepherd of her family and the enchanted candle that gifted her with a magical casita and a family whose abilities make them unique. For the next fifty years, she has become the face of the family making sure everyone lives up to the standards of perfection and excellence that define the Madrigal bloodline. Everyone has a gift that betters the family and adds to its value. Whether it be shapeshifting, talking to animals, being super strong, creating flowers, or healing others, each family member's ability adds value to the foundation of house Madrigal. That brings us to our leading lady, Mirabel Madrigal

Mirabel has the interesting (and at times unfortunate) position of being the only child of the Madrigal family that doesn't have a magical gift. Though this doesn't outright make her a family pariah (we'll talk more about him later), she does seem to get singled out by a lot of the townspeople and even her own family for being the odd child that wasn't blessed with a gift. Despite all of that, she still has love for her family and uplifts them despite the fact that some of them don't do the same for her. She has ample reason to be resentful for how she is looked at by people but she maintains this strong sense of self-worth despite still feeling left out. You could say that her not having a gift makes her not have much value to the family despite her being a part of it. This is where we start to see the problematic elements of the Madrigal family foundation. 

According to the Madrigal's foundational standard, as long as you have a gift, you have value and purpose within the family. If you don't have a gift, you're looked at as less than or not an important part of the family. It may not be spelled outright, but you can see a little bit of it in the way that some of the members of Mirabel's family treat her. They see her as not just an odd child but a burden given she doesn't "contribute" like her other gifted siblings and cousins. That type of subtle psychological shunning can be detrimental to a person's self-esteem. We kind of see that anxiety about the fear of being an unimportant member of the family in Antonio before he is set to receive his gift. He knows what Mirabel went through and is scared that he may suffer the same fate if the casita doesn't gift him with an ability. But this is what is great about Mirabel. She has a love for her family that is unconditional despite the position she holds. It's the thing that makes her such a great character to root for. It's the reason why when Antonio is nervous about going to the door, he begs for Mirabel because she is that calming aura that allows him to move forward. She'll love Antonio whether he gets a gift or not. It's that mindset that will play an important role later in the story.

Antonio does get a gift and is uplifted and celebrated by the entire Madrigal family while Mirabel stands in the background looking on. It is here that Mirabel's heartbreak and sadness begin to truly manifest. She is a member of the family but because she doesn't have a gift, she might as well be just a stranger amongst her family. The problematic foundation that has been the staple of the bloodline for 5 decades starts to really show its damaging effects within Mirabel's inner brokenness due to her lack of a magical ability. This takes on a physical manifestation once the casita starts to crack and the candle begins to dim.

Once this begins, the foundational "cracks" start to show within the other members of the family. In particular, 3 members of the family. The first is seen in Luisa. We see that despite all of her physical strength, deep down she is literally "cracking" under the pressure of being the physical and mental backbone of the family. She carries so much physical and psychological weight with no room to be vulnerable that it starts to break her. All because she is terrified of letting the family down and disgracing the Madrigal name. Once she starts to lose her strength, an aura of shame washes over her and she becomes depressed. The pressure that she puts on herself truly makes her weak in spirit and in turn body. It's heartbreakingly relatable to anyone who is the oldest and is looked at as the source of "strength" for their family. The second is Isabela, the esteemed "golden child" of the Madrigal family. Her ability is to create beautiful flowers and be the "perfect" image of beauty in the family. She has to play the part of the perfect daughter and do everything according to the handbook of the Madrigal. But under the surface, she wants to express herself more openly and not to the standards of what is expected of her even down to marrying a person she isn't even interested in. Interestingly enough, it's Mirabel that encourages Isabella to express herself in the way that she wants to and to be her authentic self. This in turn helps repair a strained relationship between the two sisters and brings them closer to one another. But the biggest example of the harmful effects of the Madrigal foundation is seen in one estranged member of the family. Let's talk about Bruno. 

Unlike Mirabel, Bruno did get a gift but because it wasn't as celebrated as the other sibling's abilities, he was ostracized by the family and held the title of pariah. In the beginning, he is assumed to be a mischievous and villainous figure when in reality it's the complete opposite. His role in the story is important for it is vital for Mirabel and her quest to save the family. Bruno's gift is foresight and it adds context as to why Mirabel might not be as gifted as the rest of her family. After he explains that Abuela Alma came to him to see the future after Mirabel didn't get a gift, he foresaw an unclear vision of Mirabel being the potential destroyer of the family and the casita. Fearing what it would do to the family's view of Mirabel, Bruno destroyed the vision exiled himself to protect her from potential scorn. This shows that despite the reputation that Bruno received of being the Madrigal that went bad hence the saying "We Don't Talk About Bruno", Bruno truly is a loving man who was deprived of connection with his family because his gift was seen as problematic. It is sad to think about what that type of burden did to him. To be cast aside and doomed to a life of isolation looking on as the family moved on without you. A chilling reality that could face future generations, gifted or not, who don’t live up to the Madrigal standards. Or in this case, the standards of one Abuela Alma. Everytime there is even the slightest setback, Alma tries to bandage it up by esuring everybody that "The Magic is Strong." It's clear to the audience and those within the casita that Alma is is aware of the potential downfall but is hell bent on maintaining this image of perfection despite all the signs that everything is breaking apart.

Everything comes to a head when Alma admonishes Mirabel for hurting the family and being the reason that the casita is cracking. This is the breaking point for Mirabel for she finally lets all her feelings out and accuses her grandmother of valuing the gifts her family has instead of the family itself. The house is destroyed as a result and all of the Madrigal’s gifts disappear leaving the family devastated, broken, and powerless. The casita being destroyed has some harsh and poignant symbolism to it. On the surface level, it’s tragic from Mirabel’s perspective knowing she potentially fulfilled the prophecy of destroying the casita and in turn her family. Her heartbreak and shame are shown firsthand when we see her near the river the effect of what happened causing her to be overcome by grief. But looking deeper, the casita's destruction is a physical representation of the at times toxic and harmfully outdated foundation that Abuela Alma tried to maintain finally breaking beyond repair. 

This is in no way a reason to villainize Abuela Alma because when you understand the reasoning behind her actions, it becomes clear that they were a result of her own heartbreak and fear. The loss of her husband had such a devastating effect on her that the enchanted candle and the gifts were looked at as assets that carried more value than anything. Even her own family. As a result, she was determined to safeguard the gift that lit her darkest hour by making sure the candle burned and never went out by any means nessacsary. For the next 50 years, she ensured that every generation did their part to maintain the flame that saved their family and utilize their gifts to do so. Even if that meant masking their insecurities, vulnerability, and even inner grief. 

Once she finally accepts that the approach she maintained for over 50 years did more harm than good in hindsight, she makes the commiment to break the cycle and build a new foundation for the betterment of the family. Starting with reconciling with her granddaughter. She relizes that valuing magical gifts instead of the people with the gifts created a legacy of resentment, conditional support, and favortism with the catalyst being Mirabel. When Mirabel didn't receive a gift, it was looked at as a potential omen that the magic was fading and Alma would lose everything again. But from my prospective, it was a test for Alma. One that she didn't pass until now. Will you still love your granddaughter all the same if she can't move mountains? Can't control the weather? Heal people? Or have super strength? Mirabel already showed this with her unconditional love for Antonio before and after his gift. For me, you can say that Mirabel's "gift" is being a blueprint for the new foundation for the Madrigal family. Loving your family not because of what they can do for the family, but loving them because they ARE your family. No conditions, no compromises, just them being them and having them in your life. Alma takes this new approach further by having a long overdue reconciliation with Bruno making the family whole again. The stigma of him being a pariah erased from memory. He's no longer Bruno, the Madrigal that disappeared and went bad. He's Bruno Madrigal, a long lost family member that is reembraced by a family that loves him for him. Same with Mirabel. Once looked at as the odd child of the family, she is now the essential piece of the new foundation that will define the next generation of Madrigal. A foundation that is based on a love for family that isn't about what you bring to the table but simply being at the table. 

That is truly the beauty of this film and is the reason why so many have gravitated toward its message. Yes, the songs are catchy and fun, the visuals are beautiful and vibrant, the characters are memorable and relatable. But the real greatness of Encanto is the valient effort it makes in showing what truly makes a family great is being part of one. No matter a person's skill, abillity or gift, simply being a united familia is something that is truly MAGICAL.

2021 Summer Movie Season: Season Awards

Good evening followers. Well, here we are. The new releases today officially mark the start of the Fall movie season. That means the SMS is officially closed but not until we give some flowers to some wel; deserved films and people. Time to close the curtain on another summer at the movies with our season ending awards.

 Best Summer Movie Actor

                                            Simu Liu

The impact that the once promising stunt actor has had on the industry cannot be overstated. 

Simu Liu's role as Shang-Chi has had the same emotional impact on a generation that the late great Chadwick Boseman had as his turn as the King of Wakanda. Despite the other films he has done, Liu stardom is sure to rise as he continues to establish himself within the MCU and the cinematic landscape as a whole.

Best Summer Movie Actress 

Emily Blunt

If there was any doubt about the verstitility of Emily Blunt, this year's summer season proved she is one of the best in her age group. Whether it's her turn as the headstrong matriarch in A Quiet Place Part II or the mischievous yet ambitious Lily in Jungle Cruise, Blunt proves she can carry a movie and captivate an audience. An actress that is elite in every sense of the word. 

Best Animated Movie

Luca

Despite being the lone animated feature released this summer, Luca was a heartfelt and beautifully crafted 

story about the power of friendship and overcoming fear and uncertainty. A gem of a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages. 

Best Action Movie

Black Widow

It took a while to get here but when Natasha Romanoff's solo outing offered a thrilling

and emotional closing chapter to the story of one of the OG Avengers. The introduction of new fan favorites and set ups for future projects, Black Widow is as action packed as it is poingant and engaging. 

Best Superhero Movie

Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings

Much like Black Panther before it, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marked a cultural shift in the cinematic landscape. The first MCU film with a predominate asian cast, the film was as entertaining 

as it was emotionally enveloping and inspiring. A new hero is born and a community is seeing themselves in the best way possible...front and center.

Best Musical

In The Heights

Few films this year captured the spirit of Hispanic pride than the on screen adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's acclaimed play. Star making performances and irresistible music made this the ultimate feel good movie of the summer. The true definition of a silver screen block party. What more could you ask for?

 And finally, the season's most honorable award goes to.....

Movie of The Summer

Of all the movies that came this summer, who knew that one about an NPC's realization that he can be more than what he was built for be one of the most memorable films of the summer. Free Guy had literally everything: Action, heart, romance, comedy, nuance, and narrative cohesion that exceeded people's expectations. Ryan Reynolds and company truly delivered a knockout movie that stands as one of the best of the SMS!!!

And so ends another summer at the movies. Thanks for all the support throughout this unorthodox summer season. Stay tuned for more blog post throughout the remainder of the year and until next summer, have a wonderful fall and winter!!!

2021 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

SMS Month 2 Recap (August/September )

Happy Hump day followers. With the release of Shang-Chi over the weekend, Month 4 of the Summer Movie Season has concluded. The movies that were released this month really ended the 2021 SMS on a high note with a number of them breaking records and defying expectations. Let's breakdown how it all went down as we close out month 4 in our latest recap.

 

The Suicide Squad

James Gunn took Task Force X in a whole new direction with his bloody, vulgar and deliriously fun roller coaster ride that offered some of the best moments in the SMS and the DC Film lineup. A showstopping good time that might be one of the best films to come out of the DC cinematic portfolio.

Respect 

A legend's authentic self is hard to capture on screen. But luckily, the odds were in the favor for Jennifer Hudson. With her elite tlent vocally and dramatically, she captured the essence of the queen of soul in a film that is both uplifting and celebrates one of the most beloved voices in music. A strong performance that measures up well to other biopics precedding it. 

Free Guy

Hard to think a video game movie would be one of the most entertaining films of the year. Behind an amazing performance from Ryan Reynolds and a story that is wacky, action packed, and filled with a ton of heart, Free Guy may go down as the potential MVP of the SMS. A great movie featuring a great guy. What more can you ask for. 

Candyman

The legend that was originated by Tony Tood was given a gritty and scarily pointed new take. Maintaining the terror while ramping up the social commentary, 2021's Candyman paints a disturbing picture of America much similar to Producer Jordan Peele's Get Out but the bloody mayhem keep the film connected to its roots. The legend lives on. As long as people say his name 5 times. 

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

In another stellar example of why representation matters, The MCU's newest hero became the talk of Labor Day Weekend as Simu Liu took his places amonst the Marvel greats in a solo movie that has given a terrific jolt of energy to the industry when it needed it most. Stellar action and honerable heart and valor make this latest Marvel outing a must see event for everyone.

Here is a Numbers Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of September 9th, 2021)

1. Free Guy: $241.8 Million

2. The Suicide Squad: $164.2 Million

3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: $157.5 Million

4. Candyman: $52.2 Million

5. Respect: $24.1 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (92% Certified Fresh)

2. The Suicide Squad (91% Certified Fresh) 

3. Candyman (85% Certified Fresh)

4. Free Guy (81% Certified Fresh)

5. Respect (67%)

What was the movie you loved seeing this month. Stay tuned this Friday as we put a bow on the 2021 SMS by giving out some summer movie season. Til then, see you soon followers.