Re-Porter Blog: 2023 Year End Special

 

Greetings followers. The time has come to prepare to close the book on the 365-page story known as 2023. This year of cinema has had its share of theatrics. From the massive smorgasbord of content during the summer movie season, the chaotically entertaining phenomenon of Barbenheimer, and the industry crippling effects of the actor and writer’s strikes, 2023 has been eventful for a multitude of reasons. 2024 promises to be a year full of potential and optimism but before we start that book, let’s begin our epilogue for 2023 in our annual year-end close-out featuring my top 5 films of the year. 

Top Takeaways from 2023

2023 had plenty of films primed for box office glory, but few delivered better than these 3 cinematic juggernauts. The Super Mario Bros Movie, Oppenheimer, and Barbie stand out not only as year end favorites featuring iconic characters and performances but also as some of the lone films to effectively turn a profit even before the Hollywood strikes with all averaging a nearly combined $3.5 billion in box office revenue. It was a memorable year for fans of these actors, creators, and brands as they became the year’s biggest positive bright light of 2023.

The summer movie season delivered the thrills in terms of action and spectacle to be sure. I was not expecting it to give me the ultimate summer playlist. The soundtracks for Transformers Rise of The Beasts, Spider-Man: Across The SpiderVerse and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem delivered some memorable auditory buffets that had an irresistible mixture of old-school flavor and new-school flair. Speaker systems got a workout in the best possible way that had moviegoers bopping their heads and pumping up the volume to the beats of some feel-good tracks. 

While the 1st half of 2023 saw plenty of positivity, the second half of the year saw potentially the biggest financial collapse in regards to the box office since the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Barbenheimer, all other films released that weekend failed to reach over $250 million until the release of The Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes in November. A multitude of reasons led to this but studios’ inability to market their films due to the WGA strike and actors not being able to be part of the promotional circuit due to the SAG/AFTRA strike led to films with a ton of potential being faced with relying on word of mouth. Unfortunately, the aftereffects of both strikes are still felt significantly after the fact. Hollywood may have come out of this, but the scars from this are profound and quite frankly potentially everlasting moving forward.

Pop culture, particularly that of the superhero genre, became a breeding ground for what I can simply call a sadistically petty period of anticipation for those who have longed loathed anything involving properties tied to Marvel’s MCU or the unceremoniously anticlimactic curtain call for the DCEU. The Marvel Cinematic Universe had its fair share of hiccups this year with its first film of the year Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania leaving fans disappointed and dissatisfied and November’s The Marvels being left to die from fans who frustratingly wrote the movie off for reasons that range from cynical to downright ignorant. Couple that with the subsequent writer and actor strikes, allegations of workplace abuse, and the legal fallout of former Multiverse Saga cornerstone Johnathan Majors, the Marvel brand now finds itself with a significant hole to climb out of with very little room for error. On the DC side, the brand prepares for a season of much-needed transition with James Gunn’s revamped DCU set to launch in 2025. But before that, the DCEU had one more year to wrap up its largely disjointed interconnected universe. The result was less heartfelt goodbye and more ashes to ashes dust to dust. Shazam Fury of The Gods, The Flash, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom all represented a studio that had subsequently given up on something they tried to make coherent despite the many times they shot themselves in the foot doing so. Even the lone positively reviewed film Blue Beetle was littered with unceremonious dismissal despite its good attempts at setting up a character that, unlike the previously mentioned films, may have a future in the next phase of the new hero verse. The fanbases have been extremely vocal throughout the year and the result has left pop culture divided and left the staying power of these franchises and the genre as a whole in question. There is still plenty of optimism and excitement to be had when thinking of what is to come for both franchises. My only hope that we can drown out the emotional baggage that is threatening to turn experiencing and discussing stories featuring these worlds and characters into chores as opposed to events.

Before we get to my top films of 2023, I'd like to share my runner-ups who didn't make the list but

still entertained me thoroughly this year

DC may have had its share of misfires this year but if I can highlight 1 positive, it would be the official live-action debut of Jaime Reyes. A much smaller-scale story than the other DC films that came out this year, Blue Beetle’s simplistic approach allowed us to connect with Reyes and his family more personally which made the standout moments more impactful. Rumblings of Xolo Maridueña’s potential return as the character in James Gunn’s upcoming DCU have gained some traction so if this film is an unofficial starting point for the new era of the DC hero verse, it’s off to a promising start.

A wish can be a powerful thing especially when made with a selfless heart in mind. Disney Animation Studios’ commemorative film celebrating The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary was a heartfelt tribute to the studios’ many achievements all while delivering an engaging story with a wonderful new heroine. The film has been met with cynical responses but for me, Wish is a great addition to the Disney Animation Studios portfolio that thoroughly reminds those to not put their hopes and dreams in the hands of those who don’t value it as much as you do. Be the hero of your own story and work to make your wish come true your way. 

It truly is tragic when a film is dismissed and discarded before it is even seen by the public eyes. Even more so when it happens to be a fun-filled and action-packed space romp with fun characters and plenty of heart. The Marvels was a joy from start to finish and I for one am unashamed to admit I had so much fun spending time with Carol Danvers, Monica Rambaeu, and Kamala Khan. The MCU has been taking some pretty big critical hits from pop culture in 2023 and this film unfortunately became the fandom’s sacrificial lamb in their crusade to announce that Marvel is past its prime and is no longer the powerhouse it once was. But from my POV, the film offered plenty of things to enjoy and get excited about moving forward including the stellar mainstream debut of Iman Vellani. The MCU has a long road ahead regarding how it will navigate the rest of its Multiverse Saga, but I will look back fondly on this installment in Phase 5 and am eager to see what happens with the pieces they put in place. 

90s hip hop and Transformers was a combination I never knew I wanted until now. 2018's Bumblebee ushered in a new era for the robots in disguise as the live-action timeline was more or less reset offering the opportunity to tell fresh stories with new voices. Steven Caple Jr’s Transformers Rise of The Beasts was one of the most fun Transformers movies I have seen since the 80s set preboot 5 years prior. With human characters that were engaging and relatable, action that was fun and fast-paced, and a phenomenal nostalgia-inducing soundtrack that truly captured the vibes of the period, you got the makings of one of the most entertaining popcorn flicks of 2023. The future is looking bright for Transformers and their future escapades with characters both within their universe and outside of it.

This beautiful love story from Pixar Animation Studios is one of the feel-good stories of 2023. Elemental is a story of forging your path and accepting love in all forms that left an impression on so many people. So much so that the film gained some incredible post-release legs and managed to turn a profit just before the strikes. With Pixar’s standard baring animation and heartfelt emotional fiber, Elemental is a crowd-pleaser that shows that true love has no real form as long as you have all the right chemistry. 

And now the time has come to showcase my cream of the crop, Let's begin!!!

As Long As We’re Together 

Who knew a simple plumbing job would lead 2 bros on an adventure of a lifetime? Based on the worldwide phenomenon, The Super Mario Bros Movie is one of the most joyous cinematic experiences I had this year. Illumination’s passion for the brand shined throughout the film with tons of references and easter eggs all while delivering a hilarious and action-packed animated adventure. The film was so much fun and put a huge smile on my face as someone who has always had a love for this world and brand. This is a new frontier for Nintendo and the future is looking great for the brothers and potential other properties under the same umbrella. Here’s to more exciting adventures “hatching” real soon. 

It’s Not A Trap, It’s A Face Off

Nearly a decade ago, we were introduced to this band of low-life criminals and misfits. Who knew that they would become some of the most beloved and influential characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? The Guardians have become one of the most important teams in the MCU for they were the first foray into the cosmic realm of the heroverse and whose involvement was essential to some of the defining moments of Avengers Infinity War and Endgame. Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 saw the definitive conclusion to the story of Groot, Rocket, Drax, Mantis, Nebula, Peter Quill, and Gamora. A wildly emotional send-off for a series no one knew they needed in their lives. A befitting farewell to this team and for James Gunn’s tenure in the MCU. Always remember now and forever: We Are Groot.

Canon Event

In every young man’s life, he is told that eventually, he will have to figure out life on his own. The task becomes hard when he is unsure of who he is. But when he finally recognizes that he is in control of his own destiny, that is when his true power is unleashed. As one of the most anticipated films of the year, Spider-Man Across The SpiderVerse became the literal equivalent of Miles vs Everybody. Fed up with everyone telling him how his life should play out, Miles steps up hugely and breaks the chain holding him down becoming a Spider-Man in control of his own destiny. The film, like its predecessor, is a masterclass in animated storytelling that is hilarious, heartfelt, emotional, and thrilling. It is without question the best-animated film to come out this year. With the world impatiently waiting for the conclusion to the trilogy, only time will tell if Miles is up for the challenge of facing the darkness ahead… himself included.

The Next Mutation

How far would you go to change how people see you? You’d be surprised what people would do to ensure people’s perceptions changed. At the end of the day, sometimes doing things for the right reasons is enough to reshape the world around you. It’s the very lesson that is at the heart of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem and why it is such an exciting and hilariously fun animated adventure. The film comes with an authenticity unlike any of the other iterations of Mikey, Donnie, Raph, and Leo. Part of that is having all 4 of our heroes in a half-shell be played by actual teenagers. The banter between them comes from a genuine place and how they play off of each other makes their arcs rewarding and their escapades fun to watch. It is one of the most overlooked animated films to come out this year but it still ushers in a promising and unique era of the turtles. From its animation, its characters, and overall aesthetic, I can’t wait to see what this new turtle universe has in store down the pipeline.

Snow Lands On Top

No one is born bad. It’s a common misconception that we have as a culture that the most evil people on the planet came out of the womb with the intention of causing chaos and destruction. What is conveniently left out is that the people we have around us have more of an influence on who we become. Many love to blame the monster but never have the same level of scorn for the makers of the monster. The Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes explores the complex origins of one of the series’ most important characters in an emotionally gritty and timely film. The prequel continues to showcase the incredible staying power of this franchise while adding context to a world beloved by so many. The story of the boy who did things out of desperation who transitions into a man who will do anything out of necessity no matter how malicious or cruel is a chilling reminder of what happens when the things we love most destroy what little humanity we have in this brutal world. No matter what hope you have, no matter what song you sing, no matter what home you claim, in the end…Snow will always land on top.

2023 was a lot but one can’t deny the ride it was. Hope this year was everything you hoped for and more. Check back tomorrow as we open our next book known as 2024. Have a safe New Year's Eve and I’ll catch you on day one of the next 365.

Re-Porter Blog: Spider Man Into The Spider-Verse 5th Anniversary Post

 

Risktaking is one of the biggest hurdles that filmmakers have to face. Though it might be hard to believe, it is much harder to think outside the box and do something new instead of doing things by the book. Fortunately, for those who do take the risk and make the effort to change the game, the rewards are truly spectacular. 5 years ago today, the landscape of animation changed forever with the release of Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse, a masterclass of animation ingenuity and artistry that sent shockwaves through pop culture and the genre itself. Since that fateful December in 2018, we have never been the same since the on-screen debut of Miles Morales. In this special post, I wanted to look back at this amazing film, its impact on the animation genre, and the legacy it continues to build half a decade later. 

Before Into The Spider-Verse, the Spider-Man franchise was in the middle of a renaissance of sorts. After the shortcomings of The Amazing Spider-Man films, the character was beginning to find some newfound resurgence. The character’s debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe via Captain America Civil War in 2016 and Spider-Man Homecoming in 2017 proved that this character was still a drawing beacon for the cinematic audience. 2018 proved to be a peak year for Spider-Man fans with Tom Holland's Spider-Man being a central figure in the MCU's culmination event Avengers Infinity War and the release of Insomniac's Spider-Man video game on PlayStation 4 which introduced us to the video game variant of Miles Morales played by Nadji Jeter. News of an animated Spider-Man movie from Sony drew intrigue but also plenty of raised eyebrows. The idea of doing an animated Spider-Man film was so outlandish and risky that there was obvious doubt that it could work. Couple that with the fact that the studio's most recent release, The Emoji Movie, had put significant doubt out there that Sony Pictures Animation could handle a project involving one of the studio's most valuable IPs. For Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the task was a huge undertaking, especially knowing that the Spider-Man at the center of this story was going to be afro-latino Miles Morales, who was still relatively new in the Marvel landscape. 

Created in 2011, Miles Morales was a figure that some people knew about given his roots in the comics. Though controversial upon arrival, Miles quickly gained significant popularity to become one of the rising stars in the Marvel Universe. With Into The Spider-Verse and the 2018 PS4 Spider-Man game, Miles Morales was introduced into the mainstream pop culture scene. The task of introducing this Spider-Man variant in Hollywood was a tall order given pop culture's antagonistic views on things like representation and diversity. However, the team behind Into The Spider-Verse had a clear understanding and love for this character. From his character design to the casting of his voice actor Shameik Moore, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and the directing team of Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, and Bob Persichetti took the task of bringing Miles into the cinematic landscape very seriously. 

From an animation perspective, what more can be said about what this film did to the genre. Into The Spider-Verse's animation style sent shockwaves through the industry. A mindblowing blend of animation styles that all seamlessly weave together to create an awe-inspiring canvas of artistry never seen in an animated film before. 2D, 3D, Anime, Stop-Motion, Comic Art, and Watercolor animation were all on display throughout the film some of which occurred within the same frame. This was truly a masterclass of animation done on a scale that truly changed the way we look at the art form. To this day, I am still blown away by the intricate details that are showcased in every frame of this film and its sequel Across The Spider-Verse released earlier this year. But I think the greatest strength this film has is its storytelling component. Into The Spider-Verse is such a well-crafted coming-of-age story told in the vein of the Spider-Man mythos. Miles is struggling with finding his identity while living up to the expectations put forth by his parents, his teachers, and his fellow Spider-Man variants as well. Being given the powers of the web-slinger has thrust great responsibility on him that he doesn't believe he's ready for. So much is thrown at him that it is hard to keep constantly doubting if he's ready for the burden of becoming Spider-Man.

 

It's only when he takes a moment and understands that his trying to live up to everyone else's expectations is only going to hold back is when he truly embraces his identity as his OWN UNIQUE SPIDER-MAN. This is why the Leap of Faith sequence is one of the most iconic scenes in the Spider-Man mythos. It's Miles not worrying about whether he's ready or not. It's him realizing that no matter what this life throws at him, he's still going to hold true to who he is and follow his own path. It's an arc that continues in Across The Spider-Verse where he shows that he won't let anyone write his story for him. It's a powerful message for anyone dealing with the weight of the world on their shoulders. The nuance within the narrative is immense and a true testament to the genius and artistry of this beautiful film.

I for one and grateful for the gift that is this film. 5 years later, it truly is remarkable how much Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse has revolutionized the industry. This year alone has seen several animated films follow the formula and change their approach to animation. That type of influential impact is not lost on me and I'm grateful that it put the animation industry on notice that this should be the standard moving forward. As a fan, I'm blessed to say we are living in a golden age of Miles' ascension. Miles has reached icon status thanks to his two Spider-Verse films and his incredible video game stories in 2020's Spider-Man Miles Morales and this year's Spider-Man 2. To think that this Afro-Latino kid from bed-stuy would inspire a generation on such a wide scale is so emotionally uplifting as someone who shares his complexion. The best part about all of this is, we're just getting started.

Miles' journey is still growing with the impending release of the concluding chapter Beyond The Spider-Verse on the horizon in addition to his future endeavors in the Insomniac Spider-Man universe and his long-awaited rumored live-action cinematic debut. Miles Morales has become a symbol for those who embrace who they are. The fact that a kid from Brooklyn can rise up and be the hero of his own story should be a wake-up call to anyone who feels they don't belong or can't live up to the expectations of others. Take control of YOUR story and know that anyone can wear the mask. Anyone can be Spider-Man. Anyone can be a hero. All it takes...is that leap of faith.

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #17

 

More For Us

The Profound Workings of Disney's Wish

By Brandon Porter

A wish is a powerful thing. It comes from the purest part of you. When it comes true, you feel like you and the world are better as a result. Unfortunately, the power of a wish can draw in other things too. It can manifest individuals with ill intent some of which can cause chaos and destruction sometimes unseen. How do you combat this while guarding the purity of what you hope to bring to the world? Disney's latest animated feature Wish paints a picture of why it is important to protect your dreams and aspirations from those who will simply not value it as much as you do. It's a powerful message that a lot of people seem to have missed, intentional or not, in the context of the story being told. My latest Porter Report aims to clear things up by analyzing the story and truly showcasing the message the film conveys to its audience. SPOILERS WILL BE PRESENT IN THIS PIECE. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Rosas is a land of opportunity, growth, and optimism. Nobody knows that more than our leading lady Asha, played by Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose. She has this incredible enthusiasm for anyone who comes to Rosas looking to settle and lay down roots. Even before she meets with Magnifico, she is ecstatic about the possibility of others seeing the beauty and magic of her home and of the benevolent ruler. What makes Asha such a great character is her incredible sense of selflessness. On each citizen's 18th birthday, they give their wish to King Magnifico in the hopes that it will be granted. While Asha is 17 and a year from being eligible to submit her wish, she is more concerned about ensuring that everyone else gets the opportunity to get their wish granted including her surrogate father Sabino. She is willing to put the thoughts, feelings, and needs of others ahead of her own despite her having every chance to indulge in her own desires and "wishes'. This makes her an easy character to root for throughout the film and her sense of unconditional uplift is a great contrast to what we see once King Magnifico enters the picture. 

Upon first meeting him, Magnifico is all the things Asha envisioned: charismatic, charming, handsome, and someone who, on the surface, cares for the people. Asha is enamored with the possibility of working with someone who has the power to make wishes come true and make Rosas the paradise she believes it can be. But it isn't until she makes a small request that her entire worldview shatters. She offers up Sabino's wish to Magnifico hoping he can make it come true in honor of his 100th birthday. The request seems simple enough given what we see but Magnifico dismisses it believing it to be "too dangerous". Mind you, there is nothing within the wish that indicates that it would threaten Rosas or Magnifico's rule. It is here that the real Magnifico reveals himself. Not as a compassionate monarch who uplifts and loves his people but as a narcissistic and egotistical con artist who exploits the hopes and dreams of others for his own personal gain. Asha is of course crushed by this knowing that everything she thought about Rosas was all a fantasy made to make Magnifico out to be something he wasn't. To be at the mercy of someone who doesn't have the people's best interest at heart leaving all the wishes of Rosas unanswered until Magnifico decides which ones are worthy enough to be granted. This is something that Asha can't bear to let stand knowing how much she cares about the dreams and hopes of those who live here and those yet to come. So in an act of humble desperation, she makes a wish upon the stars: to have something more for the people of Rosas. Something that could free them from the hidden shackles that bind them to the will of a deceitful ruler and his skewered vision of utopia. Something that can give people hope as opposed to false promises. Something that is more for them than this.

Much to Asha's shock and surprise, her wish takes on a physical manifestation in the form of a literal star named Star. Full of raw magic and chaotic energy, Star has this pureness to him where he can manifest things, like granting Asha's goat Valentino the ability to speak, without conditions or stipulations. Asha sees Star's desire to unconditionally make wishes come true as well as his eagerness to help her free the wishes from Magnifico's grasp. There is no sense in Magnifico continuing to hold onto wishes he never intends to grant. For every wish given to Magnifico, he maintains this psychological hold on the person making them indebted to him in the hopes he may one day make their life have meaning. Speaking in real-life terms, this is a dangerous situation for anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in. To have all of your sense of purpose, dreams, and self-worth in the hands of those who never intend for you to outshine or upstage them. Whether it is out of spite, jealousy, or ego-driven mania, wishes in the hands of those with destructive intentions can destroy and cripple people and societies at large. In a way, Asha and Star's quest is to renew people's sense of agency to make things happen for themselves. This obviously unsettles Magnifico knowing how much he craves to stay in control. It's the thing that drives him to divulge in forbidden dark magic and literally feed off the energy of crushed wishes which in turn make him stronger and further unhinged.

This is what makes Magnifico such an effective villain. He was once driven by the desire to keep history from repeating itself but soon let his ego and pride get in the way of the need to protect and serve his citizens as opposed to himself. Once he embraces the darkness, Rosas finally sees him for what he truly is: not a gracious king but a power-hungry tyrant who will not hesitate to oppress those around him into submission to make himself stronger. When Star is captured, Asha pleads with the people of Rosas to stand up and make a solemn vow to not leave the kingdom in the hands of someone who believes they are his emotional playthings. When the people realize that they have left their kingdom in the hands of a monster, Asha's wish in a way comes true. Her wish was for her home to have something more for Rosas. She gets that in the form of everyone standing up and vowing that they will never again let someone else dictate their path in life or take control of their own sense of worth. As a result, Star is freed and Magnifico is imprisoned freeing Rosas from the shackles of oppression they never realized were there until now. In the end, Asha is the physical representation of what Rosas needs moving forward. Someone selfless as opposed to selfish who has a desire to uplift and put other people's needs above her own. It's for this reason that Star elects to gift Asha a magic wand granting her the ability to become a surrogate fairy godmother of Rosas. Though humbly reluctant at first, Asha promises to try her best to be a beacon of light for the place she calls home. 

In the end, Asha's wish ultimately came true. Her home now has a renewed identity where everyone manifests their own wishes instead of putting them in the hands of those looking to feed their insatiable desire for control and submission. With her now as the town's honorary wish granter, Asha helped change the landscape of Rosas by reminding people that they have the power to make the impossible possible. All she does is help steer them in the right direction and give them the "tools" needed to get started. This is at the center of Walt Disney's mantra: "If you can dream it, you can do it." Wishes can't come true unless you make them happen. Never put faith in practices or people that are not of pure intention. When the power of a wish is fully in your own hands, its impact and reach will truly transcend the stars above.