Black Panther and the supposed need for idols

[Promo]

I'm not big on Hollywood and stopped idolizing celebrities by the time I was 14 so I have no idea what's going on. Are there young actors with "star power" nowadays? All the actors you named were big dependable box office draws. I can't think of any young stars with staying power let alone star power. Then again, it's not my wheelhouse.

Actually, as I've mentioned in a few posts since, I was just having some fun screwing around. That said, I think about 2/3 of movies coming out of Hollywood are pretty weak. They rely too much on CGI and super-fast action and lack plots, twists, good characters and originality.

Like you I don't idolize Hollywood types. I dislike the term "Stars" and the way they constantly celebrate themselves in so many different awards shows. Nor am I interested in their political or car purchase opinions.

Anyway, I don't really care old or young, I just want to be entertained for 2 hours and not be cheated out of my $25 by a crap movie and stale popcorn. But I will never go to a Streep movie like any other self-respecting male.

 

[Occasionally]

Because 99.9% of super hero's have been white. Please try to name 5 black super hero's for me....you can't because they don't exist and if they do they are just secondary to other WHITE super heros. Black children don't have the same experiences as white children because all super hero's are white, they can identify with them, when they play games with their friends they can be a strong black character instead of aquaman or some other shitty character no one else wanted to be. For example, growing up I always loved Power Rangers. Whenever I played power Rangers with my friends I had to either be the black or the Asian one (I can't remember their PR colours). I always wished there was a brown character that I could idolize but there wasn't...Black Panther is doing for today's black youth what I wish they did for little brown kids in the 90s.

Its hard to understand inequality in media and Hollywood when you're white and see people that look like you as main characters but most people don't experience this privlege.

Also.....just let people enjoy things..

Relax. It's superheroes. If a kid's mental ability is based on the colour of a comic book hero, they have issues. If you're picking childhood superheroes based on race, instead of just having fun, you got issues.

According to stats, the US population is about 12% black, yet the number of famous people in the media, singers, athletes, actors etc.... seem a lot more than 12%.

On the other hand, there's virtually zero East Indian and Asian famous celebs and athletes in Canada and the US and they do perfectly fine.

As for comics and superheroes, if you want more Black characters, then more Black people should become artists, cartoonists, comic book writers, or authors. When was the last time you saw a Black person engaging in the kids toys and literature industry?

Products follow where the money is. And in places like Canada and the US, it's still lots of white people who have money. So that's where lots of products cater to.

Ever been to Japan or Hong Kong? Guess what? It's mostly Asian people there, so most ads and local media are Asian people.

 

[wigglee]

Actually, as I've mentioned in a few posts since, I was just having some fun screwing around. That said, I think about 2/3 of movies coming out of Hollywood are pretty weak. They rely too much on CGI and super-fast action and lack plots, twists, good characters and originality.

Like you I don't idolize Hollywood types. I dislike the term "Stars" and the way they constantly celebrate themselves in so many different awards shows. Nor am I interested in their political or car purchase opinions.

Anyway, I don't really care old or young, I just want to be entertained for 2 hours and not be cheated out of my $25 by a crap movie and stale popcorn. But I will never go to a Streep movie like any other self-respecting male.

If it isn't Promo the Ageist Troll Bot ! Thanks for dropping in ! I figure your biggest brush with Hollywood royalty was the time Dog the Bounty Hunter walked past you in that Vegas casino. But go ahead, tell us about the new wave of young talent emerging on the scene now.......... us old guys are eager to discover it Maybe Bieber and Selena Gomez doing a rap take on Romeo and Juliet?????

 

[sempel]

I think you are both too old to realize I'm f*cking with you, even after I tell you in post #23 "totally messing with you old-timers! " lol


<chuckle> I didn't comment about any of that off-topic stuff. But I do like older women. Women in their late 30s or early 40s tend to be great in bed. If they are married, then there is that added excitement of doing it in their family bed and getting action and pictures they would never give to their husband. (It is fun being bit of a shit)


THAT WAS A TERRIBLE MOVIE. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE.
Didn't you just re-prove my point: A movie based on a OLD TV show, produced and directed by the OLD Hollywood guard with the main actor Dwayne Johnson having passing his best-before date all targeted at an OLD audience (yourself).

I guess in my "old age" I missed post #23 - my bad. That said, I'm still curious how old you think I am. And I don't know if it's emoji's or "lol" but I realized long ago that sometimes humor is difficult to get across in writing so you sometimes have to add something to make sure people know it's a joke. Either way, I'm a joker myself and all is forgiven.

I fell asleep during Baywatch (started it at 1 or 2am) and yes it's crap. But I think you are mistaken. They aren't redoing these series so old-timers can re-live their glory days. They are redoing them for the younger generation (which is why it stars the Rock and Zac Efron). Star Trek was made back in the day but the new reboot by JJ Abrams is taking a tried/true concept and making it relevant for today's youth by remaking it with young, current celebs. I don't think they are making these movies for the old crowd so they see them and think it's a sequel to the old version.

Dindn't read post 23, Promo The Robot. You're tapping out, sempel (Randy Savage) just tagged in your's truly (King Kong Bundy).

I disagree on A Wrinkle In Time, it will make as much money as Tommorowland. Promo The Robot, Quentin Tarantino is 55, that makes him a bag of methane. Where would he be without Sergio Leone, had he lived would be 89.

I debate between myself and Promo the Robot would go something like this:

Randy Savage, KKB, and Butterbean? I think I got a rise out of hearing those names and remembering them. I loved Randy but I was always freaked out by his voice - not scared but weirded out by the fakeness? of it. It's like he closed his throat off and gave himself a high pitched smoker's breath meets laryngitis type voice. Hulk Hogan did the same thing too on some level.

Relax. It's superheroes. If a kid's mental ability is based on the colour of a comic book hero, they have issues. If you're picking childhood superheroes based on race, instead of just having fun, you got issues.

According to stats, the US population is about 12% black, yet the number of famous people in the media, singers, athletes, actors etc.... seem a lot more than 12%.

On the other hand, there's virtually zero East Indian and Asian famous celebs and athletes in Canada and the US and they do perfectly fine.

As for comics and superheroes, if you want more Black characters, then more Black people should become artists, cartoonists, comic book writers, or authors. When was the last time you saw a Black person engaging in the kids toys and literature industry?

Products follow where the money is. And in places like Canada and the US, it's still lots of white people who have money. So that's where lots of products cater to.

Ever been to Japan or Hong Kong? Guess what? It's mostly Asian people there, so most ads and local media are Asian people.

The only EI's and Asians I see on TV are broadcasters, cooking shows, and a few sporadic minor characters. Even I wonder about the stats being matched on shows. There should be a lot of different ethnicities on TV in various roles but it's mostly just white and black.

 

[Insidious Von]

Umm, that was Tony Figaro, not me. I'm not really worried about a debate as your mind seems to wander sentence-by-sentence today. I get that you like to post videos in every one of your posts, but why do they never have anything to do with the actual thread? I'm not trying to be a dick, I've been curious about that for a while.

You're so self absorbed, my wandering mind can comment on more than one post.

Disney bombs heinously whenever they attempt original content, the company has never let go of old Walt's fascist heart. That's how a film like Tomorrowland, supposedly about hope and optimism, can end up being mendacious and condescending. I don't hold out much hope for A Wrinkle in Time. Then again Hollywood is all about being mendacious. I recently watched last year's Best Picture winner: Moonlight. It left me scratching my head. How could a silly film like La La Land be considered competition?

 

[sempel]

You're so self absorbed, my wandering mind can comment on more than one post.

Disney bombs heinously whenever they attempt original content, the company has never let go of old Walt's fascist heart. That's how a film like Tomorrowland, supposedly about hope and optimism, can end up being mendacious and condescending. I don't hold out much hope for A Wrinkle in Time. Then again Hollywood is all about being mendacious. I recently watched last year's Best Picture winner: Moonlight. It left me scratching my head. How could a silly film like La La Land be considered competition?

90% of Oscar winning actors deserve the Oscar but some don't - I have no idea how Viola Davis won last year. She had 10 lines in the movie she was in. Sometimes winning doesn't indicate being good. I watched Hurt Locker which won years ago and did not like it. Watched Chariots of Fire and while it was an interesting movie, can't believe it won Best Picture. Sometimes talent emerges, sometimes it's a popularity contest, sometimes its pandering. Hell even Sean Connery wasn't outstanding in the Untouchables.

 

[Insidious Von]

I haven't seen Fences, can't comment. Sometimes an actor is acclaimed not specifically for a role but his/her body of work, that holds true for Viola Davis. She was in Doubt for just 10 minutes but she nearly stole the film from Meryl Streep. I'll have to watch Fences, Denzel Washington (awesome actor he may be) had big shoes to fill!

 

[sempel]

I haven't seen Fences, can't comment. Sometimes an actor is acclaimed not specifically for a role but his/her body of work, that holds true for Viola Davis. She was in Doubt for just 10 minutes but she nearly stole the film from Meryl Streep. I'll have to watch Fences, Denzel Washington (awesome actor he may be) had big shoes to fill!

It was a play that has been brought to the big screen. Nice but nothing that made me think WOW. Having seen Viola in How to Get away with Murder, she is basically a one-trick pony.

De Niro won for Godfather 2. Great film but he wasn't anything special.

 

[Jasmine Raine]

I have been to all the superhero movies.

On the topic of box office and stuff, I am a kodi whore. I stream everything. I still go to the theatre. Now having said that, I never pay full price if at all. I use air miles or my scene card. Rack up the points and pay that way. But I would and have paid full price, no problem. I have just gotten smarter over the last couple of years.


For Black Panther, I paid full price and purposely. I wanted to give back. I go to the movies at least once every month or two. I was at the movie twice last week. I am falling for those reclining seats, LOL.

Anyway, I see usually 10-15% of the audience on maybe every 3 movie I see, is black folks. The most black or POC I see is usually behind the counter. If I am being honest.

I LOVED the cultural aspect of this movie. I LOVED being the only white person in the theatre. I LOVED watching the excitement, the appreciation, the feeling of inclusiveness from a theatre full of black folks. This is the first time in my 42 years that I have watched a movie that was basically all black, and not about slavery, or drugs, gangs, etc.

These are the feelings that I came away with. As a white person. I can only imagine what it felt like for a black person. I will never say they should do this, feel that, etc about this movie or any other they bring out. Who am I to tell a black person they have no right to feel that they finally have iconic heros that represent something to them? Sorry, but that is just not in me.

 

[Insidious Von]

I enjoyed the film. As long as Disney, with their long history of racial intolerance, isn't using it to obscure history.

As I said before, I'll watch any film that Forest Whitaker is in. However, never forget that Walt Disney hated blacks, Jews and unions and was pen pals with Adolf Hitler. See Promo you can learn something if you take the ageist blinkers off.

 

[Insidious Von]

It was a play that has been brought to the big screen. Nice but nothing that made me think WOW. Having seen Viola in How to Get away with Murder, she is basically a one-trick pony.

I wen't back and had a look at the Best Supporting Actress list for 2016 and I agree with you. Naomi Harris was robbed blind for her role in Moonlight, even though her character was very unlikable. Emma Stone won Best Actress by doing not much of anything. A stark contrast to the year before when Brie Larson gave the performance of the century in Room.

 

[sempel]

I wen't back and had a look at the Best Supporting Actress list for 2016 and I agree with you. Naomi Harris was robbed blind for her role in Moonlight, even though her character was very unlikable. Emma Stone won Best Actress by doing not much of anything. A stark contrast to the year before when Brie Larson gave the performance of the century in Room.

I haven't seen Moonlight yet but just based on the excerpts shown when they list the nominees, hands down Naomi was better than Viola. The problem is Oscars is all about politics which is why Mickey Rooney didn't get one for the Wrestler. Emma Stone probably a popularity pick.

I find the Emmy's are a bit better. You see the nominees and some are veteran TV actors versus known Hollywood actors (who are good) making the transition to TV roles (or a TV movie). I used to find that the Hollywood actor would get the Emmy but now the TV actor wins just as much.

 

[Promo]

If it isn't Promo the Ageist Troll Bot ! Thanks for dropping in !

lol. How about you just re-read the very first sentence: "as I've mentioned in a few posts since, I was just having some fun screwing around".

I figure your biggest brush with Hollywood royalty was the time Dog the Bounty Hunter walked past you in that Vegas casino.

As in Duane Chapman? Isn't he really really old - like 65? You couldn't think of anyone without age spots to use in your example?

But go ahead, tell us about the new wave of young talent emerging on the scene now.......... us old guys are eager to discover it Maybe Bieber and Selena Gomez doing a rap take on Romeo and Juliet?????

You use an OLD story like Romeo and Juliet to prove your point?? You just don't get it. Hollywood needs fresh ideas, fresh scripts, relatable younger actors and modern storytelling methodologies and realize theaters aren't the only viewing option going forward. The studio that finally acts on the new paradigm will see better success.

You do realize Bieber already has more money at age 24 that 60% of Hollywood actors? His silly antics made him even bigger.

 

[sempel]

You use an OLD story like Romeo and Juliet to prove your point?? You just don't get it. Hollywood needs fresh ideas, fresh scripts, relatable younger actors and modern storytelling methodologies and realize theaters aren't the only viewing option going forward. The studio that finally acts on the new paradigm will see better success.

You do realize Bieber already has more money at age 24 that 60% of Hollywood actors? His silly antics made him even bigger.

The problem is risk and cost. It can cost a lot to try and do something new and have it be a massive fail (e.g. Golden Compass Series comes to mind). So most studios bank on old favorites and then jazz it up to make a modern version. Just using Romeo and Juliet (since it was used), how many movies in the last 20 years have been Romeo/Juliet type stories - a bunch.

There are going to be new movies/series that do garner success (Divergent, Hunger Games, 50 shades). All of these series have been written in the last 10-15 years then adapted to the big screen. But a lot of massive fails result in sequels, remakes, updated versions, etc.

You mention Bieber. He has been made rich somewhat because of his talent, somewhat because of his target audience, somewhat because of pricing, and somewhat because of technology. Those didn't exist for the longest time. And between the market size growing and inflation, he makes more money but that's true of most professions. How many sports stars have signed 8 figure contracts? They make a lot more now then then someone with equivalent talent 20-30 years ago. I remember reading book years ago about Barry Bonds and he signed one of the biggest deals at the time - 43 million for 6 years. There are sports figures that make that now in 1 or 2 years.

 

[Promo]

I guess in my "old age" I missed post #23 - my bad. That said, I'm still curious how old you think I am. And I don't know if it's emoji's or "lol" but I realized long ago that sometimes humor is difficult to get across in writing so you sometimes have to add something to make sure people know it's a joke. Either way, I'm a joker myself and all is forgiven.

Hey, getting old is inevitable, if it makes you feel better, I can't escape it either. :encouragement: <-- this means I'm still joking around.

I fell asleep during Baywatch (started it at 1 or 2am) and yes it's crap. But I think you are mistaken. They aren't redoing these series so old-timers can re-live their glory days. They are redoing them for the younger generation (which is why it stars the Rock and Zac Efron).

It's old Hollywood guard making a movie that they think will appeal to the younger audience. Clearly they know nothing because the movie bombed and this is my whole point. Simply using younger actors isn't going to fix the problem, as a matter of fact that's pretty insulting!

Star Trek was made back in the day but the new reboot by JJ Abrams is taking a tried/true concept and making it relevant for today's youth by remaking it with young, current celebs. I don't think they are making these movies for the old crowd so they see them and think it's a sequel to the old version.

This is a good example of success. Realize most of the players involved (producers, actors and writers) were younger. It wasn't a rehash of an old story line. <-- I want to stress, this isn't about "age", it's about being out-of-touch with the younger audiences. Same problem that some automakers are having with younger buyers.

 

[sempel]

Hey, getting old is inevitable, if it makes you feel better, I can't escape it either. :encouragement: <-- this means I'm still joking around.


It's old Hollywood guard making a movie that they think will appeal to the younger audience. Clearly they know nothing because the movie bombed and this is my whole point. Simply using younger actors isn't going to fix the problem, as a matter of fact that's pretty insulting!


This is a good example of success. Realize most of the players involved (producers, actors and writers) were younger. It wasn't a rehash of an old story line. <-- I want to stress, this isn't about "age", it's about being out-of-touch with the younger audiences. Same problem that some automakers are having with younger buyers.

Joke away!

I don't know. Pretty sure it's the new, younger Hollywood group that is doing some of these remakes/reboots. Baywatch is a massive fail because of the specific execution. Doubt you've seen the original series but it was more dramatic then comedic and while many watched it for obvious reasons, there were actually good/complex storylines. The remake is campy comedy - more slapstick, the characters are stereotypical and sometimes stupid, and the new plot is crap.

FYI, the second Star Trek movie was VERY similar to the 2nd Star Trek movie (Wrath of Khan) but they added enough changes to so it wasn't an exact copy and had a bit of a different twist.

 

[Promo]

The problem is risk and cost. It can cost a lot to try and do something new and have it be a massive fail (e.g. Golden Compass Series comes to mind). So most studios bank on old favorites and then jazz it up to make a modern version. Just using Romeo and Juliet (since it was used), how many movies in the last 20 years have been Romeo/Juliet type stories - a bunch.

There are going to be new movies/series that do garner success (Divergent, Hunger Games, 50 shades). All of these series have been written in the last 10-15 years then adapted to the big screen. But a lot of massive fails result in sequels, remakes, updated versions, etc.

All I'm hearing is excuses. Many recent movies have succeeded with current younger audiences. The old guard who are out-of-touch need to relinquish more control to those producers, directors and writers that are achieving success and let them run with the projects.

This doesn't mean Bruce Willis's new movie Die Hard or Death Wish will fail, he still has serious star power. But if it's the same old story, lacks good twists and relies too much on CGI, no guarantees and Willis' future earning potential will plummet. Arnold being a good example.

 

[Promo]

Joke away!

I don't know. Pretty sure it's the new, younger Hollywood group that is doing some of these remakes/reboots. Baywatch is a massive fail because of the specific execution. Doubt you've seen the original series but it was more dramatic then comedic and while many watched it for obvious reasons, there were actually good/complex storylines. The remake is campy comedy - more slapstick, the characters are stereotypical and sometimes stupid, and the new plot is crap.

Do your research, don't assume. Further, just because a producer is younger, don't assume he isn't under the thumb of an old guard. Yes, I've seen Pam running in slow motion on the beach. No, I wouldn't say the plot lines were anything better than any show typical of that period in TV.

FYI, the second Star Trek movie was VERY similar to the 2nd Star Trek movie (Wrath of Khan) but they added enough changes to so it wasn't an exact copy and had a bit of a different twist.

Are you talking about Star Trek Into Darkness? Plot lines were completely different.

 

[sempel]

All I'm hearing is excuses. Many recent movies have succeeded with current younger audiences. The old guard who are out-of-touch need to relinquish more control to those producers, directors and writers that are achieving success and let them run with the projects.

This doesn't mean Bruce Willis's new movie Die Hard or Death Wish will fail, he still has serious star power. But if it's the same old story, lacks good twists and relies too much on CGI, no guarantees and Willis' future earning potential will plummet. Arnold being a good example.

You say excuses, I say rationale.

OK - List 20 movies that fit into your category of new, younger, fresher and we'll see what others think about those movies. Please note that the target audience is usually 18-35/40 for most advertisers so I imagine that's the same for movies. That said, plenty of people above this age going to see these movies so they might not be successful solely on the young audience.

Dude - it's Death Wish. Most basic plot - revenge for harming/killing his family. Sequels removed some of the character development and simply upped the killing. So doubt the new Death Wish will have some super amazing new plot.

 

[Promo]

You're so self absorbed, my wandering mind can comment on more than one post.

Ahh, so you just started talking to a different Terbite mid-sentence, it's just bad etiquette and manners. My Gramps does the exact same thing, but the doctors blame it on his dementia.