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thespacequail · 6 years

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Jushinki Pandora (ep. 1)

Wow, just...I feel shocked. I had super low expectations of this show when I heard about it. I was expecting loads of pointless exposition, horrible CG animation, and really bad science. I got only half of one of those things. This review is gunna get real rambly, real fast, but if you liked shows like Attack on Titan, or Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, give this show a try.

>Let me tell you about exposition for a few minutes, have you ever in real life had a conversation about how electricity has revolutionized how we communicate, or walked to the bus stop explaining to your friend how the internal combustion engine accelerated humanity out of the rural agricultural society of ages past into the urban metropolis we now call home? No. Ok well, maybe once, as like a joke, or a thought experiment, or you just saw a show about it on the History channel. Point is, most people don’t normally talk like that, they don’t discuss common knowledge for no reason, and yet this happens in so many shows and movies. When that revelation was dropped on me, I was pissed because now I notice it everywhere, and honestly it is just lazy writing. Characters don’t need to tell other characters that “In this world, magic is everything.” cause they live there so they should bloody know that! It’s dialogue that only exists to catch the viewer up to speed, and that’s lazy writing.

>So what’s all that got to do with Last Hope? Everything. Because Last Hope (so far) doesn’t do this. The only time exposition is directly explained to the viewer is a short, narrated overview of the situation the world is in and generally how it happened. It’s kinda like the bit in My Hero Academia where Deku explains quirks and Heroes to the audience, that part is key, it’s narration separate from the actual story that explicitly tells the audience “this is the one confusing thing that makes our world different, get it? Good, on with the show.” Back to Last Hope, character’s don’t talk about how “BRAI have hunted humanity to near extinction so that’s why we live in this run down shack.” “Yes but I have developed these anti-BRAI bug zappers so we are safe here.” Nah, fuck that, you know how they do that scene? The main character literally stands around outside buck naked, we get a wide shot of their re-purposed airplane home, and though Leon (the MC) does talk about the BRAI repellent, they mention it the same way we would casually ask if someone brought a citronella candle to the picnic, after that he’s just talking to himself about making sure it doesn’t short circuit and fail, only to stub his toe on all the junk he has lying around cause he was absorbed in thought. I just love this whole scene, from Leon listing off possible annoyances to him struggling to cook dinner, it does well to humanize him and Chloe in a humorous but believable way. I also like how the military guy (whose name escapes me) refers to Leon as “that one guy” until the end where he calls him by his full name, followed by “the man who destroyed the world”. Now I can hear you thinking “But isn’t that expository dialogue? Everyone should know that already, that’s just a cheap cliffhanger for the audience.” To which I say, is it common knowledge? A man who was exiled from the city (which is another great thing Leon’s adopted sister didn’t exposite about to him [and the fact they left their relationship implied was SO good {I’m getting off track, where was I?}]), the reasoning for his exile wouldn’t necessarily be common knowledge to most people outside of the government. And, it’s not used as a title of exposition, but a term of resentment, the military guy is making it clear he knows who Leon is, and will not be taking things lightly when dealing with him. This is good stuff. I could go on but I have other stuff I want to talk about. If you watch the episode with this in mind you’ll understand what I’m getting at.

>The science. I love science. I know a lot about it, so I was worried this show would just throw some science-y sounding words to seem smart to hand wave away what should just be magic. But honestly, it holds water, it was relatively accurate. The Quantum Generator? That’s a real thing designed by Tesla, and yeah, maybe we could build a big one in a decade or two, I buy that. Go look up a video on QEGs, and while you’re at it, look up quantum computers too, cause Leon’s Multidimensional Attack makes some sense too, sorta, we’re getting into magic territory, but it looked cool af, so I’m ok with it. The evolutionary field though? Looks like we’re playing fast and loose with the concept of mutations and evolution, but if I can accept X-Men mutants having basically magic powers for no reason, I can let this one slide too. Hopefully the hand waving is kept to a bare minimum and the writers actually do their homework.

>Leon is great. He’s a genius, but he’s not perfect. He’s a klutz, he struggles with cooking because he over analyzes the process, and he’s a terrible pilot. Let me say that again for the ones in the back, THE MAIN CHARACTER OF A MECH ANIME IS NOT A NATURAL THE FIRST TIME HE’S SHOWN PILOTING! He flails around, unable to dodge slow hits, other characters comment about how he pilots like an amateur, the only reason he is able to defeat this giant enemy crab is cause if the hyperdrive, which I can only assume will be a consistent deus-ex-machina to save the day, I don’t mind this but I really hope they show him learning over time how to be a better pilot because of this, struggling cause he over thinks it, but getting better as he comes to understand the “human element” his calculations lack. Cheesy? kinda, but that’s ok if it’s done well.

>The 2D animation is really nice. I like the look of the characters, locations like Leon’s home and the military command center feel right (lived in and familiar/oppressive and orderly respectively). The CG though...ok, I get why it’s being used, it gives the BRAI an unnatural, otherworldly feel, and for the most part it works, but the 3D model quality looks kinda dated at times. It’s not like, Berserk 2016 bad, but Pixar this certainly ain’t. The transformer mechs are kinda cool, if not superfluous. Why do they need to transform? Why not have different classes of mechs? Some that drive like tanks on steroids, ones that only fly and have to conserve power so they don’t just fall out of the sky, human shaped ones for melee combat or using massive cannons as if it were a rifle. Why do they all have to have hands and turn into cars and motorcycles? Just seems like a waste in this post-apocalyptic world where I can only assume resources are limited. That being said there are some shots, like Leon in the hyperdrive mech facing off against the giant enemy crab, that look freaking amazing. It can be done show, make it work.

Man I’ve been ranting for so long and I still have stuff I didn’t go into, like the one bounty hunter who keeps his cat in the cockpit with him, or the crab upgrading itself mid-fight even though it was already winning, GAH! Go watch this show, it’s dumb fun that knows how to be smart and was made with a degree of care and detail usually only seen from big name studios/directors.

#jushinki pandora #last hope #anime #anime review #spring 2018 anime

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theragamuffininitiative · 7 years

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Christian Films and Misc Rambling Thoughts on the Subject that Might or Might Not be Actually Connected

@cogentranting At some point, years from now, when all else is turned to dust and the sun has set for the last time, a post for this reply, stating I will reply in a longer fashion later (which would actually be now) shall appear. I will likely delete it out of pure spite. Stupid mobile app uploads.

I haven’t seen God’s Not Dead. Or God’s Not Dead 2. I should. Not because I just want to, or because It Is The Inspired Word Of Our Lord™ (hahahah it’s not guys, ok), but because of my overall interest an involvement in the world of film. I should be informed.

Also, I appreciate the sarcasm. XD I hope that was sarcasm or now I look really stupid but you’re going to get an earful either way, so it works out.

So let’s get to it:

I hate the Christian Film Industry™

Whew. There. I said it. Pray for my salvation.

Why? So, soooo many reasons.

1. The Sacrifice of Art in the Name of ‘Message.’

I, for one, want to know why the Christian church is constantly smashing down on the creative outputs of their members for not being enough about God, or published by Thomas Nelson, or advocated by Willie Roberts. Why. We would rather squelch the heartfelt, beautiful, God-given art produced by our brothers and sisters for not showing a clear Conversion Experience rather than be amazed at the ability God has allowed us to have to make such fantastic, whimsical, thought-provoking, emotionally-resonant things.

This is point number one because it. is. my. biggest. issue.

“Message films are rarely exciting. So by their very nature, most Christian films aren’t going to be very good because they have to fall within certain message-based parameters. And because the Christian audience is so glad to get a “safe, redeeming, faith-based message,” even at the expense of great art, they don’t demand higher artistic standards.” ~ Dallas Jenkins, movie reviewer and director of The Resurrection of Gavin Stone??? (Imma have to check back with you later on this, but the quote still stands on its own.)

“We have the makings of a movement that can change this culture. I honestly believe this. But I also believe the first step toward establishing the groundwork for a vibrant, relevant cultural movement based on scriptural thought is to stop producing “Christian films” or “Christian music” or “Christian art” and simply have Christ-followers who create great Art.” ~ Scott Nehring, in his book You Are What You See: Watching Movies Through a Christian Lens.

“If we are trying to evangelize, the fact that most Christian-themed movies are torn to shreds by non-Christian critics becomes an issue. If, however, we just really want to see our fantasies validated on screen, then we will write-off these poor reviews as “persecution.”” ~ Andrew Barber, in his article “The Problem with Christian Films.”

On a similar note, I want to know what the Mormon church is doing that the Christian church is not. Every time I turn around, I discover that another of my favorite artists, whether it be in film or elsewhere, is a professing Mormon:

musicians Imagine Dragons, the Killers, and Lindsey Stirling

authors Brandon Sanderson, Shannon Hale, Heather Dixon, and Brandon Mull

animator Don Bluth

actress Amy Adams and actor Will Swenson (both formerly)

etc, the list goes on

Hi, my Mormon friends. What is your secret. What ways of encouraging art and artists do you employ that my Baptist upbringing, and the Conservative Christian community in general, is so sorely lacking in?

2. The Christian Culture’s Subsequent Villainization of Hollywood.

This past Christmas, my sister gifted me a book titled Behind the Screen, “Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture.”

I sat down after all the gift-giving was done and read the first three sections before the holiday meal was served. But let me quote from the introduction which had me “Amen!”-ing and punching my fist to the sky every third word:

“We obsess about “the culture” endlessly; we analyze and criticize. But we can’t figure out anything to do but point an accusatory finger at Hollywood... Blaming Hollywood for our cultural woes has become a habit... Casting Hollywood as the enemy has only pushed Hollywood farther away. And the farther Hollywood is from us, the less influence we have on our culture. We’ve left the business of defining human experience via the mass media to people with a secular worldview.... In pushing away secular Hollywood, haven’t we turned our backs on the very people Christ called us to minister to - the searching and the desperate, those without the gospel’s saving grace and truth?”

Btw, if this subject is something you are interested in, I highly recommend this book. Written by creatives and executives in the film world (including one of the writers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the producer of Home Improvement, and even the multi-credited Ralph Winters, among others), it’s a frank, beautiful, and challenging read for artists, Christians, and film buffs.

The point here is that the church culture says if it doesn’t come from Sherwood, or have Kirk Cameron or Ducky Dynasty in it, or have a conversion sequence, it isn’t Christian and therefore Christians should not view or encourage it in any way. This. Is. Crap. Pardon my French.

Beauty can come from imperfection. Even unregenerate hearts still bear the image of the Divine and are capable of producing so much worthwhile and significant art. Which leads to...

3. Guess What? Secular Film Companies Make Quality Faith Films Too??!

Idk what I should even say here, but I’m just going to go with the one shining example I always think of: Dreamworks’ Prince of Egypt. It is purely a work of art from any standard, and that is the epitome of what Christians should be looking for in their endeavors to create good film. PoE is gorgeously animated, seamlessly directed, well-scripted, morally driven, more Biblically and historically accurate than you would believe (and where it falls down on direct representation, it remains true to theme and character), etc. etc. etc.

I could go on for ages about how much I adore this film. (Joseph, King of Dreams, is also noteworthy, but nearly up to par with the craftsmanship of its predecessor.

I mean

just look at

the art

4. I Do Like Some Films Made By ‘Christian’ Companies

Idk, I might step on people’s toes or surprise you by which of these I actually approve of, but here we go:

I like Fireproof. I have many issues with it, but overall it is a fairly well-made, Hallmark-style emotional flick. The acting leaves much to be desired, but it’s a decent bit of showmanship, story, and truth.

I do not like Facing the Giants. Give me Blind Side any day of the week, except don’t because... sports.

However, both Courageous (some actual real life dialogue and not a completely happily ever after, whaaaat???! Oh, but token conversion experience, of course), and the early-and-forgotten Flywheel (which, although low in camera quality and acting, is actually an enjoyable story), come in as films I would sit down and watch at least a second time.

Risen is well-made and acted and has some establishment of genuine Craft. However, as far as story plots go, a lot was sacrificed. The mountain-top encounter with Christ was, while perhaps the most generally cliche piece of story, to me the most heartfelt and provocative. After that...the film kind of ended in mediocrity. Like...what did the characters do after the credits rolled.

I actually really enjoy Mom’s Night Out. The manic theme almost kills me, but the quiet and the reveal at the end is worth sitting through to see.

And I appreciate Luther. I don’t watch it often, because I personally can’t stomach the more violent aspects (the reason I haven’t/don’t watch The Passion or End of the Spear.) But Luther is a great biographical film, and I would encourage anyone studying Catholic and/or Protestant history, especially Martin Luther, to watch it. This is a Film in both art, message, and class.

Tbh, I’ve been avoiding most of the other Christian films, which is why I won’t talk about them there.

5. You Don’t Have To Slap A Jesus Fish Bumper Sticker On It To Be Christ-Honoring

Walden Media is a prime example, I believe, of what Christians in the film industry should be doing. I mean, they’re not perfect at all, but they are not sacrificing art for message - or vice versa for that matter. While not strictly a Christian Film group, Walden is founded and run by a majority of Christian Conservatives who are actively seeking to make quality and wholesome films for people of all diversities. They’ve had a few flops and several more that just didn’t quite live up to their potential, but they also brought us

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as well as

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, and the one I will never stop talking about:

Amazing Grace.

Well-crafted films, put out by *gasp* an assortment of believers and non-believers. Art. Good films. Not Messages dressed up in makeup with a classy Instagram filter and a 30-day challange booklet to get your revival outfit on.

In looking through this stuff, I just found this article, which is a superb read and really gets at the heart of what I feel, and am very badly trying to communicate:

Why Faith-Based Films Hurt Religion

So.

When Christian Films start being an actual representation of creative community and the artistic talents God has given to us as personal and spiritual gifts, rather than a cheap way to try to force morality on Hollywood and on our neighbors without ever leaving the confines of our Bible Boxes in case we might get soiled, I may start appreciating the Christian Film Industry™. Until then??? I’ll stand behind my fellow creatives and my fellow believers and hope and work for the best.

Lastly, two things:

Christians Can Enjoy Secular Film Productions.

I would even argue that they should. We were created by a Creator God, who takes pride and joy in making beautiful things, in making each of us. And we are made in His image. We are creators as well, we make art all the time. Scripture tells us to worship God in everything we do. The movement of making “Christian Films for Christian Audiences because of Christian Reasons” is missing the point entirely. We as creatives are not here to make God Art, we are here to make art that glorifies God

Christ Does Not Need Hollywood. However, Hollywood Does Need Christ.

“While many missionaries travel to remote villages in Africa or South America to spread Christianity, [Karen] Covell believes her calling—her mission field, if you will—is right here in Los Angeles, in an industry that many of her fellow Christians find immoral or even downright sinful, both for its on-screen depictions of sex and drugs and the real-life sex, drugs, and other temptations that exist behind the scenes. Covell, who was a film producer in the early 1980s, says "the church did not get how I could justify being a Christian in Hollywood, and Hollywood did not get how I would follow God. It was a divide." It was nearly impossible to meet other Christians working in the industry, let alone ones who would express their faith openly. "I said, 'The church hates Hollywood, Hollywood hates the church. There's got to be some way to bridge that divide.'" - in an article by Jennifer Swan.

As I said in my original little “about me” tag response, I have felt called to ministry in this world. Whether it be film or live theater, that world is calling to me, both in its creative endeavors, and in its desperate need for the hope, truth, life, and light of Christ. Actors and directors in Hollywood and on Broadway are in as much need of the grace of our Lord as the starving orphans in the unreached people groups on the other side of the planet - same as your next door neighbor.

If Christians continue to tie themselves down, and group themselves together, cutting themselves off from the culture and the culture off from them, then we are doing absolutely no heavenly or earthly good to anyone.

So, you see, it’s not just the artistry (or, so often, lack thereof) in the Christian Film Industry™ that gets to me.

It’s the fact that the film media culture is a people group that the church as a whole is ignoring. We are ignoring the impact Hollywood has on the world around us and still trying to be relevant to that world, which is counter-productive and just plain silly.

It’s the fact that I see actors, actresses, producers, writers, who are obviously searching for the Something that will fill the void in their souls, and their primary exposure to Christianity and Christ - the only One who can satisfy them - is the Christian Film Industry™, which is largely full of broad and meaningless substance because heaven help us we should talk about something real, and then just plain bad art.

I believe God has called us to higher things than this.

Higher art, loving to create as he lovingly created us.

High impact, going deeper into the issues of our culture and our nature to address and satisfy problems and needs felt be every human, not just the church-goers who will show up for Sherwood’s next big thing.

So, yes, my pet peeve cracked from its proverbial nutshell:

I have issues with the Christian Film Industry

#end rant #i used the trademark symbol way too many times #long post #rags has opinions #christian films #movie making #i feel like i did not even touch on so many things #this is such a ramble #ragamusings #for certain

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