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omg! I can’t believe there’s someone else out there in 2024, deconstructing (and reconstructing) the Sequels AND also willing to put so much work into the expression of these thoughts…

For those who remember the very loooong ramble about Rey's character...

TFA fight reimagined.

When I have everything I'll actually take the time to time it correctly. For now enjoy this little WIP.

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TLJ 2nd watch in 2024 commentary.

Part 2.

This film feels quite like a play at times - I guess it ties in with what cast members have said about it. That it felt like an indie project, kind of.

But really - it is so thoughtful. I really don’t have any criticism against it as a movie, but I would like to express my sadness about the fact that it does belong to a franchise called Star Wars.

Which is owned by a big company called Disney. Who has shareholders who wanna make big bucks. Which is cool and I get it…It really isn’t my place to say it but I’d really like to get a sequel to TLJ. Even Trevorrow’s Duel of the Fates would do!!

TROS slander incoming.

Ugh I hate how Kylo is just annoying and doing his villain stuff in 2/3rds of the movie and then just pulls a 180 after his mom reaches out to him with the force? Couldn’t she have done that earlier?

Like, his whole villain arc wasn’t that he wanted to be EVIL per se, he just wanted to take charge of his own fate in a way. That’s why he’s so obsessed with killing his past (and his dad) - because of what it represents, not that he actually wants to do the action.

And that’s where his conflict comes in - because he’s on some level painfully aware that he’s only doing this to destroy his previous identity and construct a new one. Which is why he feels like an imposter and breaks the mask - he doesn’t want to be one.

And yes, IRL he could’ve started spiralling back into his “masked” Kylo Ren identity andwhatnot, but we all know that they made that a plot point so they could sell Kylo Ren merch with the cracked mask. I don’t make the rules.

TLJ criticism

1) Too much going on.

- Some choices were def made just to fit everything in.

For example, Rey (main character) kinda dissapears in the continuation of the 3rd act. Maybe they could’ve incorporated her into Kylo/Luke’s confrontation scene, for example, she loses to Kylo in the duel, Luke saves her. But for that we’d have to rewrite the last 1/3 of the film. That would also put her and Kylo on equal ground on saber duels lost/won and would give her a reason to train in 9.

Finn doesn’t get to sacrifice himself (which would have been a better end than getting no character arc at all from rhe next film), because that would take focus away from Luke’s sacrifice.

2) Kylo doesn’t look as pretty as he did in TFA (I’m not 100% serious with this one), but I’m sure it was a concious choice to make his hair less fluffy and curly and to let Driver wear less concealer so that Kylo could look as desperate/weak as possible to reflect his mental state.

3) Music was better in TFA :(

4) Too much going on.

Having said all that, I’ll never be a Sequel Trilogy hater.

Things I really liked

1) Everything about Luke’s arc

2) Kylo’s story, it taking a darker turn

!!!Everytime Hux and Ren interact on screen there’s god-tier tension or ACTUALLY funny moments!!! Which I love!

!!!The part where Rey and Kylo both incorrectly project their hopes and desires on one-another just to be dissappointed!!!Peak drama, and realistic for once! Unseen for generations!

3) The serious atmosphere

4) Poe was funny idk he just looks so annoyed for the entire Holdo arc I think that’s funny

5) Finn & Rose are 2 cute cinnamon rolls

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Gossip Girl S2 ep1-2 thoughts

I was so let down by the first episode. It felt like the show really didn’t give me any time to process things.

Dan turning into a playboy gives me the ick. Also why on earth was Nate, a minor probably, having an affair with a woman twice his age. Not okay. I enjoyed the Chuck vs Blair plot.

Serena and Dan getting back together was annoying. Yes I know it’s gonna happen at some point but take time to flesh out the characters pls !!

The second ep was much better. Reminded me more of the first season which I enjoyed.

Still, Serena and Dan should go to horny jail. Now. The writers/directors shouldn’t forget that these people are barely adults.

Nate and Catherine are still icky…but I feel like the show might take a different direction with them…Having Catherine actually manipulate & use Nate for s*x in return for help, so Nate can help his mother. That’s abuse, and if the show is willing to acknowledge that it IS an unhealthy dynamic…and if both characters suffer the consequences of their actions…I’ll call it a good storyline. But not for one second will I believe that they love one another.

Chuck vs Blair storyline is still great. The tension is rising 😁😁

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TLJ 2nd watch in 2024 commentary.

(Part 1)

OMG.

Wow.

There’s so much going on in this movie, it’s overwhelming at times. The emotional narrative runs deep in this one. It doesn’t gliss over or touch upon darker, more intimate themes like other SW do - it faces them, it questions them.

And the atmosphere. It’s an atmospheric movie. And yet it’s marvellously crafted - from almost every frame the delicate intent that went into it is plain to see.

And perhaps that’s how it should be with movies in general, but in that (2017) day and age (which is coming to an end now, finally!), it really stood out from most other big budget franchise films.

I think on social media, the loudest and biggest fans of this movie are the reylos, kylo ren & adam driver enjoyers. I spent a lot of time in my youth in internet spaces dominated by these folk.

But I still think stan culture and shipping is often redundant - characters almost become caricatures of themselves if such content is consumed exessively.

I wish to engage in thoughtful discussion about this movie with other fans who don’t just watch it for the imaginary reylo romance HAHA!

But the creation this film is! Thank you Rian Johnson for being so bold and resilient in crafting it.

Now for the critique: I want to criticise the jokes. I think the flattest one is « That’s the force »…. Cut it out and it would be a perfect film. But the sequence that follows is sublime… « Life…death and decay…that feeds new life » Beautiful. I think it’s truly one of a kind.

Kind of reminds me of the LOTR trilogy - the clarity of vision and dedication of the respective directors unite them perhaps.

[I had all of this to say only after having watched about 40-50 minutes of the film]

{My brain is struggling at times to comprehend it all, but it’s worth it I think}

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Watched Megalopolis.

Why?

1) Adam Driver

2) Coppola

3) The theme & message

Why I liked it?

all of the above listed reasons + the cinematography, the insane lsd trip editing at times, the novelty, the satire, the references, the self awareness that I think this film has about it’s chaoticness…

I still need to rewatch it to fully understand what physically happened at some points…and I need to refresh my historical knowledge because…while a message was transmitted to me, I still want to understand the author’s very specific intent -

the whole movie felt super personal and general at the same time -

and I think it’s okay -

not every film has to fit in the “boundaries or definition” of a “movie” to be enjoyable

There are so many little details that I’d love to get an explanation on - for example - why did they keep switching in “the actor” Julia’s and Cesar’s baby to doll ?? in one scene ?? that was definetly intentional

also why is the first half of this movie kinda thirsting over AD please explain

Also…Shia Labeouf’s performace was my favourite I think 🤩

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The Last Jedi thoughts

This is a movie about which I have such complex emotions - like a lot of people I imagine…

The anticipation, the confusion, the part of me that wanted to love it, the part that didn’t, etc (+ being a bit dissappointed but not relating at all to the internet hate and actually wishing that people on the internet would thoughtfully analyze the movie, taking into account that their experience and emotions aren’t universal)

But now I realized that I do have something that I absolutely love about it - Luke’s arc.

To chronic TLJ haters this might sound crazy.

Imo, Luke’s story is the best part of the movie (followed by Ren&Rey). But what sets it apart from the latter is the tone!

Luke’s story is one of redemption, a fall from grace that makes him feel hopeless and small, and leads to his exile. I feel that it’s extremely realistic and relatable as a concept bcz that can happen to anyone. Heroes are heroes because of their actions, not their name.

Luke was so devastated by the mere thought! That he could ever do something so against his character (murdering Ben Solo), that he cut himself off from the Force, and renounced his identity basically.

But it’s okay to make mistakes! Grace and truth and goodness can be achieved & realized through adequate actions, in Luke Skywalker’s case - confronting his nephew, apologizing, stepping up to reclaim his truer identity…

Which makes Kylo Ren’s story in TLJ even more depressing - he’s suffering because of his initial over the top choice of running away and succumbing to the “voices” in his head, and then trying to follow that path （which leads to genocide and patricide) because he’s so sure that there’s nothing for him in his previous identity as Ben Solo.

Like I’m sure that KR actually didn’t want his father or any of the people on the planets they blew up to die - he just saw the action of killing them as something that would let him “claim” his identity as Kylo Ren and severe him from his former self.

That of course doesn’t make murder okay.

So yeah, Luke’s arc is what makes me happy when watching TLJ & also Rose sometimes and the broom boy (I absolutely adore the last scene).

The depressing atmosphere of Ren’s arc makes sense considering where he’s at in his overall arc - I think I’d appreciate it more if his future redemption was less chaotic or didn’t exist on such a scale at all (I’ll write about that some other time)

Okay and I haven’t said anything about Rey…and she’s the main character!!!supposedly….

Don’t get me wrong, I love women!

But I think her story in this movie pales in comparison to Luke’s (and even Kylo’s)

But I loved her in TFA!

I accidentaly put this gif here and I DON’T KNOW HOW TO REMOVE IT!

So here is the one I actually wanted 🤩

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Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

I saw it in the theater last year, and suddenly decided to watch it again.

I’ve never considered myself a Taylor Swift fan - but I have come now to realise just how much her songs have influenced me. From her ever present mid 2010s hits, to the plentiful songs from the newer albums EVERYONE LOVES TO MAKE AMVs to…I was familiar with 70% of her discography LOL and listened to many songs often actually…

But watching them all together in concert (not just listening to them is better for me personally). I think because I have very active imagination that loves to project my own experiences (or seeks reflection to them). And I don’t want to start associating a lot of her lyrics with my own life, even though many of them could apply to me without needing projection.

What I wish to focus on instead is her persona as a performer & her wonderful stage presence. Wow, what a show. I love how this woman has consistently created a career, her music ever-developing and never-changing at the same time.

Also, after this tour, I feel like she’s the only other American female artist whose influence is comparable (and on par by now) with Madonna.

While Taylor’s musical brand-reinventions might not be as drastic as Madonna’s, and musically a bit less diverse - I’m speaking of influence, not the different qualities their music possesses.

I’d love to see her live one day, but I kind of doubt she’s ever going to do something as big as the Eras Tour again - it’d be hard to top that I guess. We’ll see.

Also, I think her lyrics are an echo of the mass consciousness of the 21st century women, (mostly in a good, cathartic way).

I have some personal beef with some of the lyrics of some of her « love songs » though.

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Gossip Girl Season 1 thoughts

I finally finished it!

I haven’t watched teen dramas, especially long ones like this in a long long time and considering the 1-2 random episodes of this show I had seen beforehand failed to leave to of an impression, I never really saw myself getting into it again.

But I’m glad I did.

The nostalgic mid 2000’s atmosphere represented by the tacky-ish outfits, rock music and period accurate editing. Chef’s kiss.

It’s just such a moment in time kind of series…

The very straightforward and a bit over the top kind of representation of high school hierarchies and scheming is still relatable and realistic in a way. I think this most of all visible in the scene where Chuck, Nate and Blair tell Serena they’re best friends…Meaning, even though they might infight, the moment someone else from outside is an actual threat, they’re gonna stick together.

I’m also very happy Lilly chose to marry Bart, Rufus is just too clingy and annoying imo. I’m afraid they’re gonna get together in the later seasons though…I mean they gotta fill 6? 7? seasons right…

Also, wouldn’t it be funny if Erik actually was Gossip Girl? (Because Serena mentioned that rumor 😁) Before watching the series I thought it was Blair for some reason, but since all the main characters have been repeatedly unhappy with sensitive information about them being posted to Gossip Girl, I’m thinking it can’t be them.

Also!! I loved the moment where Blair tells Chuck that he can’t love anyone (or smth like that?) and then kisses him. Also Bart really scared him with the whole responsibility speech and he got triggered I think…

As for Dan and Serena - I was wishing for their breakup for so long…but seeing it wasn’t that great. Dan acting all high and mighty and Serena feeling worthless - not cool at all. It’s not about who’s morally wrong or right and I do admit Dan’s presence was a good motivator for Serena for some time - but I think he got overly posessive and judgemental to be able to truly appreciate her presence. Pls don’t get back together. (Or actually do, but now I wanna see Serena dump Dan!)

While there are a few moments of characters doing things for the sake of the plot (I’ll write about that some other time) the series also features moments with great characterisation and great acting.

I wanna watch the second season…but I’m afraid I’ll be underwhelmed, bored and disappointed…I don’t want to see the writers create unnecessary plot points & drama & squeeze all the life out of these characters just because the show was popular and got confirmed for season 2+

Also Jenny is my girl, l love her!

🙏🙏🙏🙏

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My Sequel Trilogy reinterpretation/remake/fanfic wishlist:

The Last Jedi:

1) Kylo and Rey duel, she falls off the cliff

2) Hand Touch

3) Throne Room scene with better/more angles

4) Not Kylo crying again at the end

5) Hints at Palpatine coming back

The Duel of the Fates

1) Hux and Kylo political scheming/Hux trying to undermine him/coup d’état

2) Rey has a double edged lightsaber

3) Coruscant

4) Ben Solo piloting the Millenium Falcon

5) Kylo either dying as a good old fashioned anti hero or redeeming himself BUT going off / parting from Rey & everyone (for some time at least) because logic

6) intimate but platonic reylo. (In my headcanon they’re both on the asexual spectrum (that’s because I like projecting))

7) kylo and rey no kith

8) better music gods forbid

9) Callback to TFA when Kylo was trying to call Anakin’s lightsaber to him, but this time it flies into his hand

10) Rey nobody

11) Rey realizes she doesn’t need to be linked to someone important

12) Kylo not begging her to take his hand for 1/2 of the movie istg but them simply being adversaries again

13) No dyad because we need real characterisation and development and writing

14) Kylo as the main villain would’ve been better than palps coming back out of nowhere, atleast the buildup would’ve been there

15) Hux harakiri scene like in THAT concept art

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star wars sequel trilogy should’ve felt like the potc original trilogy vibe wise

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TROS still makes no sense bye

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why did they butcher kylo ren’s shirtless scene in TLJ

reminding you that it could’ve and should’ve looked like this

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why SW sequels failed isn’t the fault of the directors lol or the ideas in general

aside from the « let’s make it up as we go and get 3 directors » ??????!

it must be the 102376382726 executive producers who tried to implement the wishes of disney shareholders thinking they know smth about making money

ambitious movies like TLJ have their good and bad parts and ofc were impacted by this as well, but overall will be better remembered than messy and incoherent movies like TROS

even if TLJ isn’t perfect, it is self-aware and intelligent, cohesive and meaningful, and ofcourse the cinematography is 🔥🔥🔥

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i wish the movie had the same vibe as the trailer does

TLJ trailers are peak 🔥🔥🔥🔥

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TLJ trailers are peak 🔥🔥🔥🔥

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pre TLJ era was peak for me as a kylo & rey dynamic enjoyer back then (including the TLJ trailers ofcourse)

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qimir is gonna be the first “knight of ren” or smth i’m calling it (or he’s gonna name himself something ren) (or just ren)

this is my take after watching only all of the existing edits about him 💯