#it's funny because its not like i can't do short term memory games like that

[imunbreakabledude]

doing akkha is so funny because from the very start of just having casually read guides/watched videos of people doing ToA, I was like, "oh okay a little memory game, you just click in the quadrants that are highlighted, that's easy. that's the most easy and obvious mechanic, the rest of it seems much harder to deal with"

and yet in my ToA learning so far i mess up the memory attack almost every time. because I'm like "okay yeah yeah i saw the colors sure sure" then go to actually reproduce the pattern and. surprise surprise, I do not remember

[ritavonbees]

the empath in fantasy and science fiction receives accurate information about the emotions of people around them, just as the telepath accesses true, unmediated information about others' thoughts. The fantasy of pure understanding has strong appeal for those of us who have struggled with communication, miscommunication and its consequences. (I wonder how much crossover there is with the group of people who find misunderstanding-based comedies of errors too cringe.) you can still put misunderstanding in empath/telepath stories, of course, because this information is fractal - it isn't fully knowable because there's no hard line between feeling, thought, memory, bodily sensation, relationships, context. but in real life you have to rely on secondary sources about that data, which adds infinitely more complexity. you can see how it would be nice to just know something instead of trying to hold, like, a Bayesian probability graph in your head to represent someone else's opinion and expected behaviour.

the fear hand in hand with the fantasy, though - that's a different order of thing, isn't it? the empath/telepath overwhelmed by the interiority of others, who needs to put the work in to raise mental walls, who isn't sure where they end and others begin, that's much closer to the bone.

because you don't need magically accurate information to be overwhelmed, to muddy your identification, to exhaust yourself constantly interpreting - you can do that already. if your brain is constantly generating guesses about what other people are thinking or feeling, it can burn glucose til the cows come home processing its own guesses and having feelings about them.

a long time ago my teacher told me poetry isn't a visual medium but that's not what the poets say. when I've got the cognitive fatigue real bad I flinch away from signs. reading burns energy like breathing. I've got no filter between eyes and mind, I'm interpreting signals before I've had a chance to decide if I want to. by contrast, I sometimes need to hear a sentence two or three times to bring meaning out of sounds. that's energy too, of course - sometimes more energy, because I've got to rotate the thing in short term memory until it clicks, or ask you to repeat yourself and then explain that no, not louder, just again. but sometimes I choose to let it slide, and I've never managed to look at something without trying to read it.

when I'm hyperfocused, I think my brain hits pause on those processes - not seeing, not hearing, although the light and sound are coming in just fine. they just aren't leaving marks. that's how I can hide from the world in a game or a story. but I can't just flip the switch inside my head because I'm tired and not today Satan the whole alphabet while I'm walking through the city - if I don't want to pour myself into the written word indiscriminately I've got to take my phone out or my glasses off and risk walking into things.

interpreting social signals is a kind of reading too, and a much more difficult one for me, more energy intensive. can't switch that one off either, although it is much easier to distract me from it when there's something else to think about. can neurodivergent people without ADHD regulate their attention more effectively? choose not to interpret something to conserve energy?

the funny thing about all those people calling themselves "empaths" in real life - that was a thing for a while, wasn't it? the funny thing was them insisting their interpretations of other people's feelings were true and real just like in the stories. I imagine some people do have a higher accuracy rate than others in certain contexts and communities, but we are all guessing. there's a reason the psychologists talk about "mind-reading" as a cognitive trap. the call is coming from inside the house.

and yet it's not a weird thing to want. this is how we're wired. other people's thoughts and feelings have a material effect on our lives. Maybe we can't stop guessing, but we can choose what we do about our guesses, can't we?

[offscreendeath]

I sincerely hope this project isn't another hollow reboot and actually manages to stand on its own as a piece of media. its been 26 years (holy shit) since the last film and a lot has changed in Hollywood since then.

Toys and action figures have largely been replaced by video games as they've gotten more accessible and impressive in terms of variety and quality. AI is now less of a concept relegated to the distant future and is increasingly taking prominence in daily life.

The film industry as we know it has been impacted by things like COVID and the writer's strike. All this taken into account, it would seem ridiculous to me for this film to retread old territory and simply copy the plot and themes of the original film. It isn't like there's a massive Small Soldiers fandom who would revolt if the original cast didn't return to reprise their roles. That leaves a lot of potential to make something fresh.

What I would like to see is perhaps less focus on the humans, or better yet basically none, with them only entering the story to provide bits of exposition or as comic relief. It would be entertaining to watch bystanders react to being suddenly put right in the middle of a toy war and freaking out.

This could also be an opportunity to do what Toy Story did later in the series, examining the different and conflicting philosophy of duty and destiny, but through the lens of warfare and capitalism. After all, these toys are mass produced products, and they are literal soldiers. This doesn't mean there can't be funny, cool moments, but it can't hurt to have some kind of emotional anchor or underlying thematic concepts to give it more depth and complexity.

I mean, even the short scene where the two (presumably) main characters are facing each other through the glass hints at some shared history or tension that is ripe for exploration. What does a character arc look like for these two? How can our expectations be subverted?

Another thing is, and this might be controversial: no, or very few callbacks to the first movie. If they must, I'd rather they be easter eggs subtly and carefully placed throughout, not constant and obvious, or worked into the plot to get us to go "SEE? omg, remember THIS???" Like, yeah, we know. What else you got?

Lasty, I would appreciate a greater scope in terms of setpieces and location. The last film's setting was fairly localized to one neighborhood, which made sense for that story. Where else could they go? A skate park? Sewers? A cornfield maze? Can they livestream on Twitch? Hack into (and fight on top of,) a drone, or a tesla? Just go crazy with it.

Small Soldiers was one of my favorite movies growing up largely because I was a fan of Toy Tory as a child and this was largely billed as an edgier, more "grown up" version of it. But apart from the edge it honestly lacked a lot of substance. There wasn't much going for it outside of 90s nostalgia that really makes it worth revisiting.

But we have so much of that already, as millenials and elder millenials are becoming the target demographic for media since we're now at the age where a lot of us have kids and careers and are desperate for familiar images and memories to throw money at. I hope this isn't another dumb uninspired cash grab but maybe that's askin for too much.

Guess we'll see.

[aestheticsuwu]

🌁Escape from the city and follow the sun ☀️

( part 2 of Okinawa trip AU)

.......

She knew her Dad planned the vacation to give her a break but she knew deep down he just wanted a new scenery just for a little bit . When he offered she instantly accepted , maybe they would make some good memories for her to look back in the future .

She was excited to tell the rest of her friends about the trip , and she wasn't expecting Robby having an interest of Okinawa . Guessing her father and Robby had that connection of the Myagi Do History . It was cute how he was rambling telling her and Demetri fun facts .

And When Robby had stayed for dinner he wanted tell Sam more of what he had learned . She was more than happy when Dad had asked Robby if he wanted come .

..... .....

" Robby would you like to come with us ? "

He knew his mouth was hanging open , the question surprised him . He wanted to say yes but he also knew that the trip was only for Mr. LaRusso and Sam .

" That would be awesome but I don't want to intrude and Mr. LaRusso you planned it for you and Sam . "

" Well I want you to go with us and I know Sam wouldn't mind . Your part of the family Robby,  you know that . And Don't worry about Johnny,  I will talk to him . So what do you say ? "

His heart always felt warmed when Mr.Larusso would remind him , He was like another Dad . He knew there was times he had to catch himself to not call him Dad . It Didn't help now that Mr . LaRusso and his actual dad were dating . Looking at Sam smiling at him encouraging him to accept , he gives them both a smile .

" I would love to , Thank you . "

And if he hugged Mr.Larusso longer than he intended and thought he could live with two dads for all his life nobody needed to know .

...... ..... ...... ...... ..

They were all at the dojo taking a break from class . He was in the middle of Sam and Miguel while Demetri was sitting in front of him . All were talking about the lesson but they noticed Demetri wasn't talking . And they all knew he constantly talked . Robby noticed that hawk was with the other students , usually he was with Demetri .

Turning to look if Sam and Miguel noticed but guessing by looks that Sam was glaring at hawk and Miguel concerned look . He guessed he wasn't the only one .

" Demetri did you and Hawk fight ? "

He asked him , Sam and Miguel begin to questioned also .

" Did he hurt you !? "

" I don't think Hawk  would hurt Demetri , Sam."

" Wouldn't be the first time , Miguel ! "

" But Hawk changed and I know he wouldn't do it again . "

He interrupts them before anyone would notice their little argument .

" Guys , let Demetri tell us . Let's not jump into conclusions , I'm not big fan of Hawk but let's give him the benefit of the doubt . "

All three watched their friend to answer patiently . They sometimes forget that Demetri didn't react well to being rushed. They had to be patient with him .

" He didn't do anything , I just i-i-i.  I'm having problems at home but it's fine .

The three watch him stand up as his Dad calls them to fall in and break was over . And he knew he wasn't the only one of the three worried and by the looks of Hawk he was also worried.

...... ...... ..

Running up to catch Demetri she ask him if he can come over to her house to help her pack . Smiling as he agrees she discreetly turns around to give Miguel and Robby a thumbs up. Giggling went Demetri waves a goodbye , and Miguel and Robby try to act discreetly as if they unaware of Sam's idea 

.It was cute , she was glad that both Robby and Miguel got along now . Realising they have stuff in common decideding to have a truce , Now they were friends . Both were big softies , funny and loyal the plus side they were Hot .

The three agreed Sam would be the one to talk to Demetri . Knowing her and Demetri was more closer , He was the one who helped her deal with her panic attacks . She helped him with his feelings for a certain Mohawk boy , although she didn't understand why him . But she guessed know one would be good enough for her Demetri . She loved him like a brother.

Don't get her wrong she loved her little brother but her and  Demetri understood each other.  Thats why she had to get the bottom of the problem .

" Is it cold in Okinawa ? ,  just in case take a couple sweaters and coats . Better safe than sorry right . "

As Demetri pulled out her clothes , she decided  it was the right time to ask .

" Dem , you know you can tell me anything right , even if it's bad . Im ... We are worried about you and its not just today that we noticed . I just want you to know that i got your back "

" I know , I just ... I been having problems with my mother . She doesn't understand why I forgived Hawk , so I tried to not bring up anything around her . She's usually not around , so I invited Hawk over , we were playing video games and catching up . Guess who decided to show up at the moment Eli tries to kiss me "

Her heart broke watching her friend struggle , he paces around the room and she knows Demetri is trying not to break down . She goes up to him and hold his hand .

" It was so embarrising , she threw a fit saying I was ruining my life . kicked out Eli , wouldn't be surprised he didn't want talk to me again . Said pretty much I'm a disgrace to keep it short . I'm sorry  "

 

She hugs him as tight as she could , she got teary eyed hearing Demetri cry . She was so thankful for having her parents , it wasn't fair people had to go through .

" You don't have to be sorry ok , She's wrong she doesn't know you the way we do . You can stay with us today , and if hawk doesn't speak to you I know Robby and Miguel will knock some sense into him . "

Later that night her Dad tells her about including Demetri to the vacation . She tells him he's the best dad ever . She goes to bed listening to Demetri talk about Hawk message and the plans to the trip .

..... ...... ....

At first it was confusing and hard to adjust to her parents being divorce but once realise she realised they  were both  happier with other people . She came to terms with it , she got to talk to Miguel and Robby about their parent dating each other .

Miguel was glad her mom was happy with someone that knew how to cherish her the way she deserved . Robby wasn't mad or bothered that his dad and her dad were now dated . He just didn't like how he would constantly see his dad flirt with her dad .

When Johnny had accidently called his father Bambi in front of the class , he saw the way the blonde tried to get her father to forgive him all day  . She thought Mr . Lawrence wasn't bad after all.

Carmen and Johnny was a nice addition to the family , she gets to spend time more with Robby and Miguel .

...... .......

 

Miguel was excited to wake up as 4 : 00 in the morning and wait for sensei to pick him up . He never thought he would ever go to the trip with Mr. LaRusso . His mom was also going with them , the best part he was going with his friends too .

Saying Goodbye one last time to YaYa , he climbs inside the car saying hi to everyone . Falling asleep while sensei drives hoping they wouldn't crash .

" Were here , Everybody out ! Let's go ! . "

Walking up to the airport , as everyone follows their Sensei guiding them and telling them to keep an eye out for Mr LaRusso  . Turning to Hawk , he was surprised that his friend had managed to have energy to do his hair .

" This is going be fucking awesome dude , only sucks that we have to wake this early . "

" Yeah , we should thank Mr.LaRusso for inviting us and try not to start any fights with anyone meaning Sam or Robby . I know you dude . "

" Right , and I'm not the only that starts them , Who you crushing on now , pretty boy or the princess , or both "

Pushing hawk , as he says his comment with a smirk , He can't remember why he was friends with him now .

" Shut up , I don't know what your talking about . "

" Yeah and that why your blushing "

It only seemed right to flip him off and maybe push him to the floor if he didn't had found Mr. LaRusso and him mom .

" Sensei their over there , Oh My mom arrived to "  He told Sensei ,  pointing at the opposite direction , they all decided to  run towards them .

....... ....... .......

He think no one would ever get used to seeing both Senseis making out . They all showed their disagreement of the PDA even Amanda and Carmen were laughing for their childish behavior . Seeing as his dad signaling to the store the class showed their excitement as they cheered remembering Mr. LaRusso promise .

Robby didn't know what to decide on , the rest of the class had money their parents had given them . And he didn't want to ask Mr . LaRusso for money he had already bought him the ticket and clothes and not to include his suitcase .

" we can share something if you want , my Yaya gave  me extra money .  "

Turning to look at Miguel and Sam , He wanted to reject the idea but he guessed it wouldn't hurt .

" Hey pup get anything  LaRusso is paying , goes for you to Miguel . Keep an eye out on them little LaRusso . "

 

God his dad always had to embarrass him , he didn't mind him calling him that but in public was big No . And by the giggling of both Miguel and Sam they could tell he was blushing . He totally deserved some Oreos for this .

...... ..... ...

Everyone was vibrating with excitement as they got off the plane . Phone filled with selfies on the plane , Laughing along the random ideas to do in Okinawa . They couldn't wait for their adventure to start .

But then they lost Mr . LaRusso who was the only one that knew the place after they all got distracted because it seemed Hawks stupid products weren't here .

" Dude calm down , I think you could get some gel or whatever you use here too . "

" Miguel , I love you bro but right now I'm trying to find my shit . Hey ! What are you all laughing about  ! "

Once sensei had enough of the bickering , he told them to fall in line to find their missing Sensei  that was once spotted outside with two other people .

Waiting for a big cab for everyone to fit wasn't the best but as they were driven to their location . They were all memorized by the beauty , it seem like no picture can capture the beauty of it . Well not to Sensei apparently he rather look at the beauty of Mr . LaRusso.

He had to admit that was the best line he had heard from his Sensei .  He liked how everyone was smiling and Laughing . He also totally noticed the blush on Hawk and Demetri as they both were sitting to close . He was totally going to tease hawk as payback .

 

Sidenote : Part 2 of the Okinawa trip AU. Sam , Robby , and Miguel Pov . Sam and Demetri sibling dynamic . Next is binary boyfriends moodboard . Excuse for my shitty writhing