Society — Cult Shunting … !

30th March, 2017.

It has to be said, I usually — usually — work a six day week.

Usually with two nights off: one of which I spend with my family.

So, usually?

I don’t get as much time as I’d like to see the TV shows or films I’d like to see.

I’ve still not managed to see Rogue One, yet, to give you an example: something I’ll have to remedy, at some point.

This week, though?

This week, though?

This week, I’ve worked five days.   Granted, that means I’ll have less money coming in, next pay-day.

Inconvenient.

But, on the upside, it means I’ve had an extra night to catch up with the backlog of media demanding my attention.

The last two episodes of Stranger Things, last night.

And, as I’ve had an 80s thing happening, just recently?

An 1980s horror tonight.

Yep.

Society … 

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John Carter — What do you mean, it got slated … ?

You know, I have to admit, I’ve had a quiet night in.

And … ?

Well, I’ll be honest.

I’ve seen a movie.

And, yes, before you ask, I’ve just watched the critically panned 2011, Andrew Stanton directed movie, John Carter.

And I have to ask, why WAS everyone complaining … ?

No, seriously … !

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Set in 1881, and based on the 1911book, A Princess Of Mars, John Carter sees Taylor Kitsch as the eponymous hero: a veteran of the US Civil war who — after going prospecting in parts of Arizona that the Arapaho still claim as theirs, hiding in a cave that is more haunted than he’d realised.

As a result … ?

Finding himself somehow transported to Mars — or Barsoom to its inhabitants — in the middle of a rampaging war between the city states of Zodanga, headed by Sab Than — Dominic West — and Helium, led by Tardos Mor ands his daughter, Dejah Thoris: Ciaran Hinds and Lynn Collins, respectively.

In the middle of all this … ?

In the middle of all this, Carter’s expected to learn to fight like a Thark: led by Willem Dafoe, as Tars Tarkis.

Confusing … ?

It shouldn’t be … !

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Now, I said in the title of this post, that John Carter got a lot of bad press.

I’ll be frank, I really can’t see why … !

OK, granted, it’s not exactly Pinter: but then a lot of things aren’t.

John Carter is, after all, something of a Pulp.

So don’t rent or download John Carter if you’re expecting a deeply meaningful movie about man’s place in the universe, and that universes’ relationship to the Immanent Godhead.

DO get it, if you’re wanting an evening of mindless Disney fun, with lots of aliens chasing each other all over Monument Valley.

You won’t be disappointed!

John Carter
★★☆☆

The Dark Crystal: An Acquired Taste …

Yes, yes, ok, I know … !

It’s not every day I use the words an acquired taste in a post’s title.

But I’ve just watched the 1982 Jim Henson film directed film, The Dark Crystal.

And, thus far … ?

Thus far, I’m thinking ‘acquired taste’ is the right phrase.

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Set on a another world, The Dark Crystal sees a young gelfling, Jen, sent to find the shard of the Dark Crystal of the title.

A shard that has to be re-united with the Crystal, at the time of the Conjunction of the Three Suns, in order to heal the world … 

AND save it from the power of the evil Skeksis.

Of course, on the way … ?

There’s all SORTS of obstacles to overcome: as well as what sounds like Anglo-saxon music, along the way.

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Now … ?

Did I actually like The Dark Crystal … ?

I’ve actually got to admit, I’m blowed if I could tell you … !

You see, I can’t help but think that thew time to have actually seen the blessed thing was back in 1982.

I’d’ve been in my (early) teens, and both at just the right age for this: AND much more easily impressed by it, I suspect.

As things stand, now, though … ?

The thirty year old fantasy, whilst possibly the most beautifully designed film I think I’ve seen in a while has come at the wrong time, I think: at least for me.

After all, I’ve managed to see both Peter Jackson’s take on The Lord Of The Rings trilogy: something I know has heavily influenced much fantasy, AND the recent version of Conan the Barbarian.

Right here, right now … ?

Right here, and now, I’m thinking The Dark Crystal is a take it or leave it sort of film.

And I THINK I’m on the latter half of the scales …

The Dark Crystal★☆☆☆