Embrace your creed

This, to me, is a fascinating movie.  Not because of the story but because of it's commercial value.  It seems that local producers are beginning to adapt to modern commercialization.  Instead of making short ads, why not a whole movie?! No, no, no, it's premise didn't turned me off, it really did intrigued me.  Besides, I enjoyed Google's The Internship and that movie has been labeled as a huge Sell Out by most American critics.  Hey, it starred Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn so of course it would be a simple fun movie.  Thus, with tons of sponsorship from big companies, let's review Jejak Warriors. 

So, there's rumors and 'news' about film production companies wanting to make a Keluang Man movie; even claiming that it's confirmed (At this stage? I highly doubt it).  The reactions have been positive reactions so far though I wouldn't call it a solid demand in the local film market.  If it ever gets made (I sure wish it doesn't or I wouldn't even care if it did), I'm absolute positive that it will fail critically and financially. 



WHO THE HELL IS KELUANG MAN?

No, it's not that I've never heard of him before.  I did watch a handful--though my memories a bit hazy about it--of Keluang Man episodes.  What I meant is that both audience and filmmakers have no idea who Keluang Man really is; what he represents and what are his aesthetics.  We're all blinded by nostalgia and childhood innocence.  It's hard enough that filmmakers have to figure out the story but it makes it twice as hard when the audience themselves cannot identify with Keluang Man with a proper aesthetic besides Batman Malaysia, Superhero Malaysia and nostalgic values.  Do you make a Western Superhero Parody? I think local movie-buffs would be turned off.  Do you make it fun and action-packed? Well, did you liked Cicakman or KL Gangster? What about a serious story? Keluang Man doesn't even have a proper mythology that's decently unique or engaging.

Please, for the love of god, watch it again and with an open, mature mind! I've revisited a few episodes.  It had a more fluid animation compared to Anak-anak Sidek.  But the filler dialogues and Batman villain rip-off shows that is still needs to age longer before it can turn into a movie. Now that I've revisited him, Borhan (Keluang Man) now reminds me of Goku.  He's fun, oblivious to the nature of his surroundings and villains always want to challenge him.




IS THERE HOPE?

I'm up for it if there's passion involved.  Perhaps, it's not the source material that I lack faith in.  And I always like to think of myself as the guy who fights for the audience :P
But as stated above, both filmmakers and audience still lack identification with Keluang Man.  Dare I say, even the hardcore fans.  We always need more content regardless if it's old.  So, I can see Keluang Man being revived as a new animated series and definitely as an ongoing comic book.  If it was up to me for the reboot, I'd get rid of the Batman villains.  Johan Hitam and that Samurai Guy (I forgot his name) would definitely stay.  Borhan's fun nature will still stay the same but I'd give him more backstory as to why he's in a mental institution in the first place.  But he's definitely not a symbol of a serious Malaysian superhero.

Salam and thanks for reading! 

Serious doh, aku tunggu title nih sejak Sekolah Menengah...bapak ah, mcm tk logik jugak dengar XD So much has changed since then :P

Haven't had a chance to visit their shop

Their current books on sell, check it out here: http://maplecomics.com.my/

 

I've watched it in the first weekend release and I've already come up with a few pointers for my review.  However, you could say it was ego that kept me from writing as I wanted to fill up this blog with a few more different topics before I dwell into movie reviews again; just for my self satisfaction.  Oh well, better now or never.

Here's a quick 'reaction' article for the latest reveal of David Ayer's Suicide Squad, Jared Leto as The Joker.

DC fanboy's disappointment aside (I'm a huge fanboy too), it's important to understand two things; the director, David Ayer, and the character himself.  I've recently bought a Joker action figure and ever since then, I've been obsessing and writing a few fanfiction of the Clown Prince of Crime.  So, it seems convenient to whip up a quick one with this latest reveal.

End Of Watch, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena. I urge you to give this one a try.

With a down to earth script and suspenseful simple action, End Of Watch is one of the best example to showcase Ayer's talent.  But don't worry, he has directed a few big action sequences before (As to what fans will expect from Suicide Squad)


One of his recent films, Fury.  Again, you can see the imagery of brotherhood bond but this time, with unique tank battle action!

There's been many articles regarding this matter and most of them tackles from a producer's perspective; of how this phenomenon is changing the industry and adding more revenue to big companies.  Even though this is very important (And exciting, if you ask me), I'd like to tackle from a fan's perspective as it is more engaging; to remind myself that it's all about the audience.

World Building, to put it simply, is telling stories of characters (Through multiple protagonists) in one single universe.  The best examples are DC comics and Marvel; before their recent movie franchises.  In fact, it is because of these two companies that this phenomenon has become popular and favored among big movie companies.  They've simply used their formula of marketing and storytelling  with their comics and adapted it in the movie making business.  It has even been used in Video games; another growing industry in recent years.  In this article though, we'll be focusing more on Malaysia's IP's and you'd be surprised how local talents have creatively utilize this (Despite the negativity the industry is receiving from fans).  More importantly, they were mostly done out of the spirit as fans, not as greedy and clueless producers.

The Cheesy-ness of this title card was intended...to reflect to franchise itself :p

 Mamat Khalid's Zomba franchise (At least, that's what I like to call it) has spun to sequels and even a spin-off.  It started with Zombi Kampung Pisang; a survival horror comedy with social satire.  A few years later, a sequel but with a different title was produced; Hantu Kak Limah Balik rumah which was more financially successful.  This time, it was simply a horror comedy; having a mysterious ghost instead of hoards of Zombies.

Though it was never confirmed if the director or even the producers had World Building in mind, the storytelling and marketing method was still similar as the characters from the first two would go on separate adventures (Facing other famous supernatural creatures) in Zombi Kilang Biskut and Husin, Mon dan Jin Pakai Toncit. It was even more apparent in Werewolf dari Bangladesh as it didn't starred the main character from past films.  Instead it was another famous comedic character, Usop Wilcha, who met a werewolf from Bangladesh.

This is not the best example of World Building in Malaysia but I say it's worth mentioning as it is one of few successful (At least, financially) efforts in the local movie industry.  It still caters to typical sequels; still relying on the same characters but with outrages genres that's inconsistent.



With excellent marketing and skillful storytelling, Les' Copaque has grown to be one of the most influential production company in Malaysia.  You wanna know how big their Upin and Ipin has become? Imagine growing up in an Asian country but surrounded with Western characters like Mickey Mouse or Power Puff Girls on pre-school murals.  As a kid, that's something normal at the time.  Now, schools everywhere are filled with Upin Ipin and Boiboiboy murals! When you've reached to kid's hearts, that's when you know you've created something more than just an Intellectual Property.

While I think I should write more on Upin Ipin's skillful storytelling method that surpasses most live action films (Debatable, I know), I'll try my best to focus more on their World Building methods.  Starting from the twins, the company has now expanded to two more shows; Pada Zaman Dahulu and the recent Puteri.  But in between these stories, Les' Copaque has adapted the Easter Egg method (Mostly used in Pixar films, Marvel and Video Games) to (not only promote their shows) hint possible and subtle connections between shows.  This is something that most film productions or producers in Malaysia don't understand, a method that diminishes the line between marketing and storytelling; making it more seamless and exciting.  Yes, while the method has been criticized by some for it's hard selling ways, the method has been proved to be effective if done in the right amount and with heavy care towards the story.  In fact, storytelling-wise, the Les' Copaque Universe (That should be a wikipedia page by itself there!) has hinted the possible existence of Ultraman! Malaysia's very own Ultraman and not a fan made one! 


With Tsuburaya's and Les' Copaque's joined projects (Due to Japan's recent effort in promoting their own content with other countries...check out Bima Satria Garuda for more examples), Malaysia was blessed not only with the live show of Ultramen but also our very own official Ultraman! 

Being brutally honest, this could have been another huge marketing stunt but with half ass execution of the end product.  Despite how far Malaysia has come with the marketing and event itself, never settle for less as you know Malaysia can do better.  I'm passionately happy to say that Upin, Ipin adn Ultraman Ribut was awesome! Nodding to the very well established fans of the series in Malaysia while maintaining their credibility with their own stories.  




To be more precise with Les' Copaque Universe, here's a quick explanation of possible facts based on the easter eggs. 





Pada Zaman Dahulu is the story of Sang Kancil and his witty and mischievous adventures; told through Tok Aki as he gives advice to his two grandchildren, Ara and Aris.  In the above still, Sang Kancil exists as a comic book and a TV show within Upin Ipin's universe.  



However, in Ultraman Ribut special, it is hinted that Ara (And possibly the other human characters of Pada Zaman Dahulu) exists in Upin Ipin's world as well.  To ad more speculation though, the ending of Ultraman Ribut's special ended with the twins dreaming of the event instead.  However, they woke up by having the transformation device on their wrists.  Confusing, no? But exciting nonetheless!


Even though Upin Ipin has grown to an establishment that's highly loved and creative, it's not enough as Malaysia needs more IP's and production companies that's up to date.  Things are looking bright in the Animation Industry as Boiboiboy is releasing their first movie this year.  Not to mention, their future projects in theme parks and collaboration with a Japanese company; Takara Tomy toys.  It's unsure about the live action industry though as you can see, the example above isn't exactly the best.  Malaysia is very far behind in marketing and, sadly, even storytelling.  What's best to do now--next to producing more IP's--is supporting it hence the writing of this article.

Here's hoping for better days ahead; In Shaa Allah.

One of the best things about storytelling is that it invites you to empathize the character or plot; opening up ourselves and recall a similar emotion or predicament.  For Papadom 2, directed by Afdlin Shauki, it was one of few local films that managed to make me open up myself; tearing up and being able to put myself in that situation.  To be frank though, it was more to the director rather than the fictional characters.  That statement has some critical weight to it in both positive and negative ways.

Social commentary in Malaysian films have been very annoying lately.  It seems like it's the only way they can make the film more critical or witty.  But when I really think about it though, it's not the extensive use of social commentary that bugs me but, rather, the absence of substance.  Terbaik dari Langit does have tons of subtle criticism towards the local film industry but it didn't forget the core essence of storytelling.

Alhamdulillah, local films have been booming lately with promising possibilities for the future.  Of course, audience will always compare local content with international ones (Especially with Hollywood) but, if you really look at these films within our country's film history...it's an achievement by itself.

So, this is, sort of, a two part review regarding recent local films.  Each exploring local films in terms of Critically and Commercially.  As you can see the poster above, I'll be reviewing Cicakman 3!

It's important to practice on artworks; regardless of painting, photography, writing and so on.  But what's just as important is to acknowledge the small ones such as doodles or spontaneous Instagram shots.  What I'm pointing out is the inspirations around you; observing and questioning issues or phenomenons that interests you.  I admit that the last semester break, I filled this blog with movie reviews.  So, to even the odds, I'll be updating the Inspiration labels.  Also, it's important to share your thoughts so that you can develop it; discovering new things about yourself and others.

Those memes that highlight art student's money problems aren't funny as I find it unfair; stereotyping that art students are ignorant towards business or dissing the media industry in general.  But I must admit that my distastes for it is caused by my fear of my finances.  Of course, I wish to live happily and while I go through that journey of finding out what that means specifically, it would be nice to have a stable income.  Based on my limited experience, you'll never have enough money because human's wants and needs are boundless.  However, it's nice to have the power of decision; to decide for yourself and the ones you love without the baggage of insufficient money.  Which is why I chose the picture above; as an example of many items that I can spend my money on.  Collecting figures is one of my hobbies and I love being able to choose which ever brands I want without worrying about money too much.  So, in this article, I'll update you with my current attempts of overcoming this fear; sharing you with a few designs I did.


Now, this is a familiar concept I tried; involving hype and all.  Here's an article that tackles on that topic.  


I've been designing a few vectors for t-shirts so that, In Shaa Allah, I can start a part time business.  I believe that, without hype, nobody will notice your product and it's incredibly important in the film business.  Technically, I'm not done with the designs and they may change.  I plan on sharing the process of changing as a part of the hype; in hopes of getting feedbacks while gaining interested customers.  It's too early for that now but I see no harm in sharing them in my blog; for the sake of writing my heart's desire, of course. Haha.




In a recent class of mine, I learned a more in depth perspective of today's way of promoting Intellectual Properties.  What makes it more interesting is that it's something that I've definitely noticed thus motivating me to try out the concept of Transmedia.  To be more precised, it's not just a way to promote films, video games or any other expressive mediums you can think of, it's a way of sharing stories; turning us into a more active audience rather than just consuming.  The best example of this phenomenon is fan fiction or , as I've constantly referred to, fan art.

Here's the concept:

Due to my fascination of discovering various mediums of expression (General stuff like films or specific stuffs like being a Star Wars fan), I implied that in the designs.  Each design will feature the phrase "Discover me through" followed by any pop culture or media I can think of.  For marketing purposes, I'll start with the obvious; topics that would attract wider customers or, at least, customers that I can reach to.




The style would revolve around the flat vector style (The previous picture was just a random picture I took while I was in South Korea).  The above design is just an early concept and has definitely change prior to this post.  I'll update the latest ones when it's ready.



I started with two media that I'm really invested on.  Although I'm more of a console fan (No PC master race debate please), I decided to design a mouse and keyboard vector because it could attract a more specific audience.  Plus, the whole controller vector thing is done quite often.  But I'll design it in the future nonetheless; for variety purposes.

Other topics that I plan on working next is Kaiju (To add some uniqueness), Anime (I have tones of friends whom are Otakus) and Islam (For holiday or seasoned specials such as Eid or Ramadhan).

In Shaa Allah, I hope, to the very least, that this project would start.  Sometimes, I forget that business involves tones of risks.  What's keeping me from doing this is the fear that all this effort will go to waste if it fails.  But after thinking about it, a wasted effort is much cheaper than doing nothing at all; relying only on parents or student loan's allowance.  This is phase 1 of 3 of the business plan.  Now, I won't go into the details of the phases but to summarize it, it's basically differs in the designs.

Feedback are much welcome. Alhamdulillah, Salam and thanks for reading!