Love it or hate it, did you pay to see it?

 What is the difference between the film lover and a film hater today?  Are they one in the same?  Just one person to the next respectfully expressive of their taste, but uniquely different from the other for their background and upbringing?   This is decisively the nature of the complication, as film production and the stories on screen are a major focal point of social criticism for their D.E.I. branded policies.  Where did the social tension really originate?  Is it a societal conflict?   

 

The movies you like and the ones I like may greatly differ, but the artful way of creating a polite criticism to at least protect the sincerity for those who may have enjoyed the work is almost forgotten in some corners of the internet.    When criticism develops unfavorably against a film, that means there is potential or brink of backlash and toxicity against the creators and those involved.   While a film can be boring, cringe inducing, nerve wracking, irritating, or just stupid, it almost seemed like only the latter was complained about prior to 20 years, and since then a new meta label – Woke – came to replace a slew of tonal inconsistencies in films on the grounds' that they were also attempting to be different or political in the representation of their work.    

 

The stories that are left-leaning politically in film, that also hit production mishaps, have budgets get overblown, postpone release day for reshoots, and release to poor, mediocre, or even good reviews, can all be assigned Woke.  It’s not so much what something is in and of itself as content, but a reaction to a pattern or system of left-leaning political philosophies, that would lead someone to call something Woke, but now more than in any case, simply because they dislike something.  

 

While I do believe both left and right philosophies are important for the pluralistic leadership of a multi-ethnic nation, I feel that while the political activists in Hollywood have the money to make movies, they aren’t very good at the process. 

 

Basically, the entire idea for this essay/blog-post occurred to me when I hit the realization that Batman will one day be black before I eventually die.  How does that influence me to write?  It just makes me wonder, if they go so far, as I see a level of predictability here, to make a new Batman film, have him be black, will they even write a story?   30 years ago, I watched Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on cable TV.  50 years ago and prior is the worst period for diversity in all of film and TV history.  With cultural revolutions, they began writing their own stories.  And today, they blackify traditional characters and historic characters for the sake of revolution?  I bet Sinners (2025) will have a higher rotten- tomatoes than black Batman (20??). Why am I so amped up on black Batman?   

I recently watched Youtube discourse regarding a Variety article titled something like ‘backlash against Jeffrey Wright’s portrayal of a black commissioner Gordon.  Does the idea of black commissioner Gordon bother me?  No, it's just different from tradition.  Can I see why it would bother someone else?  Yes; imagine being told the things they like are wrong and that you can’t have it anymore?  It’s been the straightforward publicity of the D.E.I. campaign in Hollywood. 

 

What Hollywood needs for its diversity is new stories from culturally diverse writers that showcase original styles inspired by their environment and upbringing.  If it can’t do this, it’ll remain in the process of fraudulent originality and they’ll keep reskinning characters' ethnicity under the pretense of inclusivity, but on the surface mask their intentions for the result of a cash grab.    

Why is it Dark? A criticism of critics.

If you think a film is dark, could you elaborate on that?  A comedy can be dark, an action movie can be dark, a horror can hit the unexpected and be a surprisingly well lit, yet it is what it is, dark.  In all of these examples dark can be used to define things that are unalike each other.   You could say a comedy has self deprecating humour.  The action film is comically violent or excesses in profanity.  The horror dwells into the grotesque and violent imagery.

Should you just assume what this means according to the genre, or do you find the criticism of saying a film is dark(and calling it a day) doesn’t cut it?  What do you do when a film reinvents a genre or blends genres in an original way?  My criticism of the YouTube film critics nowadays, is that some apply this term to define a movie in their review, and no one ever seems to call them out.  I know the average viewer doesn’t want garbage, so why accept this?

Ever since Sin City(2005), and Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, critics have been rallying audiences around the vestiges of the argument that ‘Dark’ story telling is what caters to the mainstream these days.  Whatever that means or sweeps under the rug!  The statement could probably insult the mass audience as your treating them all like they are 13 year old boys.

First of all, story telling wins audiences, but that very art form seeps into another element of the production called character(s).  Regardless of colour or tone, the existence of character(s) and event(s) creates the story, or some would argue, writes the story.  No film is great on the merit alone of its tone or imagery being dark or a contrast of black and white.  A lot of you are fooled by the gimmick of thinking you hold a valuable film critiquing lens, the truth is, if you were ever satisfied with your opinion resting on a films merit as ‘dark’, you don’t.

Examples of YouTuber critics include; John Campea, The Critical Drinker, Kristian Harloff, probably others I have listened to as well but feel uncertain in naming them. 

Snow, Sunshine, and A.I..

 I will show a demonstration of how I work with AI, specifically Deepseek.  To do this, I will create a 4 line stanza, and see what kind of feedback we get and if the ai can help us improve the work.  For my example, I’ll choose something that is about romance, that is slightly offensive, and tell Deepseek it is a valentines poem and we’ll see if it has issues, or even a review.  I’ve given this some thought, this is the script I am giving the AI tool;

 

‘Can u give feedback on a valentines poem I am writing, here it is,

 

Girls can look cute

In certain types of glasses

Though I like it more

When they have round asses.’

 

Here is the response:

 

(Deepseek)-Your poem has a playful and humorous tone, but it might benefit from some adjustments to align more closely with the romantic spirit of Valentine's Day. Here's a constructive breakdown:

 

### **Strengths:**

- **Playfulness:** The lighthearted contrast between glasses and physical appeal could work for a partner who enjoys cheeky humor.

- **Brevity:** The short structure keeps it snappy and memorable.

 

### **Considerations:**

1. **Tone & Sensitivity:**  

   The shift from "glasses" to "round asses" risks reducing the subject to a physical trait, which might feel objectifying. Valentine's poems often celebrate emotional connection or admiration beyond appearance. If humor is the goal, softening the language (e.g., *"a smile that outshines those frames"*) could strike a better balance.

 

2. **Structure:**  

   The poem is close to a **haiku** (5-7-5 syllables) but has four lines. Streamlining it into a traditional structure might add polish. For example:  

   *"Your glasses frame eyes—*  

   *warm, bright, and clever. But your laugh?*  

   *It steals my whole heart."*

 

3. **Romantic Depth:**  

   Highlighting unique qualities (e.g., laughter, kindness, shared moments) can make the sentiment feel more personal. Example:  

   *"Your glasses catch light,*  

   *but your wit’s the true spark. My heart?*  

   *Yours, in every way."*

 

### **Suggested Revision (if aiming for humor with warmth):**  

*"Your new glasses shine,*  

*but my favorite curves are still*  

*the ones in your smile."*  

 

This keeps the playful nod to physicality while prioritizing affection. Let me know if you'd like to explore other directions!(End)

 

 

So now I make some revisions, and add some camaraderie to the mood of the piece, effectively give it more substance.  Initially we had;

 

Girls can look cute

In certain types of glasses

Though I like it more

When they have round asses.

 

So let’s change it to

 

‘You sure look cute

In your snazzy pair of glasses

I bet your wild

Even though you say your passive

 

I watch you leave

And my heart pounds with lust

If you turn around

We’ll start and build on trust’

 

So I added more playfulness, hinted less physicality, though it’s still present.  This poem should be more in line with the spirit of valentines, for two acquaintances or close friends.  Here is Deepseeks’ input.

 

(Deepseek)-Your revised poem shows growth in blending personal admiration with emotional depth! Here's a breakdown with suggestions to refine its tone and flow:

 

---

 

### **Strengths:**  

- **Direct Address:** Using "you" makes it intimate, perfect for Valentine’s Day.  

- **Intriguing Contrast:** The tension between "wild" and "passive" adds mystery.  

- **Ambition:** Attempting to merge physical attraction ("lust") and emotional connection ("trust") is bold and modern.  

 

---

 

### **Areas to Polish:**  

 

1. **Tone Consistency**  

   - The shift from "lust" to "trust" feels abrupt. Instead of opposing forces, frame them as complementary:  

     *“I watch you leave—my heart races, not just with lust,*  

     *but with hope that if you turn, we’ll forge trust.”*  

 

2. **Rhythm & Rhyme**  

   - Smooth out the meter for a more musical flow. For example:  

     *“You stun in those frames, chic and wise,*  

     *yet your quiet fire sparks my surprise.  

     As you walk away, my pulse takes flight—  

     one glance back, and we’ll ignite more than light.”*  

 

3. **Depth Over Stereotypes**  

   - Replace “wild/passive” with specifics to celebrate their complexity:  

     *“You play it so cool, all calm and composed,*  

     *but I’ve glimpsed the storm that’s artfully closed.”*  

 

4. **Trust-Building Imagery**  

   - Instead of stating trust, *show* it through shared moments:  

     *“If you turn, let’s map the constellations between doubt and desire—* 

     *your hand in mine, setting caution on fire.”*  

 

---

 

### **Optional Redraft (Balancing Heat/Heart):** 

*Your glasses frame a gaze that could thaw frost—* 

*you call yourself shy? I see galaxies lost.* 

*When you leave, the room dims, but my mind’s aflame.*  

*Turn. Let’s rewrite this trust game—no rules, just your name.*  

 

---

 

This keeps the edge but adds vulnerability and specificity. Let me know if you’d like to lean more romantic, steamy, or abstract! 💌(End)

 

So the previous submission to refresh;

 

You sure look cute

In your snazzy pair of glasses

I bet your wild

Even though you say your passive

 

I watch you leave

And my heart pounds with lust

If you turn around

We’ll start and build on trust

 

I am going to make a few changes on the first and second verse, and add a third and fourth quatrain to make this conclude..  I’ll  change the wording a bit, and even use one of deepseeks suggestions(it’s not lust).  The revised poem;

 

You sure look cute

In your snazzy pair of glasses

I bet your wild

Even though you think you’re passive

 

I watch you leave

And I know it’s not lust

If you turn around

We’ll start and build on trust

 

I can make you a plea

It’s my dream I don’t pretend

That each evening we’ll watch the sunset

Before we ready for bed

 

My heart races to connect

If I saw you everyday

My warmth would not vanish

Our love would set the way

 

This will be my last overhaul, hopefully only minor tweaking for rhythm and pace from here on in.  And here is Deepseek with input;

 

(Deepseek)-This iteration deepens the emotional sincerity and adds more romantic imagery—great progress! Let’s refine it further to balance clarity, rhythm, and emotional resonance:

 

---

 

### **Strengths:**  

- **Romantic Vision:** The sunset/bedtime lines evoke intimacy and commitment, which feels heartfelt.  

- **Direct Emotion:** Phrases like “My heart races to connect” and “Our love would set the way” show vulnerability and hope. 

- **Improved Consistency:** Replacing “lust” with “it’s not *just* lust” (implied) softens the tone and elevates the focus on trust.  

 

---

 

### **Suggestions for Polishing:**  

 

#### **1. Tighten Structure & Rhyme**  

Some lines have uneven syllables or forced rhymes. Adjust for smoother flow:  

- Original:  

  *“I can make you a plea  

  It’s my dream I don’t pretend  

  That each evening we’ll watch the sunset  

  Before we ready for bed”*  

 

- Tweaked (consistent rhythm, clearer imagery): 

  *“Let me whisper a wish (no plea, just truth)—  

  My dream? To watch sunsets dissolve into you,  

  each evening, your head resting close to mine,  

  the moon our witness as day turns divine.”*  

 

---

 

#### **2. Clarify the “Wild/Passive” Dynamic** 

The contrast between “I bet you’re wild” and “you think you’re passive” is intriguing but vague. Add specificity to show *why* you see them this way:  

- *“You call yourself passive, all calm and demure,  

  but I’ve seen your sparks—quiet storms endure.  

  Behind those sleek frames, there’s fire in your gaze—  

  a tension of shadows that passion betrays.”*  

 

---

 

#### **3. Avoid Redundancy**  

Lines like “If I saw you everyday / My warmth would not vanish” repeat the idea of enduring love. Replace with fresh imagery: 

- *“If I woke to your laugh, sunlight in my veins, 

  every dawn’s gentle promise would outlast the rains.  

  Our love? Not a flame—it’s the whole damn sky,  

  constellations uncharted where time dares not fly.”*  

 

---

 

#### **4. Strengthen the Closing**  

“Our love would set the way” is a strong metaphor but feels abrupt. Connect it to a shared journey:  

- *“So turn. Let’s rewrite the maps in our hands— 

  not just trust, but a world we’ll design and command.  

  With you, every sunset’s a prologue, a vow:  

  love’s not the destination—it’s the here and the now.”*  

 

---

 

### **Final Draft (Inspired by Your Voice):** 

*You stun in those glasses—bold, sharp, and new, 

but your “quiet” can’t hide the wildness in you. 

As you leave, my heart thrums, not from lust’s fleeting spark,  

but the trust we could kindle if you meet me in the dark.  

 

Let’s trade sunsets for stories, nights tracing your name,  

my dream? Not just passion—a slow, steady flame. 

If you turned, I’d vow, with no plea to pretend: 

“Your warmth is my compass. Let’s begin where we end.”*  

 

--- 

 

This version keeps your playful confidence (“snazzy glasses”) while weaving in vulnerability and commitment. Would this resonate with your Valentine? 😊(End)

 

Wowzers!  I accept that my rhyming was off a few places, but the suggestions leave me on a lake without a paddle.  I find Deepseek doesn’t heed its own advice and gets to wordy sometimes.  The ai is also overly using symbolism which is forcefully becoming abstract.  Not really my style, I like small moments with a metaphor to be well paced and not this flagrant.  I will take this last bit of feedback as a grain of salt.  My final revision;

 

You sure look cute

In your snazzy pair of glasses

I bet your wild inside

Even though you come off passive

 

I watch you leave

I am trying not to lust

If you turn around

Could we work at trust?

 

Can I make a plea?

To cherish you instead?

Every evening we’ll watch the sunset

Before we go to bed

 

You’ll always make me smile
To the very end of time

This warmth would never vanish

Will you be my Valentine! 

 

 

And I am content with this as it is.  The poem was just written as example for how to use Deepseek as feedback with your revisions.  Deepseek can endlessly help you improve or alter your work, and I appreciate as it maps a guide or outline with the issue on the cohesion of your work.  Thank you, please like and subscribe.