11/05 STILL CRAZY - Movie Misperception

@ Vitamin-M

It's all good in the Movie-Reviewin' hood, yo. To each his own.

There's some pretty popular gents and ladies out there that are much more popular than I who I find to be somewhat stale. You gave my stuff a try and that's what means the most to me...and you weren't a dick about telling me you didn't like it. Cool
Topher

A submitter who can maintain his cool in the face of criticisms. I sense potential.

@Dave

Well, my man it comes down to knowing that if you post creative content all over the interwebs and expect it to tickle everyone's fancy and get nothing but praise then you are being delusional, lol. The vast majority of the feedback I get is positive, all I really ask from the negative is that it has a point to it. Simply saying "I see nothing original here" does at least have a point to it. I don't always agree with criticisms but I will always do my best to see things from that person's perspective.

I look at my videos the same way as I do my own personality, some people dig it, and some people don't. I hold nothing against those who don't mesh with my style, but I embrace those who do that much stronger.

Thanks for posting
-Topher

Nope I haven't forgotten about this video, and I did watch it way back when it was first posted, but I opted to let someone else give an opinion or two because I'm not the say-all/end-all of this site, and I never want to be. Democracy, etc, but apparently few people have the balls to even make a suggestion *COUGH ZIMES COUGH*

I usually push people to try to venture out of the 'internet video reviewer' phase because in my own opinion it's hard to stand out and I'd rather see people try to put a creative spin on the genre or make something new entirely, rather than mimic "the flavor of the week".

But if you're intent on being an internet reviewer, I'd take a lot of what B-mask (B stands for "Brave" since he's the only major contributor who had the balls to speak up) suggests because it's good positive input. I especially agree about 'being yourself' and going with your natural talents instead of basing your show around the talents and traits of another insanely successful personality. And I think that's where 99.999999999999999% of everyone slips up. It's easy to spot unfunny people trying to be funny, or nice people trying to sound angry, and so on and so forth. Most people try to be a TGWTG or AVGN and it just doesn't work, so then they fall back on using clips of Bugs Bunny screaming "Yipes" in their Nightmare on Elm Street reviews, or something equally similar and equally as HORRID for cheap laughs, and I facepalm myself retarded.

But tell me, has there ever been something else you'd like to dabble in as far as webseries? If you could ditch the internet review show and do something else that sparks your interest, what would it be?

Interesting you ask the question, Laughing Man. My first internet venture was writing a sitcom style webshow based around the idea of two people stuck in a well-protected house during the zombie apocalypse. Two guys whose priorities are out of whack. They talk about how they miss the shallower things in life, and almost never mention the people and things that matter. It was tons of fun to write with my creative partner, and it was mostly fun to shoot. Here's what has caused that to go into limbo. First and foremost, scheduling issues, trying to coordinate with several people to dedicate time to shoot episodes. Casting issues, trying to get people to play parts that can even remotely act and who will actually show up and is someone I'd be willing to let in my house. I also had issues with our equipment, namely our outdated camcorder. My comrades were more minimalist and didn't think this mattered as much. Whereas I was of the opinion that the public wants something that looks and sounds professional, even if its indie.

Technical know-how. I was essentially the only person involved that really knew anything about photography, video, lighting, sound, editing. I had a lot riding on me, plus I was the co-writer, and the goddamned co-star. Getting the picture? All in all we shot six of nine episodes. Released four, and the rest may, or may not someday be finished.

I would love to get back to original programming like that someday. I own a building where it can be done with sets and everything. But until then I needed something fun I could do video-wise where I could be creative, and hopefully funny to express myself. I use the songwriter comparison. Just because there are many, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. Basically, I have a lot of fun doing these videos, they are changing in small ways everytime I write a new one, and I'm still finding my voice. But I am the only person I have to depend on to make them, and I believe in my potential for doing it. If I happen to get enough of a following to assist me in attaining interest in my future creative and more "original" ventures, that's great too.

I can read between the lines with your initial response, and while you have made no direct comments on my work, I think I can imagine what the jist of it would be if you did. I've been enjoying my experience interacting with the responses on this forum. You probably won't see me stop doing what I'm doing anytime soon. I'm no great musician, scientist, author, or actor. And working in a hospital and doing college half-time is just far too monotonous to abandon this now. In a nutshell, it's making me happy. The process, not the praise. Thanks for stopping-by

Topher

@Topher: I actually really like that Zombie Apocalypse idea. But I know the frustration of not having the resources and people to do big projects with.


I didn't know I had written any lines.

To be honest, I've just stopped giving play-by-play critiques of new prospects because every time everyone else waits for me to say something first and when I do say something even as simple as "cut it from 1 hour to 20 minutes max" or "some of your jokes don't work" the submitter acts like I've told him that Santa Clause isn't real and they run away crying, never to be heard from again. So I've honestly stopped dropping my input until I find someone who can not only take criticism well, but also take a little of it to heart and make possible improvements in future installments.

And that's actually what I'm waiting to see in your show right now. You've handled a few criticisms here well, being positive and accepting that maybe your video is not everyone's cup of tea, so now I'm more willing to drop a few thoughts of my own. But unlike some past comments I'm going to use lots of smiley faces so people don't think I'm ripping them apart, and that these are infact just friendly suggestions.

The Good

Like B-Mask says, you stay true to yourself, and I appreciate that a lot. There's a few AVGN moments of frustration that aren't that convincing (you seem like too nice of a guy ) but I didn't see any 'gimmicks' (ex: using random funny -albeit inappropriate- throw-away gags and random clips to do all the humor for you like 99% of everyone else does) so that is a major plus.

Possible Improvements

I guess my biggest hangup is a common one: Very few people try to personalize their review videos, and instead look at TGWTG and AVGN clones and say "Oh, to be successful this is exactly how I must do it." And so everyone's videos have a common theme: Mystery Science Theater 3000 commentary on a Sparknotes edit of a movie/game.

To get my own attention (and JUST mine, not CCS's as a whole) something has to "pop" with me and make say "this is Topher's style and I will remember it" instead of "I'm getting the name of this show confused with others I've seen just like it". In this one video I just didn't see a style that broke from the norm and made you stand out from the crowd. It's like going to a club and you see all of the popped-collar spiky-haired "Broah!" shouting fratboys, and then one tattooed biker strolls in orders a beer: Everyone remembers the biker.


And those are just my own thoughts. I'm not a professional analyst or talent agent, I just know what I personally like, and whether or not others share my own opinion is their own business, because there's no right or wrong, but there is a common consensus around here between major contributors such as Zimes, Kenny, CineMax, B-Mask, and myself about what we personally would like to see.

And if something was horribly horribly wrong I'd let anyone know. Just ask *STAR* about her Dr. Hannibal Lector review, because when I get frustrated there's no "between the lines", I'm very in your face, to the point of posting pissed off images of Clint Eastwood from "Gran Torino".

Click here for more episodes of Mockbuster Mockery!
The series is dedicated to analyzing and eviscerating tasteless low-budged B-grade knock-offs of more popular and expensive Hollywood flicks - Mockbusters. CineMax is an amateur, yet aspiring movie critic, who makes comedic video reviews, writes insightful and analytical articles, and, occasionally just blabbers about stuff he deems important.

Please don't think I'm trying to get at you, but my question is- what's the point?

See, it's fine to take criticism and to take it well without getting riled. You do that, and that's a great attitude. But what I'm not so sure is a great attitude is to take the criticism and then to repeat that you've no interest in changing it because the process is fun.

Well that's great...but I feel you're missing that this should be a balance. I don't know how many fans and followers you have right now, so I can't comment on whether or not your methods thus far have earned you some good followings- but you've posted your work on here, which leads me to believe your audience isn't big enough yet.

It's not enough that you're happy, because this isn't for you. It's for them, the audience.

Unless you don't want to expand this as a big popular venture. There's nothing wrong with doing something that you love just for your own benefit, but when you're expecting the numbers to roll in, sometimes you have to sit back and ask yourself why they might not be interested or engaged or even why they're not showing up. The truth is so far members here have had a lot of simillar crticisms that you've decided to gracefully decline. But...well, surely that should tell you something? Maybe, just maybe, you might want to at least try the changes, or do something new.

And yeah, the musician analogy is an okay analogy, but ultimately it's a bit pointless. Well, yeah, everybody does it, but some people just do it better than others. I take it you're posting here because you think you have the potential to be one of the people who does it better- and you do. But you're not really letting yourself get to that point- case in point, the references.



There's a definite difference between a reference that has a point and a reference that's just there because dot dot dot.

Mel Brooks. Springtime for Hitler. The lyrics that make numerous references to various Nazi operations, codewords and antics are hilarious because they're completely contrasting against the musical background, and the fact that it's in incredibly poor taste.

Your review- at one point you added in a movie clip that was related to the movie you were watching in your review and you irritably told it to stop interrupting. But...what's the meat of this joke? A similar movie is interrupting the movie you're reviewing. Should that really be a joke? Does it really have a purpose other than to fill in for a more genuine joke about the movie? A lot of us don't know the reference and therefore don't have the same connection to the joke. I mean we all know what the third reich is, it's a pretty broad reference.

At the same time, I'm not saying go for the popular angle, but you have to become a translator as a comedian- you have to find the broadest and funniest way to make something personal to you matter to everyone else. And I do mean everyone, at the best of your ability, and part of that is figuring out what's stopping it from reaching everyone in the same way.

Wow, I really rambled, but it's only cause I care bro. I feel that you can take this two ways- you can either very nicely say 'I appreciate the criticism but I'd rather do it my own way' and leave CCS for pastures new, which no-one would begrudge you, or you can possibly get to know the forum better, post around more, get snug with some of the members and look to find ways to make even us cynics laugh. If you can do that, then you'll have found a home here. If not, then maybe it'll save you some effort and you'll be able to find more appreciation elsewhere. Again, not a threat, it's genuine advice on a scenario that I've been through numerous times. Keep knocking on the doors. All the doors.

I never wanted it to seem as though I was saying "thanks" but essentially saying that I saw no reason to take advice into action. Most of the advice has been good advice. I have read every response on this thread, more than once in every case, several times in some.

I have taken a great deal from this correspondence, and I hope to continue to bring more of my own signature into my show. I'm not going to give another long winded response. Just know that I have listened, I do understand. You'll be seeing me around.

...so, does that mean you will possibly shake up the things in your show or you're politely saying no again? Because as much as I appreciate politeness, perhaps you can see how it's a little difficult to tell whether or not you're actively using what people are giving you.

i.e I'm simple minded and need it spelled out for me :V

@ B-Mask,

There will UNDOUBTEDLY be different approaches I will be trying and experimenting with in the weeks to come. If you expect to scope my next episode and see the difference between night and day then I'd tell you not to bother. There will be changes, but things happen gradually, especially when you are doing said things as an enthusiastic hobby. I think I've emphasized enough that I've legitimately heard all of you, THANK YOU. But to 180 degree my show immediately would be a crime against myself, wouldn't you agree?

I must approach things in a manner that I can see what works for me, and what doesn't.

I'm not sure what else you would like me to say, lol. If your interested, I post videos twice a month. You know where to find the goods. Otherwise, as I said, you'll be seeing me around the forum.