X-Men: Days of Future Past, Marco Polo, Lucifer, stuff, etc

[shapinglight]

Just realised that it's been over two weeks since I made a post. No idea how, or why, that happened.

Anyway, stuff behind cut about all the things in the post title, with spoilers.



Yesterday I watched X-Men: Days of Future Past for the first time, only two years behind everyone else (because I missed it at the cinema, didn't want to fork out for the DVD, but it finally turned up on Netflix). Can't say I liked it much.

At least, can't say I liked the future-set scenes. There were a few set in 1973 - notably the Charles/Erik conversation on the plane and the Erik/Raven conversation in the subway station that were pretty good. On the whole, though - and the scene at the end where Wolverine is wandering around the school and meets Jean and Scott confirmed this to me - the most problematic thing about these films is the X-Men themselves. Or the 'present day' X-men - the ones we met in the first movie - anyway. They're...dull. Apart from Wolverine, who is not dull, but is just in everything way too much. And sadly, Storm, who should not in a million years be a dull character, is the dullest of all. :Sigh:

Still, the McEvoy/Fassbender/Jennifer Lawrence chemistry is still great. More of those three please.

In other news, such as it is, I finished watching Marco Polo season 2. Unlike, apparently, the majority of viewers, I wasn't disappointed by it. Preferred it, in fact, to season 1. However, it seems that the series may not get a third season, which would annoy me, have to say, given that season 2 ended on a kind of cliffhanger, with Kublai Khan's sons riding into an empty encampment, their father and his court having (so it seemed) been slaughtered to a man/woman/child by the legendary Christian King, Prester John. And okay, I know the series has strayed significantly from historical fact many times, but ending it in such a fantastical way rather than with Kublai Khan as a long-lived and successful emperor of China, would really irritate me. Meh!

I've also nearly finished reading Lucifer the comics series. God, it's good. And although the two iterations are nothing like each other, it's made me even more impatient for Lucifer the TV series season 2, especially for the whole dysfunctional family thing with Lucifer, Amenadiel and Ex-Mrs God. Can't wait.

And that's it, I guess. I'm afraid I find myself still not wanting to talk about RL stuff at all on LJ. I don't even want to post birdy-pics. Not sure when, or even if, I'll want to again. I put this down to the world seeming like such a shitty place at the moment. Like many people, I'm not ignoring the news (you can't), but I don't much want to talk about it.

How are all of you?

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

Still, the McEvoy/Fassbender/Jennifer Lawrence chemistry is still great. More of those three please.

While unlike you I enjoyed Future Past very much, I think this has a lot to do with why the movie this year, Apocalypse, was a disappointment. In the earlier reboot movies the central conflicts were clear and each side had valid points. In the current film the conflicts seemed ham handed and repetitive, and there was minimal time with these three interacting with one another.

I began watching Marco Polo but ended up not getting very far with it due to doing other things and not watching as much TV as I expected during Mike's absence. I think I was partway through episode 5. I wouldn't say I was disinterested but I agree that the way Marco himself is being developed isn't very engaging. For example, he's being kept around for his unusual insight into the world around him yet we see relatively little of this talent displayed.

I hear you about not wanting to discuss the news, and as you've just heard the last month overall has been full of annoyances and problems that's only making me more grumpy.

[shapinglight]

In the current film the conflicts seemed ham handed and repetitive, and there was minimal time with these three interacting with one another.

Needless to say, I haven't seen the new one either, and now I feel like I don't want to bother. The relationship between those three characters is way the best thing in these movies. Looks like they're never going to better First Class, which was a good movie, and could have been even better if it didn't suffer so badly from racefail.

I wouldn't say I was disinterested but I agree that the way Marco himself is being developed isn't very engaging.

No, he really is the least interesting character in the series. I watch it mainly for Benedict Wong and Joan Chen, have to admit. I think they're terrific.

I hear you about not wanting to discuss the news, and as you've just heard the last month overall has been full of annoyances and problems that's only making me more grumpy.

Yes, indeed. :(

I'd happily talk about BtVS still, if anyone on LJ wanted to, but most of the conversation seems to be on Tumblr, and I dislike that site so much I honestly can't be bothered to figure out how it works properly.

[yourlibrarian]

It's funny you should say that because I was just now responding to someone else's post about how feedback and just general engagement has declined in SPN fandom on LJ. I attribute 50% of that to the level of use on LJ and 50% of that to the fandom itself, since once it starts petering out the level of feedback reflects that rather sharply.

However one comment I read noted how there is a general lack of engagement of all kinds across social media platforms where people are much less likely to create content or engage than simply like or reblog content they see. I suppose it's possible -- I have to admit I contribute virtually nothing to Tumblr even though I check it daily now. Then again, when I do (and it is not fandom stuff) it generally gets no response anyway. And I made the decision early on that while I was creating a twitter account to follow some people I didn't plan to actually use it myself (so it was a read-only account).

I'm certainly still happy to talk BtVS as well, although I was sad to see that there were so few responses to my post on buffyversemeta about having an event that there wasn't any point in trying to hold one.

[shapinglight]

I attribute 50% of that to the level of use on LJ and 50% of that to the fandom itself, since once it starts petering out the level of feedback reflects that rather sharply.

This is true, though it surprises me to hear it affects the SPN fandom so much. I thought the show was still going strong.

But yes, when it's so easy to just 'like' something it becomes almost inevitable, IMO, that people will become lazy. I feel it happening to me too. It's sad. I also have a Twitter account I never tweet on. I just follow things that interest me and read tweets about it.

I'm certainly still happy to talk BtVS as well, although I was sad to see that there were so few responses to my post on buffyversemeta about having an event that there wasn't any point in trying to hold one.

:( I don't remember seeing that. Did you post it when I was in my worst just-post referendum slump?

[yourlibrarian]

No it was much earlier and I know it got picked up by Petzi and su_herald, though how many people those reach these days I don't know: http://buffyversemeta.livejournal.com/12471.html

I agree, certainly from what I've been seeing on Tumblr or AO3 it doesn't seem like the fandom's in any danger of going anywhere (and given we're talking 12 seasons now, that's saying something). However, I can well believe that it's happening here on LJ. My suspicion, frankly, is that the more contentious a fandom becomes (and there are few worse than SPN) the more likely conversation's going to die out. And since LJ's big draw would be conversation it's likely to be more affected than most other places.

If we look back at Buffyverse activity I'm guessing the same was true in this fandom, only people left posting boards and mailing lists for LJ because they could lock posts and have the conversations they wanted compared to what was modded elsewhere. Not that it stopped infighting but it probably extended the life of the fandom overall.

I am divided on the whole kudos/like issue. On the one hand, it's particularly useless for meta, which goes nowhere if no one offers written responses, or even a general conversational post. It obviously decreases the opportunity for engagement, a sense of community, or even the development of friendships.

But besides increasing the overall response rate to a post (of whatever kind) I suspect it's particularly helpful when a fandom's reached that stage of all-out war. A general sentiment of agreement or appreciation without any words that can be misread or kick off a backlash from other readers is likely the safest option. I think it's no surprise that one of the biggest requests at AO3 is for a private messaging system.

[shapinglight]

No it was much earlier and I know it got picked up by Petzi and su_herald, though how many people those reach these days I don't know:

Ah. Looks like you posted that not long after S and I came back from our trip, when I was down at the in-laws', looking after my mother in law. Sorry about that. Mind you, I'm not sure I have much Buffyverse meta left in me. I could take part in conversations, but I'm not sure I could write essays, for instance.

My suspicion, frankly, is that the more contentious a fandom becomes (and there are few worse than SPN) the more likely conversation's going to die out. And since LJ's big draw would be conversation it's likely to be more affected than most other places.

You really think that? I thought it was more the opposite - that if a fandom is contentious, the rows between attackers and defenders will pretty much go on for ever. ;)

On the other hand, I suppose it might be that people would just become exhausted by the controversy and conversation/fandom om LJ would die out from sheer exhaustion.

As for kudos, I'm fine with it as a way of responding to fic. Yes, it's nice if people take the time to leave you detailed f/b (provided it's not of the 'the story sucks' variety), but it can be quite difficult to think what to say, and a short way of showing your appreciation is...appreciated.

But besides increasing the overall response rate to a post (of whatever kind) I suspect it's particularly helpful when a fandom's reached that stage of all-out war. A general sentiment of agreement or appreciation without any words that can be misread or kick off a backlash from other readers is likely the safest option. I think it's no surprise that one of the biggest requests at AO3 is for a private messaging system.

Really? I had no idea. Is there then a sort of undercurrent on A03 of people warring about fandoms? If so, I think the Buffyverse fandom is too much of a backwater these days to be affected by it.

[yourlibrarian]

I think I probably could do essays though in the end the time frame I suggested would have been terrible for me! I might still do something on my own and post it just to see if anyone else follows, though having just returned from our trip the pile of things to do seems daunting atm.

Well, I think we're both right in that the arguments will indeed continue on but it's the bystanders I'm thinking of. Many people who see the pile-ons and arguments will conclude they want no part of it so you miss out on things growing instead of contracting.

Oh yes, there's plenty of warring within and possible between fandoms everywhere. I have definitely heard of all sorts of harassment going on at AO3. That's probably why the change this year of allowing people to set all their comments to a moderated setting instead of simply allowing or disallowing comments has been so welcome to people. (Plus there's also the options of locking works to viewing by logged-in account holders only, as well as disallowing comments from non-account holders).

[shapinglight]

Hello. I am so late answering this comment, you've probably forgotten you made it.

I had no idea A03 allowed any kind of moderating of comments. I might change my settings - not that I've had any problems there, but you never know.

[yourlibrarian]

It's relatively new, instituted a few months ago. One could always block anon accounts but yes, now moderation is an option.

Speaking of commenting habits at AO3, I'm probably going to include these in a post but some stats about it were just released. Apparently there are quite a lot of anon comments from people who either aren't logged in or who don't have accounts.

[infinitewhale.livejournal.com]

but most of the conversation seems to be on Tumblr, and I dislike that site so much I honestly can't be bothered to figure out how it works properly.

Yeah. I dip my toe in over there once in awhile, but always end up actively avoiding it. Too political and it seems like most people only like one character. Buffy fans hate Spike yet for some reason ship them. I don't get it.

I've been on a semi-hiatus the last couple weeks dealing with RL stuff and the heat. Finished my AtS rewatch and found I didn't have all that much to say about it.

[shapinglight]

Buffy fans hate Spike yet for some reason ship them. I don't get it.

Me neither. There's someone on Buffyforums like that too.

To be honest, I wouldn't know if Tumblr is too political or not. I can't follow the conversations. Mostly, you've no idea where they started. You just see the reactions of people you're following.

Finished my AtS rewatch and found I didn't have all that much to say about it.

That's interesting just by itself. Why would you say you have nothing to say? I recently watched In the Dark, which is the first AtS episode I've watched in years, and have to say Angel's character felt very dated to me in this post-Twilight (the movie) world.

[infinitewhale.livejournal.com]

There's someone on Buffyforums like that too.

I don't think I got that opinion there. I didn't hang around too much, though. I dumped going back there after the RL kablooey. I get Spike Spuffies not liking Buffy. I don't like it but I get it. I don't get the opposite.

That's interesting just by itself. Why would you say you have nothing to say? I recently watched In the Dark, which is the first AtS episode I've watched in years, and have to say Angel's character felt very dated to me in this post-Twilight (the movie) world.

I meant S5. I made post about 1-4. I have stuff to say, I guess, but it's more bullet points and incidental stuff. At work, I'll think about it, but when it comes time to type it up, it's whatever, you know? Maybe I'll make it anyway.

Agree about Angel. I actually don't think he comes into his own until S5. So much of his story in 1-4 just doesn't work for me.

[shapinglight]

At work, I'll think about it, but when it comes time to type it up, it's whatever, you know? Maybe I'll make it anyway.

That happens to me a lot these days too. I think of a great post (or it seems great to me) while I'm walking somewhere, but when it comes to writing it all down my brain sort of dies on me. ;(

I'll go back and read your posts on AtS seasons 1-4. And if you wanted to write up your season 5 bullet points, I'll happily read and comment.

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

I'm very much looking forward to Lucifer!

I Think you should write what you feel like. It's your journal! :)

[shapinglight]

I'm very much looking forward to Lucifer!

Me too! I haven't felt this excited about a show coming back for ages.

Though have to admit that my excitement is partially based on how much I've enjoyed the comics series, even though the TV show bears no resemblance to it beyond Lucifer having left Hell and opened a bar in LA called Lux, with his demon lover Mazikeen).

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

I haven't read the comics, only his beginnig in Gaiman's Sandman. :)I was rather lukewarm to the show at first, but warmed up to it more and more and loved it by the end of it. And Tom Ellis is pretty easy on the eyes. :)

[shapinglight]

He is, isn't it? DB Woodside isn't hard to look at either. It's an old-fashioned show in some ways, I know - centred on a rich white bloke with 'issues', but the scripts are very witty, and this particular rich white bloke is a lot more interesting than many.

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

DB Woodside is very nice to look at. I think the show grew during the season. I was very ambivalent at first and always gave up on it, but then it evolved and by the end I felt very invested in it. :)

[lyr]

It's good to see you. I'm having one of those months when I don't feel much like posting myself.

Re: X-Men: Funnily enough, the future scenes were the ones I liked, probably because I like Stewart and McKellan but loathe Fassbender and MacAvoy (not just in this, but as a general thing).

Re: Marco Polo: I enjoyed season 2, but this show is one of those things I think of as fluffy watching, which is to say that I work at not thinking too deeply about historical accuracy or plot holes.

Re: Lucifer: I'm still planning to watch the series (entirely because the guy playing Lucifer is fun), but it is in no way in the same league of storytelling as the comic, which I also try not to think about because it makes me resent the show. Incidentally, since you liked Lucifer, I recommend slipping sideways into another of DC's Vertigo line, Hellblazer (also a comic not too much like its TV version Constantine, and sharing some canon with Lucifer).

[shapinglight]

I'm having one of those months when I don't feel much like posting myself.

:( I think it's the same for a lot of us.

Re: X-Men: Funnily enough, the future scenes were the ones I liked, probably because I like Stewart and McKellan but loathe Fassbender and MacAvoy (not just in this, but as a general thing).

Oh dear! Sorry to hear that. I think they're both pretty good myself. Should have mentioned btw that I enjoyed the movie's version of Quicksilver. All his scenes were great fun. The version in Avengers: Age of Ultron was pretty pathetic in comparison.

I'm not sure about dipping into Hellblazer. There's an awful lot of it to get through, and I find Garth Ennis levels of violence and scatological humour hard to cope with these days (one reason why I've avoided the Amazon Prime Preacher series, though I may take a look at it some time). Maybe I could just read the bits written by Mike Carey? I know Lucifer's brother Gabriel features as a character in the comics, but I'm not sure whether it was in the Mike Carey-written issues. Do you know?

but it is in no way in the same league of storytelling as the comic, which I also try not to think about because it makes me resent the show

I think it was a good thing for me that I watched the show first. It's probably made it easier for me to accept it on its own terms, which, as you rightly say, in storytelling terms is many levels below the comics series. Really, all the show takes from the comic is the concept - Lucifer abandoning hell to open a bar in LA, accompanied by his demon consort/servant Mazikeen (though it's never actually acknowledged that she's a consort in the show), and at odds with an angel called Amenadiel (who in the show is his brother).

Then again, I don't think there was any way that a mainstream TV channel was going to touch some of the storylines in the comic with a bargepole. They're possibly being quite brave with this Ex-Mrs God story they're doing next season, I don't know.

I've finished the comics series now, btw, and am feeling quite bereft. Hard to believe it finished so long ago. It feels very up-to-date. Also, did you know that a female comic book writer is currently doing a Lucifer (Gaiman/Carey version) series for DC, in which he and his brother Gabriel from Hellblazer try to discover who has killed their father?

[lyr]

There are 15 Hellblazer trades, I think, which is a lot. And I can't remember offhand which ones Gabriel popped up in, though I remember that happening in more than one storyline. I have to say, though, that I think the best storyline was actually Ennis' "Dangerous Habits." That's the collection I've re-read the most often, and it's got the clearest characterization of Constantine in all his complicated glory.

Sandman is also worth a read (though there's a lot of that, too). Lucifer's in that, too. Plus, if you ask me, it's the finest comic that has ever been written, so there's that. Gorgeous mythic power.

No, I did not know about another Lucifer series! Thanks for the tip off; I'll have to keep an eye out for that.

[chasingdemons.livejournal.com]

It's nice to see a post from you no matter what it's about or how often. *hugs*

[shapinglight]

:Hugs: back. Nice to see you too, love.

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed X-Men: Days of Future Past. I particularly liked the introduction of Quicksilver.

*hugs*

[shapinglight]

You're right. Quicksilver was great - soo much better than the Avengers: Age of Ultron version. I should have mentioned that in my post.

[ex_peasant441]

TV and Movie versions of printed works are essentially a form of fanfic, with the director trying to fix what he found wrong with the original. Discuss.

[shapinglight]

Can't I just press a 'like' button?

[sibilant.livejournal.com]

I've started seeing fanfiction everywhere since I realised any writers who riff off (often in a different medium from the original) Shakespeare, classical tales or characters, anything historical, other writers' books or plays (such as the James Bond books, for example) etc. are essentially writing fanfiction. It's a good answer to the perennial question put to writers - 'Where do you get your ideas from?' - the answer being 'Wherever I can get them, including from existing works'. And of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Thank goodness for fanfiction.

[shapinglight]

No, indeed. And Shakespeare got lots of his ideas from earlier writers too, so it's hardly a new thing.