SUPERMAN REQUIEM - a Gene Fallaize film

[Jimbo]

In Superman Returns, he nearly gets beaten to death.

So naturally, he should get beaten up TWICE in the next one. ;D

[Paul (ral)]

I equate the people who made this to the bad x factor contestants....

....you keep asking yourself " can they not see how bad this is?"

[Jack Tripper]

i'd also like to add that it's pretty fucking violent for a superman film. how many head shots are in this thing? lol. how do you open a superman movie with 2 guys being shot in the face and then immediately follow that with the uplifting main march theme? lol. fucking ludicrous.

and that kid in the beginning apparently has no idea how to play with toys as he just bangs his action figures together over and over. lol. priceless. i know i fell in the lake and i might drown to death, but i won't make a sound or yell for help because i don't want to wake up my narcoleptic dad. oh but look, i fell so close to the edge i could grab it but ill choose not to and just flail around like an idiot.

[Deleted]

Sure, they were "trying," but what they were trying to do isn't admirable in the least. Giving them credit for trying with this film is like giving someone credit for trying to make a homemade version of a Chicken McNugget. The goal they set for themselves (Let's make a hollow copy of someone else's work!) was incredibly unambitious, and they didn't even come close to accomplishing it. Some people reach for the stars; Gene Fallaize reaches for second story windows- and fails.

[Legsy]

Wow! This must be horribly bad.

I'll pass. However, I would like to take a shot at making a homemade version of a Chicken McNugget.

[Jimbo]

Nah, not as entertaining as The Room.

[crazy_asian_man]

Sure, they were "trying," but what they were trying to do isn't admirable in the least. Giving them credit for trying with this film is like giving someone credit for trying to make a homemade version of a Chicken McNugget.

There's a story about the producer that applauds at the end of every film he sees, because he knows just how much hard work it is. I agree with that--- (well, unless the person who made it is a total jerk and I know it. I know, not exactly noble, but hey, I'm human...)

Who should get more credit--- someone who has the cajones to try to make a homemade Chicken McNugget--- or the proud internet critic of that McNugget?

At least the person who made the McNugget got up and put the work in the kitchen to do it. The internet critic can sit on his/her arse, eat the McNugget and complain.

So..... I dunno. I admire people who take a chance on crazy dreams and do the hard work needed to do so, even if they're not totally successful by the finish line. I know TOOO many armchair geniuses in my neighborhood, and I feel more inspired by the people who try in the face of negativity.

Would I have supported THIS script? No, based on the script alone--- BUT..... if someone in person made a good sale about the effort, and I felt he/she was sincere about trying to make the best movie on the planet- if I had extra bucks and had a positive feeling about the person, I might donate a few and wish him/her luck--- even knowing that he/she is in for an uphill battle that most likely will fail.

But--- I have donated $ in the past for these kinds of ventures, and with mixed success for the persons involved. If they tell me that it's going to make money, blah blah blah--- and that's the motivation for the movie, I'm turned off--- as I think there are far better investments.

If someone told me that they were making a movie because you sensed that they were passionate as heck about it, and it was going to be their life's work--- heck, I think it could be worth a few bucks to see what develops.

[ye5man]

I don't care a fuck what work was put in (maybe it wasn't so difficult and they used this as resume builders anyway, apparently). I just care about watching the product objectively.

American Jedi, for example, was entertaining and done properly. I didn't stop to think about the work they did - they CHOSE to put in that work. I am not obligated to be thankful for it.

[Paul (ral)]

I'm sick of the attitude on the web in recent years of people defending crap by saying "At least they tried...could you do better?"

Sometimes people should know when not to try...ya know, when they have no talent! If they can't see they have made an unoriginal hack job that only displays their ineptitude to produce something watchable or entertaining...then they need to be told.

Call me an armchair critic...but atleast I have the sense to know I probably won't produce anything of merit (and I surely wouldn't promote myself as a "professional").

And if we are going to compare fan films to fine dining (such as the McNugget)...anyone who produces food should atleast make it eatable. If they don't then they can't proclaim themselves a "chef". If someone gives me free food that I can't eat...well then...

[DarrenJ]

Nov 15, 2011 19:13:02 GMT -5 ye5man said:

Cos Gene Fallaize is so well known and I'm sure EVERYONE has heard of him

Gene Failz

[Paul (ral)]

It's not even his real name anyway according to IMDB.

[Valentine Smith]

It's pretty lousy. However, the broad playing Lois Lane is more competent and convincing than Kate Bosworth.

[crazy_asian_man]

I'm sick of the attitude on the web in recent years of people defending crap by saying "At least they tried...could you do better?"

I know. Only those who are guaranteed to succeed should ever try. How dare failures exist. When failures exist, we should condemn people for trying to succeed, when failure is clear. Nobody should be challenged to get out of their seat, if success isn't guaranteed. The attitude should be to kids: "Stay home and play videogames. That's the smart thing. Why take any chances or effort, when the world will sling mud at you, if you fail?"

That's the attitude we should all have.

[ye5man]

I think you mis-understood mate

Getting out the comfort zone should always be encouraged. But if a product is crap then the effort that went into it should not be a factor in judging it. It should be judged on its own merits; it should speak for itself


In this case they made a mistake of "larging it up" pre-release.

Look at RedLetterMedia's Prequel analysis videos. Did the guy big himself up pre-release? No. There was no need. The product spoke for itself.

Anyway, if it makes them feel better, I'll give them an "A" for effort and an "E" for the product. "E" is the lowest I can give BTW

[crazy_asian_man]

I think you mis-understood mate
Getting out the comfort zone should always be encouraged. But if a product is crap then the effort that went into it should not be a factor in judging it. It should be judged on its own merits; it should speak for itself

I was going to edit my former post--- it came off harsher than intended. (I teach schoolkids during the summers- so it's a knee-jerk reaction towards situations that encourage not trying or increasing stagnation when there's no guarantee of success).

There was/is a whole thread on another website that discussed how fan films should be judged--- whether:
#1: it deserved no mercy, and be open to the same criticisms as a professional work would have- or
#2: whether it should be treated as if another fan were like another friend in the same club who made it.

Given that the topic was Superman, I see it as the latter, and he tried to treat the basic ideals behind the character intact. If, on the other hand, he made Superman a serial killer who stomped on kids or a drug addict, then--- it's harder to cheer on the effort, when negativity seems to be more the main intent.

Add to that a second layer:
What good is criticism if it's a one-liner?

If it's a professional film, the pros can take the lumps. "Superman Returns sucked." Fine. They got paid. No worries. "Kate Bosworth looks like dog excrement and should get a new face?" She's done several successful movies and is getting a good amount of money for it. She can't complain, when so many actors are unemployed. She can take it.

Making fun of professional movies and professional actors/celebs--- That's fair play, I would think.

If it's a film by amateurs--- Are they Adults?

Sure, but unless the person was a total dick, then I believe in fighting fair. And they're serving up a meal that's free to anyone who passes by. There doesn't seem to be a point to 'pile on' with jabs below the belt who may have their dreams squashed (either forever or for years).

We'll all forget this movie soon enough, but for the people who were involved with it for years, it may be the thing that ruins them forever. Are we responsible for that? No. Everyone has to take their blows in life, true, but I'm just saying for fan films, we don't have to be the ones adding unnecessary ones if the choice is there. (Not that anyone has been all that harsh here)

Also--- I don't think I gave it a good review, I don't feel I gave them a 'pass' at quality despite my giving them a giant nod for climbing the mountain that is making a film of this size. There are parts I think had potential and parts that I thought were worthwhile- (actors and -using fan films as a scale- production valuesl) but saying it's more successful creatively than "Phantom Menace" is not a good review in my book.

Anyway, if it makes them feel better, I'll give them an "A" for effort and an "E" for the product. "E" is the lowest I can give BTW

That's totally fair. I still maintain that I've seen much worse entries when running the local film festival.....MUCH worse.

[ye5man]

I don't care what these people are like personally. If I met them and they are great people then surely it would colour my judgement when watching their product?

Pretty much like meeting a favourite film star when they are dicks to you - its still the same performances on screen. Now you know they are dicks you are prob going to be baised against them

but for the people who were involved with it for years, it may be the thing that ruins them forever.

If we all lied and said it was a great piece of work then they would have gotten a ruder awakening out there in the industry. Think about it. Maybe they should find new careers?

Better to found you have no talent early on rather than lie about your worth and get fired in the middle of an expensive production

THAT would really hurt.

[TylerDurden389]

Nov 16, 2011 2:10:43 GMT -5 Jimbo said:

Nah, not as entertaining as The Room.

Best worse movie ever? Or will "Troll 2" always reign that title? Lol. "Riki-Oh" will always be my favorite.

[Deleted]

It's pretty much mandatory that this video be posted in every thread containing a reference to The Room.

[Jimbo]

It's also pretty amusing that this movie has had no less than three references/comparisons to The Phantom Menace. ;D Is that the go-to "huge disappointment"?

[crazy_asian_man]

If we all lied and said it was a great piece of work then they would have gotten a ruder awakening out there in the industry. Think about it. Maybe they should find new careers?

Better to found you have no talent early on rather than lie about your worth and get fired in the middle of an expensive production

THAT would really hurt.

I'm not asking anyone to lie. Where is the value in that?

The assumption is that everyone in a fan film is looking to be a professional and each person who volunteered should go through a hazing for his/her own good.
(The director not counting in this instance, based on his own statements).

But that's not necessarily true.... but, anyhow, your post reminded me of a situation that happened in town.

There was an acquaintence in town that booked a movie theatre for his dream project, and people came out in droves to support his one-time dream at the theatre. I bought a ticket, why not?

The movie was....ok, but not great. Not professional. But we all cheered the guy on and ate our popcorn.

He had a great memory.... but soon after, when he had his head filled a little too big and said that he was intent on selling this to the big movie theatres--- everyone just smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "good luck with that."

He figured it out on his own, with the rejections he got on trying to sell it. But, he didn't need anyone to pull him aside and tell him that it was shite or not good enough. People will figure it out on their own.

Now, these folks who made this Superman movie I don't know from Adam. They could be the biggest egotistical jerks in the world, or they could be saints. Doesn't matter- but, in a world full of giant $$$ big box office soulless slick stuff, to me, I think there's more to find in something that someone kills themself over for, than the latest Transformers Michael Bay movie.

Sometimes the amateur stuff is far worse and you want to gouge your eyes out--- but it's a chance that you take when you look at it. The guy who promoted this film as equal or better than professional work didn't do his cast any favors by shouting out to people to judge it as such.

The general public doesn't need or have to or maybe shouldn't have to care about any of the backstory behind a production, let alone feel any sympathy for it--- There are far worse (and real) cases in the world to save sympathy for, I get it, and I agree.

But, being someone who attempts film/video (I don't use the term filmmaker because that's way overused, and abused as a term), and constantly tries to learn from watching others' successes and mistakes, I try to put myself in their shoes--- and when I see resources well used, I'm impressed and inspired, but when I see parts put together that have parts that are a total mess, and parts that had promise, given the limitations, it fascinates me and I call those out.

But I sort of do the same thing with the professional movies, too---- unless it's so horrible/in the past that it's not worth discussing (ie Batman and Robin) or if everyone's on the same page. If someone out there LOVED Batman and Robin, I have no issues discussing and breaking down the how's and why's- if they wanted to discuss it.

Anyhow, I digress (as always).

Yeah...... if you hated it, thought it totally sucked, a forum is a place to say it, of course.

I just come from a place where I put myself in their shoes and really try to figure out where/when this/that went wrong, and whether or not there was/is anything to salvage if I were the director (or editor)....moreso on amateur films, than professional ones.

(Part of why I'd be fascinated with a Sydney Furie commentary/detailed explanation of Superman IV).

[Jimbo]

Ever listen to Shatner's Star Trek V commentary? You'll find some of that, but at times, Shatner was clearly in denial.

[crazy_asian_man]

Ever listen to Shatner's Star Trek V commentary? You'll find some of that, but at times, Shatner was clearly in denial.

Oh, definitely! I found it interesting that he had to bring his daughter to the commentary (maybe no one else would talk with him?)

Anyhow, yeah, I go nuts over commentary (in a good way)---
Though- about Shatner's denial---from hanging around people who make videofilms, you get used to people who love many things about their own film that others scratch their head at--- it's bizzare, but I guess that saying: "people see no flaws in their own babies" applies.

Still--- some directors ARE able to see flaws in their own work, but sometimes have plausible reasonings why this could/couldn't happen--- and the fact that some of the things that happen on big budget professional films as well as the no budget films I find interesting.

But - anyhow--- yeah, I watched all of the standard def dvd commentaries-- but for blurays, I only bought the Star Trek II blu-ray so far--- so I haven't heard the William Frakes/Marina Sirtis one-- probably is pretty entertaining, as actors tend to be 'on' when they're around each other on commentaries, if they have chemistry.

I think I mentioned, though, imo the BEST commentary of the entire Trek series has to be the Ronald D. Moore/Brannon Braga one for "Generations", where they hash and criticize how badly they felt they did their own script--- but also have a lot of interesting production asides as well.

WORST Trek one (so far): The Blu-ray Nicholas Meyer/Manny Coto(Showrunner for last season of Enterprise) one for the bluray Trek II. I was giantly looking forward to a meeting of the minds, but it was Manny Coto asking questions, and Nicholas Meyer sounding bored and uninterested. *sigh*

[Paul (ral)]

I just realised they deleted my critical post (that a few people "liked") from their facebook. ;D

[Jimbo]

I hope Rifftrax gets ahold of this.

[Jimbo]

Hm, that looks familiar.... Just cross out Returns, write in Requiem, and tweak it with Photoshop. What's the point of adding all the Routh (or is it Cavill?) texture to the poster if the suit in the movie is a Halloween costume?

Perhaps this wouldn't be getting so much criticism if it didn't depend so heavily on the real movies for its marketing.