TBF, Mags, you have been doing a lot of the heavylifting for the quest, so this will be in good hands.
To be clear to everyone, this is just me burning out on imagination of the quest, since my muse has been hitting me over the head a lot with so many different ideas that I just can't find myself too interested in this.
I'll still hang out here, though, since this still does have a sepcial place in my heart.
I'd like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience while it lasted.
I'd also like to thank @Magoose, @Fluffy_serpent, and @Martin Noctis for doing so much to help prepare and write this quest. I couldn't have done it without you all.
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons Directed by: Kenji Misumi
Produced by: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Masanori Sanada
Distribution (USA): Lucasfilm Unlimited
Starring: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Akihiro Tomikawa, Akira Yamauchi, Hideji Otaki, Taketoshi Naitô, Fujio Suga, Rokko Toura, Shingo Yamashiro, Tomomi Sato, Michiyo Ōkusu, Koji Fujiyama, Sumida Kazuyo, Bin Amatsu, Taizen Shishido, Eiji Okada, and Minoru Ōki.
International Box Office: $13,000,000
Lucasfilm Unlimited Profits: $6,500,000
You had many expectations from this film; that it would break previous records from its past entries was a given for one. After all, so many were waiting with baited breath the next adventures of Ittō and Daigoro after the cliffhanger of the last one, the director from the first three installment was once more at the helm, which meant a true return to form for the overall story (not that it had dipped that much in the end).
Mike helped some more in between his work with Carrie by popularizing it more with some well-placed advertisements and some carefully placed reviews so as to build up the hype. You personally felt that it was unnecessary what with the entire fandom just wanting to see the movie already, but this was the way you did business; you did not tell him how to do his job and he gave 110% in return with the resources available to him.
You just knew this entry was going to be special, something to be remembered for a long time to come.
And at first it seemed to be true; Fans new and old flocked to the theaters to once more see their heroes go on their adventures. They saw Ittō, now fully recovered, as he dealt with promises for a new job in his own way, showing both his martial strength and honor on the line and coming out victorious in each trial. They saw Daigoro go on his first lone adventure after he was separated from his father, and the inner strength and honor he possessed when he refused to break his word, even when he was being flogged in front of everyone (that said promise was to a pickpocket, and said pickpocket came to confess in the end only made him more admirable in the eyes of the audience somehow) he remained quiet, impressing his captors with his stoic courage and honor. Fighting scenes were not a rehash from previous movies but truly original and new, something that attracts the audiences in a world where every studio just tries to save money by any means necessary.
Everyone was enthralled once more, you were enthralled once more, wondering how was it possible that any would ever get tired of seeing movies such as these.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the story; overall, the adventure had Ittō going on a journey where either option he took would cause dishonor to himself and those he was supposed to help. If he aided the one that had hired him, he would be forced to let an innocent man suffer for the rest of his life while an usurper for his clan remained in power, however in doing so he would save the clan from extinction, and prevent the death of thousands. If he refused the offer then the clan would die, ronins would roam the land, or many vassals and retainers would kill themselves. It's a moral quandary which Ittō resolves masterfully, putting his life and honor on the line in order to kill an innocent man, rescue the imprisoned one, and deal with the usurper, all the while knowing that his actions will forever remain hidden at best, or twisted at worst. The honor displayed by the members of the Kuroda clan is not something that can be dismissed either, showing true loyalty even when tortured, yet willing to destroy their own when they see the dishonor they can cause, or the depths they might sink into.
It was one of the most beautiful stories ever made, with critics and audience both agreeing with you; both claiming that they were true masterpieces, a true movie that can serve as an ambassador from Japan to America on what one can expect when it comes to entertainment in the big screen. You left satisfied, with big expectations for the upcoming months, after all there's hardly any other film at the moment that could draw in the crowds to affect it after all.
Oh how wrong you were.
The decline began not as a trickle but as a flood as suddenly the audience was more interested in the new Lucasfilm's distributed movie for Halloween than on an import. You could not blame them overmuch, as Carrie turned out to be a hidden gem beyond what you, Mike or George had thought of possible. Brian De Palma truly showed himself as a gifted director...only would it have killed him to perhaps delay the release a bit longer?! Lone Wolf and Cub was set to make a profit that would exceed its previous entry, and now it was lucky to make half as much for Lucafilms.
You can't even be too angry about it, you knew you were releasing Carrie to take advantage of Halloween, you knew very well what lied ahead...you just never thought it would make such a splash or become so much of a sensation that it would drown your newest favorite Japanese film franchise before it could reach its apex. At least more of the truly dedicated fanbase remained so it limped along to its current numbers.
Well, you said this would be a movie to remember, and it was true in a way. The movie will be remmebered as the unfortunate casualty when facing a masterpiece in its own homeground...what a shame.
And the worst is you don't know whether to fell happy or sad now...what was it that Lincoln said? Too old to cry, but too hurt to laugh. Yeah, that fits.
At the very least Toho is not that upset about it. After all, they've seen Carrie too, the same sensation that hit America hit Japan as well. They are understanding of what happened, but did ask that next time try not to put their movies in the same range as yours...or at least put other studios movies to reduce the damage somewhat.
At least it was a good movie. I'd rather it be a good movie that did mediocre rather than an average movie that made a lot of money, since it's rewatchablity is higher.
Well at least the film kept its high quality and we didn't get a stinker in the penultimate Lone Wolf. Nothing too alarming honestly as sequel fatigue is a thing with the biggest example being Empire Strikes Back which despite often being a contender for the best Star Wars film did 200 million less at the box office. These kinds of things happen and at least Toho is okay with it and America still loves the series. Next time let's make sure to save it for a special spot to finish with a bang. And while Lone Wolf 5 didn't see its full potential, Toho will more than earn its money back with the tens of millions from VHS sales.
Also fun fact, apparently the last Lone Wolf movie didn't give a proper narrative conclusion to the series nor did it adapt the end of the manga. So considering the wild success in America there's potential for even more Lone Wolf and Cub movies.
So expect them to start making all sorts of awesome concessions if we do good.
Also oh boy Star Wars the entire thing is going to be awesome and Since Steve will be back at the office we can begin our quest for making more movies.
Also just wanna let you all know that:
Mikes about to ride everyone's ass to get more high quality films out for the next year so expect everyone to need budgets and casting and a few want Bruce the Goose on it.
In the year 1976, the United States was indeed facing an escalating energy crisis. The public's concern for the environment was also growing, leading to a pressing need for a solution that would address both issues and secure a better future. This is where the Clean Atomic Recycling and Energy (C.A.R.E.) Act comes into play, and its impact on the presidential elections was notable, save for the involvement of an actor. The C.A.R.E. Act, championed by Senator Gaylord Nelson, aimed to reduce nuclear waste, repurpose coal mines into nuclear power plants, and develop clean and sustainable energy sources, including sand batteries. The Act presented an opportunity to revolutionize the energy sector while minimizing the environmental impact, gaining attention from across the nation.
President Elect Jimmy Carter was disappointed and frustrated. He had campaigned on a promise to address the energy crisis in America, but the Clean Atomic Recycling and Energy (C.A.R.E.) Act was not his preferred solution to the problem. As a staunch opponent of nuclear energy, Carter had been unable to alter the deal in any meaningful way before its implementation. What weighed heaviest on his mind was the knowledge that he was likely only elected due to the sheer number of favors Republicans had cashed in to get the Bill passed (likely only done so that Nixon could have positive optics as he went out). The Act had been controversial, and many had opposed it, but it had still managed to pass through Congress due to the political machinations of the Republican party.
The political maneuvering that led to the passage of the C.A.R.E. Act had a profound impact on President Elect Jimmy Carter. He was aware that the Republican party had cashed in a significant number of favors in order to get the Act passed, and this weighed heavily on him. Carter was a man of principle, and he believed that legislation should be passed based on its merits, not on political favors or backroom deals. He was committed to fighting against such tactics in the future, and he made it a priority to promote transparency and honesty in the political process.
Despite the political maneuvering that would [likely] lead to the passage of the C.A.R.E. Act, Carter was determined to ensure that other, more environmentally friendly alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power, would get played up while downplaying the role of nuclear energy in the Act. And while he couldn't openly act against his political opponents...he did have some leverage against those who weren't so protected.
Turning towards his secretary, he said:
"I need you to get in touch with our allies in California, and have them find whichever one of our supporters has the most leverage to get that actor [Bruce O'Brian] distracted. However they do it, I need them to ensure that it keeps his nose out of politics, because we cannot have something like this act happen again and blindside us."
"It will be done sir...I believe we might know someone in their [LucasFilm Unlimited] competitor, Universal...I'll give them a call."
"Good. Don't care what they do short of murder, but I need him out of our hair."
As they left, he sighed and shook up that morning's paper for Aug. 16, 1976, sighing as he sipped from his favorite mug of coffee.
Nah, Watergate was outright political tampering, this is more the equivalent at yelling at the youth to stay off his lawn and calling Neighborhood Watch...not realizing the kid had no plans to stay on that lawn in the first place.
Nah, Watergate was outright political tampering, this is more the equivalent at yelling at the youth to stay off his lawn and calling Neighborhood Watch...not realizing the kid had no plans to stay on that lawn in the first place.
Nah, Watergate was outright political tampering, this is more the equivalent at yelling at the youth to stay off his lawn and calling Neighborhood Watch...not realizing the kid had no plans to stay on that lawn in the first place.
I mean I don't think Cater would actually do this right because if he did so and it's revealed it would get him impeached and it's watergate all over again
"I need you to get in touch with our allies in California, and have them find whichever one of our supporters has the most leverage to get that actor [Bruce O'Brian] distracted. However they do it, I need them to ensure that it keeps his nose out of politics, because we cannot have something like this act happen again and blindside us."
"It will be done sir...I believe we might know someone in their [LucasFilm Unlimited] competitor, Universal...I'll give them a call."
"Good. Don't care what they do short of murder, but I need him out of our hair."
As they left, he sighed and shook up that morning's paper for Aug. 16, 1976, sighing as he sipped from his favorite mug of coffee.
LMFAO! Is this seriously implying that Jimmy Carter is the reason that Eddie Fisher reached out to Carrie to get his contract, and thus the cause of Carrie's Depression? I know I've joked plenty of times before of Bruce becoming a Reaganite, but this being the catalyst for Bruce becoming a blood Red Republican when he was set to chill on politics is too hilarious. Slippin Jimmy strikes again and pushed a Goose to join the Elephant herd.
LMFAO! Is this seriously implying that Jimmy Carter is the reason that Eddie Fisher reached out to Carrie to get his contract, and thus the cause of Carrie's Depression? I know I've joked plenty of times before of Bruce becoming a Reaganite, but this being the catalyst for Bruce becoming a blood Red Republican when he was set to chill on politics is too hilarious. Slippin Jimmy strikes again and pushed a Goose to join the Elephant herd.
If that's the reason then let's Sue Eddie so he will reveal this and then make the usa government embarrassed themselves as they have lost trust on an idiot who tried to humiliate their poster boy Bruce is the reason they are getting their shit back together
LMFAO! Is this seriously implying that Jimmy Carter is the reason that Eddie Fisher reached out to Carrie to get his contract, and thus the cause of Carrie's Depression?
At least in part, since I fully believe that was something they were cultivating anyway and when asked later, were like "Yeah, we totally did it for you Prez...you owe us a favor", and just didn't see it backfiring the way it did. So–
I know I've joked plenty of times before of Bruce becoming a Reaganite, but this being the catalyst for Bruce becoming a blood Red Republican when he was set to chill on politics is too hilarious. Slippin Jimmy strikes again and pushed a Goose to join the Elephant herd.
