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.
When you were asked to join the Red Carpet for the New Wonder Woman, you were not... excited about it. well no you were extremely excited about it, but there was a problem. A very small problem that you didn't really know how to deal with.
"Bruce, You don't have to go." Carrie was tired from the previous night's escapades and you were honestly...
well not honestly, you were blasted exhausted from the whole ordeal. You were thankful she didn't decide to keep the entire neighborhood up with-
Never mind, you were just happy the kids were able to sleep all of last night. Though you suspected Mary was too busy watching movies to really notice, the damn girl was happy to be running around with a TV and VHS player and trying to go watch as many movies as possible for her own amusement, for more ideas for her latest DND adventures with friends.
Where were you, ah yes, Carrie trying to get Gosling number 4... and you wanted to take a break from it so you could pay your dues. "It's only the premier, and you said you didn't want to be part of it."
"That may be the case, but I also thought you didn't want to be a part of it either."
She had you there, but there was a problem that you had that she didn't have. Alan may not have had your balls in a vice like Mike did on other people... but he did have influence and friends and you wanted to make sure that Steve was able to get his just deserts.
So that meant playing diplomat with Mike to make sure that the Final film of the Trilogy was given a good shot at winning any awards.
"I'm doing it for Steve." You said.
that made Carrie roll her eyes in disgust. "i thought you said you didn't want to play Hollywood politics. you know, no longer play that game of nepotism and bullshit."
"I don't." You said. "I let Mike deal with that."
"Yet you put Nick in Conan, at Francis' request, and you have been playing hardball with Disney and Alan to make sure they clear the way for Star Wars."
At that you hufffed. "I've become a real bastard haven't I?"
"I wouldn't say that, a charming rouge who only looks out for the best of his crew?" She smiled and kissed you. "I'll be waiting."
You then had an idea. "I'm taking Mary. She's been wanting to go to a premier and well, maybe this one will do."
"What? She likes Superman, not Wonder Woman?" Carrie said.
"I know, so, maybe she might like it, she likes my movies after all?" You replied.
"Because you're in it, not because of the characters," Carrie replied. "It would give the press a field day that you won't want to have if she decides she hates it."
You found yourself laughing. "My daughter betraying me like that. never."
----------------
Mary was playing in the Limo and you honestly couldn't blame her. She was jumping with excitement but was trying to be prim and proper.
as she could be at least. "Come on Mary, don't be like that. Aren't you excited?"
"yep." She said with a smile before going back to watching the window slide up and down electrically.
She was having ideas again, though hopefully without less... craziness. electronic mirrors and windows were safe, right?
"What's wrong?" You asked.
"Nothing." She replied.
She was a bad liar. "Mary, I know you well enough, that you are not happy, so what is wrong?"
"Mommy doesn't like movie." She said.
"What makes you say that?" You asked. "Mommy doesn't like a lot of movies."
"But she always comes with you to movies." She said. "So mommy must hate it."
She doesn't hate it. well, at least I think she doesn't. she just doesn't want to come with me to..." You stopped to find the words. "Do things she does not like."
"But Mommy loves movies."
"It's not the movie Mary, it's the people who made it."
Mary then said. "Is it universal?" The venom in her tone was absolutely there, and honestly, the fact she knew about your blood feud was both impressive... and disturbing. Though in saying that, because all the movies that Sid made were crap, it didn't surprise you.
"No, you remember the people who were super happy to see me. Well, they were the people who funded the film."
"Like Mike?" She said innocently enough.
"Yeah, like Mike." You would never compare Mike to the Likes of Alan. Despite everything, Alan was crazier than even you on occasion after all, who wouldn't be crazy enough to gamble on superheroes and make it work?
Even Mike only thought that superheroes on TV was going to be where the success lay.
"Mike is smart, he lets me do what I want."
That was a worrying statement so you might have to make... well ask questions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Much as you wanted to make the rounds on the red carpet, you didn't feel like dancing with the media without Carrie, and you were more interested in getting in to watch the film.
Which was amazing in every possible way that you could even see. It was shot brilliantly by Richard Donner and his team, and there was a sense that the choice to make the film far more grey once Diana left Themyskira was a deliberate one. Which was the first thing that you noticed that really made you think that this was an incredible movie?
Well you noticed a lot before that, from the beautiful natural locations of both Greece and France, the fact that the Amazons wore amazing costumes that were both in the Ancient Greek Style, and a mixture of comic book weirdness.
That was the fun part. And the simple fact that they stuck to the guns of the comic book origins of Dianna, having her be born from clay and stone and struck by lighting by Zeus really made you appreciate that the writers were sticking to the basics, and not trying to make something new, which was what some people feared.
And Linda Carter, showing up on screen was a surprise to be sure, everyone assumed that another actress was going to be taking up the role, but it seems Alan thought that there was something, though that was not without stipulation. Linda had to work for six months to get into the athletic warrior physique that was required of her to play the role, and you heard that she managed to do it because she was inspired by what Carrie did when she wanted to get in shape with you. And she was able to take the character that she had played on TV for years and place a new light on it on her chronological first adventure. Showing Diana as a naive but well-meaning, having a joyous reaction to everything that happens to her for the first time in "Mans World" And it was a delight to watch.
Bill Pullman as Steve Trevor was honestly a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. You didn't think he pulled off the pilot with a heart of gold, of courage and integrity, despite being a spy. his world-weariness after seeing so much of the world at war, and his trying to stop the evil of Ludendorff's plans to unleash more poison and gas was something that you didn't know you needed. The contrast between him and Diana was a wonderful addition.
Donald Sutherland as Erich Ludendorff plays the general with every bit of maniacal menace that was needed of him. His gaining of powers to make him a physical threat to Diana and make him more dangerous as a soldier and a general against the Entane and Diana was wonderful. Yet in the quieter moment of the film, where he is about to be defeated, he shows how much of a monster he is to Diana, taunting her and gleefully proclaiming he won the war for Germany.
Finally, the main star of the show in the villain category: Meg Foster as Dr. Poison. Deliciously evil, she practically steals every scene she is in with just how evil she is and devoted to her patron, General Ludendorff. Playing her with a detached and dare you say warped sense of reality. she dies for the plan to succeed and it was wonderful to see her shine so brightly on this kind of role.
The way they shot No Mans's Land was directly out of pictures from the War. From the dirt and the mud, to the way the trenches were created and maintained. it gave authenticity to a world that seemed to be spiraling toward the end of itself... And truly showed why everyone hoped it would be a war to end all wars. You could, in your mind, smell the rot the blood, and the terror in every frame.
But what struck you the most, was how the color, slowly, but surely, came back as it drew to an end. like the war would finally be over and in the final five minutes, it finally returned.
Everyone else in the cast, from Patrick Stewart to the newly found Alan Rickman, to even the background extras had given everything, to this film that was not being seen as big as super man or Batman...
Yet... it somehow was just as big as both. Though maybe not at the box office.
Mary for her part wasn't that... well she loved the film, but one of the things she didn't like was that it was so dark, and didn't understand why the color was gone.
And you loved telling her about why, and she understood it.
After the credits were done, you smiled as you saw that Dianna was looking at a newspaper clipping of a young man in Central City. and another unrelated photo with a blur on it. The Flash.
All you know is that Alan's plan, his stories, and his multiverse of interconnected stories...
Was working and it could be carried not by you, or Christopher Reeves...
But by other filmmakers. Other characters.
Alan's Great Gamble, possibly the greatest since Lucasfilms was constituted, had finally reached its crescendo.
If I remember right Kathleen Kennedy asked us if we wanted to play Batman and we wanted Bruce to play Batman so here we are. I'm probably misremembering something or skipping some details.
If I remember right Kathleen Kennedy asked us if we wanted to play Batman and we wanted Bruce to play Batman so here we are. I'm probably misremembering something or skipping some details.
Yes, Bruce is to be Batman (with the discussions during it basically willing for him to work for a competitor only as Batman), the majority of the voters were in favour of it.
Why? (at least the posts that gives some form of reasoning) Because Bruce's Hype, as can be seen as being the dominating reason to many conceptual plans lately.
You could make the argument that a bunch of good superhero movies would give a increased attention to comic based stuff in general even though we're not doing much with it right now besides the Luke Cage show. But yeah Bruce being Batman was a big reason for it.
Why? (at least the posts that gives some form of reasoning) Because Bruce's Hype, as can be seen as being the dominating reason to many conceptual plans lately.
John Wick Is what Bruce would have been if he was a hitman. They would change the lore making Young John Wick an Actor before joining the criminal underworld.
The Kung Fu Kid Directed by: John G. Avildsen
Produced by: Bruce O'Brian
Written by: Bruce O'Brian
Production and Distribution: Lucasfilms Unlimited
Starring: Brandon Lee,Shih Kien, Julia Nickson, John Saxon, Gary Daniels
Budget: $12,000,000 Domestic: $306,905,786 International: $326,145,084
Total Global Gross: $633,050,870
A few hours before the premiere of Lucasfilm's latest hit and Brandon's debut, you could be found lounging on the top of your mattress, being in a bit of a melancholic mood with Ginger being a fluffy therapeutic companion to help keep your mind at ease.
It wasn't as if there was some great calamity in your personal life. Return of the Jedi turned out excellently, you made it back home to a safe and happy family, and nothing major was missed with the Goslings who were all happy to have their parents back full time and were being their usual bundles of joy. Heck, Carrie's Lakers just won the NBA Finals and it was a great time being at the winning game.
Still, things had felt somewhat wrong and you had been in a bit of a dour mood for the day, mainly because of the movie that you were about to see even though it was supposed to be a joyous occasion.
"I was thinking with the twins, maybe it would be good after we get a pregnancy confirmation to get them their own room. I'm just not sure if it would be good for them to each get their own room or keep Sarah and Joseph-" Carrie said as she walked out of the bathroom, looking absolutely gorgeous in a fine silver dress that enhanced all her best features.
Carrie paused as she noticed you sprawled on the bed, rather undressed in comparison with just a simple t-shirt and shorts.
"What? Is there some sort of casual dress code I didn't get the memo for?" Carrie said with a slight disapproving glare.
"Sorry." You apologized, followed by Ginger applying rough kisses to your face.
Upon noticing your mood, Carrie's attitude softened in concern, "Bruce, what's wrong? You look like me."
"Carrie. You are not a synonym for sadness." You emphasize. She had been doing great the past couple of years but there were a couple of intense moments of Bi-polarism, one point being the production where she missed the kids heavily, though thankfully you had each other.
"You know what I mean." Carrie said as she laid down on the bed at your side, Ginger then withdrawing from your companionship and nuzzling her mother, with Carrie scratching her sweet spots to get some purrs in return.
You sigh a bit heavily, "Well. I'm going to the premiere of a movie I wrote on my own and are the Producer of, but I feel like a complete stranger to it." You confessed.
At the answer, Carrie gave you an apologetic look, "Sorry." She said, taking some guilt as she had known you wanted to make it for years, but one thing lead to another.
You give a supportive smile and the two of you wrap each other's hands in support, "I don't mind production having been delayed due to our lives or even giving the main role to Brandon. I was just really looking forward to directing it, and if I didn't I would have liked to have passed the torch of my own accord, not because of some Commie scum."
Carrie's face darkened at that and you mouthed a silent apology. China was a topic neither of you wished to bring up due to bad memories and fears of a repeat. It didn't quite affect your daily lives, but every now and then you got a reminder of the impact like this.
"If Kung Fu Kid gets a sequel, do you think maybe you can just film it somewhere else and be a director?" Carrie suggested.
You shrugged your shoulders, "I've been thinking maybe I could just have my second film the Hong Kong scenes, and I could do the rest in some place that can pass for South China. Taiwan, Philippines, hell even Vietnam is having talks with the studios nowadays. But I guess that's a problem for a couple of years from now." You say, kind of just accepting the new status quo.
The two of you just laid together in silent support for a bit, Carrie's companionship doing wonders in a way that Ginger's cuteness could never truly match. "It's a shame about everything that happened, but what's done is done and Brandon says it still came out to a really great movie, thanks in large part to the script. Yeah it's not exactly what you wanted it to be, but life is going good right now and we should be there in support of Brandon, be what Bruce should be for him." Carrie said, sound words to which you nodded in firm agreement.
A deep hug and kiss was exchanged and you stared into Carrie's eyes in gratitude,
"I lo-"
"You love Mommy and Mommy knows. Hurry up and get dressed Daddy!" Mary interrupted.
You and Carrie share a laugh and rise up to see Mary fully dressed in a fluffy red dress, staring the two of you down with crossed eyes and an impatient face while comically tapping her foot. While the twins were spending the day with Aunt Cat, Mary was rather adamant that she attended Kung Fu Kid to support Brandon's first movie, being really hyped to see his "pretty dancing".
"Mary, what did I say about barging into Mommy and Daddy's room when the door is closed?" Carrie reminded. The two of you had been pretty good about keeping the kids out while being intimate or undressing, but there were a few close calls with the pets thankfully acting as a early warning system. Case in point, Natalie, trotted in with an apologetic look while Alfred was staring at Mary in confusion.
"I've been waiting forever and it's Brandon's big debut! We can't be rude and late, and Daddy is just being lazy!" Mary said in exasperation.
You shook your head mirthfully. Good lord, only four and your eldest was developing a bit of a headstrong personality. "An O'Brian is never late nor early, he arrives precisely when he is ready." You tease.
"Then don't rush me for school in the mornings!" Mary said, sighing rather dramatically and missing your reference. "Hurry up, no Romance, do that tonight." Mary ordered, then marched out the door and back to her room.
"She gets that from her mother." You joke.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
After changing into your suit with a speed you acquired from playing Batman, you and the girls arrived at the red carpet early along with the main cast. It was more than a bit annoying, having to go through the whole media circus after months of abstaining from the mandate with Star Wars, though at least you had Carrie by your side unlike Wonder Woman and it was nice to be able to share in interviews your motivations for the film, and how you wanted to share Bruce Lee's message and philosophy with the world.
It was also kind of amusing how Mary thrived where you had to face every red carpet like a terrible battle. She loved the flash of the cameras, acting all cute and posing for pictures. She treated it like one big game that was no different from roleplay adventures. An attitude probably shaped by the fact that you and Carrie always made sure to shield Mary from any weirdos or overbearing paparazzi rats, so Mary never knew any pressure or stress that everyone else in Hollywood had to deal with and for her it was just a movie night with famous people dressing fancy.
There was also the funny part how many media outlets speculated Mary would follow in her mother and grandmother's footsteps, but you had a feeling that Mary was going to leave a bigger impact than either of her parents through a very different career.
Though such ideas or concerns were completely far from Mary's mind, who was mainly her to support one of her favorite people, who made her absolutely ecstatic at seeing upon seeing, "Brandon!" Mary yelled, running with her Kermit O'Brian in a fancy suit on hand to meet the teen who had sort of become a big brother to her.
Brandon for his part, looked rather happy at the excuse to get out of his current interview. He had some good prep with his mother and some veterans, even reaching out to John, but you knew all to well the anxious jitters of a first major film, so any distraction was welcome.
"There's my favorite little goose!" Brandon exclaimed, carrying a giggling Mary with ease thanks to his strength. "And you brought Kermit, now we got a real party going on."
"Of course, it's your big movie, Kermit has to see something important like this, especially with you pretty dancing." Mary said, with Brandon moving away from the crowds and cameras and towards you and Carrie, both to reconnect and to avoid Mary blurting out anything silly to the cameras.
"You gonna beat up the bad guys and win like Ser Brandon right?" Mary asked with excitement.
"Well you're gonna have to watch and find out, can't spoil it for you." Brandon teased, to which Mary pouted in slight exaggeration, though it didn't keep for long due to the excitement of the event. Brandon then set Mary down, who ran to a nearby Shannon and was engaging in conversation with her.
Brandon came up and shook your hand, a few photographers nearby catching the image, "Bruce, glad to have you back from a galaxy far, far away."
"Good to be back, and great to see you as a star. Your Dad would be proud." You say.
"I know." Brandon then surprised you with an impromptu hug, one which caught you off guard but you reciprocated. "What's that for?"
"For taking me in when I was such a screw up, for you and Carrie helping me get my GED, for trusting me with Mary, for letting me be the star of the best movie I'll ever be in. Thanks for everything Bruce." Brandon said sincerely.
"You're welcome, really glad to give you the opportunities you deserved." You say kindly.
There was a whole lot more the two of you wanted to say, but perhaps it would have been best left behind closed doors. You honestly wished you lived in a world where Kung Fu Kid never had to exist, where Bruce would have been here, cheering happily for his son starring in a different film, the Lees whole and your great mentor witnessing so many wonderful things that happened. Then again, who knows where the hands of fate may have turned, if so many right and good things would have never have happened.
It would be too depressing and consuming to think about all the what-ifs, so for now you just have to focus on what has been, and from tragedy came something good. Just as George may be considered a master of science fiction, Steve adventure and you superhero movies, so too is John G. Avildsen a master of sports movies. He somehow took a very personal story based off of one of the most formative and important relationships in your life, a story and martial art style that he was a complete stranger to, and he went above and beyond your hopes and expectations for a good film. Perhaps you could have met John's talent and vision if given the directorial reigns, but he really hit some emotional beats and cinematic styles that you didn't envision when writing the script. The film is shot so beautifully cinematically with the camerawork combined with the soundtrack and brilliant acting giving a grand and majestic atmosphere that shows the true beauty of Kung Fu.
Brandon did amazing for his debut role and you were really thankful that he was willing to put up with your tutelage and all of the many storytime dinners, as months of practice in your household and some experience in Hollywood gave him a solid foundation to truly become one of the Hollywood greats. He was every bit as talented as Bruce was, and in some ways Brandon could even succeed, mastering a wonderful show of fragility and flaw that Bruce never quite got to show the world, pouring so much passion and personal emotions into the story. You were really glad that you never made Kung Fu Kid starring yourself, as this was truly Brandon's film and while the world may think he's simply a damn good actor, those who personally knew Brandon could see him pouring his life's struggles and story into the role, therapeutic acting that so few could ever perform or come close to such good quality. This wasn't even mentioning just how awesome Brandon was in martial arts, with his strongly satisfying journey of growing from this lost and troubled kid who couldn't hold his own in a brawl into a Kung Fu prodigy who could hold his own with students for years.
Complementing Brandon is a very strong supporting cast who mostly have some form of connection with Bruce, which makes the film all the more powerful. Shih Kien, a Hong Kong legend and one of Bruce's peers who played the villain of Enter the Dragon, finally gets a well deserving spotlight in the west as Li Jun Fan, a wise Kung Fu master who already is regarded as one of the best mentors in fiction alongside the likes of Gandalf and Obi-wan. A noble and wise old soul, Li embodies the heart and soul of Kung Fu and in some ways how you feel Bruce would have been had he lived longer. Shih in his first major heroic role displays a lot of charisma and excellence as a teacher and standalone character, doing a perfect job introducing the audience to the world of Kung Fu and guiding Bobby to become a good man and better person, to not fall down the same path he did.
Complimenting the two is Gary Daniels and John Saxon as the film's antagonists. For a complete acting rookie, Gary gave a surprisingly good performance and went above and beyond in the fight scenes where his already existing aggressive style was perfect for the troubled and angry James. James was a perfect deconstruction of the bully trope, being a mean guy with a lot of goodness and humanity within that is wrapped in the anger and frustration with his life and the troubling influences around him. He and Brandon got along really well while filming and apparently he started martial arts because he was inspired by Bruce himself. Meanwhile John Saxon, also of Enter the Dragon fame, makes a return to cinematic martial arts after Brandon begged for him to read the script, finding it to be all that Enter was missing and what Bruce would have wanted. John as Kyle makes for a great villain as Li's mirror, a man who warps Kung Fu to be a tool for violence and aggression, never moving beyond his past and becoming bitter and hateful by it, in turn corrupting the future generations whereas Li offers a better path forward. Kyle was just as iconic as Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang and his defeat, both literally and philosophically by Li is a great event that had everyone in the theater clapping and cheering.
The rest of the cast had pretty good performances, including Julia Nickson as Sue Liams who while often overlooked in reviews, was in many ways a heart of the film through her relationships to Bobby and James that help both boys to become better, simply being more than just a cute prize to be won, and also showing the beauty of Hong Kong's culture through her character. Still, it's the dynamics of the main four, all of who were influenced by Bruce Lee in one way or another, that really steal the movie and help to make it so iconic. It also helps that the Kung Fu is some of the best showing in film, and from an American production at that, no thanks to having so many great martial artists involved and Brandon giving his own style of Jeet Ku Do into the performance.
By the end of the film, you really feel satisfied, that even if it wasn't overseen directly by your own hands, you really did honor Bruce the best way you could and created a film that was worthy of the dedication at the beginning. It would be a bit selfish to say this was all about you, as this was truly Brandon's night, with some of the best and most famous in Hollywood giving him and the rest of the cast a standing ovation at the film's conclusion. That night, surrounded by friends and family, Brandon finally achieved his dream, and perhaps laid to rest some inner demons he had been struggling with years, ready to move onto the next phase of his life. Oh boy was that next phase gonna be interesting.
The film was a smashing success with it spreading like wildfire across the world, surpassing Rocky as THE sports movie and perhaps only kept in check by the spectacle of Wonder Woman and so many high quality blockbusters being in open competition. It spread across the world in equal popularity and was near universally beloved by all audiences with many hailing it as an instant classic and the best sports film, a title previously held by Rocky. Nearly matching the US was an explosion of popularity in East Asia where even in countries that didn't practice Kung Fu like Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, it was all the rage. Then of course there was Hong Kong, who sure was a reliable market, especially when you made films, but for Kung Fu Kid they went especially wild thanks to the excellent representation and it starring the son of one of their most beloved heroes. Kung Fu Kid became the highest grossing film in Hong Kong's history, even surpassing both Star Wars', with many film goers feeling like they were able to see another Bruce Lee film years after his passing. Hopefully China doesn't get any stupid ideas since this film wasn't at all some sort of political statement like Red Dawn, having only a few subtle criticisms of the mainland and mostly being focused on anti-colonialism if anything. It's not like any signs of a major revolution are going on and the CIA hasn't stopped by, so hopefully you won't have to deal with any insanity.
Critics gave the movie high praise though weren't as lavish or generous as the general public were in reception. They thought it was a pretty good movie, but outside of some character stuff like Jame's arc which was a highlight of compliments, felt some aspects of the narrative were a tad cliche. Don't really know what the hell they're talking about, but at least no one's giving it a lower rating than 4 stars generally. You're unsure of the Oscar potential, but you think everyone involved has got great career potential moving forward.
That was especially true of Brandon, oh Brandon. When you had entered the mainstream with American Graffiti, you did kind of become a national sensation with your showing as John Milner complimenting MASH, but at the end of the day you were but one talented hot shot among many in Hollywood. It took your fairytale romance with Carrie, your dominance at Montreal, and your iconic showing as Han to truly make you an A-lister and household name. Brandon in just a single movie was already approaching such potential, and may reach it with the secondary punch of The Last Summer Run if that one is also a major hit, something that may just be off of Brandon alone.
Brandon had been a known figure on the town for the past two years thanks to his on and off TV work and his bloodline. The industry knew there was potential with him being his father's son, but no one besides Lucasfilms was super invested in making him a star, due in some part due to there being unsurety if Bruce still had influence and legacy. Here with Brandon coming into his own, showing a level of acting and physical caliber equal, and in some ways better than Bruce, and his debut being the star of one of the greatest films of all time, that got a hell of a lot of people noticing. Poor Brandon just the morning after couldn't get a break as his house was flooded with phone calls by every studio and filmmaker who wanted him in their next project. It was kind of similar to Sly with Rocky or Mark with Star Wars, when an unknown is the leading man of something GREAT and the town can see such awesome potential that everyone wants in.
To say nothing of just how popular Brandon was becoming with the general public. Everyone knew his face and his name, said with confidence that Brandon could be one of the greatest stars of his generation, a prince of the 80s. This was especially true with the teenage crowd where guys wanted to be like him and girls wanted to be with him. The latter was especially intense because unlike you who was completely dedicated in heart and soul to Carrie when you became famous, Brandon was noticeably single which will likely give his girls his age a certain confidence and motivation that was never present for your fandom when everyone always knew you to only have ever been in love with Carrie. Looks like Brandon has a bright future ahead of him
Lastly of note was the gigantic explosion in popularity of martial arts that Kung Fu Kid would produce in the coming years. The 80s had already kind of started off as an athletic decade with excitement surrounding the upcoming LA Games, then there was the growing spectacle and insanity of stuntwork and choreography in cinema, something which you are kind of very responsible for. A lot of kids shows were incorporating health and fitness into themes and episodes, many VCR sets were being produced of work out programs for people to try at home, and entire shows were dedicating themselves to fitness. Kung Fu Kid kind of fed into that craze and lit up the imaginations of millions of Americans with the coolness of Kung Fu combined with its rich and majestic philosophy. In the years to come, thousands of martial arts programs and facilities would be established across the country to various forms of success. Kung Fu, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Tai-kwon Do and more were all the rage as kids felt martial arts were the height of cool for both personal prowess and defense, not to mention be like their heroes, like you and Brandon. Heck, you can already see the influence at home with Joseph and Sarah joining Mary on one of her Pretty Dancing training sessions.
Overall a damn good movie had been made, and while it certainly wasn't done in the way you imagined it to be, you were happy with the result nonetheless. The day after the premiere, you made sure to drive by Bruce's gravesite and place some flowers, with the site having many new gifts recently. There was so much the man did for you, and you never got a chance to truly repay in his life time. You hope that with your life and your influence on Brandon, you may have repaid some of the debt and he would be proud of you right now.
Brandon in just a single movie was already approaching such potential, and may reach it with the secondary punch of The Last Summer Run if that one is also a major hit, something that may just be off of Brandon alone.
@Kaiser Chris... that was beautiful! It was everything we could have hoped for Kung Fu Kid, and the fact that we managed to get such a legend of Hong Kong acting for Li is beyond what I had thought!
Goddamn I could actually feel the movie taking place. And the final scene just hit all the harder when remmebering all the times we learned under Bruce Lee, and how we could do nothing to avert his death in the end.
It took nearly a decade, but at last, we finally made sure to give something to honor him with.
To have his son be the lead is just the cherry on the top. Thank you for this.
I can't wait to see Brandon become a true Bruce Lee legacy. Also nice to see Brandon getting popular...
Funny idea but our eldest gosling chasing off the less savory potential suitors and casually ripping them apart.
Seriously though, Mary is starting to show her O'Brian Temper with a hint of her mother's sass.
In other words that little gosling is starting to hiss and snap. I can't wait to see her show off how much she is her father's daughter and knock a bully's block off.
Mary seems the sort to not back down if she sees bullying going on.
I've been thinking about this one for a long time now. I've had the pitch and the actors all ready for months now, I think even since last year, and I've been always wondering as to whether I should post this pitch or not. On the one hand, I found this to be a good movie, a fun movie, an interesting play on the detective and mystery genre, along with an eclectic cast that reminded me so much of a character from a "Clue" game, while at the same time adding a new variant when it comes to us cheering more for the supposed "Criminal" rather than the detective...though not by much.
On the other hand...it was made by Rian Johnson.
Yet, for all that I despise the man...I still have to admit that he worked a good movie on this. Enough that I think it would be interesting to introduce this film for ourselves. Besides, the only other movie that could rival us at the moment is the "Clue" movie (which in my opinion is a misunderstood classic) and unfortunately, that movie is already being worked by Universal from what I've been able to find out.
Thus, I give you:
Movie Pitch: Knives Out GENRE: Detective/Mystery/Thriller
SUBGENRE: Neo-Noir/Crime/Comedy
FORMAT: Movie
Set Up: When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.
Director: Jonathan Lynn Composer: Lalo Schiffrin
Benoit Blanc: He is a private investigator who is considered to be "The Last of the Gentlemen Sleuths" and in many ways he fits that title. He's flamboyant, practical, gentlemanly, somewhat eccentric, but incredibly clever, intelligent, and overall a good detective. Blanc is at times sneaky, relentless, and snarky, but almost always in order to further progress during an investigation. He can also be very deceiving and manipulative, but also to be kind. He takes his job seriously and always wants justice to be served, striving for the truth above all else. He can appear bumbling on occasions but in no doubt has a brilliant mind,
Played By: Robert Redford Alternate: Ben Kingsley
Marta Cabrera: She works as Harlan Thrombey's registered nurse, and after his suicide, he chooses her to inherit his company and house. Marta is an incredibly compassionate and generous woman. Unlike the rest of Harlan's family, she was the only one who was genuinely friendly to him and didn't attempt to use him for his money. One of Marta's most notable features is her forgiving and kind nature. She indeed possesses pure integrity bordering on incorruptibility and an extremely shy nature. Even after learning that Ransom was responsible for Harlan and Fran's death, he'd lied and manipulated her, then tried to kill her, she never showed any hatred toward him.
Played By: Elpidia Carrillo Alternate: Rachel Ticotin
Wanetta "Great Nana" Thrombey: She is the mother of Harlan Thrombey. Wanetta was born to unknown parents and had an unknown husband. All else that is known about her is that her age is presumably between 100-107. She can come across as rather irreverent to most of the family as she seemed to have no problem spilling the beans to Blanc. Despite her irreverence, she seems to be an overall kindhearted and good person who raised Harlan to become the well-intentioned and good-hearted man he became.
Played By: Katherine Hepburn Alternate: Katherine Helmond
Harlan Thrombey: He is a wealthy mystery fiction author and the patriarch of the Thrombey family, whose mysterious death sets the plot in motion. Due to the mix-up, Harlan believed he had less than ten minutes to live, and that the Slayer rule would therefore disqualify Marta from his inheritance. With this in mind, he chose to end his own life, in order to protect Marta and her family. Harlan stopped Marta from calling an ambulance, and gave her a solid (albeit complicated) alibi which would allow her to avoid any suspicion regarding his death.
Played By: James Stewart Alternate: Laurence Olivier
Linda Drysdale: She is the eldest child and only daughter of Harlan Thrombey, the wife of Richard Drysdale and the mother of Ransom Drysdale.
Linda comes off as a stern, short-tempered woman, but she is shown to care deeply for her immediate family. She also appears to be close to Walt, referring to him as her "baby brother" and becoming defensive when the investigation pries into Walt's status within the publishing company. Unlike the rest of the family, Linda's motivation for Harlan's inheritance is not for financial gain, but possessiveness over her father.
Played By: Holland Taylor Alternate: Lauren Bacall
Ransom Drysdale: He is Richard and Linda's son, referred to as the Black Sheep of the family. His sly tactics lead to him almost avoiding capture for his crimes, although he inadvertently kills Fran and is arrested. He is an eccentric but spoiled brat, whose livelihood as a playboy is predicated on his family's wealth. This makes him arrogant and unpleasant in nature, but unlike the rest of the family, he does not hide this part and has no patience for that.
Played By: Patrick Swayze Alternate: Alec Baldwin
Walt Thrombey: He is Harlan Thrombey's youngest son and the CEO of Harlan's publishing company. His family however, are very aware that his role as head of the publishing company means pretty much nothing. With Harlan having adamantly refused any screen adaptations of his works (despite Walt receiving juicy offers from the likes of Netflix), Walt's duties consist of essentially being a glorified middleman between Harlan and the bookstores, and his attempts to take initiative are quashed by his father. He cares for his sister as much as she does for him though.
Played By: John Lithgow Alternate: Bill Murray
Jacob Thrombey: He is the Walt and Donna Thrombey. Unlike the rest of the family, excluding Ransom, he doesn't pretend to be a decent person. He finds it annoying that they keep piling on him. Jacob shows interest in the alt-right. His family considers him this too, with Richard calling him a "Nazi", and during the chaos that ensues when Harlan's will is read out, he yells derogatory racial remarks at Marta. He shows opposite political views to Meg, even though they are from the same generation.
Played By: Will Wheaton Alternate: Neil Patrick Harris
Meg Thrombey: She is the daughter of Joni and Neil Thrombey, the second youngest member of the Thrombey family. She is the only member of the family that treated Marta with any sort of friendship or compassion, however she has no qualms on betraying her secrets to her family in order to get the inheritance and not risk her tuition fund. For all that she claims to be a fighter for good cause, it's often debatable whether or not she actually cares for the people she stands up for or is just focused on the cause itself to make herself feel, and look, good.
Played By: Heather Graham Alternate: Jennifer Connelly
Richard Drysdale: He is the husband of Linda Drysdale, the father of Hugh "Ransom" Drysdale, the son in law of Harlan Thrombey. Due to a pre-nuptial agreement, Richard has no say in the ownership of Linda's company. At first glance, Richard is a pleasant, easygoing man. However, closer examination reveals him to be adulterous, entitled, racist, and somewhat disconnected from reality, not being very bright. He is confronted with pictures of his infidelity by Harlan on his 85th birthday, as the latter warns him that either he tells her, or Harlan will.
Played By: Gene Hackman Alternate: Jack Lemmon
Donna Thrombey: Donna is the mother of Jacob and the wife of Walt. She's a mostly kind woman who stands up for her family and seems very oblivious to Jacob's online activity. It is unknown what her maiden name is. She seems personally outraged at the mere existence of immigrants in the US, to the point of dismissing (or implicitly justifying) whatever cruel treatment such immigrants face, showing where her son gets his racist attitudes.
Played By: Mia Farrow Alternate: Stefanie Powers
Joni Thrombey: She is the mother of Meg and the widow of Neil Thrombey, Harlan's deceased son. She is a famous lifestyle guru and runs a failing skin care company called Flam. She presents herself as self-sufficient, but like most of the family, she relies on Harlan Thrombey, her father-in-law, for financial support. She receives a yearly allowance from Harlan but has been double-dipping Meg's tuition payments. She stole $100,000 every year for four years. Upon discovering the theft, Harlan ends her yearly allowance and removes her from the inheritance.
Played By: Ann-Margret Alternate: Diane Keaton
Detective Lieutenant Elliot: He is the lead investigator into Harlan Thrombey's death. He just wants to get the case solved and has little patience for Benoit Blanc's flamboyance, although he does appreciate his contributions when they come. He's a decent cop, but he repeatedly falls for the logical tricks set up by the culprit. He's also the most serious of the three law enforcement figures, having to contend with the eccentric Blanc and the star-struck Wagner.
Played By: Danny Glover Alternate: Billy Dee Williams
Fran: She is Harlan Thrombey's housekeeper. She discovers Harlan's body and plays a key role in revealing Ransom Drysdale as the killer, but not before he murders her. Fran apparently did love working for Harlan. This makes sense as she did seem to smile and be friendly when she was about to give Harlan his morning breakfast and was stunned finding his dead corpse in his office. She tried blackmailing Ransom, but was killed as she trusted him enough to meet him at a far away and isolated location.
Played By: Lindsay Wagner Alternate: Gilda Radner
Alan Stevens: He Harlan Thrombey's lawyer who comes to deliver the dead man's will. He refuses to do anything amoral or unethical to help the family when they've been cut out of the will, both for practical reasons as he knows they have no case and ethical as he can barely stand them.
Played By: Alec Guiness
Mr. Proofroc: He is the elderly security guard of the Thrombey mansion, who has held the job for decades. He is cordial and not defensive in the least when the investigators visit him, even though the presence of an intruder could cast doubt on his competence. He has probably been guarding the mansion since Harlan first bought it and may have even worked for the previous owner.
Played By: Michael Gough
Mrs. Cabrera: She is Marta's mother, an undocumented immigrant. She is very caring towards her daughter and her feelings. She berates Alice for watching a murder mystery in Marta's presence shortly after Harlan's death, but then is caught watching Murder, She Wrote and doesn't turn it off when Marta comes back home.
Played By: Gina Lollobrigida
Alice Cabrera: She is Marta's sister. Alice is a kind and smart girl who truly cares for her sister. She enjoys murder mystery movies and spending time with her family. It's once shown that she argues with her mother since she's a bit stubborn at times. She fits the "annoying little sibling" trope in one way and one way only; she woke Marta up multiple times by yelling.
Played By: Mia Sara
Trooper Wagner: He is a Massachusetts State Police detective and a Harlan Thrombey fanboy. His partner is Detective Lieutenant Elliot. He's a huge mystery fanboy who's simply thrilled to be investigating the death of his favorite author and working with Blanc, and frequently compares events to plot points in detective stories. He's such a nice guy that he even thanks suspects while arresting them.
Played By: Paul Reiser
A.N.: I think we can make the changes where there are uses of technology like smartphones or the internet with no problem, though if there is one thing that may concern me is if we'll have enough time in the latter 80s to show the movie. After all, most of the movies we may want to make will have to take place much later on.
You looked at the FCC people and they knew who you were, and what you were doing.
And all they needed to know was what you were doing and make sure it didn't break any laws.
So here you were, with your people…
And realized something. When they saw the pitch.
"They won't let Vince make his show, not without calling in some favors." You said.
Miami Vice was going to be something that would be incredible things on TV if allowed onto the airwaves.
But it looked like you were going to have to play and pull some strings to get it done.
What do you do for Miami Vice?:
[]Make it: You made a promise, and you will make sure he gets his show made. (Will make an action available where you have to use some influence to make sure it's able to air.)
[]Delay it: You can't risk Vince's baby getting axed by censors. He has a vision you want to keep (New Action Available)
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How many of the shows would you like to renew:
[]Write in
You can produce up to 4 tv shows this year, or five if you delay Miami Vice.
Well, I would like to go for Salem's Lot this year to finally have that done. After that, I'm not sure if we can go for Psych or if we can try for John Doe. I'm also all for making Are you Afraid of the Dark?, and of course we must continue the Marvel TV Shows with Daredevil.
Any suggestions from you guys?
Edit: @Magoose, do we need to select last year's shows if we want them to continue, or are these new TV Shows? Just to clarify.
Well now, this makes things complicated when it comes to multi-season shows. Seems we're a bit limited there, specially if we consider that this includes both Live-Action and Animation.
Man, and I wanted to make Johan and Peewit this turn as well.
Alright from last year we have Atomic Betty, which should last another 2 seasons at least. Then there's TheNguyens, which I don't know how long they should last. Liberty's Crystal Skeleton, which I've yet to write the second season (and I do have a plan for it). G.I. Joe, an "OVA" which if things go right can turn into a TV Show. Luke Cage, which does not need to continue for now. Mafia, a Game Show that unless ratings are bad should continue, and The Gentleman's Club, which I don't know for how long it goes.
So, if we continue with Atomic Betty, G.I. Joe, The Nguyens, Mafia and The Gentleman's Club, then we have no other free space for new TV Shows, and that's if we delay Miami Vice. Meaning, we are extremely limited when it comes to making shows on our own. Thank God we can let other Producers come and take over for their TV Shows like we did with Family Ties or Remington Steele.
Anyways, it all comes down to which show do we keep, and which do we want to add?
We need to at least make space for Daredevil in order to continue the Marvel TV Shows.
However, I'm a shameless promoter of my pitches (which aren't a lot) to be chosen for once. If we decide to wait with Miami Vice, then another police procedure could take its place. Now, as a shameless lot, I would reccoment Narc. If that's off the table, then we can go with our first kids show in A-Jay the Linguistic Squirrel. I want my linguistic squirrel.
Of course, Lawyer's Dozen needs a third season, maybe Cupid too.
By the way, did we make Andor yet? Or are we saving it for after Return of the Jedi?
However, I'm a shameless promoter of my pitches (which aren't a lot) to be chosen for once. If we decide to wait with Miami Vice, then another police procedure could take its place. Now, as a shameless lot, I would reccoment Narc. If that's off the table, then we can go with our first kids show in A-Jay the Linguistic Squirrel. I want my linguistic squirrel.
Of course, Lawyer's Dozen needs a third season, maybe Cupid too.
Lawyer's Dozen and Cupid should be continuing on their own as they were grandfathered in. Aside from that, Narc is something that I see us doing in the 90s, but not yet in the 80s. A-Jay the Linguistic Squirrel...well, I guess. It would be something new, however we have to deal with the onew we have as well; Atomic Betty needs to continue for this year and two more afterwards to finish the 4 year season run. Mafia, as a game show, should continue unless their ratings were bad, and G.I. Joe is a classic I won't deny to the children of 80's America.
So, seeing that Luke Cage and Liberty's Crystal Skeleton don't need to continue for now, that means we have to think; does The Gentleman's Club and The Nguyens need to continue?
Andor is not being made. I think it's a bit too dark for the original trilogy, and we're waiting until after Return of the Jedi until we show more grey morality stuff in Star Wars.
