We’re back with yet another instalment of Respawning’s Let’s Talk series, where every Friday we get every one of our charismatic writers together to discuss a new topic! Joker has been in cinema’s for a week now and we think it’s fair to say that it subverted a lot of expectations! It’s also left a profound effect on a lot people so we’re here to discuss other films that have done just that…

I think the film that effected me the most, was Blade Runner. The first time I watched it I was in my early teens, and up to that point all Sci-Fi films I watched had been huge epic action pieces and robots, gunfights and very little plot. I’ll admit, the first time I watched Blade Runner, I didn’t get it. But the more times I watched it, the more it had an effect on me. For me, what I take away from that film is the question; what makes us human?

The film tackles this subject by presenting us with artificial lifeforms that have, what would be perceived as, emotions and free will. And by this notion, does this make them human? If not, why not? And then, to have this philosophical quandary wrapped up in what could only be described as stunning visuals, amazing acting and an outstanding musical score, not to mention (to me) the most memorable quote delivered amazingly by late great Rutger Hauer, makes Blade Runner stand out for me as a form of existential crisis, in a profound way.

I’m going to go a bit different with my response; whilst there’s films that I recall finding really awesome and insightful, I’m instead going to name the movie that got me interested in going to theatres again: Guardians of the Galaxy.

Seeing movies on the big screen was ok, but for a long time in my life, it felt kind of lacking. The enthusiasm I had as a kid had dried up, and a lot of movies these days were very hit or miss, and just lacked that certain ‘something’ to make it a really wowing experience. I found myself going out to the movies less and less. But upon seeing Guardians of the Galaxy in the theatre, I rediscovered those feelings – the utter joy of watching an actual blockbuster, and hearing the audience respond passionately.

I go to the theatres a bit more these days as a result. Not many movies capture that sort of feeling, but some still do, and I’m thankful that movie reminded me of what a big budget Hollywood film could be like.

Spider-Man

For me, I’m not overly into films, however I will say that the one film that totally subverted my expectations has to be Spiderman: Homecoming; one part because it was the last film that I saw with my dad before he passed a few weeks after, but also because I had grown up with the likes of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield playing the friendly neighbourhood spider-person, so to see Tom Holland absolutely smash the role was one hell of a surprise. The perfect blend of campy humour, serious life lessons, human emotion and, best of all, him still being a kid at heart, showed me that Tom Holland was nothing short of perfect for the role.

God bless you Mr. Holland. You were born to be Spidey.

The film that subverted my expectations most was The Dark Crystal (yes I’m talking about it again) as I watched it expecting a scary puppet themed nightmare, like what it inflicted on me when I was a kid. Instead I got an absorbing story, endearing and memorable characters and a world I could completely lose myself in.

In a way I still got scary puppets in the form of the Skeksis’ crazy part beetle, part crab, part spider soldiers, the Garthim. I don’t care what age you are, you can’t look at the Garthim and tell me those things aren’t premium nightmare fuel.

Age of Resistance is available now on Netflix, which you should absolutely watch, and here’s my review of it if you require further convincing

Side note – My expectations were also drastically subverted by Star Wars: The Last Jedi by it not being very good.

I won’t put anything here besides one image because if you know, you know:

Image result for the black cauldron gurgi death

The film that immediately came to mind for me is Southpaw, a film i thought to be your standard run of the mill boxing movie ended up being a heart wrenching story about loss and it made me cry, a lot. Never had i sobbed in the cinema in this way and i probably won’t again. This film made me feel loss and pain like a movie never had before. A definite recommendation but don’t forget the tissues!

Hereditary. The trailer looked interesting, reviews were good so I thought “why not, I’ll give it a go”. What I experienced was arguably the best horror movie I have ever seen. It was one of those films that just stuck with me for a long time after seeing it. After a second viewing I appreciated it even more and to this day, it’s my go-to recommended horror movie. It’s the sort of film that messes with all your expectations and will leave you feeling massively uncomfortable in all the best ways. I won’t spoil anything, just see it for yourself.