Let’s face it. There are just some movies you can’t watch sober.
Whether it be to add to a certain viewing experience or just to survive up until the end, sometimes you just need a little something. But, there’s one route in which I like to implement this idea and have fun with it: film criticism and analysis.
Film analysis may be a tad overwhelming. If you’re not already invested in film studies, it may be difficult to go beyond a simple “I liked it” or “I didn’t like it.” It’s easier to say what scene you liked in a movie, but difficult to express why you liked it.
There’s also the challenge of choosing which method you’re tackling. Video essayist Lindsay Ellis has a 9-part video series that analyzes Michael Bay’s Transformers movies. She goes through various methods like auteur theory, queer theory, Marxist theory, etc. It can be a lot.
That’s why I like to make or read about games that criticize popular media. There’s a great number of possible routes to take, and you don’t have to drink.
There are also subcultures that can emerge from live showings of popular cult films. If you’re not bringing plastic spoons to throw in the theater playing The Room, are you really watching The Room?
But, there is of course the time-honored tradition of the drinking game. Everybody knows it. Every time “blank” happens, take a shot or a drink – or a sip depending on the frequency. It turns out – when done responsibly – it can be a great method to get into film analysis or criticism.
Film Analysis? Why Though?
Sometimes, academia can be dull or intimidating. As a soon-to-be graduate with a B.F.A. in writing, I can testify it can be a little much at times. Making games out of bad films can make the viewing experience and their criticisms fun.
There could also be a geographic element to it. If you’re like me and live in Wisconsin, it can be difficult to have any activity without alcohol.
This method is not to encourage drinking but to encourage unorthodox methods of film criticism. Film studies and analysis are weird, so why not get weird with it? Also, having drinking games with friends while watching movies? Yes, please!
Ground Rules
- You can have anything you want, as long as it’s not Pabst Blue Ribbon.
- If you’re having anything stronger than beer or wine, take sips. Alcohol poisoning is not tolerated here.
- If you’re under the age of 21 or don’t drink alcohol, then you must eat really spicy food like hot wings or salsa.
“Twilight” 2008
Ah, yes. The start of a saga that had divided millions. It seemed like there were only people who loved it and people who hated it. There were people who liked the books better or the movies. There was Team Edward and Team Jacob. Of course, the only correct choice is Team Charlie, and both the books and film are bad, but not dull.
Say what you will about Twilight, but it’s certainly not boring. The Twilight Saga has gained a sort of renaissance but in weird ways. If not for the romantic elements that are more comedic than anything, then there’s the fan adoration of minor characters. Fans love characters like Alice, Seth, and Charlie – again, the best character.
Don’t get me wrong though, they’re still not good. Watching the “romance” bloom in the first movie in particular is incredibly painful, and yet humorous, too. The unintentionally comedic moments add to a surreal experience where you question not just Bella’s actions, but everyone who fawns over her for some reason.
When “…” Happens
- Whenever more than one normal guy hits on Bella in the same scene.
- Whenever Edward gaslights Bella (only one time every scene).
- Whenever someone does a dumb Google online search.
- Whenever someone says the words “bearhuman” and “monkey.”
- Whenever Stephenie Meyer makes a cameo.
“The 40-Year-Old Virgin” 2005
Steve Carell’s breakout hit easily belongs in that era between 2003-2008 I like to call B.O. (Before Obama). What does this mean? A lot of popular media during the Bush presidency was big, dumb, and loud, especially the comedies. The 40-Year-Old Virgin hits all three marks.
Unfortunately, it also hasn’t aged all that well. It’s not the most offensive movie from that time, but it still contains those dated politics. Its occasional homophobic and transphobic jokes in particular are rather uncomfortable today. Even if they’re to illustrate some of the character’s ignorance, one still questions their existence. Even Seth Rogen regrets writing the “You know how I know you’re gay?” joke.
However, it’s not worthless. The comedy is up to subject, but it’s a perfect time capsule of that mid-2000s cringe that’s almost forgotten. The best thing to do is to learn from the past – not to reject it, but to drink from it.
When “…” Happens
- Whenever a character mentions heinous acts with an animal.
- Whenever David obsesses over his ex-girlfriend.
- Whenever a homophobic joke occurs.
- Whenever someone a phone call goes wrong.
- Whenever a transphobic joke occurs.
“Mulan” 2020
I don’t want to talk about live-action Mulan. I’ve heard it’s the worst live-action Disney remake made, but I’ve never actually seen it. Now that I have, I can understand what those people mean. This truly is the worst live-action Disney remake.
There are so many problems with it. The writing, the acting, the music, the direction, the editing that makes YouTube poops look professional. Its goal to accurately depict Chinese culture and folklore is probably worse than the original animated film. I could even talk about the gross politics of the movie that also make it controversial. As a standalone story, an adaptation, and a cultural landmark, this movie fails.
Live-action Mulan is almost fascinating in how it does everything wrong. It should honestly be studied in what not to do in filmmaking. And, without a doubt, I don’t know how I got through this one.
When “…” Happens
- Whenever the camera flips either 90° or 180° during an action scene.
- Whenever music or lyrics from the animated version are referenced.
- Whenever the Phoenix instead of Mush appears.
- Whenever Mulan attacks someone unprovoked.
- Whenever Mulan uses her chi powers to kick a weapon.
