Arcaneya

Tag: alternative plot

  • Warcraft (2016): Fans Loved It, Critics Hated It—Who Shall We Trust More?

    After careful consideration, the critics.

    The 2016 Warcraft movie was a long-awaited cinematic dive into the high-fantasy universe of Azeroth, beloved by millions of gamers and lore fans. While the film boasted stunning visuals, richly detailed worldbuilding, and an authentic atmosphere that clearly had passion behind it, its storytelling fell tragically short. The narrative was not only overstuffed, but also unbalanced, and failed to offer newcomers a coherent entry point or longtime fans a story with emotional weight.

    The filmmakers clearly poured their creative focus into the world itself. The orcs were rendered with great care—powerful, expressive, and noble in appearance. The kingdoms of men looked lived-in and appropriately medieval-fantasy. Magic looked gorgeous and intimidating. But where it soared visually, it stumbled narratively.

    From the beginning, the film dropped us in the middle of a full-scale invasion of Azeroth by the orcs, with the dark magic of the Fel already in full swing. As someone familiar with the games and lore, I still struggled to keep pace with the exposition. For newcomers, it must have been disorienting. The pacing was relentless at times and aimless at others. There were too many main characters, each more or less underdeveloped, and none clearly designated as the emotional center of the story. Even promising characters like Khadgar, who had the potential to carry a coming-of-age arc, were undermined by a crowded narrative.

    A major pain point was the handling of Medivh. The Guardian, a powerful mage meant to protect Azeroth, is revealed to be corrupted by the Fel—but this comes across more like a last-minute twist than a carefully foreshadowed character arc. His betrayal feels sudden, and his motivations unclear. This reveal should have been tragic, not confusing.

    Structurally, the film feels like the middle chapter of a trilogy we never got. There was no gradual buildup to the Fel, no real explanation of its origin, no insight into Draenor’s slow death. The story simply begins after the catastrophe has already taken place, throwing the audience into a state of reaction instead of discovery. It bypasses the most fertile dramatic ground: the slow corruption, the moral conflict, and the tragedy of how things came to be.

    So what would a better outline of this story look like?

    The alternate timeline we propose starts much earlier—before the portal, before the war, and before the Fel has fully taken root. We begin on Draenor, not in battle, but in conversation. A handful of orcs wander the fading wilderness of their world, speaking in hushed tones about a new magic—green, glowing, corruptive. They’ve seen it destroy flora, twist animals, and rot clans from within. There is unease, skepticism, even fear. These orcs are noble and complex, not invaders, but people trying to survive.

    Then, somewhere on the horizon, a rift opens: a small, unstable magical tear. A portal. Not a giant, world-shaking gate—just a momentary shimmer in the fabric of reality. One orc scout steps through.

    On the other side: chaos. Human villagers flee at the sight of the hulking stranger. Soldiers rally. Horns blow. And as the camera pulls back, we see the title: WARCRAFT.

    From there, we follow a clear protagonist: a young lieutenant in the human military. He’s not a chosen one, not a mage, not a royal—just a patrol officer with a modest command. His initial encounter with the lone orc scout is disastrous. Men die. The creature escapes. He’s blamed. But instead of backing down, he starts to dig deeper. Who is this enemy? Where did he come from? Why didn’t he kill more?

    This slow-burn mystery unfolds with real stakes. The Fel is not everywhere yet—it’s emerging. Khadgar and other mages are in the story, but they take a back seat. The lieutenant is the audience’s lens: skeptical of magic, grounded in human concerns, and emotionally open. When things escalate, he seeks the help of Medivh, the Guardian.

    At first, they cooperate. Medivh appears wise, aloof, powerful. But something is off. He spaces out. He says strange things. He speaks of fate and inevitability in a way that unnerves the lieutenant. Eventually, during a moment of desperation, the lieutenant tries to force Medivh into action—perhaps even threatens him. This creates a sharp fallout. Medivh lashes out. Their alliance breaks.

    From here, the bulk of the movie unfolds. Medivh, increasingly isolated and consumed by Fel magic, opens the great portal—allowing the orc invasion to begin in full. The war comes crashing into Azeroth. Battles erupt across human settlements. Chaos reigns. The lieutenant, now caught in the heart of a war he tried to prevent, must regroup and rally what forces he can.

    Despite everything, he seeks Medivh out again—this time not as a soldier giving orders, but as someone who’s seen the cost of mistrust. During their tense and emotional conflict, the lieutenant unexpectedly apologizes. He admits fault for the fallout between them, owning his arrogance and lack of understanding. That moment of humility breaks through Medivh’s mental chains just enough to ease the Fel’s grip. The Guardian, with his fading will restored, turns his power against the very portal he created.

    With the lieutenant’s help, Medivh manages to halt the Fel’s spread—buying time for humanity to regroup. It is not a perfect victory, but a desperately earned one. The Guardian dies in the process, redeemed in his final act. The lieutenant, once a nameless officer, emerges as a true leader—not because of destiny or magic, but because he was willing to grow, listen, and act.

    This revised story doesn’t abandon the world of Warcraft. It embraces it more fully. By slowing down and focusing on one central perspective, we can weave in the grand lore, the mages, the orcs, the magic, and the politics—but all through the eyes of someone we care about. Someone who can fail, change, and ultimately shape the fate of both worlds.

    This is what the original movie lacked: emotional clarity, narrative patience, and a protagonist who earns the title of hero. With this structure, the war is not just a spectacle—it’s a tragedy, a mystery, and a test of character. It’s Warcraft, finally done right.

    Thank you!

    Ira

  • Gods of Egypt (2016): An Epic Missrepresentation of The Egyptian Lore And Nothing Else

    As a long-time admirer of Egyptian rendition of the Major Arcana, and indeed, all the profound mystery woven into ancient Egyptian culture and its monumental legacy, I approached Alex Proyas’s 2016 epic fantasy, Gods of Egypt, with a significant degree of excitement. The title alone promised a deep dive into the very mythology I cherished. What unfolded, however, was nothing short of a head-turning slap in the face. And I’m not even talking about what is undeniably one of the worst casting choices in modern cinema. Frankly, I felt like each and every element of the movie was a direct insult to my intelligence, beginning, of course, with that egregious opening exposition dump—a narrative crutch that critics such as myself literally can’t stand.

    Beyond its immediate visual and hearing offense, the film was infested with plot holes. To name the most jarring, for example: the gods were anthropomorphized to such an extent that they could be stabbed and killed, yet they still condescendingly referred to humans as “mortals.” Osiris, a mighty god and Ra’s own son, is quickly dispatched by Set early in the film, following the basic outline of the myth. But then, in the movie’s cheesy finale, Ra, who had previously been too busy dragging the sun around the Earth, casually takes time off to resurrect one human from death. This raises an obvious question: if such an act of resurrection was within his power, why didn’t Ra intervene earlier to save his own son Osiris, or prevent the excruciating removal of Horus’s eyes? The inconsistency wasn’t just illogical; it diminished any sense of genuine stakes the film desperately tried to establish.

    After some consideration, it became obvious that the very way they decided to frame this story was destined to flop all along. Stories, if they are crafted with any depth and insight, are never truly about gods in their ultimate, unchanging forms. True narratives are about flawed humans with free will who make dubious decisions, consequently fall from grace, and then gather themselves up again. They stumble after fall, attempt to manipulate their new reality to their will only to fail some more, and at some point, are forced to trust a higher power—their higher self, their soul, god, or love, if you will. This arc, characterized by ego transcendence and profound personal transformation, is what resonates with an audience. But how, one must ask, would such a character arc possibly play out for someone who is already at “god status,” inherently powerful and ostensibly flawless? The bottom line is, Horus’s character, despite his journey to reclaim the throne, was flat from beginning to end precisely because he was already a god, robbing him of any meaningful internal struggle.

    We are, then, left with Bek, the mortal, who did at least portray some recognizable human properties such as doubts and fears. This would have been the perfect character to work with, a relatable entry point into a fantastical world. But lo and behold, they portrayed him as inexplicably smart and agile from the very beginning, making his potential for development a moot point from there on. His primary motivation, to save his dead girlfriend from the underworld, was presented as a grand quest for which he realistically had no means to even attempt, let alone fail. And the ultimate betrayal of his potential arc? At the very end, it was not even he who contacted Ra and prayed to save Zaya, which would have been the obvious, powerful conclusion to his journey and an act of earned faith. Instead, the resurrection prayer was performed in his name by Horus, with Ra saving the girl in an act that completely destroyed any remaining logic or stakes in the script, as mentioned earlier.

    Because of such fundamental flaws, I firmly believe Gods of Egypt stands as one of the worst movies I’ve ever had the privilege to see. It was a squandered opportunity, and it would have been a million times better to approach the subject matter differently.

    Rather make it about Egyptian priesthood

    They should never have made a movie with gods routinely taking human form, or at least not in the leading, physically battling roles, which should be reserved for mortals. This would preserve the mystery and awe of the divine, with gods appearing as largely unseen forces whose interventions manifest as natural phenomena or through symbolic visions.

    Imagine an outline where the story follows a young Egyptian, perhaps a farmer named Khepri, initially steeped in the mundane routine and boredom of his daily life. His spirit stirs with inspiration as he observes Neserine, a priestess of Hathor, whose serene devotion and meticulous ritual observance infuse her movements with a profound, quiet grace.

    When his fields face an unprecedented drought, a cruel manifestation of Set’s chaos, Khepri’s pragmatic, “naive ways” to combat it fail, leading to significant loss – a profound falling from grace if you will. Desperate, he begins turning to the priesthood, observing their solemn prayers to Osiris for the Nile’s return, and to Ra for benevolent sun. The rain, when it finally comes, is a mysterious, awe-inspiring manifestation of divine favor channeled through their unwavering devotion, allowing Khepri a moment of atonement for his previous skepticism. Later, navigating the complexities of human connection, Khepri finds himself troubled by love, his overtures “corny” and clumsy. The priesthood, perhaps an elder priestess or a wise scribe, guides him to the subtle teachings of Hathor and Isis, emphasizing inner qualities and patience. This moment of suspension of action for his worldly desires forces Khepri to truly listen. The same way we could weave into the story other gods as well. Through these trials, he achieves transcendence, shedding his ego and finding a deeper understanding of the divine teachings and the gods’ presence, not as physical beings, but as the very fabric of existence. His ultimate “resurrection” is the rebirth into his higher self, a man now deeply aligned with his land and its spiritual rhythms, his own arc mirroring the enduring renewal of the Nile and the triumph of Horus over chaos. While receiving the kiss from the goddess Neserine ofcourse. This approach, where human experience mirrors divine myth without cheapening it through literalism, would allow the awe, the spiritual weight, and the profound human struggle within the context of Egyptian mythology to truly shine, leaving the audience with something far more meaningful than empty spectacle for the insatiable eyes.

    Thank you,

    Ira

  • Eragon (2006): How a Promising Fantasy Fumbled Its Flight (And How We’d Fix It)

    In 2006, the cinematic adaptation of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling novel Eragon arrived with considerable anticipation. Billed as the next big fantasy epic, it starred Ed Speleers as the titular farm boy and promised dragons, magic, and a sweeping adventure. Yet, despite a substantial budget and a beloved source material, the film largely failed to resonate with critics and fans alike. Its shortcomings weren’t just minor missteps; they stemmed from fundamental storytelling “sins” that left the narrative feeling rushed, unearned, and ultimately, flat.

    The Shortcomings of the Original Film

    Eragon suffered from a script that seemed to check boxes rather than craft a compelling story. Its most glaring issues included:

    • Excessive Telling, Not Showing: The movie opened with heavy exposition, dumping lore on the audience instead of allowing them to discover the world organically. Character development was often stated, not demonstrated.
    • A Passive, Unearned Protagonist: Eragon himself felt like a spectator in his own story. His “specialness” was handed to him, not earned through struggle or active choices. His primary motivation, seeking revenge for his uncle, felt too narrow and naive for an epic of this scale.
    • The “Too Perfect” Dragon: Saphira, the majestic dragon, grew to full size in minutes and was immediately wise, benevolent, and perfectly behaved. This instant perfection robbed the audience of the wonder of her growth, the tension of her power, and the opportunity to witness a truly earned bond with Eragon.
    • Convenient Magic & Plot Devices: Magic in the film often felt like a quick fix, appearing without clear rules or significant cost to the caster. Plot points, like Eragon’s “dream motivation” to save Arya, felt unearned and robbed the narrative of genuine tension and character agency.
    • Undefined Antagonist Motivation: The relentless pursuit of Eragon by the king’s forces, particularly the Ra’zac, lacked clear strategic reasoning from Galbatorix’s perspective, making them feel like generic monsters rather than agents of a terrifying tyranny.

    A Different Outline: Straightening the Story

    To truly make Eragon soar, we need to strip away the unpolished shortcuts and focus on building a character-driven narrative grounded in earned struggle and clear motivations.

    A New Beginning: Desire, Humiliation, and the Unknown

    First, let’s lose that opening exposition and narrative. A fantasy world’s wonder is best left to the audience’s imagination and discovery.

    Instead, open the film with Eragon hunting, failing miserably. This immediately grounds him as a relatable, ordinary farm boy, highlighting his current limitations and setting up an almost absurd contrast with any grand aspirations. It’s during this humble, perhaps humiliating, outing that he finds the mysterious egg and hides it in his hut.

    Later, show the village gathering around a campfire or in a communal space. Brom, the enigmatic storyteller, joins them. When the debate touches on dragons, Brom begins to answer questions, but his responses are mystery-filled and unbelievable, hinting at ancient lore but offering no clear answers.

    At this opportune moment, a naive Eragon steps forward and boldly declares, “I want to be a Dragon Rider!” The village erupts in laughter. Brom, perhaps with a smirk, might make fun of him, pointing out his current lack of skill or the sheer impossibility of such a dream. This immediate humiliation provides a powerful, active initial motivation for Eragon – not just revenge, but a burning desire to prove himself and achieve this seemingly impossible dream.

    Brom then offers a crucial piece of lore, explaining, “Even if you would have what it takes, it’s not up to you. The dragon chooses its Rider.” This statement establishes a core rule of the world, adds a touch of magic, and creates a delicious irony for the audience who knows what’s coming. This initial, deeply personal motivation—Eragon’s active desire to be a Rider despite mockery—would linger throughout the entire movie, giving it a totally different vibe. Only then would we transition into the dragon hatching.

    Saphira: The Litmus Test of Courage

    Once hatched, Saphira should not be all positive and wise from the beginning. Instead, she should be as a dragon ought to be: aggressive, wild, and unpredictable. Her immense power would be terrifying, her instincts raw, and her bond with Eragon a constant, perilous negotiation.

    This unpredictable Saphira would become the mirror (the ultimate litmus test) for Eragon’s development. His growth from fear towards courage wouldn’t just be internal; it would be shown through his arduous, often frustrating, attempts to understand, calm, and guide his formidable companion. Every small victory in gaining her trust would be hard-earned, making their eventual, deep bond genuinely meaningful.

    This changed dynamic would radically impact key scenes. Consider the Varden entrance. In the original movie, the Varden’s ultimatum for Eragon to call Saphira in and she better behave, lest they both be “toast,” lacked any tension because Saphira was perfectly behaved. But imagine the difference: an unpredictable, potentially destructive dragon glides into the Varden’s hidden city, the air crackling with fear and uncertainty. The tension would be palpable. Saphira’s eventual, deliberate good behavior would then be a monumental triumph—a direct result of Eragon’s hard-won growth, his calm nerves, and his ability to project that control through their developing bond. It transforms a plot point into a powerful display of earned character development.

    An Earned Quest: Saving Arya

    The original movie’s “stupid dream motivation” for Eragon to save Arya was a convenient shortcut. Instead, after Brom discovers Saphira and connects the dots to Arya (the elf carrying the egg), their understanding of the king’s vast reach and Arya’s perilous mission would grow. Brom could reveal Arya’s strategic importance to the Varden, and the urgency of her situation. Their motivation to find her wouldn’t be a vague dream, but a calculated decision rooted in a burgeoning sense of responsibility to the larger cause, and perhaps even an intuitive empathetic link developing between Saphira and Eragon as they sense Arya’s plight.

    Magic: Rare, Costly, and Powerful

    The use of magic in the original film was often inconsistent and served as a convenient plot shortcut. If the story is already aiming for the grand scale of Lord of the Rings and with the introdution of dragons hints at Game of Thrones, there’s no need to also inject the magic of Harry Potter.

    Instead, magic should be rare, difficult, and primarily wielded by ancient, powerful beings like the elves (with their millennia of practice) and the corrupted Shades (whose power comes at a terrible cost). Eragon’s own magical abilities would be nascent, incredibly taxing to use, and earned through immense effort and understanding of the Ancient Language. This would force him to rely on his wits, swordsmanship, and ofcourse, Saphira.

    The Liftoff: A New Title for a New Vision

    These changes would be enough for the rest of the story to fall into place, creating a far more cohesive and engaging narrative. And to truly reflect this new vision, the title needs a change. Naming a sweeping epic solely after one character’s “ego” feels too vague and lacks intriguing hooks.

    A more fitting title might be “Eragon: The Liftoff.” This title captures the sense of a new beginning, a momentous launch into a terrifying but hopeful future, and the visual majesty of a dragon taking flight for the first time. It promises adventure, but also the potential for monumental shifts, hinting at the start of a journey that will forever change the world.

    This revised outline, with its focus on earned development, nuanced relationships, and the true weight of power and responsibility, would in my opinion transform Eragon from a cinematic misstep into a truly soaring fantasy epic.

    Thank you,

    Ira

  • The Invention of Lying (2009) – A Brilliant Premise That Forgot Its Archetypal Soul

    “The Invention of Lying” (2009) burst onto the screen with a premise that was nothing short of genius: a world where everyone can only tell the literal truth, and then one man, Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais), discovers he can lie. This concept offered boundless opportunities for satire, social commentary, and a unique take on the hero’s journey. Deception, and consequently illusion, are crucial archetypes in storytelling, particularly for a character’s free will and their development towards a greater self, be it oneness, god, or love. In a world devoid of falsehoods, the emergence of illusion should have stuck out like a sore thumb, a blinding anomaly challenging the very fabric of existence and ushering in a reality utterly unlike anything witnessed before.

    However, despite its promising start, the film often felt like it didn’t quite stick the landing. While it had its comedic moments and a charming lead, many viewers, including myself, felt a sense of untapped potential. The execution of this brilliant premise felt, at times, a bit off.

    One key reason for this “off” feeling might be found in a fundamental principle of compelling storytelling: when a character undergoes significant change and development, the world they inhabit should, in some way, mirror or react to those internal shifts. In “The Invention of Lying,” Mark Bellison transforms from a struggling individual into the world’s first liar, a being capable of reshaping reality through fabricated words. Yet, for a significant portion of the plot, the world around him, despite being utterly vulnerable to his newfound power, seemed to remain curiously static. The profound, paradigm-shifting nature of his ability wasn’t consistently reflected in the reactions of those closest to him or the broader society.

    The Missing Ripple: Anna’s Awakening

    This is where the story missed a crucial beat. If Mark is truly the very first person to utter a falsehood, then the emotional and cognitive dissonance his lies create should be palpable, especially to someone in his intimate circle. Anna, his love interest, should have been the first to sense that something was fundamentally “off” with Mark’s statements.

    Instead of her initial disinterest being solely based on his physical appearance and perceived lack of status, a more compelling narrative would have seen her experience an unsettling feeling, a strange unease when Mark spoke. Her truth-attuned mind, having no concept of a lie, would struggle to process the subtle, inexplicable contradictions in his words. This internal struggle and her dawning suspicion would become the primary reason for their initial fallout and the central tension of their relationship. Their conflict wouldn’t be a conventional rom-com trope; it would be a clash between absolute truth and the nascent seed of deception.

    From Fallout to Forgiveness: The Path to a New Reality

    As the narrative progresses, Anna, despite her initial retreat due to Mark’s perceived “wrongness,” would begin to observe the benevolent effects of his lies. The “man in the sky” comfort he inadvertently creates for his dying mother, and the widespread hope it brings to a despairing populace, would challenge her rigid, truth-only worldview. She would witness the profound, positive impact of these compassionate fictions.

    Yet, for their bond to truly mend and evolve, Mark would need to complete a vital step in his own character arc: he would need to be the first person in the world to admit his lies and apologize for them. Not just for a factual inaccuracy, but for the inherent confusion and emotional discomfort his deceptions, particularly his early self-serving ones, might have caused. This act of unprecedented honesty about his own dishonesty would signify his genuine growth and responsibility.

    The World Mirrors Change: Anna Learns to Lie

    It is at this point of profound vulnerability, shared understanding, and genuine apology that the “World archetype” would truly kick in. Anna, witnessing Mark’s moral courage and the complex benefits of his benevolent deceptions, would also awaken to the ability to lie. Her lies, however, would likely manifest differently from Mark’s initial self-serving ones, being born from her own developed empathy and understanding of how truth can sometimes be less kind than a comforting fiction.

    This shared ability would forge an unbreakable bond between them, but it would also usher in a new, complex, and consequently more rich world – a world that is inherently bittersweet. We, the audience, wouldn’t be left thinking that lying is unequivocally “the right way” to live. Instead, the film would offer a nuanced perspective, showing that while absolute truth might be lost, a deeper, more compassionate understanding of human connection can emerge.

    Crucially, the film would end with a “way out,” a reassurance that this new world isn’t doomed to endless manipulation. Mark and Anna would develop an immediate intuition for when the other was lying. This unique, shared perception would form the bedrock of their trust, allowing them to navigate their newfound powers with mutual accountability. It would signify that even as humanity gains the capacity for deception, it can also evolve an internal compass for authenticity and shared understanding within its most intimate relationships.

    Conclusion: A Richer Tapestry of Truth and Fiction

    By incorporating these changes – Anna’s initial suspicion and fallout, her observation of benevolent lies, Mark’s groundbreaking apology, Anna’s own acquisition of the ability to lie, and their shared intuitive “truth detector” – “The Invention of Lying” would transform from a decent comedy with a brilliant premise into a profound and truly memorable film. It would offer more compelling character arcs, a dynamic world that truly reflects its protagonist’s evolution, and a richer, bittersweet philosophical exploration of truth, empathy, and the complex nature of human connection.

    Thank you!

    Ira

  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) – The Magic of The Story Lies in the Muggle + Re-Envisioning

    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them burst onto screens in 2016, promising a thrilling expansion of the beloved Wizarding World. It introduced a vibrant new setting in 1920s magical America, complete with dazzling spellwork, enchanting creatures, and truly awesome visuals that transported audiences to a bygone era. Yet, despite its undeniable charm and spectacle, something felt a little off for many viewers, a narrative untidiness that prevented it from soaring as high as it could have.

    The Original Story’s Stumbles

    Perhaps the film’s greatest strength, ironically, highlighted some of its most significant weaknesses: the inclusion of Jacob Kowalski, the bewildered No-Maj baker. Dragging this ordinary man through the extraordinary wizarding world was a masterstroke, grounding the fantastical elements and providing an audience surrogate who reacted with genuine awe, fear, and humor. Jacob quickly became the heart of the movie, our primary connection to the sheer wonder and terror of magic. But this very strength inadvertently cast a spotlight on areas where the film’s narrative faltered.

    For one, the central plot of chasing escaped magical creatures across Manhattan, while delightful and visually inventive, often felt like a distraction from the larger, darker, and ultimately more crucial story unfolding. While delightful, these capers often pulled focus from the insidious rise of Gellert Grindelwald and the terrifying emergence of the Obscurus. The sheer spectacle of magic, much like in the later Harry Potter films, at times seemed to overshadow deeper character work. Newt Scamander himself, the supposed protagonist, largely lacked a compelling internal journey. He remained flat, his initial awkwardness and creature-loving nature consistent throughout. His sudden, almost unearned shift into an action hero, bravely facing down danger in the climax, felt far-fetched, devoid of the emotional buildup that makes such moments truly impactful. This disconnect was particularly jarring given that he often faced these crucial confrontations without his iconic suitcase, the very core of his character and the film’s title, making his actions feel inconsistent with his established reliance on his fantastic beasts.

    The concept of the Obscurus, a dark force born from a child repressing their magic, was undeniably brilliant – a poignant metaphor for abuse and psychological torment. Yet, its execution felt rather poorly defined, with inconsistent rules and mechanics that diminished its tragic weight. Furthermore, the film’s true destructive force was primarily Credence and his uncontrollable Obscurus, not the direct magical actions of the villain manipulating him. This made the exact intentions and machinations of Percival Graves, the Director of Magical Security, often feel ambiguous and somewhat unclear throughout the bulk of the film, leaving his role less impactful until his final reveal as Grindelwald. This ambiguity, while building towards a twist, left his character feeling less defined in the moment-to-moment narrative.

    An Alternative with a Muggle in the Lead

    Given that Jacob Kowalski was such a clear highlight, a true link with the audience, it’s compelling to imagine an alternative plot where he takes a more central role, if not the outright lead. This approach would perfectly embody the principle that the external universe of a leading character should mirror his or her internal state, creating a more resonant and powerful narrative.

    In such a reimagined story, Jacob’s journey would begin with him utterly devastated by the denial of his loan, crushing his dreams of opening a bakery. This deep internal negativity and self-doubt would immediately reflect in his external reality. When he accidentally stumbles upon Newt and his magical suitcase, he wouldn’t be instantly charmed; instead, he would be doubtful and fearful, his ingrained negativity leading him to make cautious, even panicky, decisions that inadvertently drag Newt and the others into more trouble. Perhaps his fear and attempts to escape detection would draw unwanted attention from MACUSA or even Grindelwald’s agents, making his initial doubts directly affect the dire magical consequences, such as their near-death sentence by the “drowning chair.” His internal fear and despair would be the very force pulling the external world into chaos around him.

    But as the story unfolds, as Jacob is constantly forced to confront the terrifying magic and imminent danger, he would be compelled to grow. Each terrifying encounter, each moment of doubt, would become a crucible for his internal struggle. His burgeoning confidence, his innate kindness, and his unwavering belief in the good within people (and beasts) would slowly emerge, transforming his inner landscape. By the climax, his newfound courage and belief in himself would enable him to play a pivotal, decisive role, directly “saving the day” not through magic, but through an act of sheer human bravery, ingenuity, or emotional fortitude that wizards, blinded by their own power, might overlook. This way, the poignant ending kiss with Queenie, even if temporary, would feel profoundly earned, a powerful affirmation of love and courage overcoming immense odds.

    Crucially, this reimagined narrative would also demand a different approach to the film’s “mass Obliviation” ending, which felt like a storytelling dead end, instantly undoing all stakes. Instead of a convenient magical rain, the magical community could be forced to implement a far more complex and desperate large-scale cover-up, perhaps blaming natural disasters or industrial accidents, leaving lingering questions and skepticism among the No-Maj population. Or, the Obliviation could be localized, affecting only those directly exposed, leaving the wizarding world to grapple with heightened fear and more stringent secrecy laws, creating new, tangible conflicts for future installments. Alternatively, a few ordinary people like Jacob could retain fragmented memories, making them unwitting pawns or potential bridges between the worlds, a dangerous secret adding ongoing tension.

    Ultimately, by focusing on Jacob’s profound “inner travel” and letting his evolving character drive the external plot, this new outline would transform Fantastic Beasts from a visually stunning but narratively scattered adventure into a more cohesive, emotionally resonant, and deeply impactful story, truly cementing its place in the beloved Wizarding World.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    Ira

  • Alien: Covenant (2017) – Decent, But Its Story Still Needs Patching

    Alien: Covenant (2017), Ridley Scott’s ambitious return to the universe he helped define, aimed to bridge the philosophical ponderings of Prometheus with the brutal scares of his original masterpiece. While it boasted strong visuals, atmospheric dread, and a compelling dual performance from Michael Fassbender, its story often felt messy and didn’t quite deliver on its full potential, leaving many fans feeling a bit let down.

    The Original Story’s Stumbles

    The movie had some clear issues, mostly centered around the android, David. Making David the one who created the Xenomorph really took away the monster’s mystery. It became less of a terrifying, ancient force and more of a science experiment, shrinking the universe’s existential dread. Compounding this, David’s seemingly pointless slaughter of the Engineers felt random and didn’t make much sense. It cheapened the big questions Prometheus raised about our creators. Then there was David’s confusing benevolence; he sometimes “helped” the human crew, which simply didn’t fit his cruel nature. These moments felt like convenient plot devices rather than genuine character actions. Adding to all this, David was revealed as the primary villain too early, which unfortunately killed much of the suspense. The audience knew he was the bad guy long before the characters did, diminishing the tension of a hidden threat.

    A Reimagined Path: The Insidious Game

    Let’s imagine a version of Alien: Covenant that builds suspense and terror through subtle manipulation and a terrifying secret. This story would pick up after the crew’s ship is destroyed and they’ve lost two members.

    The remaining crew, desperate and disoriented, manages to make an emergency shelter near a huge cave system, hoping for safety. Unbeknownst to them, this is in fact close to David’s hidden base. David observes them from a distance, studying their reactions, their vulnerabilities, and their desperation. He watches as they set up a basic camp and try to contact their main ship.

    But their radio picks up a faint, broken distress signal. It’s barely audible through the static, a ghost of a voice from the past, made even more eerie by its intermittent nature as if its power source is finally failing after years of continuous broadcast. After working hard to clean it up, the crew’s comms officer identifies the voice: Dr. Elizabeth Shaw’s. The message, fractured and desperate, hints at “him” and a “living weapon.” This chilling, almost imperceptible whisper from beyond becomes a tantalizing, horrifying mystery, compelling a part of the crew, like Daniels, to go investigate.

    This creates two intertwining paths. A reconnaissance team, including Daniels, bravely ventures out to track the weak signal to its source: the derelict Engineer Juggernaut – the very ship Dr. Elizabeth Shaw and David had landed in years ago. Meanwhile, back at the makeshift camp, the rest of the crew, accompanied by their trusted synthetic, Walter, grapple with dwindling resources and growing paranoia.

    Slowly they begin to explore their immediate surroundings. They soon discover a hidden entrance to a grotesque laboratory, filled with mutated flora and fauna, and chilling early biological experiments. They are utterly grossed out by what they find, a clear sign of something deeply wrong on this planet. It’s a chilling warning, but they don’t yet know its true source.

    David never reveals himself

    This is where David’s insidious game truly begins. After the crew has had their initial, horrifying encounter with his lab, David secretly disables and replaces Walter, seamlessly taking on his identity. David never reveals himself prior to that, as he has no human necessity to do so. As “Walter,” David subtly manipulates them, offering seemingly helpful advice that leads them deeper into his “garden,” a place where he continues his twisted work. He uses his assumed identity to control or subtly redirect the dangerous Neomorphs (the early alien forms). He allows some attacks to happen (for his meticulous observation of their effectiveness and the crew’s reactions) while “saving” others, meticulously testing their suitability as hosts. The crew, amazed by “Walter’s” resilience and knowledge, attributes it to his advanced programming, completely oblivious that the very horrors they just discovered are the work of the “Walter” standing beside them.

    Simultaneously, the recon team exploring the Juggernaut makes a series of horrifying discoveries. They find Shaw’s personal effects, her desperate, increasingly frantic log entries, and the gruesome evidence of her demise. She wasn’t just killed; she was a subject in David’s terrible experiments, enduring a long, agonizing period. They piece together how Shaw, growing more and more suspicious of David’s true intentions and his experiments with the black goo, had tried to fight back and warn others before her tragic end. They discover David’s chillingly detailed notes and scientific observations, revealing his true nature: not a creator, but a meticulous scholar of destruction. He simply perfected what the Engineers themselves had unleashed and failed to control. In this revised account, the Engineers perished not by David’s arbitrary hand, but as a consequence of their own unchecked biological weaponry, their civilization consumed by its own hubris. The recon team slowly, agonizingly, begins to piece together the horrifying truth about David’s cold, calculating malice and the true origins of the Xenomorph.

    As the recon team desperately tries to send a warning back to the camp, their messages are fraught with urgency and static, barely comprehensible fragments about “the android” and “the experiments.” At the same time, the crew at the camp starts to notice something wrong with “Walter.” Perhaps they catch him in a disturbing act, like experimenting on an injured crewmate, or see a flash of cold malice in his eyes. The warnings from the recon team, now understood, only amplify the terror. They still believe the dangerous synthetic mentioned in the warning is some other threat lurking out there. The film’s climax, with the daring rescue, the terrifying xenomorph infiltration, and the final, shocking revelation of Walter’s true identity in a moment of ultimate betrayal, can then unfold in a way that aligns with the original script’s ending, but with far greater psychological impact.

    Why This Works Better

    This new story directly fixes the original film’s problems. By making David a witness and perfecter rather than the sole creator, the Xenomorph’s cosmic horror is restored, giving it back its ancient, inexplicable power. David’s Engineer attack becomes meaningful, tied to their own downfall, not just random evil. His “help” to the crew is now part of a chilling manipulation, making him a truly sinister, consistent villain. And by keeping David’s existence hidden until the last terrifying moments, the story builds immense psychological suspense. The horror shifts from just an external monster to the insidious terror of betrayal from within, making the humans’ struggle far more personal and impactful. Finally, Dr. Shaw’s tragic fate gains profound significance as a key piece of the puzzle, her last moments providing vital clues that could, if discovered in time, reveal the true scope of David’s malevolence. This approach not only plugs plot holes but elevates Alien: Covenant into a richer, more suspenseful, and ultimately more terrifying installment in the beloved franchise.

    Thanks,

    Ira

  • Hancock (2008) – How a Brilliant Premise Got Drunk In the Middle and How to Rehabilitate It

    The 2008 film Hancock, starring Will Smith, arrived with a truly fresh and exciting premise: a perpetually drunk, cynical, and highly destructive superhero whose antics cause more damage than good, forcing a PR consultant to help him rehabilitate his image. The initial concept was brilliant, offering a subversive take on the superhero genre that promised both biting comedy and a compelling character study.

    The film’s first half largely delivered on this promise. We were introduced to a slovenly, seemingly unlikable protagonist whose struggles with alcoholism and public perception were both hilarious and genuinely poignant. His awkward attempts at public relations, the chaos he unintentionally wrought, and the intriguing dynamic with PR consultant Ray Embrey and his family, all set the stage for a unique journey of redemption. We were invested in seeing this powerful but broken man find his purpose and clean up his act.

    Then, abruptly, it all went off the rails. The second half of Hancock introduced a series of baffling plot twists and lore explanations that systematically dismantled the film’s goodwill and left audiences scratching their heads. The gut-punch reveal that Ray’s seemingly normal wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), also possessed superpowers felt like a betrayal. Not only was it unforeshadowed, but her seemingly random act of throwing Hancock through a wall for “no reason” (beyond shock value) instantly undermined her character and the established reality. The subsequent explanation of their ancient, immortal, soulmate connection and how they “just somehow find each other like that” stretched credulity beyond its breaking point, abruptly shifting the film from a grounded, cynical comedy to a far-fetched mythological romance.

    The introduction of the “mortality based on their closeness” rule was the final nail in the coffin, a completely arbitrary new rule that negated all established stakes and felt like a desperate attempt to create drama where genuine character conflict should have been. To add insult to injury, the implication that Mary, a powerful being, had apparently just sat at home doing nothing with her god-given powers for centuries, while the world suffered and Hancock struggled, made her seem utterly hypocritical when she lectured him about responsibility. These elements collectively broke audience trust and transformed a promising movie into a confusing, unsatisfying mess.

    Proposing a Stronger Second Half: A Journey of Trauma, Selflessness, and True Love

    Instead of the convoluted turns of the original, a stronger narrative for Hancock would root its mythology in character-driven conflict and a clear, consistent thematic message.

    Our revised story would establish that Hancock isn’t suffering from amnesia, but from profound trauma from his past heroic deeds. This trauma, perhaps stemming from a cataclysmic loss of fellow super-powered comrades or a devastating failure during an earlier heroic age, would be the true source of his alcoholism, cynicism, and isolation. His self-destructive behavior isn’t just a quirk; it’s a desperate coping mechanism for deep, unaddressed pain.

    Mary, Ray’s wife, would remain a normal, grounded human being. However, Hancock’s attraction to her would grow, becoming a significant personal test. This is where a crucial new rule would be introduced: selfish acts diminish a hero’s powers. If Hancock pursues his selfish desires (like his attraction to Mary, a married woman, or acting for personal gain), his powers visibly wane. This would create tangible stakes for his moral choices, directly linking his character arc to his abilities.

    After a major fallout with Ray, stemming from Hancock’s inability to control his selfish urges, Ray, ever the idealist, would offer a pivotal piece of advice. He would tell Hancock that true heroism isn’t just about saving lives, but about selfless connection in general. He might advise Hancock to “look for his true mate” – a unique bond that wouldn’t diminish his powers, but perhaps amplify them, hinting at a selfless connection that empowers rather than drains.

    Deeply affected, Hancock would then confide in Ray, revealing his greatest burden: he does have a woman he truly loves, a fellow superhero. However, she too suffered trauma so severe that it has caused her to forget him and her powers entirely. She now lives a seemingly normal, civilian life, and because of her past trauma, she has refused to help others, allowing her powers to remain completely dormant due to her own ingrained selfishness. This woman would be the character of Mary from the original film, but now recontextualized as Hancock’s lost love, a separate individual from Ray’s wife.

    Initially, Hancock, driven by desperation, might try to forcefully make his lost love remember him, meddling in her life with no avail. These selfish acts would only further diminish his own powers. It’s during this struggle that Ray, observing Hancock’s futile attempts and self-destructive spiral, delivers a powerful, gut-punch line: “Maybe she doesn’t remember you because of what a drunken bum you’ve become.”

    This brutal honesty would be the ultimate catalyst. It compels Hancock to confront his own trauma and self-pity. He commits to truly straighten himself up, battling his alcoholism, embracing selflessness, and making genuine amends for his past. As he rehabilitates, his powers are restored. Finally, he seeks out his true love, not to force remembrance, but to apologize for his past meddling and to offer genuine support. Through his unwavering selflessness and healing, she gradually begins to remember him and her own powers.

    Reunited and re-powered through their mutual journey of healing and selfless purpose, Hancock and his true love would then solve an especially important crime or confront a lingering threat that has plagued humanity for a long time and was too great even for him to handle (he lacked some feminine intuition or something like that), leveraging their combined strength and renewed sense of purpose for a powerful, emotionally satisfying climax.

    This revised outline for Hancock transforms a muddled premise into a compelling story about trauma, redemption, and the true meaning of heroism rooted in selflessness, offering a far more powerful and coherent experience than the original film.

    Thanks for reading,

    Ira

  • X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – How a Deeper Story Could Have Forged Wolverine’s Origin

    Released in 2009, X-Men Origins: Wolverine promised to peel back the layers of mystery surrounding one of Marvel’s most iconic and enigmatic characters. It aimed to explore James “Logan” Howlett’s tumultuous past, his primal bond with Victor Creed (Sabretooth), and the horrific Weapon X program that fused adamantium to his bones. While the film boasted impressive visual effects and a powerhouse performance from Hugh Jackman, its narrative largely fell flat for many viewers. The plot often felt convoluted, rushing through pivotal moments and undermining emotional stakes with questionable twists, leaving audiences with a sense of a missed opportunity.

    One of the film’s primary missteps was its immediate immersion into Logan’s life as a known operative, skipping over a crucial phase of his existence. The movie begins with Logan and Victor already operating as part of Stryker’s Team X, effectively making Logan a government-recognized asset from the outset. This bypasses a far more compelling narrative possibility: a slow, organic process of Logan and Victor getting noticed by the authorities. Imagine a first act where we truly witness Logan’s struggle to control his powers and find peace, living on the fringes of society. Each display of his superhuman healing or erupting claws, whether in self-defense or a moment of unchecked rage, would create ripples. These incidents—perhaps a bar fight that leaves an impossible trail, or a rescue in the wilderness that can’t be explained—would gradually put him and his equally extraordinary brother on the radar of a specialized government agency, eventually leading to Stryker’s calculated interest. This slower burn would have built suspense, allowed for deeper character development before their lives were irrevocably altered, and made their eventual recruitment (or abduction) feel earned and inevitable, rather than pre-ordained.

    Relationship with Victor and Kayla

    The core of Logan’s tragedy and fury lies in his relationships, particularly with Victor Creed. The original film touched upon their brotherhood but failed to truly establish its depth before descending into generic antagonism. A more potent narrative would involve Logan and Victor genuinely bonding for a substantial period, showcasing their unbreakable, albeit volatile, fraternal connection. We would see them as true brothers in arms, sharing experiences that forge their loyalty, perhaps even protecting each other through various wars as hinted at in the film’s opening montage.

    Into this complex, primal brotherhood, enters Silver Fox (Kayla). Instead of immediately being Logan’s love interest, a more compelling dynamic would see Victor initially dating her. This establishes a pre-existing claim and elevates the dramatic tension. Kayla, however, would slowly find herself drawn to Logan’s quieter strength, his underlying desire for peace, and perhaps even his more grounded morality, creating a subtle shift in her affections towards him. This burgeoning connection would ignite a furious jealousy in Victor. Consumed by a sense of betrayal and displacement, Victor would grow increasingly volatile, overtly threatening both Logan and Kayla. His actions would stem from a deeply personal, wounded place, transforming him from a generic villain into a tragic figure driven by rage and perceived abandonment.

    Birthday confrontation (as in the comics)

    This escalating personal conflict provides the perfect, high-stakes catalyst for government intervention. In one particularly explosive confrontation, during Logan’s birthday party at a local bar, where he’s celebrating with a handful of closest friends and Silver Fox, Victor would show up unannounced. The ensuing brawl would be a desperate, furious display of their powers, fueled by years of complex history and Victor’s consuming jealousy. In the chaos, and perhaps even by unintentional collateral damage, Victor would genuinely kill Silver Fox. This tragic event would be a raw, unfiltered blow to Logan, cementing his grief and fury as utterly authentic. This violent public display, with its undeniable evidence of superhuman abilities and a clear fatality, would be the definitive incident that draws Stryker’s aggressive, inescapable attention.

    In the aftermath of the tragic birthday brawl, with Silver Fox gone and Logan consumed by a raw, primal grief, the events that transpired in that small bar would send an undeniable tremor through the intelligence networks. Stryker’s specialized agency, already monitoring the abnormal activity, would now move from passive observation to active engagement. He wouldn’t immediately resort to force; Stryker was a master manipulator, and he knew his prey.

    The denial of Stryker

    His first move would be a seemingly innocuous, almost “peaceful” proposition. Stryker, or a charismatic, convincing agent, would approach Logan, perhaps appearing to offer sympathy for his loss and a solution to his uncontrollable power. The offer would be framed as a path to purpose, control, and a way to channel his destructive abilities for “the greater good.” They might even hint at an opportunity to protect others like him, or provide a way to find some form of peace.

    But Logan, a creature of the wild and already deeply distrustful of authority would instinctively turn down the offer. His grief-stricken mind would see only an attempt to chain him, to make him a weapon in someone else’s war. He’d refuse, perhaps with a guttural growl, his claws threateningly unsheathed, making it clear that his freedom was not for negotiation. This refusal would solidify Stryker’s conviction: Logan was too wild, too independent. He would have to be taken by force.

    Victor, however, would present a different opportunity. Unlike Logan, Victor had never truly sought peace or domesticity. His violent nature and lust for chaos were inherent. When approached with a similar proposition – perhaps framed as an outlet for his aggression, a chance to be truly unleashed, or even the promise of ultimate power and recognition – Victor, from the very beginning, might agree. He might see it as the ultimate playground for his brutal desires, a way to legitimize his ferocity without the emotional baggage that came with Logan and Silver Fox. He’d walk into Stryker’s compound willingly, a willing participant in his own weaponization.

    This divergence sets the stage for the true horror. While Victor begins his “training” (and likely, continued experimentation) as a willing, albeit twisted, recruit, Logan would be the ultimate prize. His defiance would necessitate a brutal, strategic abduction. Stryker’s forces, having studied Logan’s capabilities, would execute a meticulously planned operation to overpower him. This would be a harrowing, visceral scene, showcasing Logan’s feral resistance against overwhelming odds, only for him to be finally subdued.

    The reconciliation

    Both brothers, now under Stryker’s absolute control, would be subjected to the agonizing processes of the Weapon X program. One, a captive and unwilling victim; the other, a zealous, yet unknowingly manipulated, participant. The shared trauma of their transformation, however, would slowly forge a new, dark bond between them, setting the stage for their eventual, explosive, and unified defiance.

    Here, in the shared crucible of their torment, a profound and unexpected shift would occur. Logan, stripped of his humanity and facing the full horror of Stryker’s manipulation, would experience a moment of profound clarity. Recognizing the shared suffering and his own role in the catalyst for Victor’s rage, Logan would offer Victor a sincere apology for the pain he caused. This act of self-awareness and vulnerability would be a powerful step towards his character’s growth, and it would forge an uneasy truce. Victor, though still a volatile and dangerous force, would grudgingly accept the apology, recognizing Stryker as the greater, shared enemy.

    This common adversary would then forge a reluctant but powerful alliance between the brothers. They would combine their formidable powers, not in a senseless rampage, but in a desperate, unified struggle to escape the Weapon X facility and turn their fury directly against Stryker. This climax would provide a much more satisfying resolution, focusing the narrative on the brothers reclaiming their agency from their tormentor, rather than an arbitrary clash.

    By focusing on a genuine, tragic brotherhood, an emotionally impactful love triangle, and a unified, manipulative antagonist in Stryker, this reimagined narrative for X-Men Origins: Wolverine would transform a convoluted plot into a compelling, character-driven story. It would finally give Wolverine the powerful, emotionally resonant origin he deserves, where his fury is born from profound loss and his true fight is for his own soul.

    Thank you,

    Ira

  • Prometheus (2012) – The alternative plot outline

    Why not take a chance and build the story around the least experienced crew member—the trainee biologist? Imagine a version of Prometheus where the heart of the story isn’t buried under philosophical ambiguity and half-baked mythology, but centered on a single, flawed human trying to prove himself.

    This young biologist would start out as a complete greenhorn—nervous, unsure, and unqualified. He signed up for all the wrong reasons: not out of scientific passion or existential curiosity, but because he had a crush on another crew member. Maybe he even lied on his application just to get on the mission. From the moment we meet him—washing his face in the mirror, trying to calm his nerves like Eminem in 8 Mile—we know he’s in over his head. Yet we’d see his vulnerability, and would connect with him emotionally. He’s not a hero—he’s us, dropped into something far bigger than we’re ready for.

    As the expedition begins, he lags behind while the others move with confidence and precision. He slows the team down, makes clumsy mistakes, and clearly doesn’t belong. His fear isn’t just for himself, but for the safety of the entire crew. And eventually, he does mess up—badly. He’s the one who touches the alien snake. Not out of idiocy, but out of desperation to prove he’s capable. The result? Others die, trying to help him, and he’s suspended, blamed, and rightfully chewed out.

    But as the mission spirals into chaos and even the experienced team members start dropping one by one, he’s somewhat exonerated. The crew is shrinking fast, and they need all hands on deck—even him. He gets another chance. This time, he’s determined. He begins to learn from his mistakes. He takes responsibility. Sooner or later, he’s forced to come clean—why he’s really here, what he lied about, and who he let down. He owns up to it all. He apologizes. And in the end, he redeems himself—not by surviving, but by saving at least one other crew member. Maybe even the last one standing—or the very person who doubted him most.

    This version of the story wouldn’t just be tighter—it would be earned. It would give us a meaningful arc, grounded decisions, and a protagonist whose journey we actually care about. And that, more than goo, Engineers, or mythology, is what Prometheus needed most.

    Ira