I'm sure there's at least a little nostalgia involved but I genuinely think that some of those edited-for-tv subs of kids anime had some of the best, most fitting dub casts even - some of them had better voice casts than they had any right to. Joshua Seth as Tai Kamiya? Iconic. Veronica Taylor as Ash Ketchum? Iconic. Joseph Motiki as Metabee? Iconic. If Ikki Tenryou doesn't sound like a character from Arthur I send it back. If Yugioh is completely faithfully redubbed and Katsuya Jonouchi doesn't have a New York accent I send it back. There were a ton of misses from that era (lol One Piece) but man when they got it right, they got it right.

Robot Chicken 7x18 - Pokéball Tennis

Halloween, pt 1.

I'm pretty busy with school so most of my OC Halloween art is going to be a little rough, but I wanted to draw them anyway.

Jasper and Grace as a devil and an angel!

Jasper is canonically in prison during the Halloween that happens during the series (oops), but as of 2021 she's free to celebrate.

I had way too many costume ideas for her, so she's likely to pop up again, if I get around to drawing everything I want to before the month is over.

Also, I realized that Ash as the same name as Ash Ketchum from Pokemon, and I think Wren and Seth would jump on that fact.

Love how I planned twenty costumes for made up characters but still have no idea what I'm going to do myself.

Happy Halloween!! I hope all of you had a great and safe day!!

Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday, and I decided to take the statistical which fictional character are you quiz for each character to see who would fit them best!

Joyce: a generic witch (nothing fit well enough for her sadly haha)

Seth: Ash Ketchum

Alex: Tai Lee (ATLA)

Bri: Ravenclaw Hermoine Granger

Wow it JUST dawned on me that Ash Ketchum is like Ash Catch ‘Em. Like those Pokémon. He’s gonna Catch ‘Em. Ash Ketchum. And only because I was watching Seth Meyer point it out on a clip. I’ll see myself out.

Do you prefer your nails long or short? Why? I like them on the medium side. I have very long nail beds so even when my nails are cut short they still look long. I like to have a little length past my fingers though. Do you have any vinyl records? Yes. I have the Little Shop of Horrors soundtrack. I found it at a thrift store in Jackson, TN. It’s hanging in a frame on my wall. Do you actually listen to them? I don’t have a player. What kind of shampoo do you prefer? Color safe.

What about your favorite bodywash? I have a giant bar of lavender scented soap I’ve been using. Are you picky about brand name for anything? I can’t think of anything at the moment. Usually not though. Do elevators freak you out? So much. Are you still in touch with your best friend from high school? Normally I’d say yes, two of them, but lately it feels like one of them and I are just not going to be friends anymore and I am having a really hard time with it. Which serial killer(s) do you find most fascinating? No thanks. Do you think Darlie Routier is guilty, or the case is worth reexamining? I’m not familiar with that one. Do you ever watch Cold Case Files or World’s Most Evil Killers? No. Have you ever visited any celebrity gravesites? Nope. How do you feel about archaeology? It’s cool? Any animals whose behaviors you find particularly interesting? Bats! What are your thoughts on gun control? It’s necessary and important, obviously. Something more needs to be done. Have you ever had an exotic pet? Nope. Would you have a big cat (like a tiger) for a pet if you could? Nah. Do you like animals better than most humans? Yes. The world is a scary place - do you believe there’s still good out there? Of course. What simple things in life bring you the most joy? Sushi. Kitties. My nieces. Swimming. Summer. My husband. What are your favorite smells? Summer rain. Coconut. Gardenia. Ever found anything cool at a thrift store? What was it? I don’t really go to them too often, but like I mentioned in either this survey or a previous one, I found the Little Shop of Horrors soundtrack on vinyl at a thrift store in Jackson, TN once. Do you still use a radio, or just use your phone/computer for music? I listen to the radio every morning on my way to work. Morning shows so it’s mostly talking. Other than that, I use Spotify. How do you find new music to listen to when you want it? Spotify. Do you like all those dystopian future books/movies? Eh. Have you ever had to block people online for harassing you? Yes. What kind of socks do you prefer to wear? (Crew, ankle, knee, etc) Ankle. Do you have any family heirlooms? What? Yeah, some things still at my dad’s. I also have my mom’s wedding band. Isn’t reality scarier than anything in those horror movies? Sure. If you collect anything, what is your favorite piece of that collection? I have a bunch of panda knickknacks. My favorite it this teeny little panda my dad got and put on top of a present for me this past Christmas. How did you meet your significant other (if you have one)? Online. How did you meet your best friend? Also online. Are you friends with anybody you didn’t like at first? No. Are there any musicians you didn’t like at first, but grew on you? Yes. Is there anything you used to love, but now dislike? I’m sure. Have you watched Seth MacFarlane’s The Orville? Nope. What is your favorite thing to do on The Sims? I don’t play. If you have any, what is your favorite expansion pack for The Sims? -- Did you ever play The Sims Medieval? -- Do you have any tattoos? Yes, several. If yes, is there any meaning behind them? Yes, several. If no, do you want any? What would you like? I'd like more. Have you dyed your hair more than once (and different colors)? Oh yes. Right now it’s pink. Which hair color you’ve had has been your favorite? I love blues. Your favorite place to be aside from your home? The beach or a waterpark. If you were stupid-rich, would you ever actually want a mansion? Not a giant mansion, no. But a nice house with a nice yard, yes. Do you have any favorite books you’d like to have signed by the author? Nah. Did you ever read Good Omens? Never heard of it. Are you planning on watching the show based on it? -- Do you enjoy any of those old black and white horror films? Eh. Does glitter annoy you? I love glitter. What kind of makeup remover do you prefer? (If you wear makeup.) Those make up wipes. Did you ever sit alone at lunch in school? No. Did random people come sit with you to try to be nice? -- Do you like any board games or card games? Yes. What is your favorite part of your physical appearance? My hair and my eyes. Do you know anybody who puts ketchup on their mac n cheese? Ew. Can you drink your coffee black? Yeah. What is your favorite kind of tea? Green. What is your least favorite beverage? Most juices. Root beer floats – delicious, or nasty? I love them! Are there any foods you never get tired of? Ramen, pasta, chicken tenders, or boneless wings. Do you remember your first celebrity crush? Who was it? Ash Ketchum hahahah. Do you shave up past your knees (if you shave your legs)? Yes. What color are the eyes of your significant other (or crush)? Brown. Did you see the miniseries When We Rise about LGBTQ+ activist Cleve Jones? I haven’t. What historical figure(s) are you most interested in? Eh. What are your favorite non-fiction books, if any? Eh. What are your guilty pleasures, if any? Eh. Are you comfortable talking about sex? Yeah. Do you think a lot of people are too uptight about sexuality? Yes and no. Do you think you could ever be in an open relationship? No. Any old home remedies you use when you’re sick? Chicken soup always.

FEARS’s Film Forecast February 2017

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

THE SPACE BETWEEN US

Studio/Distributor: STX Entertainment Director: Peter Chelsom Screenplay: Allan Loeb Stars: Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Carla Gugino, B.D. Wong, & Britt Robertson. Official Site: stxmovies.com/thespacebetweenus Facebook: www.facebook.com/spacebetweenus Twitter: twitter.com/spacebetweenus  |  #TheSpaceBetweenUs Trailer: youtu.be/AFjJ7Itetgk

RINGS

Studio/Distributor: Paramount Pictures Director: F. Javier Gutiérrez Screenplay: David Loucka, Jacob Aaron Estes, & Akiva Goldsman; Based on Ring by Kôji Suzuki. Stars: Matilda Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, Aimee Teegarden, Bonnie Morgan, & Vincent D’Onofrio. Official Site: ringsmovie.tumblr.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RingsMovie Twitter: twitter.com/RingsMovie  |  @RingsMovie Trailer: youtu.be/p17DJbPRLc0

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

FIFTY SHADES DARKER

Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures Director: James Foley Screenplay: Niall Leonard; Based on Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James. Stars: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger, Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford, & Max Martini. Official Site: www.fiftyshadesmovie.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/fiftyshadesmovies Twitter: twitter.com/FiftyShades  |  @FiftyShades Trailer: youtu.be/n6BVyk7hty8

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2

Studio/Distributor: Summit Entertainment Director: Chad Stahelski Screenplay: Derek Kolstad Stars: Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ruby Rose, John Leguizamo, & Ian McShane. Official Site: www.johnwick.movie Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnwickmovie Twitter: twitter.com/johnwickmovie  |  @JohnWickMovie Trailer: youtu.be/ChpLV9AMqm4

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (animated)

Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Director: Chris McKay Screenplay: Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stern, & John Whittington; Based on Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Stars: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, & Ralph Fiennes. Official Site: www.legobatman.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/LEGOBatmanMovie Twitter: twitter.com/legobatmanmovie  |  @LEGOBatmanMovie Trailer: youtu.be/rGQUKzSDhrg

HAVENHURST (limited)

Studio/Distributor: Brainstorm Media Director: Andrew C. Erin Screenplay: Andrew C. Erin & Daniel Farrands. Stars: Julie Benz, Fionnula Flanagan, Belle Shouse, Josh Stamberg, Danielle Harris, Dendrie Taylor, & Brian Howe. Official Site: N.A. Facebook:N.A. Twitter: N.A. Trailer: youtu.be/76kI8xdTXK0

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

THE GREAT WALL

Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures Director: Zhang Yimou Screenplay: Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, & Tony Gilroy; Story by Max Brooks, Edward Zwick, & Marshall Herskovitz. Stars: Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, & Andy Lau. Official Site: www.thegreatwallmovie.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegreatwallmovie Twitter: twitter.com/thegreatwall  |  @thegreatwall Trailer: youtu.be/avF6GHyyk5c

A CURE FOR WELLNESS

Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Director: Gore Verbinski Screenplay: Justin Haythe; Story by Justin Haythe & Gore Verbinski Stars: Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs, & Mia Goth. Official Site: www.foxmovies.com/movies/a-cure-for-wellness Facebook: www.facebook.com/CureForWellness Twitter: twitter.com/cureforwellness  |  @CureForWellness Trailer: youtu.be/JF1rLFCdewU

XX (limited)

Studio/Distributor: Magnet Releasing Directors: Roxanne Benjamin, Sofia Carrillo, Karyn Kusama, St. Vincent, & Jovanka Vuckovic. Screenplay: Roxanne Benjamin, Jack Ketchum, & Jovanka Vuckovic. Stars: Natalie Brown, Melanie Lynskey, Breeda Wool, & Christina Kirk. Official Site: www.magnetreleasing.com/xx Facebook: www.facebook.com/xxfilm Twitter: twitter.com/XXtheMovie  |  @XXtheMovie Trailer: youtu.be/LGH-zJ9_uFs

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

GET OUT

Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures Director: Jordan Peele Screenplay: Jordan Peele Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Lil Rel Howery, & Keith Stanfield Official Site: www.getoutfilm.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/GetOutMovie Twitter: twitter.com/getoutmovie  |  @GetOutMovie Trailer: youtu.be/sRfnevzM9kQ

DRIFTER (limited)

Studio/Distributor: XLrator Media Director: Chris von Hoffmann Screenplay: Chris von Hoffmann & Aria Emory Stars: Drew Harwood, Aria Emory, James McCabe, Monique Rosario, Rebecca Fraiser, & Anthony Ficco. Official Site: drifterfeaturefilm.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrifterFeatureFilm Twitter: twitter.com/drifterfeature  |  @DRIFTERfeature Trailer: youtu.be/onOJrxbdi4U

MOVIES (THAT MIGHT BE) WORTH CHECKING OUT IN MAY 2019:

MAY 3

LONG SHOT

One classy party reunites reporter Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) with his former babysitter and current Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron). Now she plans to run for President and hires Fred as her speechwriter. As they work together through her campaign, they begin to fall for each other.

It’s rarely certain whether a comedy will be good, especially adult comedies like this one. Raunchy comedies face a tightrope walk of delivering consistently funny humor while telling an engaging story. Plus, there’s no one way to be funny and there are many ways to be not funny. Romantic Comedies are a challenge because they live and die on the chemistry between the leads. Seth Rogen has already demonstrated strong romantic chemistry with Knocked Up and Charlize Theron is an excellent actress, but we must wait and see if they have any chemistry together.

Director Jonathan Levine certainly has proved himself with memorable comedies like 50/50 and Warm Bodies. But he’s also made lackluster comedies like The Night Before and Snatched. The only surefire way to know is to watch it.

MAY 10:

ALL IS TRUE

In case it isn’t clear, Kenneth Branagh loves the shit out of Shakespeare. Since garnering worldwide attention and acclaim with his star making directorial debut with Henry V, he’s adapted one William Shakespeare play after another every four years. It was only a matter of time before he played the Bard himself. Cue All is True, a film about the last moments of his life.

Shakespeare (Branagh) has finally come home to his wife Anne Hathaway (Judi Dench) and he comes home a legend. But his years apart has created distance between himself and his family. We’re given no information the above information.

Kenneth Branagh films are a hit and miss, even the Shakespeare ones. On one hand, you get compelling adaptations of Henry V and Hamlet. On the other hand, you get disasters like Love’s Labours Lost. In this film, he seems to portray Shakespeare as abrasive yet witty. But there’s more hope coming from writer Ben Elton, whose credit include classic British Comedies like Blackadder, The Young Ones and Mr. Bean. Still, comedy if a fickle genre and there’s no guarantee it will be good.

POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU

This movie has a lot going against it. First, it’s based on a video game, which is the notorious kiss of death for a movie. And considering the cartoony designs of the Pokémon, you can probably count this as a live action version of a cartoon (which is usually associated with lazy filmmaking). Plus, it’s based on a spin off of a popular game. And yet, the trailers had made Detective Pikachu not only has moviegoers intrigued but has made it one of the most anticipated films of the year. Of course, it could also be due to the Pokémon franchise being one of the most beloved franchises getting its second wind thanks to the Pokémon Go, but the trailers still deserve credit for making the movie look attractive.

Surprisingly, the film doesn’t focus on Ash Ketchum, Red, or any Pokémon trainer. Instead, our protagonist is Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), an ex-Pokémon trainer in a rut when he returns home after the death of his father. Then his life’s turned upside down when he finds a coffee-addicted Pikachu wearing a detective’s hat in his father’s office. This Pikachu woke up with no memories, a Sherlock Holmes hat and the voice of Ryan Reynolds. Detective Pikachu believes Tim’s father is still alive and is being held hostage. So, Tim and Detective Pikachu begin an investigation to find Tim’s father and discover his connection to the Pokémon.

When the trailers were released, audiences’ minds were blown by the incredible special effects. Pikachu and another Pokémon fit so naturally within the real world thanks to the detailed CGI. Albeit, there are a few that look a bit creepy (Mr. Mime and Jugglypuff), but Pikachu and Charizard look amazing. Plus, the story shows a lot of potential, with the dynamic of the disillusioned Tim and the enthusiastic Pikachu demonstrating strong chemistry.

With Rob Letterman directing, there’s uncertainty about the quality. Earlier, he’s made mediocre, forgettable movies like Gulliver’s Travels and the godawful Shark Tale. But then he made Goosebumps, a much better movie than it had any right to be. The later could be a sign of improvement, so I’m going into this with high hopes.

POMS

This seems like the perfect film for Mother’s Day.

Welcome to Sun Sprays, a retirement home with hundreds of clubs. Despite the sunny environment, Martha (Diane Keaton)’s come here just to die. Then she gets reeled into starting a senior citizen Cheerleading Squad by horny neighbor Sheryl (Jackie Weaver). With a small team (including Pam Grier and Rhea Perlman) and training from a young cheerleading choreographer (Alisha Boe), Martha enters a Cheerleading competition.

This film is one of those films you take your mother too, so it’s perfect for this month. It seems like a harmless good time staring beloved actresses who’ve been in the business for a long time. Though I will admit, you’re probably not going to remember it by the end of the year.

TOLKIEN

I think JRR Tolkien needs no introduction. By now, his tales of Middle-Earth are ingrained into modern Pop Culture, especially after the Peter Jackson movies. You don’t even need to have read the Hobbit or seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy to know what Hobbits are. And now we learn about the man who brought this world to life in the biopic Tolkien.

Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road, Warm Bodies) plays the author during his time as an Oxford student and a WW1 soldier. Judging by the trailer, the film seems to be going the route of the Theory of Everything and centre the film around his relationship with Edith Mary Bratt (Lily Collins). The film also looks to showcase his friendship with fellow artists Rob Gilson (Patrick Gibson), Geoffrey Blache Smith (Anthony Boyle) and Christopher Wiseman (Tom Glynn-Carney), who would from their own secret society called the Tea Club and Burrovian Society (TCBS). And of course, it will show us Tolkien’s experience during World War 1.

There is a strong chance this film will just be a typical, forgettable biopic with the usual clichés of the naïve youth dreaming of changing the world and the girlfriend serving as a source of support. What I’m hoping to get out of it is seeing where Tolkien drew inspiration for the immortal Middle Earth books. It helps that the film sticks to his youth while other lesser films rush too quickly into his whole life like Bohemian Rhapsody did.

MAY 17:

JOHN WICK 3: PARABELLUM

The second John Wick left us on one hell of a cliffhanger when Master ex-assassin/dog lover John Wick (Keanu Reeves) broke the code by killing client Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) in the Assassin’s hotel when he betrayed Wick. The closing sequence of Wick racing against time to get out of town while assassins wait for the time to run out made you very excited for the third movie. And judging by the trailer, John Wick 3: Parabellum won’t disappoint.

The film picks up right wear the second film leaves off with Wick rushing to find a way out of New York. The High Table has placed a fourteen million bounty on his head and every assassin is looking to collect (and take down the legendary “boogeyman”). With nowhere to run and outnumbered, Wick uses every means at his disposal to take down every assassin within proximity. Considering the fact Wick once took down a whole group of assassins with a pen, it’s the assassins who should be worried.

Despite a simple plot about an ex-assassin going after a gangster’s son for killing his dog, John Wick blew everyone way with masterful direction from former stuntman Chad Stahelski and David Leitch that elevated the action genre in many ways. First, is the fully realized world of the assassins, where they live by strict codes of honor, are paid by gold coins and have their own cleaning crew and hotel. Plus, there’s the amazing cinematography from Jonathan Sela (the first one) and Dan Laustsen (the sequels), who showcase the elegance of Wick’s world and enhances action scenes with beautiful neon lighting. And then there’s the fight scenes; those glorious fight scenes. While most modern action scenes shoot too close and cut way too quickly, the actions scenes in these films are shot and edited with a smooth rhythm to showcase the actor’s stunt work. No actor shines more than Keanu Reeves, who went through months of weapons training and martial arts training doing what he does best; kicking ass. Sure, he’s a wooden actor, but he comes to life during action scenes, where he showcases his energy and grace.

We have quite an all-star cast. We see the return of old favorites including Continental Hotel owner Winston (Ian McShane), his concierge Charon (Lance Reddick) and The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne). They are also joined by Anjelica Huston as a mysterious leader known as the director, Jerome Flynn as fellow assassin Berrada and Halle Berry as Wick’s estranged partner Sofia.

THE SOUVENIR

Could this be an overlooked gem of the month?

The film centres on the rocky relationship between young film student Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne), an unpredictable intellectual named Anthony and Julie’s mother (Tilda Swinton). On the surface, the premise doesn’t seem like much. But what may make this film stand out is the deliver; portraying the complicated ups and downs of relationship. It could either be compelling or pretensions.

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR

Natasha Kingsley (Yara Shahidi) is a highly academic student is a firm believer of logic. Daniel Bae (Charles Melton) is a “good student” who is a closeted romantic poet. One day in New York, their lives cross paths when Daniel saves Natasha from being hit by a car. Soon, they find themselves debating over their beliefs. Natasha doesn’t believe in love and thinks Daniel should give up his unlikely dream of being a poet. Daniel makes a bet he can make her fall in love. But they both have problems right now. Nathasha’s trying to keep her family from being deported and Daniel’s must choose between pleasing his parents and going his own path.

The film’s based on a novel by Nicola Koon. That book took me by surprise with a compelling story with a strong dynamic between two different people, with excerpts discussing unusual probabilities between chapters. The excerpts add to our protagonist’s debates about fate vs. logic, but I wonder how writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Night) will apply these elements into the movie. Novels can intercut a story with random segments, but movies rely on a more consistent flow.

As with many romances, this depend on the chemistry between the actors. Shahidi’s garnered attention for playing wannabe fashionista Zoey Johnson in Black-ish and the underrated Grown-ish. Melton’s spotlight is also growing thanks to his role as Reggie Mantle in Riverdale. But can they carry a movie?

MAY 22:

THE TOMORROW MAN

Since the death of her daughter, Ronnie Meisner (Blythe Danner) spends her life at an emotional distance, often buying items she never uses. The one day, Ed Hemster (John Lithgow), who makes her let her guard down. But Ed has problems of his own. Worrying about the future, he’s built a fallout shelter where he stacks nonperishables. Through each other, Ronnie and Ed have a chance to move to the present.

The main reason I included this on the list are the two main leads. Danner is one of those underappreciated actresses who appear in a lot of movies and tv shows but you never remember her name. She finally gained some acclaim in her rare lead role in the underrated gem I’ll See You in My Dreams. But even then, she was back in supporting roles in overlooked films. Of course, it’s because Hollywood rarely writes roles for middle aged or elderly women unless she’s Meryl Streep or Helen Mirren.

And then there’s John Lithgow. He’s one of few actors who elevates a scene just by being there. Whether it’s the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes or Third Rock from the Sun, he always delivers a top-notch performance no matter the genre or quality. Personally, I found him to be the only good thing in the awful sitcom Trial & Error. The main reason I’d watch this film is because of him.

MAY 24:

ALADDIN

Another live action Disney remake.

I don’t think I need to explain the synopsis. By now, everyone knows the story of Aladdin like the back of their hand. So, let’s focus on whether we should bother with this remake.

On the surface, the film has a lot going for it. Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott seem perfectly cast as Aladdin and Jasmine, resembling them while adding their own touches. The setting of Agrabah looks colourful while obtaining just enough believability. And you’ve got Will Smith playing the Genie. Sure, he’s no Robin Williams, but then again no one can be Robin Williams. I’m hoping he choses to make the character his own instead of trying to copy William’s performance.

But then people started complaining that the Genie wasn’t blue in the promotion photos. The Studio assured the audience that the Genie will be blue. Well, be careful what you wish for, because you could end up with Will Smith’s face poorly added to a CGI abomination. Cue the second teaser and the angry aftermath. It should be noted that studios will often release film trailers with unfinished special effects. They were able to remedy this with a later trailer, with much better CGI and showcasing more elements of the film.

The area where I do have concern is with Director Guy Ritchie. He has taken the cinema world by surprise with his indie film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and his follow up Snatch. But since then, none of his later films truly stood out. The main problem is a classic case of style over substance. He fills his movies with flashy imagery and dazzling camerawork, but the plots are not as engaging. The question is whether he can get out of his own way for this film.

BRIGHTBURN

It’s surprising nobody’s put a horror version of Superman before this. I’m guessing its fear of copyright issues. But here we are.

On the surface, it follows the Superman story to a tee. A superpowered baby falls from the sky and is taken in by a humble couple. He struggles to grow up in a small town while he discovers his power. In this case, the kid is Brandon Breyer (Jackson Dunn), his adoptive parents are Tori (Elizabeth Banks) and Kyle Breyer (David Denman) and the town is Brightburn.

Unfortunately, this kid has no intention for using his powers for Truth and Justice. Instead, he uses his powers to get revenge on anyone who wronged him. If a kid bullies him, he’ll crush her hand like a twig. [1]Any adult who grows suspicious of him, he can fly right into them or burn them with his laser vision. He knows he can get away with anything, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it, not even his loving step mother. So, he dons a mask and terrorizes everyone in town.

The film’s vague on Brandon’s motivation. Judging by a clip from a teaser with the Brandon trying to get to the ship, there’s a chance he was sent to earth to cause destruction. Or maybe he’s just a sociopath with too much power. What is certain is the creativity of the premise. You’ve got a kid whose indestructible, has amazing abilities. But he lacks restraint. He could take over an entire city. How do you stop him?

What may elevate this film is Elizabeth Banks’ performance. As she tries to stick up for Brandon, you can see she’s torn between her love of Brandon and her fear of his actions. It could provide an emotional core for the film that will offer more impact for the audience.

MAY 31:

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS

With the success of the 2014 American adaptation, the one and only Godzilla returns, and he’s brought some friends.

The secret organization Monarch led by Dr. Ishiro Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) have their hands full a roster of Kaijus (giant-sized monsters) appearing across earth. The fan favorites are all here, including Mothra and Rodan. Their only hope is Godzilla. But he faces his biggest challenge with King Ghidorah, the three-headed behemoth three times his size.

Meanwhile, Monarch member Dr. Emma Russel (Vera Farmiga) is searching for her daughter Madison (Millie Bobby Brown), who is lost in the carnage.

The film has an all-star cast, including Sally Hawkins (returning as Serizawa’s assistant Dr. Vivienne Graham), Game of Thrones’ Charles Dance, O’Shea Hawkins Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) and Thomas Middleditch. But let’s admit we don’t watch these movies for the human characters. We’re here to watch giant monsters destroy cities and duke it out.

But Kaiju films need to centre on human characters to ground the film and portray the consequences of the destruction. There’s just one problem; the human characters are almost never interesting. One of the few exceptions was Bryan Cranston’s character in the recent film, but he’s gone way to early in the film. Hopefully writer/director Michael Dougherty will flesh out the characters in this film so we’re not waiting impatiently for the monsters.

While we’re here, I should discuss the obvious plans for a Kaiju cinematic universe. With the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, every studio has been trying to create their own cinematic universe, from Warner Brother’s DCEU to Universal’s “Dark Universe”. In this case, the cinematic universe would be the MonsterVerse; Hollywood’s adaptation of Japans iconic Kaiju films as well as the return of King Kong. But most of them failed because the films fail to stand on their own. Unlike the other attempts, Legendary Entertainment waited for audience reaction with the 2014 Godzilla before starting this cinematic universe. Despite criticism over the lack of Godzilla onscreen (less than a half hour), the film was still a hit. Next was King Kong: Skull Island, an on the nose allegory of Vietnam that never took itself seriously. The film also became a minor hit despite criticism. And after this upcoming film, King Kong and Godzilla will faces on in a later film. I am excited.

MA

Oscar Winner Octavia Spencer reunites with The Help director Tate Taylor for this creepy flick from the horror hitmaker Blumhouse.

Spencer plays the title character, a lonely woman named Sue Ann. One day, she’s approached by a group of underage teens to buy booze for them. She not only obliges them, but she allows them to use her basement for parties. She seems like the coolest adult to them.

Then Ma grows clingier, calling them and following them around. Things get creepy when she comes to their house, where we find out she went to high school with their parents. You can be they somehow wronged her in her youth and this is a form of revenge for her. It certainly seems with the creepy image of Ma sewing one girl’s mouth shut and tying a teen boy to her bed.

Blumhouse are on a roll, distributing one horror hit after another including the Visit, The Purge and Happy Death Day. They’ve even brought us some ground-breaking films like Get Out and Paranormal Activity. And Ma looks like it could be a worthy addition to their library with Spencer channeling Annie Wilkes from Misery.

ROCKETMAN

We conclude with the biopic of pop icon Elton John (Taron Egerton). We follow him from his early years as nerdy English boy Reginald Dwight to his rise as a mega superstar. It has all the major moments, including his big break at the Troubadour, his many over the top costumes and his struggles with his homosexuality.

I’ll be honest, I’m growing tired of recent biopics. They all go through the same song and dance. First, we see their troubled childhood, usually dealing either one terrible parent or one strong parent pushing the kid to rise above their surroundings. Then we see them form a band, they perform one song, then cut to them filling stadiums. And of course, you can’t seem to have a biopic without a naysayer producer, brief cuts of them writing songs[2]  and the third act of the star descending into drugs and alienating those he loves. They play it too safe. The only one that felt refreshing was The Motley Crue Biopic the Dirt[3].

To be fair, Rocketman seems to add a few elements to separate it from lesser biopics. First, it’s written by Lee Hall, whose pend upbeat yet grounded British class films like Billy Elliot, War Horse and the underrated play the Pittman Painters. Plus, the film looks like it’s going to be a musical, with people bursting into song. But what makes this film stand out is its style. The film takes a more stylized approach to it’s visuals, including having the crowd float in tune to the title song. I suspect the visuals will serve as a tour into John’s subconscious.

[1] It reminds me of a scene from Superman where Jonathan Kent tells Clark he can do such a thing “but what that would make him.” I guess Brandon answers that question.

[2] Often portraying it as a quick burst of inspiration instead of a long process of fine tuning the creative process is.

[3] That’s thanks to the film’s energetic editing, Hard R-partying and fearlessness in showcasing the Band Member’s ugliest moments.

Limited Upside NBA preview: The Rockets really have Chris Paul and James Harden. Damn

We’re still not sure how this happened, but Rockets fans sure are excited to see it.

Listen to SB Nation’s Houston Rockets preview here.

Last year's Rockets were fun. Then, they got Chris Paul and demolished their supporting cast to build a new one around Paul and Harden. Never say Daryl Morey sits on his laurels.

We brought on Ethan Rothstein and Jeremy Brener of SB Nation's Rockets site, The Dream Shake, to discuss the following:

How stunned were they when the Chris Paul trade happened? Why is this different than previous Rockets alpha dog experiments that didn't go quite as well?

Can they name every non-guaranteed player Morey acquired to facilitate the CP3 sign-and-trade? It's hard!

So how's this CP3-Harden thing going to work anyway? Early returns are promising, and Rockets fans don't seem too worried. Let them explain why Mike's skepticism is unfounded.

Why Clint Capela's improvement is actually the key to the season.

What's the rest of the rotation going to look like? Who plays on the wing? Does that roster flexibility help the Rockets or hurt them in finding their five best players to end the game?

Is there any concern that some of the older players fall off or regress to the mean?

Which is more damaging if it happens: CP3 losing a step, Trevor Ariza and/or P.J. Tucker completely falling off the map, or Ryan Anderson/Eric Gordon not being as healthy?

How does this team match up with the Warriors, anyway? Quite well, in fact!

Some ... interesting answers to our traditional banana boat question.

Predictions, including some fascinating super-specific ones.

(Apologies for the janky-ish audio on this one).

This podcast was part of the Limited Upside podcast’s 2017-18 offseason series previewing all 30 NBA teams with members of SB Nation’s team communities and other friends of the show. We’ve spent the last two-and-a-half months gauging the temperature of every fan base heading into what should be a terrific NBA season. There’s no better way to understand what makes NBA fans in each market tick.

We began these in August and counted down worst-to-first leading up to the season. Here’s how to listen to them all:

Nets with Kristian Winfield and Nets Daily’s Anthony Puccio

Lakers with Zito Madu and Silver Screen and Roll’s Anthony Irwin and Harrison Faigen

Suns with Bright Side of the Sun’s Dave King and Evan Sidery

76ers with Tyler Tynes and Liberty Ballers’ Kyle Neubeck

Knicks with Kristian Winfield and Posting and Toasting’s Seth Rosenthal

Magic with Orlando Pinstriped Post’s Zach Oliver and Cory Hutson

Kings with Kenny Carraway and Sactown Royalty’s Tony Xypteras

Mavs with Tim Cato and Mavs Moneyball’s Kirk Henderson

Wolves with Canis Hooups’ Eric Goldman and John Meyer

Pelicans with The Bird Writes’ Oleh Kosel and Travis Tate

Hornets with James Dator and At the Hive’s Nicklaus Denning

Pistons with John Ketchum, Kofie Yeboah and Detroit Bad Boys’ Lazarus Jackson

Nuggets with Denver Stiffs’ Adam Mares

Heat with Kelly Cohen and Hot Hot Hoops’ Surya Fernandez

Bulls with Ricky O’Donnell and Blog a Bull’s Jason Patt

Pacers with Whitney Medworth and Indy Cornrows’ Caitlin Cooper

Blazers with Blazers Edge’s Brian Freeman and Peter Sampson

Bucks with Kevin McCauley and Brew Hoop’s Mitchell Maurer

Hawks with Harry Lyles Jr. and Peachtree Hoops’ Brad Rowland

Grizzlies with Grizzly Bear Blues’ Joe Mullinax

Thunder with Eddie Maisonet and Welcome to Loud City’s Joshua Broom

Thunder addendum! Carmelo Anthony trade emergency pod with Eddie Maisonet

Wizards with Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Sharp and Bullets Forever’s Michael Sykes

Jazz with SLC Dunk’s Mychal Lowman and James Hansen.

Raptors with Raptors HQ’s Daniel Reynolds and freelance writer Seerat Sohi

Cavaliers with Fear the Sword’s Chris Manning and MMA Fighting’s Eric Jackman

Clippers with Clips Nation’s Lucas Hann and former L.A. video coordinator Mo Dakhil

Celtics with Paul Flannery and Celtics Blog’s Nick Gelso

Rockets with The Dream Shake’s Ethan Rothstein and Jeremy Brener

Spurs with Pounding the Rock’s J.R. Wilco and Bruno Passos

Warriors with Golden State of Mind’s Bram Kincheloe

Subscribe to Limited Upside on iTunes (and leave us a review!)

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Wade H. Garrett is an American novelist specializing in the extreme-horror genre. He was born and raised in Texas, and currently resides in Central Texas.

Wade uses extreme violence and the most abhorrent and disturbing combination of visceral words to get his point across. He pushes the boundaries of human torment and suffering, and his books should only be read by the seasoned extreme-horror reader.

Many of Wade’s fans have said his books are original, thought-provoking, and some of the most graphic literature they’ve ever read.

Wade’s writing can be very technical and detailed at times. This is a reflection of life experiences combined with his technical knowledge and abilities.

He sells exclusively on Amazon as a self-published author, but German publisher, Festa-Verlag, has acquired the German translation rights to his first book, The Angel of Vengeance, and his fourth book, Human Cruelty.

  For anyone that has not met Wade H Garrett they are truly missing out on a wonderful friend and writer. He has a wicked sense of humor and is passionate about what he writes. His books are dark and extreme horror that I would put up against Edward Lee and Jack Ketchum and you all know how much I love Edward Lee books! If you haven’t read anything of Wade’s I highly recommend Filthy Movie to be your first introduction and trust me you won’t put it down. Please remember to leave him a review on Amazon.

  Please welcome Wade H Garrett to Roadie Notes…………

  How old were you when you wrote your first story? I started writing in my late thirties. Never written anything before that, except technical documents. What I wrote turned into my first full-length novel, The Angel of Vengeance. It took about eight years to write it. When I started out, it was a way to channel my anger in a constructive manner and I never intended it to be a book, much less having it published. In fact, at the time, I didn’t even know the extreme-horror/ splatterpunk genre existed and that there was a big audience for such. My lack of knowledge of this is primarily due to me not reading fiction, so I had never heard of Richard Laymon, Edward Lee, Matt Shaw, Tim Miller, Jack Ketchum, Wrath James White, Ryan Harding, Dawn Cano, Sam West, etc. I do read though, mainly technical stuff due to my job, and non-fiction for personal enjoyment. In the last couple of years, I started reading the authors mentioned above, so technically, I can’t say I don’t read fiction anymore.

Who or what inspired you to write? As I mentioned previously, I wrote to channel my anger in a constructive manner. To shed some light to why I prefer, or I could even say, take pleasure in, writing about torturing lowlifes in the most sadistic and barbaric ways, I’ll share something personal. When I was eight, my four-year-old sister, and only sibling at the time, was killed by a drunk driver. She was sitting on the curb next door waiting for a friend to come out and play when the driver backed over her, crushing her head with a tire. My mom was in the house baking her birthday cake, which was a few days away. I was at school and my dad at work. This was in the seventies, and we lived in a residential neighborhood in a small town. The street seldom had traffic. It wasn’t like she was sitting next to a busy intersection or highway. I’m not going to go in detail with the aftermath, you can probably imagine the horror our family endured. The worst part is, it was considered an accident and the jackass only had to pay a fine. Remember, this was the seventies, and driving while intoxicated didn’t have the repercussions like today. When I was eighteen, I was living with my grandmother, who I called Granny. She was the most important person in my life. She was seventy-years-old and could have been retired, but chose to keep working. She worked at a rental company that also did Western Union transactions. Three scumbags, all AWOL from the Fort Hood military base, murdered her during a robbery. They beat her, shot her in the legs multiple times, once in the stomach, then blew her brains out. They stole less than two-hundred dollars. That was a life changing event for me, and something I thought about often for the next two decades. I had a lot of anger in those days. When I was in my late thirties, the assholes came up for parole. Their parole comes around every three years, but instead of all three coming up at the same time, they were, and still are, staggered. Meaning, jackass #1 comes up this year, jackass #2 next, Jackass #3 the following, then back to jackass #1. Each year I have a discussion with the parole board regarding one of the assholes and relive that horrible event. This has been going on for ten years. When this parole shit started, I needed to find a way to release my anger since I had to re-experience the horrendous act of three men in their early twenties torturing and murdering my seventy-year-old grandmother. I have a family, and carrying out what I’d like to do to them wouldn’t be fair to them since I’d be dead or in prison, so I started writing. Writing about things I’d like to do to shitheads like them. Out of approximately 2000 pages that I’ve written, and over a hundred scumbags that I’ve tortured, I’ve never written about them. Not sure why, but, something in the deepest and darkest parts of my mind is whispering to me, deviously insinuating I’m saving them for the grand finale, and all the sadistic torture that I have constructed in my writing is a “how to manual”. Fortunately for them, and all the other assholes I’ve ran across in my life, I have no desire to be worm food or Bubba’s bitch. I’ve had some criticism that my first book was too much torture, one sadistic event after another, with not much storyline in between. Like I revealed, I never intended it to be published, and considering what influenced me to write should shed some perspective to that. Now I write for enjoyment since there is a market for such. I only wish I had more time to write. If I’m lucky, I might get two books completed a year. I’m planning on writing short stories between novels to help fill in the large gaps.

Why did you decide to self-publish? A few of my friends that read my first book said I should self-publish on Amazon. I didn’t even know that was possible at the time. Once I released it, I assumed it wouldn’t be read, and if it was, it would be despised. I was shocked when it started receiving good reviews. That was a humbling experience when I realized there were others who related to it, which encouraged me to write book two. Currently, I have six books and a short story self-published on Amazon. My first and fourth books have been published by Festa Verlag, a German publishing company in Germany.

How do you create your characters? Are they based on real people? Yes, they are based on real people. The scumbags in my books are based on real life criminals, and all others are friends and acquaintances. I have a bizarre story I’d like to share regarding a particular scumbag, Kenneth Allen McDuff (March 21, 1946 – November 17, 1998). McDuff was an American serial killer. He was convicted in 1966 for murdering a 16-year-old girl, her 17-year-old boyfriend and the boyfriend’s 15-year-old cousin. The three teenagers were abducted by the twenty-two-year-old McDuff at a baseball field in Everman, TX. McDuff used a broomstick to break the girl’s neck after he raped and tortured her, and the incident is known as the Broomstick Murders. McDuff received three death sentences. In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all death penalty statutes in the United States. McDuff’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. In 1989, his parole board decided that he could still “contribute to society” and granted him parole. Between 1990 and 1992, McDuff raped, tortured and murdered three women. It’s alleged he killed a lot more women during this time, and the time before he was convicted for the Broomstick Murders. He was executed on November 17, 1998. Fuckers like McDuff help fuel my anger towards the predators of society, and amplify my annoyance for our judicial system. In my first book, my main character, Seth Coker, captured and tortured the members of the parole board in a story that was loosely based on McDuff. The bizarre part of this is, my wife and I own the land where McDuff, and his accomplice, Hank Worley, had raped, tortured and killed one of his latest victims. Of course, that information wasn’t disclosed to us at the time of purchase. I have a 1976 GMC truck that I use on the farm. My father had bought it new, and I’m not sure of the reason, but it didn’t have a rear bumper. During that time, Hank Worley was into stealing and parting out vehicles. My father bought a bumper from him. I’ve never driven the GMC to the part of the property where McDuff and Worley murdered that woman out of fear the damn thing might burst into flames.

How many books have you written? Five in my “A Glimpse into Hell” series, one kid’s horror book and one short story that author Matt Shaw published in his book, The Devil’s Guests. So far, my combined page count is approximately 2,000 pages.

Anything you won’t write about? Harming kids or animals. In my short story, Filthy Movie, I did use a fetus in the early stage of gestation. That entire story was outside of my normal character since I usually don’t write about killing innocent people. Matt Shaw invited me to write a chapter for his book “The Devil’s Guests” and not to hold back. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the shit out of pushing my boundaries, ‘cause I did. I just don’t want to be known as an author that must resort to that type of gore to get attention.

Tell me about you. Age (if you don’t mind answering), married, kids, do you have another job etc… Wrong side of 40, married 28 years to my high school sweetheart, and one son. I’m a building inspector, plan reviewer and instructor in the residential, commercial and industrial building industries. I hold a Texas electrical masters license, HVAC license, Texas plumbing inspector license and back flow license, a dozen or so inspector and plan review certifications and a degree in electrical technologies.

What’s your favorite book you have written? Human Cruelty because I love animals so much.

What do you like to do for fun? I spend a lot of time in my shop designing and fabricating, such as woodworking, metal fabrication, industrial controls and integrated systems, gunsmithing, restoring, modifying and repairing ATVs, motorcycles and vehicles, making props and painting. I also enjoy spending time with my family watching TV, geocaching, metal detecting, hiking, shooting and rocketry. I spend a lot of time building on my house and working on the farm. Tattooing (getting and giving) has also become a pastime. Oh yeah, and playing pranks.

Any traditions you do when you finish a book? Not really.

Where do you write? Quiet or music? Usually in the living room. Quiet is nice sometimes, but I am more relaxed and focused if my wife and son are watching TV in the same room. I play music on occasion, depending on my mood.

Anything you would change about your writing? I would like to re-write my first book since I’ve evolved as a writer. At least I think I’ve evolved. But, it’s who I was at the time and probably should remain as is. I enjoy writing from the perspective of the killer, which drastically reduces the reader’s emotional bond with the victims, so I’d like to try my hand at a traditional horror story written from the viewpoint of the victims. But, I will never stray from my signature writing style since I enjoy it so much.

What is your dream? Famous writer? Just to keep writing what I enjoy. As long as there are others who appreciate my work, I’ll continue. I know my limitations and will never be a Stephen King or Jack Ketchum. Those guys are extremely crafted. I just finished Jack Ketchum’s book, The Girl Next Door, and all I can say is, that man is a phenomenal writer and storyteller.

Where do you live? Central Texas out in the country.

Pets? As of now, dogs, cats, rats, mice, sheep, pigs, horses, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, ducks, roosters and turtles.

What’s your favorite thing about writing? Having others relate to how I feel about certain issues, and that my work is appreciated.

What is coming next for you? “Insane Bastards”. I’m about two-thirds done. It’s a story about two psychopaths that escape from a mental institution and wreak havoc on the assholes of society. One is a midget and the other a large man with gigantism. The book is packed with extreme violence and dark humor. After that, I’d like to do some short stories: “Pigs”, which is about getting justice against crooked cops, “Jihadists”, fucking up ragheads, and “Critic”, a story about teaching someone a lesson. I’ve been getting a lot of requests for the sixth book in my “A Glimpse into Hell” series, so I’ll be working on that too. Also, I’m working on a book with my wife, Missy, called “Scorned”. It will have a female main character with two personalities. My wife is writing one of her personalities and I’m writing the other. These projects have their covers designed and the stories are outlined. The only obstacle now is finding the time to write them.

Is there anything else you’d like to discuss? I don’t get bothered by negative reviews, because whatever that person is criticizing me about, another person is giving me praise for it. I know I can’t please everyone, no writer can, and what one person likes, another doesn’t. But, there is one pet peeve that I have; some folks make comments how a lot of the stuff I write couldn’t happen. I beg to differ. I spent years extensively researching medical procedures, the human body/mind, and drugs. Everything I write about I feel that I could implement. A person doesn’t just fall over dead from torture. The human body can take a lot of punishment when blood loss is controlled, blood pressure maintained, and organs performing correctly. Anyone can do a simple search on the internet and see how much trauma soldiers have endured and survived. Same is true with people involved in car wrecks. There are numerous stories of people being mutilated and left for dead by real serial killers who’ve have in deed survived.

You can connect with Wade H Garrett here:  Website at http://www.wadehgarrett.com

Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Wade-H.-Garrett/e/B00JDJRWX2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1410466700&sr=1-2-ent

Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7235116.Wade_H_Garrett

  Some of Wade H Garretts books:

Getting personal with Wade H Garrett Wade H. Garrett is an American novelist specializing in the extreme-horror genre. He was born and raised in Texas, and currently resides in Central Texas.

Opinião | "XX"

Opinião | “XX”

Realização: Jovanka Vuckovic, Annie Clark, Roxanne Benjamin, Karyn Kusama Argumento: Jovanka Vuckovic, Jack Ketchum, Annie Clark, Roxanne Benjamin, Karyn Kusama Com:  Natalie Brown, Jonathan Watton, Peter DaCunha, Peyton Kennedy, Ron Lea, Michael Dyson, Melanie Lynksey, Seth Duhame, Sanai Victoria, Sheila Vand, Lindsay Burdge, Casey Adams, Breeda Wool, Angela Trimbur, Morgan Krantz, Christina Kirk,…

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Red Bull - From Bold Beginnings to Global Marketing Triumphs

The story of Red Bull, the iconic energy drink, began in 1984 with the collaboration of Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz and Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya. The journey has seen the brand grow from a local Austrian beverage to a global phenomenon.

In the early days, Red Bull faced the daunting challenge of entering a market saturated with sodas and other soft drinks. Mateschitz realized that competing directly with established players would be futile. Instead, he made a bold move by creating the "energy drink" category, allowing Red Bull to carve its niche and avoid comparison with soft drinks.

Red Bull's early marketing efforts were unconventional yet effective. With a limited budget for traditional advertising, the brand embraced guerilla-style tactics, offering free samples at college parties and bars. This grassroots approach laid the foundation for Red Bull's marketing success. The brand became known for its anti-branding and anti-marketing strategies, such as placing empty cans in clubs, which would become a hallmark of Red Bull's marketing identity.

Red Bull took a focused approach to product strategy. While competitors were introducing a plethora of flavors and packaging, Red Bull stuck to a single offering - an 8.4-ounce can with a unique cylindrical shape. This, coupled with a premium pricing strategy, helped Red Bull stand out in a crowded market.

The 2000s marked a shift in Red Bull's focus from sales to creating a lifestyle brand. Recognizing the potential for competitors to replicate its formula, the brand invested in an extraordinary marketing strategy. Red Bull relied on unconventional advertising techniques, such as the famous Leonardo da Vinci cartoon characters in their television ads. The message "Red Bull gives you wings" became synonymous with the brand.

Red Bull's foray into extreme sports further solidified its unique brand positioning. Partnering with the Sauber team in Formula One in 1995 and establishing its own Red Bull Racing team in 2005, the brand became associated with high-adrenaline sports. This trend continued with ventures into NASCAR and investments in football and ice hockey teams.

The brand's resilience was put to the test during the global financial crisis of 2007. Despite economic downturns, Red Bull not only weathered the storm but sold more in 2008 than ever before. This showcased the brand's ability to stimulate demand and drive sales even in challenging economic times.

Red Bull's marketing strategy has evolved over the years but remains unconventional and original. Centered on content creation, publicity stunts, event sponsorships, user-generated content, and influencer marketing, Red Bull's approach is a testament to its ability to adapt to change while staying true to its mission. Content creation has been a cornerstone of Red Bull's strategy. In addition to their wildly popular social media accounts with millions of followers, the brand's Red Bull Content Pool offers journalists an extensive database of free photos, news, and interviews to further facilitate marketing.

Publicity stunts reinforce the brand's "nothing is impossible" message. Events such as Felix Baumgartner's historic supersonic free fall and extreme sports stunts showcase Red Bull's commitment to pushing limits.

Creating and sponsoring extreme sports events has been a consistent strategy for Red Bull. From the Soapbox Race to the Ice Cross Championship, these events generate excitement and brand awareness.

User-generated content (UGC) is actively encouraged by Red Bull, fostering a community of "adrenaline junkies." Contests such as the Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020 highlight the passion and dedication of photographers and videographers, adding to the brand's authentic content library.

Influencer marketing involves collaboration with world-renowned sports stars and athletes. This combination of micro, macro, and celebrity influencers helps Red Bull maintain a strong brand identity and connect with its target audience.