Offside Chat Archives (2014-2021)

restlesssurfer97 said:Exactly, a complete delusion. And honestly, I haven't seen anyone here actually claiming otherwise.

You look at a place like Ireland, where the government lures in companies like Google using these tax loopholes that fly in the face of international standards, basically padding their own treasury while putting an unfair strain on everyone else in the economy.

Then you look at the situation here in America, where the government plays favorites by funneling resources into these hand-picked, politically connected firms, which basically just guts any other healthy business trying to compete fairly.

In both scenarios, it all boils down to exactly what you pointed out earlier.

My last post was aimed precisely at your example—Matthew Young35 immediately pivoted toward (nepotism-)tourism when discussing lower wages.

The goal should be creating conditions for companies that generate continuous value year-round—not helping some relative get a seasonal job as a cook or a waiter by the coast for $667.

Anyway, our tourism industry is as stubborn as Pep ☕
...

Morgan Foster said:My last post was aimed precisely at your example—Matthew Young35 immediately pivoted toward (nepotism-)tourism when discussing lower wages.

The goal should be creating conditions for companies that generate continuous value year-round—not helping some relative get a seasonal job as a cook or a waiter by the coast for $667.

Anyway, our tourism industry is as stubborn as Pep ☕
...

I’m just addressing the reality of life here in the States. Since you brought me up.

I wanted to pick your brains on something since there are plenty of smart people here. I was reading that some "Avengers" movie pulled in $600 million in just two days, and honestly, I wouldn't go see it even if someone offered to pay for my ticket ten times over. I happened to catch Iron Man 3 a few years back when it was breaking records, and I just couldn't wrap my head around it. To me, it felt like two hours of nothing happening without any real logic—kind of like watching a mediocre soccer player try to dribble through a defense. Afterwards, I saw reviews where grown men with full beards were giving it perfect scores. It’s hard to even call it a movie; it felt like two endless, boring hours that left me with zero lasting impressions. I've seen hundreds of films, from absolute masterpieces to total garbage, but I just don't get this.

They seem more like cartoons for kids, so why do adults follow them so fanatically into theaters? What is actually interesting about them? I'm asking because I genuinely don't understand, almost as if I'm living on a different planet than the people who write about these things as if they are cinematic achievements.

Jessica Gonzalez said:I wanted to pick your brains on something since there are plenty of smart people here. I was reading that some "Avengers" movie pulled in $600 million in just two days, and honestly, I wouldn't go see it even if someone offered to pay for my ticket ten times over. I happened to catch Iron Man 3 a few years back when it was breaking records, and I just couldn't wrap my head around it. To me, it felt like two hours of nothing happening without any real logic—kind of like watching a mediocre soccer player try to dribble through a defense. Afterwards, I saw reviews where grown men with full beards were giving it perfect scores. It’s hard to even call it a movie; it felt like two endless, boring hours that left me with zero lasting impressions. I've seen hundreds of films, from absolute masterpieces to total garbage, but I just don't get this.

They seem more like cartoons for kids, so why do adults follow them so fanatically into theaters? What is actually interesting about them? I'm asking because I genuinely don't understand, almost as if I'm living on a different planet than the people who write about these things as if they are cinematic achievements.

Honestly, why do adults obsess over rooting for the Dallas Cowboys? There’s a special kind of madness out there for everyone, I guess.

Real Madrid is the choice for adults, while Barca is more for the kids.

Throw a bunch of superheroes into one movie and all you’ve done is create a massive crowd of mindless fans who only show up because they have nothing else to do. The marketing machine does its job, builds up some fake hype, and boom—that’s your audience right there.

Honestly, the questions feel a bit redundant, considering we’ve already seen massive, successful hits centered around Superman and Batman.

As for Marvel itself, those early superhero flicks were decent enough, but nowadays it feels like a half-baked franchise aimed squarely at teenagers, much like most other modern blockbusters. If you aren't already deep into that cinematic universe, it’s pretty difficult to find any footing in something like Iron Man 3, especially if you don't already have a natural affinity for that kind of thing.

Serialization is the big trend right now, isn't it? Comic books basically hand studios ready-made scripts and built-in fanbases on a silver platter. On top of that, in these massive franchises, one movie essentially functions as a feature-length commercial for the next installment; it’s all just part of this giant, self-sustaining marketing machine. If you sat through Iron Man 3 and Avengers 2, you’re probably going to show up for Avengers 3, or some inevitable "Iron Man vs. Captain America 2" nonsense. It makes it pretty much impossible for any single entry to be an unexpected flop when they're all tethered together like that.

Jessica Gonzalez said:I wanted to pick your brains on something since there are plenty of smart people here. I was reading that some "Avengers" movie pulled in $600 million in just two days, and honestly, I wouldn't go see it even if someone offered to pay for my ticket ten times over. I happened to catch Iron Man 3 a few years back when it was breaking records, and I just couldn't wrap my head around it. To me, it felt like two hours of nothing happening without any real logic—kind of like watching a mediocre soccer player try to dribble through a defense. Afterwards, I saw reviews where grown men with full beards were giving it perfect scores. It’s hard to even call it a movie; it felt like two endless, boring hours that left me with zero lasting impressions. I've seen hundreds of films, from absolute masterpieces to total garbage, but I just don't get this.

They seem more like cartoons for kids, so why do adults follow them so fanatically into theaters? What is actually interesting about them? I'm asking because I genuinely don't understand, almost as if I'm living on a different planet than the people who write about these things as if they are cinematic achievements.

I was chatting with the owner of a major news site a while back, and he mentioned he’d much rather focus on deep investigative journalism, but he can't help but follow whatever gets the most clicks and views. It’s the exact same thing with movies. It feels like the whole culture is just losing its edge...

I’ve never really been able to get into those Marvel or DC movies; honestly, growing up, I was more the type to sit on a beach reading stuff like *The Sandman*, *Watchmen*, or *The Invisibles*, so those kinds of graphic novels actually hit the spot, whereas the big Hollywood blockbusters just don't.
I actually picked up a collection of *Corto Maltese* comics recently, though I'm having a bit of an existential crisis over whether it even makes sense to dive back into reading after being away from comics for such a long stretch.

I've gotten so lost in the shuffle of all those superhero flicks that I can't even remember the last one I sat through. What I’m actually craving is a solid comedy or a series with that classic *Seinfeld* or *Friends* vibe—or better yet, some British sitcom style. Just something that leaves you feeling good, whether you just walked out of a theater or finally shut off the TV.
There's no shortage of gritty crime thrillers out there, but finding something lighthearted like that is incredibly rare these days. I gave *Veep* a shot and it was alright, then I tried starting *Silicon Valley*, but it was full of some incredibly crude, low-brow humor that made me turn it off—even though I see it has great reviews.

Martin Mystery was such a blast; he had some really clever and creative storylines... 👍

I guess I have about 250 copies of Alan Ford tucked away somewhere, including several of our original American editions from the 70s. I was absolutely obsessed with them when I was six, but honestly, I haven't read much since turning 20. Comics and stuff like that—especially those ridiculous American superhero movies—have their place, but I think that place is childhood. Maybe an adult who gets overly excited about twenty different superheroes in a CGI movie that's just mindless destruction instead of actual plot might be dealing with some issues. I know many people won't admit it, but it doesn't seem quite normal to me. Some call it escapism, but maybe it's more than that. It feels more like a refusal to engage with reality and real people living real lives. We laugh at people who believe the Earth is flat, so how are these movies any smarter than that? To me, these kinds of films are to cinema what the flat earth theory is to science. It’s basically just a compilation of various heroes from 15 different movies; it's essentially an advertisement for an advertisement. It's like a two-hour trailer designed to shop the audience for the next five years of "McMovies." And yet, I see folks on this forum seriously debating the merits and flaws of these films as if they were discussing "The Godfather" or "Citizen Kane."

Come on, you're exaggerating. It’s not like anyone is glued to the screen watching these movies twenty-four hours a day. You let your brain go on autopilot for an hour and a half, and that's really all there is to it. So, what exactly could one say about following sports in comparison? Is 🤣
truly such a massive issue?

Batman is pretty much the only superhero franchise I can get into.
I guess it's because they feel the most grounded in reality.

Nolan really leaned into that serious tone with his final trilogy.

Deadpool was a decent break from all that, though.

ironpanther5 said:I’ve never really been able to get into those Marvel or DC movies; honestly, growing up, I was more the type to sit on a beach reading stuff like *The Sandman*, *Watchmen*, or *The Invisibles*, so those kinds of graphic novels actually hit the spot, whereas the big Hollywood blockbusters just don't.
I actually picked up a collection of *Corto Maltese* comics recently, though I'm having a bit of an existential crisis over whether it even makes sense to dive back into reading after being away from comics for such a long stretch.

I've gotten so lost in the shuffle of all those superhero flicks that I can't even remember the last one I sat through. What I’m actually craving is a solid comedy or a series with that classic *Seinfeld* or *Friends* vibe—or better yet, some British sitcom style. Just something that leaves you feeling good, whether you just walked out of a theater or finally shut off the TV.
There's no shortage of gritty crime thrillers out there, but finding something lighthearted like that is incredibly rare these days. I gave *Veep* a shot and it was alright, then I tried starting *Silicon Valley*, but it was full of some incredibly crude, low-brow humor that made me turn it off—even though I see it has great reviews.

Even the posters around my neighborhood are advertising that show "Terror" lately. A coworker mentioned he started watching it and thinks it's great so far. I caught about half an episode while flipping through channels, and the setup seemed really tense and interesting—a ship stuck in the ice, arguments breaking out, people defying the captain, etc. It’s that classic claustrophobic survival scenario. I liked it. But then, suddenly, this creature leaps onto the ship. It climbs the mast and flies through the air. A few scenes later, they reveal it's some kind of hybrid polar bear monster—this mysterious creature trying to kill everyone that seems to defy the laws of physics. So, I asked my friend the next day, "Why is that monster even in the show? The story works perfectly without it." And he just said, "I don't know, you're probably right, it doesn't make much sense." I guess audiences just can't handle a straightforward period drama anymore; they need fantasy thrown in too. It feels like a strange modern trend.

Jessica Gonzalez said:Even the posters around my neighborhood are advertising that show "Terror" lately. A coworker mentioned he started watching it and thinks it's great so far. I caught about half an episode while flipping through channels, and the setup seemed really tense and interesting—a ship stuck in the ice, arguments breaking out, people defying the captain, etc. It’s that classic claustrophobic survival scenario. I liked it. But then, suddenly, this creature leaps onto the ship. It climbs the mast and flies through the air. A few scenes later, they reveal it's some kind of hybrid polar bear monster—this mysterious creature trying to kill everyone that seems to defy the laws of physics. So, I asked my friend the next day, "Why is that monster even in the show? The story works perfectly without it." And he just said, "I don't know, you're probably right, it doesn't make much sense." I guess audiences just can't handle a straightforward period drama anymore; they need fantasy thrown in too. It feels like a strange modern trend.

"Why is there even a monster in this show? Like, the series is top-tier without it?"

so you have something to spoil, duh. ☕

ruggedjackal46 said:Honestly, why do adults obsess over rooting for the Dallas Cowboys? There’s a special kind of madness out there for everyone, I guess.

total inferiority complex☕

People are drawn to these films because of their metaphysical weight. There’s something transcendental and timeless about them. Let’s be honest: the Avengers are timeless. They represent a pursuit of sublime perfection that resonates with all of us, regardless of whether we’re living in the present, tomorrow, or some post-apocalyptic wasteland envisioned by a visionary director.
They serve as a timeless equivalent—or perhaps a substitute, if you prefer—for that asymptotic approach toward the inevitable triumph of justice.

Jessica Gonzalez said:I guess I have about 250 copies of Alan Ford tucked away somewhere, including several of our original American editions from the 70s. I was absolutely obsessed with them when I was six, but honestly, I haven't read much since turning 20. Comics and stuff like that—especially those ridiculous American superhero movies—have their place, but I think that place is childhood. Maybe an adult who gets overly excited about twenty different superheroes in a CGI movie that's just mindless destruction instead of actual plot might be dealing with some issues. I know many people won't admit it, but it doesn't seem quite normal to me. Some call it escapism, but maybe it's more than that. It feels more like a refusal to engage with reality and real people living real lives. We laugh at people who believe the Earth is flat, so how are these movies any smarter than that? To me, these kinds of films are to cinema what the flat earth theory is to science. It’s basically just a compilation of various heroes from 15 different movies; it's essentially an advertisement for an advertisement. It's like a two-hour trailer designed to shop the audience for the next five years of "McMovies." And yet, I see folks on this forum seriously debating the merits and flaws of these films as if they were discussing "The Godfather" or "Citizen Kane."

I think you're just generalizing here. The Avengers aren't pretending to be anything other than adaptations of the comics people grew up with. They aren't trying to be *Citizen Kane*, and they don't need to be.

That flat-earth analogy is pretty silly, honestly. It would only make sense if Avengers viewers actually believed Hulk and Thor were real. Then the comparison would work. But it doesn't. By that logic, you couldn't make a single movie with supernatural elements because some people probably believe in ghosts. Anyway, my point is you're generalizing and judging. I don't think you realize how many intellectuals actually read comics. I'd bet anything on it. Even Neil deGrasse Tyson is a huge comic fan. So, what, does that make him a seven-year-old?

This is a great topic Comic-Con will still be around when I'm over 60.

Can you really not enjoy more serious graphic novels? What about Alan Moore? I'd suggest checking out his *Swamp Thing* run. It's one of the best things ever written in the medium. Maybe browse through Image Comics; they have some great stuff.

Here's a good list for 2017

And this is the absolute best of the medium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maus There are amazing things out there, you just have to stop thinking so narrowly.

He finds even someone like Pečinar too much to handle, yet he’s always the very first one here, spinning these elaborate webs of fairy tales and pure fantasy.