Networking Insights: You can do it!

Networking is a nightmare.

Most of the widely shared posts tends to be neatly stacked into dos and don’ts.

I am messy, and so is the list. I also contradict myself here, but it will be better that you get the context of when and how to use the experience I show in this post.

Why contradictions, you may ask.

Contradictions happen because we are people, and people are WEIRD creatures. The knowledge that people are weird creatures and highly unpredictable, just like you and me, is very helpful and important.

The golden rule of networking is using the knowledge, which makes the ups and downs bearable. You need to know people to be okay at networking. That’s why when you think people are weird, the contradictions make sense. You are also kind to snobby scumbags that you may meet, including the one in the mirror.

So be kind, it’s VERY important.

Also, everything is important, because when dealing with weird creatures, there is always something new to learn, and you have to get your sanity checked.

So, that was the introduction. Moving on.

Edvard Munch is the artist of The Scream painting. He knows the trials of networking I am guessing.

For each networking gig, the end is usually to get plumpy projects, but the means to get those plumpy projects is a tangled one. I say tangled one because you may get the client, but you may find that they are not a good fit, and that would be such a bumming experience.

So the first and basic thing before heading out of the comforts of your home to any kind of networking event is to answer a simple basic question. Why. Is it to;

• Get projects
• Get visibility
• Get invited

Based on the answer the info shifts a bit here and there because while these are nuances, and the end result often overlaps, it’s a good habit to know which kind of networking event you are leaving your home for.

I used to go to networking gigs to get visibility for my brand

(1) my magazine, later

(2) me as a brand.

They all overlap each other and it is important to remember this. Also you may not always get the value you are looking for even though you give your best. And remember the long term benefit of the networking gigs & a bigger umbrella goal – Social capital.

I’m not writing about that right now, but it’s a very interesting topic you must google. For now.

The Author’s origin story

One thing you need to know is that this nerd looks great in mock leather jacket.

Who is this networking maven talking about networking? Allo! I’m Fairy Dharawat. A little disclosure on where I come from and why I say what I say.

I started my career as a fundraiser resource, and my enthusiasm of getting a job knew no bounds, and that is the reason (very important!) I managed to sustain myself in that position.  I was working as what can be later termed (weird!) as human to human marketing. That’s selling right in-front of your door step. Or more precisely sales person selling charity at your door step. The number of doors closed right towards my face built resilience I will one day admire while punching words on a document about networking.

Later I worked in an HR client servicing associate profile. I had to call people in this profile, and give them a glimpse of the process where they had to update their documents for further verification process.

In short – I dealt with people. Lots of them. For 4 years. At the start, there was a way where I had known I am a newbie and I have to struggle and being ignored and shunned is part and parcel of life. Yea I’m a philosophical creature. But! Even though later in my career as a journalist where I was respected and sometimes admired, there were a few dirt bags who would made me doubt about credibility.

The secret sauce to it is – always be enthusiastic about learning.

Even when you DON’T want to learn because that appetite for knowledge will rescue you in days when it gets rough. And it will get rough.

But anyways. Networking.

Writing about networking all I can think about how to present yourself. Let me tell you that I am the last person to talk about fashion, conventional beauty and appearance because,

NEWS FLASH!

There isn’t any template to be followed.

Appearance and all about the looking good scam.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

People come in all shapes, sizes, and shades. But what we see accepted + celebrated + shoved down our throats is narrow aspect of it all. It becomes very difficult to feel good in your skin when the favourite movie actors are all pretty and perfect or the series that you swear by doesn’t have any one from your demographic.

Pop culture is money making capitalistic endeavour, and you shouldn’t fall for the scam these gigantic website portals tell you on what is in. They might be written by an overworked employee or a college kid without pay, or a freelancer waiting for their pay check about what is “in”, for all you know and thus, keeping the circle of dissatisfaction alive and thriving.

Fashion is what you like, style is what you rock it.

Men – Stay Sharp

Basically be Idris Elba in a Suit – Sharp. Image Credit – The Review Magazine

Groom your beard. Bows & Ties & Jackets. Go for them invest. SHOES. Polish shine. Stand apart from crowd by wearing bright colour. Play with fashion. Be sharp. You will definitely get their attentions, and in worst case scenario you don’t, you will definitely get my attention. And the world is filled with people that tends to be same with likes & dislikes because most people are not unique so at least a demographic similar to mine (sizable!) will find you interesting enough to strike up a conversation. So, do that. Be presentable.

Women – Have Fun

Image credit – Pinnterest #phantomgreen hair by @hair.by.katrina

Heels only if you are comfortable because lots of standing and walking. If given a choice I’ll go for block heels that aren’t high. Think about standing apart. You can colour hair, wear chunky jewellery or anything that you like but that YOU think makes you look different, and AMAZING. I wouldn’t stress more on looks for women because come on! Ladies are already walking on eggshells.

Note – right now I am a sneaker kid. I love the comfort they bring in bright colours. Current one is pink. Wear your style means the look you can ROCK it. Basically, comfort is key, and style is you.

Event – What kind of event it is?

So important.

Networking event

If you are going for purely networking purpose then you know that everyone is LIKE YOU and that should make you feel better. Add the bit of looking the best you can and that should be it and do the trick of making you stand apart from the crowd.

Don’t approach everyone.

I used to do that, approach everyone and honestly waste my biz cards. Also note that if it’s a regular networking event, EVERYONE is going to do that. I used to get cards, and I will keep them where I will never again look. Don’t do that. I’m sure that happened with my card too, but you get the gist.

That’s why appearance matter, because people are visual creatures. People tend to gravitate towards people who are like them and look good.

Events with talks and all

But if it’s a session kind of an event where powerful speakers are, then the struggle changes. You gotta have their attention! So here’s what you can do.

Events closer on the day release the names of speakers. So look them up on LinkedIn and prepare questions that are thought provoking. Not just you likes abc campaign, rather spill the beans on what exactly you liked and how you could’ve made it different. If you talk interesting, they will be interested.

Be interesting. Find interesting.

Find people like you and strike up a conversation. Not small talk. No shop talk. Conversation. If you are out with your friend whats more likely you going to tell your friend? A sleazy joke okay save that. You probably comment on the kind of session that just happened. SO do that as ice breaker. And speak and listen. REALLY LISTEN!
I tend to zone out a lot and I am not proud of it. So be interesting and don’t make people sleep. I’ve been on both sides, mostly on the side who makes people sleep and I try very hard not to do that, heh!

Good rule I find works for me is –

Comment on present scenario + Work + Likes + Dislikes + State of the industry.

In the meantime ask questions. See their nonverbal cues. If you find them not interested, change topic and say something else. Let THEM ask for your card.

My experience is when I am in a good conversation or discussion, other people join us. And that’s the best thing! Another is approaching the speaker but then everyone thinks like that and you may not get a chance to share a moment with them. Which brings me to another important topic.

BECOME A SPEAKER!

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Apply as a speaker. Your experience matters. Your words matter. Your voice matters. You have something to say. I found I get projects only because of and mostly due to my gig as a speaker at WordCamp & Product Tank. And my own collectives (Stories4hire and drawing gigs). First time speaking on stage I was so jittery, and captured that experience here.   I think it does get better once you practice it, and long story short, I did a short google search for you here, heh.

Here are a few places you can take your first step.

• WordCamp India – https://lnkd.in/fgAyE75
• Product Tank – https://lnkd.in/fvR85ZW

If not Speaker, then Volunteer

Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

That way you know people. Find events in your industry, and befriend community managers. These are connectors. I spent two years in writing community actively offering writerly skills. Then WordPress community, Storytelling community, and these are the active ones. I was so tired but I also learned a lot. Learned that empathy & kindness are necessary for you and the others to become successful. Because it is so rare, you end up becoming a valid source of info & go to person. These qualities enhance your overall being.

Volunteering changes you a lot. You get a different set of lens, meet many people, first contact for a lot of things. Fact that you are doing for the greater good may not be true, but the volunteering world always needs a good doer, because most of these communities tend to be weirdly designed. They either have tough gatekeepers or make you feel like you don’t belong there with conversations meandering towards what a newbie have no clue. Most of them are surrounded by big talk with barely anyone giving their time or work. SO if you are a doer- do things that you confirm, and say yes to, are good on your word, then good things will come your way.

Don’t remain invisible though. The curse of the doer is that you can become invisible. You keep doing things and no one knows that. Always tell people you did. How? By sharing your experience. There’s a way to be heard, and THAT is a skill.

If you want to know more about this, then you can read an article on communities, where I elaborated on my experience here . 

One way to get yourself heard is by being a good conversationalist. That way people want to hear you. And when they want to hear you, they will be happy to lend an ear when you talk about the stuff you did. So do that.

 

Conversations.

Photo by VisionPic .net on Pexels.com

Conversations are fun when you talk about things you know, you like and have an active listener and that’s precisely what I’m telling you to do.

My last event was at Product tank.

The last Product Tank Networking Meet wasn’t a Disaster. These are lovely folks by the way. Pic Credit – Abhinav Shrivastava from Product Tank, along with Aniket Kadam in red, and I’ll find the name of the winner of the competition in the event !

It was organised by a friend (friend I met at event, you see how it goes? You repeatedly go show up and you become friends) and he couldn’t spend more time which meant I was on my own. I went for fooseball, my clumsy self, fiddled with it. And I already found three people like me over there. SO glad there was a woman too. We need more woman in networking gigs which is a different conversation. And then, I told the winner of a contest I liked the way he spoke and how he has a booming voice that ensures no one can ignore him. What I find is that in the end, he gives me his card and tells me to contact him not because I said he has a good voice, which he has! But because I paid attention on complimenting genuine. He’s a potential client he had people around him all the time. But I complimented him and then left. So later he approached me. This is also how you use the power of persuasion in a good way.

Thats me with Prutha Kedar, Saurabh Patil image clicked by lovely Meher Bala.

The above pix is from do_action happened on October. Made many friendly folks, known and new. The above pix has me with these two likable folks.

Both these pics, I’ve just met them. And in both instances I got projects. I wasn’t a speaker in both of them, and still I think I got it, heh!

And no I didn’t know everyone. The second pic was the first time I met them, and we hit it off wonderfully. So that can happen.

More on Conversations!

Always pick a topic YOU like and where you can floor people. Talk what you know. Or you would blabber your way into oblivion. You don’t have to do this because I did that to tell you it doesn’t work. That’s why when you start a conversation you have a lead.
Listen to people and ask question. You can only listen to people if you like people. Do you know what this means? This is a deeply philosophical question. Liking humanity with all its glorious flaws. Yeah. To be good in networking you really have to give humanity a chance. Go figure. It is so much easier when you do this but, because the result is you can meet like minded / tolerable / interesting people.

Let people come to you.

Let people come to you. Don’t approach them. If it’s a small event, everyone will do the rounds. If it’s a big one, then observe good interesting people like you. You need visual pointers in form of style and fashion. That’s how you could get a client who is like you understand you. Imagine how fun that could be. It almost makes all the efforts worth it!

Bring your brand in style.

Don’t forget to talk about your brand. You can easily forget it and its fine.

What I do is –

“I did this and it was fantastic and I would love your thoughts. OH you can check my () website there it is. It got the best visibility too, I shared with…..”

If you use these words in different variations and possibilities to people, they will ask for more details about you and what you did. If they don’t, then leave it, they aren’t paying attention, don’t bother sticking around.

Now I don’t really have to network is good to know but i am at a place where I want to see if I can do it again, and I find that challenging. That’s how it can be for you too. Here’s my experience. It may not work for you but one key take way you can imbibe is;

• • Be polite | Be humble
    Basically don’t be a douche. Very important.

• • Sharp appearance matters | Conversations are important
    Introspection is wonderful to get there.

• • Speaker | Volunteer |Join Communities
    Go help someone out.

• • Make mistakes| Make Interesting Mistakes
    They be fun!

If I missed anything, do give a shout out. Did I make this seemingly simple topic more complicated, or not, do tell me I’d like to hear all about it!

My last gig was speaking at WordCamp Mumbai 2019, and there I didn’t have to network, because a few people approached me, so that was cool.

If you like what you see here then consider following me on LinkedIN & Twitter.

That’s all folks.
Go out there and take over the world.

If you have any kind of queries regarding networking and want to stay anonymous, feel free to share it through below form, and I will do my best to respond asap.

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Bees are dying

Found this highly interesting video on why the bees are dying which reminded me of a fictional character with a peculiar interest in bees. Sherlock Holmes. Which also means Conan Doyle was interested in bees. Bees are a critical part of our ecosystem and as we use more inorganic fertilizers and chemicals, bees are unable to adapt themselves as we are practically leaving them towards starvation.

Bees are dying and in some way or the other even our planet.

Anton Igor from Ratatouille

Anton Igor from Ratatouille has one of the best character arcs I’ve seen in a long time. A life of a critic, no no, a life of a passionate critic. Look at the suave gentleman, he must have seen life, for his movements spell grace and he seems to live a life of passion; food. His youth must have been exciting, as people who pretend to be boring, hardly tend to be boring themselves, and his permanent diabolical ‘I am bored already’ expression makes him indomitable and fearsome. You want to impress him so bad. His appearance has goth vibes with black dapper suits gives him an easy sophisticated and stylish look. An image of power, knowledge, and respect.

One of the best antagonists in Disney it has an amazing voice over artist and simply delightful conclusion of the character with his ascension towards major transformation. A powerful transformation at that. But perhaps more than the physical attributes, the character is written with depth and precision of his profession ethics is what gets my undivided attention and admiration. As someone at cusp of understanding and consuming art I hold this movie and its depiction of passion at the highest of level. Go watch the movie. Again if you have already.

PS – Anton Igor appearance is based on a French actor, Louis Jouvet.

Phantom Mansion by Junji Ito

Phantom Mansion by Junji Ito reminds me the flip side of empathy. Sensing pain and suffering of others. Unending trauma. Terrible experience because the feeling of helplessness eats you up. Pretty fascinated with the manga artist, his work is truly class apart. He would take one element, add a sympathizing character someone you can easily root for and build a totally zaniest of stories.

The paranormal/fantasy going on is as weird for the character as weird it is for the reader which makes it easier to relate with the character. You can call it unravelling a journey in the comic with the character as a point of contact. This is similar to most of his work. It’s relatable horror material which makes it unforgettable. For an artist understanding human emotion is critical to connect with their audience and gauging audience reaction is important for its overall success. Junji Ito does that better in my opinion.

The topics he tends to play around with in his comics is truly spectacular. The range is so wide. From fantasy to paranormal to the eeriness of human mind and psychotic tendencies, you will find loads of his stuff fascinating as he spins a unique take on them. One of the best comics I find is Phantom Mansion. He took one emotion, and stretched it to make a short comic out of it. Simply wonderful at that.

Grief, and pain are the horrors of the world and Phantom Mansion best describes it in the short using a small traumatic family. The story starts with an introduction of a jobless young man looking for work and place to stay. What he finds is revealing too much.

I’ll recommend reading complete work of Junji Ito, by the way, a must if you like horror genre and intricate artistic work. Give it a read.

Read more about Junji Itou Gentle Goodbye here .
Library of illusions here.

Junji Itou Gentle Goodbye

Here’s another one Junji Ito manga fan review that I am plastering on your TL! This is not gory one unlike his previous ones, so easy for non horror fans too. If I have to introduce his work to friends and see the range of emotions the author of macabre stories deals with, then this will be it; Gentle Goodbye.

Junji Ito’s Gentle Goodbye covers wide range of emotions of sadness and the process of healing.

Goodbyes are hard. Especially when you lose someone to death. Closure can be attended, but it’s a solitary journey. And when you close the chapter you have to realize that it starts and ends only with you. You are left to your own coping mechanism, which is why Gentle Goodbye seems more like a fairy tale than a horror one. In the story, there is a chance of getting closure.

The unique plot revolves around a young woman who marries into a family that practices a strange ritual to bring afterimage, a ghost like image of the deceased to say goodbye to in the many years to come. They linger in the house for 20 years before fading away. The premise is ripe for angst ridden tale but it is a bittersweet one on grief, loss and the process of how we move on.

Gentle Goodbye is not an out and out haunting story but a tale that stays with you long after the ending and will take you into an introspective mode. I found the characters realistic and the twist heartbreaking but bitter sweet nonetheless as it takes on a subject that rarely makes for compelling work or more precisely makes me give it a reading or a watch. It raises questions on how long is too long to grieve and gives no answer because just like closure, the process of ending a chapter depends on you.

 

Library of illusions by Junji Ito

Library of illusions by Junji Ito is a story about a mansion full of books owned by a man and a husband with a bad childhood.

The narration by the wife takes us into the weird world of her husband who slowly embarks into scary fantasy world. It’s attractive plot line revolving around library holds the entire short comic tight, and pacey delivering a poignant ending in conclusion.

Have almost finished reading him mangas, waiting to write more about his work.

Avengers Endgame: Spoiler Free Review

I was 19 when Iron Man released, the first ever movie where we realized very late about end credits which my sister pointed out. It was the first time the assembling of Avengers was ever hinted and we thought nothing of it. We watched Iron Man the entire movie again just for the end credits. But little did we think it would spawn over 20 films in 11 years. 

 

I don’t think you can actually write a spoiler-free review of the movie without getting personal. While I am not a fan of fandoms itself and wear t-shirts proclaiming strong allegiance to pop culture figures and worship them with wholeheartedness, I do find the capitalistic angle of superhero movies to be a little worrisome and that’s why I don’t take part in the baffling culture of hero worship. I know they are movies. At the same time, I have watched every movie, except a few (Captain America and Thor Dark World.)

Thor doing his thing. Image credit – GeekFeed

 One of the biggest logical explanation that I can think about for the emotional connect with MU has to be that with each outing, they were focussed and dealt the character with honesty, a certain level of idealism which they managed to not make it cringe-worthy and yet remain adjacent to the epic story. Kudos to them for sticking to the comic script. Mostly sticking with the comic strip if I may say.

 

Who would’ve thought that same Marvel property that almost got bankrupt will one day take over the entertaining sector with aggressive marketing of another level at the same time deliver authentic movie experience that justified comic lovers from around the world. Hell, they turned regular folks into comic nerds late into their 20s! Yes, I am talking about me.

Black Widow from the movie in her reflective role. Pic credit – Nerdist

While the movie has tremendous flaws it still stands. Even as they mess up crucial characters, kill with ridiculous logical explanations and fill it with bad jokes about all the wrong things with careless abandon, I have major grouse, for which I am never forgiving the Russo brothers for it. And yet. Yet the movie became a benchmark for multiple reasons which include great storytelling and groundbreaking technical aspects that basically changed our movie watching experience.

Hulk and his transformation is epic. Image credit – Firstpost

As we bid adieu to the recent chapter of Avengers which literally saw us through the ups and downs of our lives in its eleven years, we got more invested in character arcs, their fears their small victories, and the ending credits. With each movie, we became part of the timeline waiting with bated breath on every next release. Merchandise grew, capitalism latched on its ugliness and we would still be there waiting for a next big outing. Representation matters. Be it Black Panther, the visually stunning movie about an African utopia, or totally badass Capn Marvel movie with best action choreography, the Marvel universe strived to remain inclusive. And I think that matters and it’s the reason for its phenomenal success.

 

Pigs have wings

Pigs have wings is by far the best Wodehouse book I can recommend right now. I say right now as there remain tons of his other books which I need to finish. The doodle is inspired by the title that has the shy 60-year-old Lord Emsworth and his prized possession the award-winning pig. If you haven’t read Wodehouse, then you’re in for a jovial ride.

Reign of Superman Review

In the world of Batman lovers its easy to give Superman a pass. But the big guy sure is the tough one and hard to ignore. That’s why a movie showcasing high octane action sequences which kicks some serious butts in 4 new versions of Superman is sure to get your attention.

I watched the Death of Superman, the previous outing where the last Kryptonian dies, but couldn’t shed a tear though marveled at the choreography of the action sequence, and the chemistry between the JL team. But all that changed after I watched the concluding movie, the Reign of Superman.

It also happens that my first DC Animated movie in 2019 is the Reign of Superman and well hello, colour me impressed!

Without giving out the plot line much, the movie takes off after six months of Superman’s death. As the people of Metropolis and the world get used to the death of their hero, four new versions of Superman with different personalities and fighting styles emerge bringing chaos to the city. What follows is the unlocking of this particular mystery as we the audience witness the spawning of 4 different characters in one hell of an entertaining movie.

DC animated movies tend to be intense and this one is no different. Hollywood people take note, you don’t just need a colour palette to bring the somber mood, you need hardcore emotions and gut-wrenching plot lines to make your audiences give a damn. Reign of Superman has some serious death count and doesn’t cringe in showing blood. And that’s good. It’s an intense movie even as its bright colour palette blends between the moods of cheeriness and the sordidness. I’ll say give this one a watch.

Aquaman Review

I watched Aquaman and I liked it.

Image source – Mashable

TLDR – Too Long Didn’t Read

I enjoyed it! And DC is trying to get back into the game with full might. If we compare it with Marvel, then it is not a fair fight. And why we must do that you may ask, and the reason is that it tries to ape the competitor which honestly takes away the authenticity and essence of the character methinks. DC is serious, let’s just work with that, please.

That smirk. Image source – io9.gizmodo.com

Aquaman has the best Hero’s entry

Look at those Tats! Image source – Nerdist

The origin story is way better compared to Aquaman portrayal in the previous outing. He was way too goofy in Justice League which honestly didn’t work for the character and it didn’t work for me. I know they are going for funnier Aquaman but… meh. Compared to Aquaman’s first outing in Justice League the origin story wins hands down. It’s clever and CGI looks good. It also tries VERY hard to be funny which is also my major grouse against the movie that otherwise shines through.

The twinkle in the eye. Image source – The wrap

Acting wise I’ll say I became a fan of Jason Momoa’s body art. His entry in the movie is one of the best I have seen in a long time. That smoldering look,  with wavy colored hair and bouncy curls, I can watch it again. But that’s where the admiration stops, mostly.

Aquaman tries hard to be hilarious

Image source – YouTube

Jason Momoa can act, but his character is made funny for the heck of it. It has been implied he has anger issues but the scene showing his hot temperament is missing and honestly, I found him to be a 30 something fella with arrogance and a throwback to the teenage rebellion days which is also how most of the jokes are designed around the character. Yeah some may find it funny, but those will be only hormonal teenagers, and maybe the makers want to get money spending audience ( like adults) to enjoy the movie too, you know.  Thor’s last outing was smashing, and that’s what the makers of Aquaman were aiming for methinks. I think they fell short in that department. It’s slightly amusing, the antics of Arthur/ Aquaman and that’s about it.

Mega-talented William Dafoe is wasted and underutilized

He is wasted as a good guy! Image source – WhatCulture.com

I found William Dafoe terribly underused. His on-screen creepiness persona needs to be exploited people, I mean what made the makers zero down on him as the mentor? I want him to play the terrifying crusader like a character that chills you to the bone because that man can play it like a boss. But here we are where we find him miscast as a mentorish character to guide the Aquaman and I’m like okay, alright fine.

The chemistry between Mera and Arthur feels forced

How can two good-looking people have zero chemistry? Image source – The San Francisco Examiner

Then we have Mera, the ballsy heroine who means business and love interest for Arthur/Aquaman. She’s, of course, is the assertive one and is way too one dimensional for my taste. Yeah we get it she’s tough as nails, now show me another shade of her, please. Yea you guessed it right, their chemistry lacked heat. Amber Heard is prettiest, and Jason Momoa is whoa but together they lacks charisma, witticism and the adorable quality that makes couple popular. The makers did try to replicate cute interactions but weren’t able to harness them in the movie in the right proportions.

Can Aquaman save the Hollywood DC Movie Universe

Image source – i09 – Gizmodo

If you think Aquaman can salvage the DC universe then LOL no. Wonder Women did it in its own way because of plot-driven original story where the lead protagonist is equally smashing and shows a new world in bright light, but in case of Aquaman, it has too many holes for me to give it two thumbs up. Okay, you might think this is the part where I hate the movie, but NO there are some gems!

Nicole Kidman is kickass

She’s gorgeous in the movie. Image source – Comic Book.

Nicole Kidman. Enough said. She shines in the little time she got. She’s so graceful why isn’t she making more movies? Oh boy, does she kicks ass in the movie! I was all like whoa, wait what is happening! The action scene with her, in the beginning, was amazing totally worth a second watch just for her.

That dewy look can be achieved after kicking ass of a few assailants. Image source – Heroic Hollywood

Also the scene when she meets Arthur for the first time, well THAT is the chemistry I’m talking about. Make a movie with these two titans and you got my complete attention. Kidman plays mother to Arthur but they both look so good together that you want them to stay there a little longer. Maybe play a couple, no no DEFINITELY play a couple in love.

The villain could have been more menacing

Image source – Polygon Also not menacing enough

Orm doesn’t look younger than Arthur!! How Patrick Wilson is playing his younger brother lord only knows. He isn’t really cold killer too. He only kills because a villain is supposed to kill someone. And that too, right in the climax. I’m waiting like when is he actually gonna do what villains do, you know. I like my villains as cold-blooded murderers, instead, Orm not only has a valid point to declare war on the surface dwellers, his presence is not strong enough compared to other stalwarts. In the end, I enjoyed the climax where at least he tries to take charge.

Black Manta was totally underutilized

Image source – The Wrap

I found it Black Manta unnecessary in the movie. The story arc for black manta seemed way too forced and I realized that if you remove the character from the movie, it has NO influence in the entire movie progression. It’s such a huge waste. Also the character I found it underdeveloped.

This scene was funny. Image source – Themarysue.com

Now don’t throw the comic book at me people, you are better than that, my point being that Black Manta looks way too sleek and awesome to be reduced as a henchman with no proper conclusion to the character. It’s also one of the bigger disappointments in the story.

Just a cool Aquaman thought to share here. And DC decided to make the movie funny, sigh. Image source – DC comics

These are some detailed ranting of the movie, but in all Aquaman deserves a one time watch. Two-time watch if you’re a fan of Nicole Kidman. And Jason Mamoa’s tats.

Ralph breaks the Internet Review

Watched Ralph breaks the internet today which was an emotional ride. True to Disney, it touched the chord with its usual CGI awesomness that is expected from the beast the Disney corporation is. It spoke about friendship and letting your friends go which honestly made me a little tiny bit emotional and sad. You ache for the big guy, Ralfie even as you tut tut over his annoying clingyness which in the climax takes a totally different shape and size.

 

Growing older you realise how important friendships are and crucial to your well being that’s why a movie that deals with friends wanting new and different things can be difficult. I’ll say this, as I go over my friend list and find them growing, evolving to become fabulous people they’ve become, I do realize that we are no longer together and miss them. But that is the thing about growing apart and wanting different things and changing priority. We spent some good time together. And even that is not enough. Nothing can replace the old times seen through rose tinted glasses. And nostalgia is misleading. It often is.

 

I loved the movie for invoking these feelings and taking stock of your friendships in your life. How far you’ve come. Do you need to reconnect with old friends and finally materialise that old outing plan? or that is it too late to make friends? Change is constant. And so is feeling of vulnerability and strength.

 

Most people will tell you, making friends is HARD as you grow older. I disagree. You being a kind, emphathetic human being true to yourself and helpful considerate to others will get you good people around you. Be your friend first. I’m saying this sitting on my laptop after thinking it through. Loneliness may creep you up when 24 hours is less, and you are busy with family and work commitments, but the lonliness bug can still bite you. And that’s why spending time with yourself is essential to become your good friend. Start with a spa treatment or a watch a movie on your own, like yours truly 🙂

Coming back to the movie, I loved the part about the princess and chemistry between the Venellope and the others were witty and chuckle-worthy. Ariel was hilarious! Watch the movie is my final take. Now I have to go back to look at important water, so that I can get some kind of musical epiphany.