Verbal Diorama

Sonic’s journey from video game to blockbuster film should have been straightforward.

From Sega’s fierce rivalry with Nintendo, to the chaotic path of bringing Sonic to life on the big screen, there are more twists and turns in this story than Green Hill Zone.

Sega’s quest for a mascot that could rival Mario led to the creation of Sonic the Hedgehog, but several attempts to make a movie fell at the first, second, third and fourth hurdles. Finally, after Sony put their project into turnaround, Paramount Picture sped in and Sonic's new design was finally launched!

The muscular legs, the fur, the gloveless hands, the human teeth!

The fan criticism and backlash to Sonic's design was unprecedented, but so was what happened next...

The uproar from fans was the catalyst for a superfast redesign, that not only respected the character’s legacy, but made him relatable to new audiences. Sonic’s evolution and the importance of fan engagement shaped the movie, leading it to become a beloved franchise.

God bless Ugly Sonic!

Tonya Harding's story highlights the struggles of being an underdog in a highly elitist sport like figure skating, where social status can overshadow talent. The media portrayal of Harding changed public perception, making her the undisputed villain of the narrative.

But there's always two sides to every story. Or three. And there may be truth, or there may just be someone's truth.

I, Tonya sheds light on the cycle of abuse and the complexities of Tonya’s relationships with her mother and ex-husband. The infamous "incident" with Nancy Kerrigan transformed figure skating, bringing unprecedented attention and scrutiny to the sport.

While Tonya Harding made mistakes, and was severely punished for them, her journey reflects the harsh realities faced by many women in sports and society at large.

In the end, it's all about understanding the human behind the headlines and recognizing that everyone has their own truth, even if it's messy.

I would love to hear your thoughts on I, Tonya !

Erin Brockovich proves that sometimes the biggest heroes come in the most unexpected packages, like a single mum with a penchant for swearing and a relentless drive for justice. With zero legal training but a whole lot of heart, Erin uncovers a scandal involving toxic waste poisoning a small California town’s drinking water, proving that you don't need a fancy law degree to take on a multi-billion dollar corporation.

Julia Roberts, who snagged her first, and so far only, Oscar for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich, didn't just play a role; she smashed through Hollywood's glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to score a $20 million salary for her performance. Because who doesn’t love a good underdog story where the hero wears a tank top and has a potty mouth?

This is 98% of a true story of David and what's-his-name?, with real-life implications of hexavalent chromium contamination and its devastating effects on the residents of Hinkley, California. Erin Brockovich isn't just a feel-good movie; it’s a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences of corporate negligence. Erin Brockovich reminds us that behind every legal fight, there are real people with heart-wrenching stories and dreams of better futures.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Erin Brockovich !

Queen Elizabeth I was a formidable leader who defied the norms of her time, cleverly balancing the expectations placed upon her as a woman with her ambitions as a ruler. An Indian director and an Australian lead actor came together to bring us a truly brilliant biographical drama on the ascension to the-then Catholic English throne of the Protestant Elizabeth I, in Shekhar Kapur's Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth I was a powerful female figure in a male-dominated society, and Elizabeth accurately emphasizes her real life ability to navigate political waters with grace and power. Cate Blanchett's performance as the young Elizabeth is not just iconic; it's a masterclass in acting, showcasing her transformation from a naive young woman to a formidable queen. That doesn't mean this movie is particularly historically accurate in other things, though.

There was no poisoned dress. It was totally fabricated. ;-)

Regardless of accuracy, Elizabeth's legacy gives us a glimpse of what life may have been like for the UK without the Virgin Queen's influence, and its implications for contemporary discussions on gender and power. Elizabeth herself is not just as a historical figure but a symbol of resilience and strength for women everywhere.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Elizabeth (1998) !