Page 19 – NYFA

Returning to Netflix, Strange(r) Things Are Afoot

Posted on May 18, 2022November 16, 2022 by nyfa

Stranger Things started out as a Netflix Original that featured cute references to the famous tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG), Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). Since then, it’s safe to say that the show has become quite iconic within the sci-fi/fantasy genre and pop culture in general. However, the show’s season 4 looks like it is making some fascinating decisions that warrant discussion, specifically where the main antagonist is concerned. Without further ado, let’s get into why you might lose your mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQEondeGvKo

The (Other) Looming Threat Within the Upside Down

It has been a while since Stranger Things has adapted another character from the D&D. The show started us off with the Demogorgon in season one, with hints of something more. Seasons 2 and 3 dealt much more heavily with the Mind Flayer and eventually included variants of the Demogorgon (I’m looking at you Demodogs). Since it is not truly dead, the Mind Flayer might return once more, but the trailer chooses to focus on something else instead. Based on the visuals we have from the trailer, it appears the newest up and comer will be a being by the name of Vecna.

Vecna is an interesting choice, mainly because of his background in D&D. According to an article from Gizmodo, Vecna, who is best described as “an ancient god-like Lich”, also has some critical supplementary details to boot. To give you a better idea of what Vecna is like, the being is also described as “calculating and ruthless” and one that manipulates a person’s greatest fears to his own ends and personal satisfaction.

Better yet, there might be more to Vecna than meets the eye once we harp in on a key detail and look into his design some.

Speculations of the Strange

Before we start, it should be mentioned that Vecna is well and truly a credit to the magic of practical effects. It’s been stated by Ross Duffer, one of the creators of Stranger Things, that the villain will be a good “90% practical” in terms of special effects throughout the season. The talent behind this villain is none other than Barry Gower, who also worked on Game of Thrones’ Night King. Pictured below is what Vecna will look like in the show.

Vecna’s appearance is intriguing, to say the least. He bears a notable resemblance between two antagonists that viewers have seen already, these being the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer. Now it is possible that this could simply be a product of the Upside Down being his native dimension, but where’s the fun in chalking it up to that? There are a couple of potential explanations as to why he looks like this.

For one, Vecna could indeed be the true form of the Mind Flayer. It is something of a stretch considering that Vecna and the Mind Flayer of D&D do not share any explicit connection. But it is not impossible either since Stranger Things isn’t necessarily married to D&D’s character lore. For instance, the Mind Flayer doesn’t look like a shadowy spider in D&D, this design is a creative adaptation. Speaking of the Mind Flayer, the most noteworthy thing about both of these characters’ designs is that they both have similar tentacle-like appendages. It’s possible that what we refer to as the “Mind Flayer” might in actuality be a projection of Vecna’s power. It’s certainly something a god-like Lich could pull off.

In this vein, the second and third explanations for Vecna’s appearance could be as follows: either Vecna is the one pulling the strings behind the Mind Flayer or the Mind Flayer is the one puppeteering Vecna (though not as heavily as it does the Demogorgons). This is supported by the way he seems to be “plugged in” to the Upside Down via his tentacle appendages. Whether that gives him greater control over his subordinates or how he draws his power from the Mind Flayer remains to be seen in terms of defining this relationship.

A key detail we have yet to mention might also support the notion that Vecna is the true mastermind behind Upside Down. Going back to that article from Gizmodo, another part of Vecna’s description reads that “he sought to play with the toys left by other gods…and reshape the world, his Exandria, to his liking”. It has always been somewhat unclear why the Mind Flayer has such a vested interest in Earth, despite the fact that Eleven ripped a hole in the fabric of reality to the Upside Down, to begin with. The absence of dialogue from this character makes it all the more vague too. But Vecna, at least in his D&D lore, has a reason other than tormenting people for his enjoyment. Who’s to say his Exandria, or perhaps, in this case, his Upside Down is enough for him? Maybe he wants more worlds to reshape, and upon being presented with Earth, sees an opportunity to do this? This theory would also serve to deepen our understanding of the Mind Flayer, should it be revealed that it is a pawn or an alternate form of Vecna.

As stimulating as these theories are, there is no way to truly know until the first part of Stranger Things is released, so we’ll just have to see now, won’t we? Volume I of the fourth season of Stranger Things will premiere exclusively on Netflix on May 27th and Volume II will release on July 1st.

How to Get Started in Virtual Reality Development

Posted on May 14, 2022January 31, 2023 by nyfa

Many of us are familiar with virtual reality development. Through simulation games like Second Life, users can choose and customize an avatar. Avatars can visit virtual environments and go on dates, explore new landscapes, solve mysteries and even get married. Virtual reality has come a far way, and there are a vast number of opportunities to explore.

Virtual Reality Development: Getting Started

Virtual reality involves interacting with a simulated environment. Users mostly use a virtual reality headset or HMD. Virtual reality development, which requires a particular skill set and lots of patience, is the field of creating virtual environments. These skills can be used for film, media, television, entertainment, and video games. VR is also used for business, education, healthcare, and much more. When it comes to building up skills in virtual reality development, there are a few ways to get started.

1. Build a Strong Foundation

To get started in virtual reality, it’s important to engage with apps or games. Students can also study virtual reality development projects and what makes them successful. Through practical training, students can develop fluency in product design, video game design, 3D modeling, animation, and design theory. For programming, it helps to know C#.

In other words, for virtual reality development, it’s essential to become familiar with the technologies supporting VR. NYFA’s virtual reality workshops are an excellent way for students to develop an understanding of the technology. By studying VR at a film school, students learn how to tell compelling virtual stories within this burgeoning field.

2. Choose a Particular Platform and Master It

There are plenty of platforms for students to experiment with VR. Unity is one of the most significant platforms, and students don’t need the VR hardware to start creating games. It is also freely available.

Another engine is Unreal. Start with Mobile VR and make a prototype using Google Cardboard and a Cardboard Viewer. WebVR is another entry point for VR developers. Many media companies and forecasters are betting that a 3D, immersive internet is on the horizon. As VR devices get more accessible and affordable, content developed for the 3D web will likely become the universal use of VR.

3. Make The Best Use of Free Resources

Unity comes with its own virtual reality tutorials, and there are plenty of online virtual reality courses. Once the prototype is ready, add appropriate sound and art to make the experience as immersive as possible. It’s also helpful to know how gyro and accelerometer sensors in mobile phones work, as well as image processing and speech recognition.

4. Stay Up-To-Date With New VR Developments

Virtual reality is a constantly evolving field, and the more students can explore it, the more experience they can build up. To pursue creative goals in virtual reality, it’s important to stay up to speed on the industry.

Subscribe to virtual reality podcasts, read interesting virtual reality articles about the subject, and follow the latest news. Remember that the VR industry is still at an early stage, so there will always be newer things to learn.

Interested in virtual reality? Learn more about taking virtual reality workshops at NYFA.

A Beginner’s Guide to Film Editing Terms

Posted on May 7, 2022November 16, 2022 by nyfa

It was Francis Ford Coppola who said, “The essence of cinema is editing.” If you’re an aspiring film editor, you know your craft matters — and you know it also matters how you speak and think about your craft using common film editing terms.

Video Editing Terms: An Overview

Have you ever seen a video and wished you could create one just as engaging? Great video editors are talented storytellers. At NYFA, you not only become fluent in editing software, but also learn to tell engaging stories.

We’ve compiled a guide to help you beef up your understanding of film editing terms and learn to communicate about editing like a pro. The following are some fundamental terms that editors should know:

Cut

A transition where one shot is instantly followed by another.

Continuity Editing

Visual editing where shots are cut together in a clear and linear flow of uninterrupted action. This type of cutting seeks to maintain a continuous sense of time and space.

Continuity Error

When the action or elements of a scene don’t match across shots. For example, when a character breaks a glass window but in a later shot the window is shown undamaged.

Cross Cutting

Technique used to give the illusion that two story lines of action are happening at the same time by rapidly cutting back and forth between them.

Cutaway

The interruption of a continuously filmed action with a shot that’s peripherally related to the principal action.

Dissolve

When the end of one shot overlaps the start of the next one to create a gradual scene transition.

Editing

The process of taking raw footage to select and combine shots to create a complete motion picture.

Establishing Shot

A shot that gives viewers an idea of where the scene is taking place. These usually involve a shot from a long distance, such as a bird’s eye view.

Eyeline Match

A technique based on the idea that viewers want to see what on-screen characters are seeing. For example, if a character is looking intently at an off-screen object, the following shot will be of that object.

Fade

A visual effect used to indicate a change in place and time. This involves a gradual brightening as a shot opens or a gradual darkening as the shot goes black or to another color. Sound also fades in and out to convey the change.

Iris

A wipe that takes the shape of a shrinking or growing circle, depending on if the scene is opening or ending. Rarely used today but very common during the silent era.

J Cuts

An editing technique that allows the audience to first hear audio from a shot, and then see it.

Jump Cut

An abrupt cut that creates a lack of continuity between shots by leaving out parts of the action.

L Cut

When the audio from the preceding scene continues to play over the footage from the following scene.

Matched Cut

A cut joining two shots with matching compositional elements. This helps to establish strong continuity of action. One of the more notable examples of this technique is from a famous scene in “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Montage

A sequence of shots assembled in juxtaposition of one another to create an emotional impact, condense a story, or convey an idea. A famous example is “Psycho’s” shower scene. WARNING: This scene contains graphic violent content and may be disturbing.

Roll

Graphics or text that moves up or down the screen. This technique is typically used for credits by having text move from bottom to top.

Rough Cut

The first editing pass done for a film. (The former sentence is not entirely accurate as an Assembly Cut is the first editing pass done for a film, but it depends on how one defines editing, so I think this is o.k.). A rough cut receives further polishing and editing before making its way out to audiences.

Sequence Shot

A long take composed of one shot that extends for an entire scene or sequence. Usually requires complex camera movements and action.

Shot Reverse Shot

The alternating of over-the-shoulder-shots, usually used during a conversation between two characters.

Sweetening

The process of adding sound effects and music and/or enhancing the existing audio with effects.

Wipe

The transition from one shot to another with a visible pattern or element. No longer used in today’s films but very common in early cinema.

Getting an Introduction to Film Editing

As an aspiring filmmaker, film editing is one of the most important skills to learn. At NYFA, you can immerse yourself in the world of digital editing with our full-time and part-time intensive editing workshops. In these hands-on programs, students learn the fundamentals of storytelling and gain an understanding of film editing terms and technical editing techniques. We currently offer in-person and online programs in AVID Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro.

To learn more about taking workshops in digital editing, see our digital editing workshops at NYFA New York City.

The Filmmaking Process for Beginners

Posted on May 5, 2022October 31, 2023 by nyfa

It can be difficult to know what it truly takes to make a film until you’ve made one. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or just want to get an idea of how to make movies, here’s a very basic breakdown of how a film is made. Think of this as the beginner’s guide to the filmmaking process.

The Filmmaking Process: 7 Essential Steps

There is a lot that goes into making a film. Overall, some of the most important parts of the filmmaking process include:

Step 1: The Idea

Every movie you’ve ever seen first starts with an idea in someone’s brain. Although things change as a project goes on, the story you come up with in the beginning will serve as the foundation on which everything else will be built. Start thinking about the kind of story you want your film to tell and all the important story elements involved: plot, characters, conflict, etc.

Our tip: Ideas pop into our heads unexpectedly! Be sure to have somewhere to save ideas on your phone or carry a journal. It’s also a good idea to create a folder in which you save newspaper and magazine articles, snippets of overheard dialogue, notes on characters you see on the street, and even dreams. You may not know what to do with these things now, but the day will come when you do.

Step 2: The Script

The script is where you’ll put down the story, setting, and dialogue in linear form. This important tool will be used by the rest of the team to know what’s going to happen in the film. You’ll also be using your own script as a reference throughout the process as well since you may need to refresh yourself on certain actions, dialogue lines, and more.

Our tip: Don’t be afraid to make changes to the script even after you think it’s ready. More often than not, better ideas will come to you well after this stage in the filmmaking process.

And don’t be afraid to let your actors improvise, whether it’s in rehearsal or on the set. You may be surprised at what your actors are able to imagine from their character’s point of view. This is especially true for filmmakers who may not be great at writing dialogue.

Step 3: The Storyboards

A storyboard is a sequence of drawings that represent the shots you plan to film, and can be a critical part of the filmmaking process. We highly recommend this process because it helps you visualize each scene and decide on things like camera angles, shot sizes, etc. You’ll discover your storyboard’s true value when it helps communicate what you’re trying to go for to other people on the set.

And for those of you who think, “I can’t draw,” photographing your storyboards can be a quick solution. Your camera phone works fine for this. Just take a couple of friends to your location and tell them, “You stand here, you stand there,” and take pictures. Take lots of pictures from lots of different vantage points. Then select the ones you like best, and there’s your storyboard. Doing this has the added advantage of showing you what’s really possible. Because we often draw storyboards, then discover to our disappointment, that we’d have to demolish-+ a wall to get the perspective that we’ve imagined.

Step 4: The Cast and Crew

Assembling your team can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. We recommend you take as much time as needed to find the right people for your film. For crew members, be sure to consider their past work and experience and request showreels or any examples if available. You should also hold auditions to find the best actors and actresses for your roles.

Our tip: Don’t feel obligated to include friends and family in your project. This is your film, which means choosing the best people for the job. Hopefully, your acquaintances are professional enough to accept when you don’t think they’re a fit for your project.

Step 5: The Locations

You may need to construct sets for a setting you’d like to have. But for scenes where an actual location will do, you’ll need to do some scouting to find the best spots. Take a camera with you and do as much traveling as possible, snapping shots of places you think will serve as the perfect setting for particular scenes.

Our tip: Always consider the space required by the cast and crew. Don’t choose a cramped, narrow space where only the actors will fit well and not the cameras, lights, etc.

Step 6: The Filming

It all comes down to this. To prepare, be sure to have a shooting script ready along with an organized schedule of what will be filmed and when. Give yourself plenty of time to shoot scenes so that you’re never rushed and can accommodate changes or problems. It’s common for a scene that will last one minute in the final cut to require more than five hours to film.

Our tip: If time permits, try filming the same scenes from new angles. This way, you’ll have more footage to work with that can keep your viewers engaged.

Step 7: The Post-Production

If you thought filming took time, you were wrong. Post-production is when you edit all your footage to create a rough cut of the film. Once done with the rough cut, you’ll begin adding things like sound effects, music, visual effects, and color correction. This process will require the use of editing software — if you’re not confident, feel free to find/hire an experienced editor.

Our tip: Before you polish up your rough cut, show it to people whose opinions you can trust. It’s better that you find out what isn’t working now rather than when your audience is watching the final version.

Master the Filmmaking Process at NYFA

Ready to become more than a beginner? Study film and the entire process at the New York Film Academy. Learn more about NYFA’s Film School today!

Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Return of An Old Friend

Posted on May 3, 2022 by nyfa

It’s a very exciting time for Star Wars fans. Ever since Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, there has been a clamor for Ewan McGregor to get his own show so that he could return as the famous Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Over the years, rumors came and went concerning the production of one such TV series, but none of them turned out to be true. It wasn’t until 2019 when the Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV Series) was announced that fans could legitimately hope. Now that the time for waiting is nearly over, let’s dig into why everyone around you might be going nuts.

Why Obi-Wan?

In case you may or may not have noticed, it is safe to say that the Star Wars fandom universally adores Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan. He knocked his performance out of the park in Episodes I, II, and III, giving the role everything he had.

For a frame of reference, in one of the best-choreographed fight sequences in Star Wars history (when he fights Darth Maul after said Sith Assassin kills his master, Qui-Gon) he didn’t use a stunt double for the beginning of that intense scene. That was 100% the actor himself performing that very physically demanding fight (save for the parts where Obi-Wan is doing backflips). Not that long ago, McGregor talked about that fight extensively with IGN, even going so far as to say they actually had to slow the footage down because of how fast they were going.

Even if you somehow discount that, his relationship with Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker is nothing short of legendary. In short, aside from Alec Guinness who played the character in the original trilogy, McGregor is truly the one and only Obi-Wan.

When Does The Series Take Place And What’s It About?

Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place around a decade, maybe half of one, after the events of Revenge of the Sith which detailed Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader and the fall of the Jedi Order. At the time the series takes place, the Jedi are becoming even fewer and far between as they are being hunted tenaciously by Vader’s Inquisitors. What are the Inquisitors you ask? Think of them as force sensitives who have essentially been trained and/or tortured by Darth Vader himself to become the ultimate Jedi-hunters in the galaxy.

From what the trailer shows us, it looks like Obi-Wan has to find a way to stay off the Inquisitor’s radar as much as possible so as to not only protect himself but also protect the young Luke Skywalker who is still growing up on Tatooine. Everything about it screams absolutely bleak, which makes sense given the Jedi’s crushing defeat at the hands of Darth Sidious, or as he is more colloquially known, the Emperor. In short, before we can start looking to A New Hope, Obi-Wan has to find any kind of hope he can get to begin with.

Sources of Contention?

As a long-time fan of the franchise, there is only one thing that gives me pause about this series. This isn’t even going to be about the Grand Inquisitor, whose appearance in the show is beginning to grow on me just a little despite initial reservations. This is going to be about the show’s biggest cameo yet, Darth Vader. Granted, it’s great to see Hayden Christensen back in the ring again. I also like that the actor went above and beyond to prepare for his return as Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker. Entertainment Weekly writes that the actor “binged the Star Wars animated shows [in order] to prepare for Obi-Wan Kenobi.” That’s dedication in the highest and the highest of kudos to Christensen’s devotion to the role.

What has me worried is what this particular appearance does to the franchise’s timeline. You see, in Star Wars: A New Hope Darth Vader says a very specific line and delivers it in an equally particular way. When sensing Obi-Wan aboard the Death Star, he says, “I felt something; a presence I’ve not felt since…” and then proceeds to search for the Jedi Master. Now at least as far as intention goes, when Vader says this, it is generally intended to refer to the last time he saw Obi-Wan, which is supposed to be when they had their fateful duel on the molten planet Mustafar. Technically, he could very well be referring to the encounter we will see in Obi-Wan Kenobi, but it feels like a bit of a stretch since that line feels like it refers to an event that transpired much earlier as opposed to maybe a few years back.

This may not seem like a very big deal, but it does when one considers the following: for one, Vader isn’t just making a quick cameo and then going back to his regularly scheduled program. Talk about the character’s appearance has been followed by promises of a rematch between him and Obi-Wan. As much of a Vader fan as I am and the awesome chemistry that we will no doubt see between these two characters…this just doesn’t work.

While it is not very hard to imagine Obi-Wan giving Darth Vader the slip, there needs to be an exceptionally well-thought-out reason why Vader doesn’t find him again until A New Hope, because I doubt he’d give up looking for his old master that easily (not to mention, Obi-Wan is hiding out on Vader’s home planet of all places).

How they navigate this territory, at least in this fan’s humble opinion, will make or break the show as continuity is an essential aspect of a well-written story. Disney already has our hopes up by including John Williams’ epic score, “Duel of the Fates,” in the trailer. Hopefully, the highly anticipated TV series is up to snuff. Obi-Wan Kenobi will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on May 27th.

Al Pacino: 7 of the Actor’s Most Memorable and Iconic Performances

Posted on April 21, 2022November 16, 2022 by nyfa

When you think of iconic actors, who is the first to come to mind? Now this question can obviously vary with respect to one’s personal opinion. For us, Al Pacino certainly fits that bill. He’s been in a number of movies since the 1970s, and more than a few of them are some of the most unforgettable movies you’ll ever see. If you’re in need of some proof as to why Pacino should be considered iconic, our list below showcases some of the most memorable performances he’s given over the course of his career. With that, let’s get to convincing.

Devil’s Advocate

In this film, Pacino co-starred with the equally legendary Keanu Reeves. Both work at a well-established law firm in New York City, but Pacino’s character is not only Reeves’ boss, he is quite literally, The Devil. Interesting as that premise might be, you might be scratching your head right about now. It’s possible you’re wondering, “oh, this is supposed to be about Pacino, why aren’t we talking about a movie where he alone is the big star?” Arguably, one of the qualities of being the best of the best is one’s ability to work with fellow actors and play off one another to deliver the performance of a lifetime. This was one of those performances as their synergy was just on another level.

Scarface

This entry can make the list based on the sole fact that it is widely regarded as a cult classic. Scarface tells the story of a Cuban immigrant named Tony Montana, who makes his way over to the United States to try to make a name for himself. Montana achieves this but in doing so, he also becomes one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Miami. This is one of the movies where you see get to see Al Pacino (famously) really go over the top. From the story’s theme that power corrupts all to the bloody violence that was a staple of the 1980s, the film is just pure iconic material, all thanks to Pacino’s work.

Serpico

Serpico is one of those movies that fits a bill, the good kind. In a one-man versus the whole system set-up, Al Pacino’s Frank Serpico is the only New York City detective that’s willing to do what’s right in the face of widespread corruption. However, with Pacino at the helm as its star, this seemingly simple premise quickly becomes one of the actor’s most unforgettable films. Unlike the entry that came before, Pacino’s role in this film is more nuanced, showing he has the chops to do more than just go over the top. It only serves to further attest to the actor’s status as an icon.

Dog Day Afternoon

Based on a true story (Serpico too by the way), Dog Day Afternoon follows Sonny, a first-time bank robber who attempts to steal from a bank in order to pay for his partner’s sex-change operation. The situation spirals out of control when it becomes a hostage situation and a full-blown media circus. Despite how potentially “wrong” this film could have gone, as always, Pacino gave it his all, delivering a truly passionate performance that made the movie great.

Glengarry Glen Ross

This film is credited with having many impeccable performances. The movie essentially follows the story of a group of real estate salesmen doing their thing. Among these phenomenal portrayals we see in the movie, there is only one actor who received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in this movie. Can you guess who that was? Yep, if you guessed Pacino, you guessed right. Though he didn’t get the award, it is still worth mentioning that out of all the superstar performances viewed in the movie, only one guy came close to getting the Oscar. If that doesn’t say something about Al Pacino’s work as an actor, I don’t know what does.

Heat

Heat is an incredible film by and by. In a nutshell, it pits Al Pacino as LAPD detective Vincent Hanna in a cops and robbers match against Roberto Deniro’s Neil McCauley, a shrewd and conniving criminal mastermind. The tension in this movie never lets up, and it’s all thanks to the antagonistic chemistry between these two actors’ characters. By the time you reach the end of Heat, you simply can’t help but appreciate Pacino even more than you did before.

The Godfather & The Godfather Part II

We’re going to lump these two together since he’s playing the same character, but it is worth mentioning that many hold The Godfather Part II to be the better of the two in terms of the actor’s performance. In what are considered some of the most iconic movies known to cinema, Pacino brings nothing short of his A-game to the character of Michael Corleone. It’s really the first time you fall in love with the guy as an actor because in these two movies you see it all: nuance, going over the top if ever so briefly. Pacino had spectacular material to work with. His acting in these movies is indisputably the pinnacle of his achievements.

We ask you once more esteemed readers when someone asks you about iconic actors, whose name is the first that comes to mind? Hopefully, we’ve done a good job of convincing you that Pacino is that first name and we hope you enjoyed the read!

Better Call Saul Season 6, The End of an Era (and a recap if you need it)

Posted on April 21, 2022 by nyfa

Everyone’s favorite shady lawyer is back (or about to be at least). Unfortunately, Season 6 of AMC’s Better Call Saul will be marking the end of the iconic series and content from the Breaking Bad universe for a bit. In the meantime, as we prepare for Saul Goodman’s story to come to a close, we figure it’s been a while since you’ve seen Season 5. With that in mind, if you need the refresher, say no more because we’ve got you covered.

Since We’ve Been Gone

Season 5 of this show premiered all the way back in February of 2020. It’s been close to two years since Better Call Saul’s fifth season ended and unless you’ve been binge-watching in preparation for the season premiere it’s probably been a while since you’ve seen an episode.

So what happened? What should you as the viewer need to keep in mind as Season 6 begins? Well, first and foremost, in Season 5, we begin to see Jimmy take the plunge and fully embody his new persona, Saul Goodman. He even went as far as to indirectly, and later directly, turn his former employers at HHM (Hamlin, Hamlin, McGill) down when given a job offer. In the midst of that, tensions between Gustavo Fring and Lalo Salamanca start slowly but surely to rise more and more. Little things like halting the work on Fring’s laundry project and other petty grievances soon start to escalate into bigger events like framing Lalo for murder rather indirectly delivering him to the authorities.

Saul Goodman finds himself representing Lalo and his crew as his and Fring’s rivalry escalates, going as far as coaching and helping Krazy-8 get out from under the thumb of two very familiar DEA Agents (Hank Schrader and Steve Gomez). Unrelated to his illegal dealings with the drug traffickers, his partner Kim has some trouble at Schweikart & Cokely via the Mesa Verde Bank and Trust account. Despite her best efforts, an unruly landowner who has continually rebuffed the bank from removing him from his lands proves difficult for Kim to deal with too. She would eventually turn to Saul for help as he would come to represent this disgruntled landowner (i.e. playing the game from both sides).

On the Gus/Lalo front, things get to be so bad that Nacho, one of the Salamanca’s top lieutenants, is caught in the crossfire between the two. He must find a way to spy on Lalo for Gus without tipping him off, which gets to be increasingly harder the more suspicious Lalo gets over the course of the season. Remember how Gustavo had Lalo thrown in prison? Saul, who had previously helped him out with Krazy-8, asks him to represent him too. Luckily for Saul he gets the trafficker on bail, unluckily for Saul, he has to journey through the desert to pick up the bail money. And a wild journey it was, thank goodness he had Mike (who now formally works for Gus) to bail him out of what became a dicey situation.

Everything that transpired in Season 5 would come to a head when the following events took place. There came a point during the Mesa Case when Kim and Saul should have stopped before things spun out of control. Both agreed to lay down arms…only Saul didn’t. He would go on to find a bombshell to threaten Mesa Verde with, and in the process, effectively burn Kim. This debacle would almost have them at their breaking point when in an odd turn of events, they decided to get married instead. She would eventually quit Schweikart & Cokely and leave Mesa Verde and her former firm altogether.

Nacho’s already impossible situation became just a little more impossible. After the bid to keep Lalo in prison fails, Gus decides to go scorched earth on him and devise his complete and utter demise. Using the now established trust Lalo had for him, Nacho lets Gus’ execution team into Lalo’s home/compound after having been invited there, leaving without a scratch and thinking he’s home free now. The only problem is that Lalo is able to escape the massacre at his compound. Nacho is now as high on Lalo Salamanca’s kill list as Gustavo Fring is, and it’s not hard to imagine he’ll be scorching some earth of his own in Season 6.

Going Forward?

That about does it in terms of the need-to-know plot points in preparation for the upcoming 6th season. The final season of Better Call Saul is sure to have us at the edge of our seats, but it’s still sad to hear that it is ending.

Alas, there is some hope out there fellow lovers of the Breaking Bad universe. According to an article by IndieWire, Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul “revealed that he is working on a new original show that is ‘something really different’ from his previous projects.” He went on to also say that there are “still stories left to tell” in the Breaking Bad universe, not just some he’ll be telling anytime soon as he wants to try his hand at that “something different” project. So again, the hope truly is there, but fans will need to be patient. The new season of Better Call Saul premiered on AMC and on AMC+ on April 18th.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, How It Was Versus How It’s Going

Posted on April 8, 2022 by nyfa

Well Potterheads, the time has almost come. In a couple of weeks, the next installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, The Secrets of Dumbledore will finally come to cinemas in the United States. It’s been roughly 4 years since The Crimes of Grindelwald with not much in between to quell the sheer anticipation for this film. But for those who don’t know what to expect of the new installment, let’s see if we can’t help you on your way.

Concern Amongst The Fandom

Isn’t there always? All the same, its perfectly natural for fans to feel concern. An article from The Guardian pulls no punches, as it calls to mind the some of the issues a fan might have had with The Crimes of Grindelwald. Suffice it to say, it appears that it is up to The Secrets of Dumbledore to steer the franchise back in the right direction. According to the same article, the new film will be returning to Hogwarts once more, perhaps for nostalgic value of some kind. Whether or not this move achieves what some hope it will achieve, remains to be seen.

Where the plot is concerned, it looks like one of the more important points of the movie will be to discovering the true identity of a character by the name of Credence Barebone. Speculations (amongst the characters too) are in full swing, with theories from him being Dumbledore’s long lost brother to being Leta Lestrange’s long lost brother. Whatever the case may be, we may finally find out when Secrets of Dumbledore comes out.

Then of course, we also have Newt Scamander returning to help deal with the nefarious Grindelwald and the forces he has organized up to this point. Clearly this is the latter’s next big bid in order to wrest control of the Wizarding World at large once and for all. A grand fight it is what it is sure to be.

The Verdict?

Speaking of things remaining to be seen, we do have some initial reviews of the film floating around out there. According to some early viewers, there’s plenty of good things to say. An article from Digital Spy has comments that range from “an improvement on the sequel”, to “Fantastic Beasts 3 rectifies fans biggest qualms with [Fantastic Beasts 2]”, to even hailing the director as someone who has “miraculously salvage[d] a sinking ship”.

It’s looking pretty good for Potterheads out there right now, with something rightfully exciting to look forward to. From what the reviews are saying, it appears The Secrets of Dumbledore has found a way to both answer the questions fans have had while also catering to some of the more nostalgic aspects of the the series. All in all, the new Wizarding World film looks like it is sure to be a fun time for those that are heavily invested in the story as it has been told thus far (there’s hope yet!). Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore releases April 15th, 2022 in theaters.

Halo The Series, A Long-Awaited Adaptation and Why We Need It

Posted on March 29, 2022 by nyfa

If you’re a fan of the Halo video games, then you know that this has been a long time coming. Originally, the franchise was slated to be a feature-length film by Neill Blomkamp, but that ended up being scrapped and turned into Elysium. There were some other short shows that came and went, but none of them seemed to stick the landing (barring the wonderful collection of animated shorts we know as Halo Legends). It didn’t seem like Halo fans would ever catch a break…until now.

What’s the Big Deal?

For those that have never played a Halo game, there’s a reason why this day was a long time coming. Halo is not only known for its enamoring gameplay experience, it is also known for its immensely engaging storytelling. There is so much material, games and otherwise, to pull from, not unlike Star Wars. From the contentious relationship between the Insurrectionists and the UNSC to the ideology behind the Covenant’s religion known as The Great Journey, there’s a lot for the show to play with in terms of lore.

Seeing it finally get adapted into a show is exciting, to say the least. The games were great at keeping you hooked as you soldiered on through the campaign but as great as the story was, it was more so about the gameplay experience than anything else. Converting the story to a streaming medium allows the storytellers to really do a fun deep dive into the expansive universe Halo has become.

What Can We Expect From Halo The Series?

Now fans and incoming viewers are likely thinking about what this show has to offer. According to GameSpot, Halo The Series is going to be set in its own timeline, meaning that this will not be considered a canonical story where the games are concerned. While it is somewhat disappointing, there’s a good reason why the creators of the show have decided to go this route. By making this its own canon, it gives everyone working on the project free reign to explore the characters in different ways we’d never imagined before. Plus, it also means they don’t have to worry about being confined or married to the original story, and thus, don’t need to worry about inconsistencies with the story at large or breaking canon (which would be pretty bad).

It also gives Halo fans something fresh to consume, while also inviting newcomers to the franchise. If it were telling the original story scene-by-scene, there would be a lot of catching up to do in terms of familiarizing oneself with all the content that has come out prior to the series. At the end of the day, it looks like the creators want to make Halo The Series as enjoyable for everyone as possible, which is something to be appreciated.

Though this isn’t meant to be a review of the first episode, it is worth mentioning that this fan of the Halo franchise has seen it. To other Halo fans out there, I would like to say this: there are some things the show does that are quite different, but so far, there hasn’t been anything truly egregious that completely detracts from the viewing experience. As for what happens closer to the end of the episode (you’ll know what I mean when you see it), I err on this side of saying, give this route a chance. Is it ideal? No, but we are dealing with a different visual medium when it comes to storytelling. So making the decision that they did is in some way understandable. The only way that this peculiar element can become truly problematic is if they did it on a regular basis, which would in my humble opinion, be too much.

That being said, if you’re in need of a new super-awesome sci-fi show, as it currently stands, I cannot recommend Halo The Series enough. Halo The Series can be streamed exclusively on Paramount+.