Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) - Movie Review

Taking a break from editing my second short film...
I’m a movie lover, however lately I find very little motivation to go to the theatres. See, I live in South America; which no longer means that movies get here five years later - piracy has taken care of that - it means that even on multiplex cinemas, my only options are obscure independent films and the most popular Hollywood movies. And lately, Hollywood has been popping out reboots, sequels, and franchises; an ever since The Avengers (2012) that is all i am being fed. I am tired -

As for The Last Jedi; I am having a hard time calling this one Episode VIII - and I don’t want to analyze it too much before the 9th movie comes out, but so far I sense the entire force of the series is thinning... and the main reason is a lack of analysis towards [all of the] protagonists [in all of the series], and that is the reason why all the incosistencies that plague the Star Wars galaxy.

See, compared to the Star Trek series, the Marvel and DC universes; the Star Wars lore is a lot more defined in the audience’s mind in order for it to work - I always considered Star Wars to be about wizards in space with a theme that is a lot closer to the dying of the “indians” in cowboy movies, and much like in cowboy movies [or space samurais], Star Wars has been about the life of the character. Because cowboy movies aren’t about the horses, the desert, all that pistoling and sun setting - those are the elements.
In contrast, Star Trek is about the ship; the story follows the daily activities of the crew in the ship - but it is the exploration of sci-fi elements that make it bearable. It’s not like I complain when Capt. Patrick Stewart no longer shows in the new series.
As for the comic book super-heroes, at the core they are each an American-style soap opera. Its a story that drags on and on - the storytellers behind spend their days coming up with the most ridiculous plot twists.. to the point now we have astral planes, distant planets, alternate dimensions, entire multiverses, even other mythologies participate [Hercules, Thor]. Wolverine takes Shield and Hydra down on one episode, the next one he finds out he has a son who hates him, soon after he dies, then re-emerges as an old man but its not really him. And through all this, the audience isn’t complaining! Why? Because at the end of the day the story is focused on a character that wears tight unconventional clothing where sometimes a cape is involved, and the story moves on, but Star Wars doesn’t do that (yet), it's an attempt to visit a cycle -

Star Wars according to George Lucas was about making kids believe in the spiritual side of the world. I believe he accidentally accomplished it - the original movies have many holes in them but they worked because we knew little. Now we know about midoclorians, we know what happened, we know the characters. So the idea is to build upon it, but instead we constanly watch characters that know less about the force than the audience, by letting Luke go, you miss on that chance.

Oh yeah, spoilers ahead... as I was watching Luke’s death scene, my sense of disappointment with the entire lore of lightsabers was starting to finally sink in. I main reason why I wanted to watch Last Jedi was to see if Luke dies, and when i saw the twin suns, I could fucking smell it - and boy, the reason of his death, ugh. After years of holding it in, hoping to be blown away by Star Wars ever since the announcement of the Phantom Menace, I finally surrender, I don’t think I’ll ever see that defining moment I am seeking from Star Wars-

The first movie I saw was The Return of the Jedi. I sat through that movie on regular television, ads were up the ass, so the movie would take an entire afternoon to watch, I didn’t care. Eventually I would see all three, but not all from beginning to end - it was the days of television. I could only take what was given to me [didn’t get a VHS until much later]. Lightsabers were the coolest thing, travelling through planets on an x-wing was the ultimate adventure... yeah. And I wasn’t alone, fans were spread like a virus. People wanted more, and Star Wars became a world breaker with the power of merchandising. With that beautiful stories would come out -great stories now considered ‘legends’. I have never read any of the books, however the way those who have read them told me how they imagined it all, it was epic shit. But then Episode I... with that midoclorians, Jar Jar, and the Jedi are a passive agency, awesome.

Then the new trilogy announcing the return of those I had been waiting to see. And we start with Han Solo, who once again doesn't do shit. Really, it's not just "no desintegrations" Bobba Fett - Han Solo at no point has cool action scenes, ever, even Leia has one over him; once again he just rides the plot, he shoots and grunts fall... no wonder Harrison Ford wanted him dead. And die goes Han Solo... after all his more interesting bits happened off screen... after apparently he doesn't do shit else after the original movies, that was that.

Then Luke goes bye bye via yoga pose in the next movie, very similar to Han... and that was always the plan. How could this happen, how can those behind cameras say that this flow of story is worth bearing the name of Star Wars? How can you kill off the guy who was the main character of the story for 20 years, the reason why a third trilogy called the ears of all, and he fishes with a long stick? maybe what I'm more pissed is that I was hoping to see Luke do some cool shit with the lightsaber, to check out the classic stance... so that he do the conga. Fucking Hell.
The creative heads behind Star Wars thought it was brilliant to give Luke the role of Ben Kenobi and Yoda in one. Ok, fuck no. Han Solo already did the dying thing to save time and stir that rebel fire on the main characters - at no point I considered Luke's arc to be completed in the originals. Luke was starting to become a Jedi at the very end, so what would those struggles be... what had Luke learned and done all this time, did you not want to see?

Instead, all we know is that in 30+ years Luke tried, he failed, then he quit. And the reason how he fails is because some other dude named Snoke has more charm in the force than him, and he can't handle it, so he acts like a psycho girlfriend standing next to some sleeping teen. This is the core that drives an entire star killer base.

That is the same fate for all the characters who live under the Force... look at Chewie, he is just there. He all of a sudden has nothing to do with Luke nor Leia. It's as if Star Wars wants to destroy itself by mistreating its cast of characters. Because of all the characters, only three go full circle: Jabba the Hutt, Yoda, and Darth Sidius.

Jabba is a crimelord who dies by the lifestyle. Same for Darth Sidius,  he exposes himself in one monologue, he conquers, he pillages with his red dick for years, and meets his Sith fate. Yoda is an old man who got careless, loses, and later sees hope before his own death.

Sure Darth Vader has a cycle of light to dark to light, but the transition to the dark side is rather poorly done. He gets mad because he has a hard on... so he kills kids...

Each transition to the next Jedi in the trilogies is done with poor education. Technically Anakin is too old, but then Luke is older and trains little yet is considered more powerful. Then there is Rey, as cool as she is...

I like that the new trilogy is trying to break the mold from the cycle that is the original trilogy. I like that the Last Jedi accelerated the process by making two movies into one because that leaves a 9th movie to do whatever. There is a strange affection circle between Rose, Finn, Rey, and Kylo; really makes me wonder.

The Last Jedi is a product of its time as much as Empire Strikes Back was, but the times are different and the new movie suffers for it.

Take a look at other movies like Rocky (1976) and Creed (2015). Their pacing is completely different. On the original, Rocky fights twice in all the movie; while in 2015, Adonis fights four times. On the original, Rocky has to invest time to be with Adrian; they don't get into relationship conflicts, they just learning each other. While for Creed, there are three conflicts with Bianca, two  which are fights, and only one is justified, in all that her hearing disability isn't brought up. Also the jogging sequences on both, one builds up to it; the other one has motorcycles.

It all comes down to pacing and how many ideas are crammed into a movie.

On Empire: Luke has to get rescued; the rebels have to escape; Luke goes on his quest; the others keep running; Luke meets with Yoda; Millenium Falcon and Lando; Han and Leia are in trouble with Vader; Luke tries to save the day, but instead loses his hand, plot twist, until the next movie.

On Last Jedi: the Rebels are running; Luke is now a sad Yoda; Leia is injured, the Rebels keep running; Poe Dameron comes up with a plan; Finn and Rose go to a casino; Rey is connected to Kylo Ren; Ren leaves Luke; Finn and Rose are capture; complicated action sequence, Poe still complaining; Snoke dies; lightsaber battle; Rey, Finn and Rose escape somehow and separate; the Rebels escape but still running, the First Order chases with Kylo at the helm; Luke appears; Finn almost dies, somehow they back in base?; Rey lifts rocks; Luke delays then dies; and the Rebels are reduced to the Millenium Falcon -

Times change, and edits have become very fast today - what I am working on has agressive edits as well; perharps other media, technology, digitalization of movies have all to do with the change. The Last Jedi could have been a good example of what movies today can be like - instead too many ideas have made the Force spread thin.


UPDATE:
It has been a minute since The Last Jedi came out. I stand by it, despite the glorious visuals, the movie sucks. Period.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - Movie Review

I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan. I do enjoy that realm of fiction quite a lot - I've fantasized about lightsabers, about flying one of those space ships, riding the sand speeder. Super Star Wars (SNES) is one of my favorite games of all time - could only beat it with Chewie tho. Yet, I don't care for it as much as other people - at least that is the impression I get when they talk about it. Also, I like the fucking Ewoks; I still find nothing wrong with them. Return of the Jedi is my favorite.

No, not the biggest fan; yet somehow I've seen all the theatrical releases since Phantom Menace. I saw Rogue One in 2D format in the theatre with friends. We were all blown away. Especially the scene where the rebel space ships attempt to escape only to get denied by Darth Vader's Imperial Star Destroyer. I saw it early enough to be able to watch the internet reviews without getting the story spoiled. I thought the movie did a good enough job making the audience care about a Star Wars story despite it not being a story about a Skywalker - about a character whom we don't know anything about, except that she is going to die; daddy and all. Yet somehow the internets is not entirely happy with the product.

It's not enough to see the effects of a Death Star [single] blast. It's not enough seeing Darth Vader molesting some rebel grunts. How about all the dogfights, K-2SO? All of a sudden the movie needs a purpose to exist in its universe. Sure it has its problems: the death scenes of Chirrut and Baze [machinegun backpack guy]... they are disorienting - the angles, the editing; I could not buy into it. Come to think of it, outside the deaths of the imperial droid and secondary characters - all the deaths are rather sloppy. Despite that, here is why Rogue One is welcome, in my books:

Rogue One made me like Darth Vader for once. He never looked strong in the other movies, and I couldn't understand why the big deal before. The movie shows how hard it is to move around or to do  much when you aren't a Force user. Having said that, Rogue One helps add perspective on the prequels. What it's like to see a movie full of lightsabers compared to a movie with just one lightsaber scene. And most importantly: the events of A New Hope have become that much more epic - might help watching these two together.

Movie Foods: Spudcake - The Martian (2015)

Spudcake:

Ingredients

Batter

50g cooking oil (used)

50g brown sugar

2 eggs

50ml milk

salt

~2 baked potatoes (120g)

1.5 cups of flour (150g)

[1tbsp baking powder]

2tsp candied ginger

Potato Milk

2 cups milk

2/3 cup sugar

potato skins

Frosting

1oz butter

8oz cream cheese

* Potato Milk

1/2 - 1 cup powdered sugar

Extra

French Fries

Steps:

Preheat Oven: 180ºC or 360ºF

(Watch the video for the steps)

1) fry the fries

2) core and sift baked potatoes

3) potato milk: cook at low heat for two hours

4) bring batter together: in oven for 40 mins

5) top off with cream cheese frosting

Original script transfer:

INT. KITCHEN - DAY
Quick montage of fries being pulled out of freezer - and into
the fryer.
The Host pulls out fries from the fryer.
HOST
Popcorn nights can be improved with
a better hardware; but I prefer a
more personal touch: through food
that matches the theme of what
you're watching.
("botany powers")
Sometimes popcorn is better, but
The Martian is perfect for a
MovieFoods - because potatoes.
(Show potatoes)
We start with baked potatoes.
Cut potatoes in half, core. Put the peel away into pot with
sugar, then milk.
HOST (CONT’D)
Yes, we use the peel of the potato
because that's where the flavor is.
This milk comes from this guy
[Heston Blumenthal]
(show book)
From his show Cook Like Heston,
episode six, the one about
potatoes. This milk is the heart of
these cupcakes, so the source has
to be mentioned.
Sift the pulp.
HOST (CONT’D)
Unlike the potatoes Mark Watney
eats in the movie - this recipe is
a sweet variation that comes in the
shape of cupcakes.
Now, we here at MovieFoods try to
create recipes that feel like an
extension to the movie experience.
It helps if there is a food
involved, as it is in this case.
The recipe has to be about the soul
of the movie. The Martian is fun,
and quite unique in approach - so
why not make some potato dessert.
[About sifting potato] You could do
this much faster with one of these:
(show ricer)
(MORE)
But the production value is really
in the budget. Anyways, the added
potato in the batter makes a
fluffier center.
In a bowl, add oil, sugar, eggs, milk, salt, candied ginger.
Mix, add potatoes, then flour.
HOST (CONT’D)
We make the batter as you would a
normal cupcake, but the butter is
replaced by oil. I like to use the
one from the fryer.
I chose to use candied ginger as
the only added spice since ginger
works well with potato; but the
choice of spice is up to you
really.
Build the molds.
HOST (CONT’D)
Now, if you're watching this and
wonder if there is an easier way,
yes. Just buy cupcakes from the
store, and as far as the potato
element; stop at the fries.
There is nothing wrong with pre-cut
fries aside from the premium price;
and there is also one advantage -
the freezing process dries the
walls of the chip, this creates
texture which translates into
crispiness. More importantly, I got
lazy.
This cupcake build is designed to
take advantage of the crisp and
soft sides of the potato. I hope.
Place the pan into the oven.
In bowl, cream the cheese, add potato milk, then powdered
sugar.
HOST (CONT’D)
Now for the frosting. Going for a
cream cheese version on this one.
Here is where we add the potato
milk. Be sure to check for
sweetness.
Now for the movie review portion:
(title card)
The movie is disco music in the
right all the right ways.
I took my mom to watch this movie
for her birthday. I am not sure she
liked it, but I was delighted at
the surprises.
This is a comedy that is getting
serious awards.
One of its downsides is that in its
core, the story is about this one
person whose mission in the story
is to survive. The movie does make
a compelling argument why one life
is important. It is not a movie
that tells the story of the
sacrifice of people throughout
history. But that's what makes this
movie so cool; it instead carries a
message of hope for the future -
through science.
(/title card)
Apply frosting.
HOST (CONT’D)
There, just like an austronaut -
crunchy on the ouside, soft on the
inside, and gooey at the top.
FADE OUT

My Favorite Movies This Year (2015)

Mind you, this list is limited to what this reviewer has been able to watch this year. It's a list of movie recommendations, and with so much movie pollution these recent times - I feel these are some that are worth a look.

Ant-Man (2015) was a decent movie, but can't say I'm liking these superhero movies all that much. I feel there's a lot more hype than substance behind these movies. Then again I feel there are positives to be seen in the Fantastic Four (2015), such as the actor's portrayals and some of the production work. And I do like The Amazing Spider-Man series, and I have no problems with the way Gwen Stacy died - maybe she didn't have to die - but for how the sequence goes, it was well shot. Also, to those fanboys of the original trilogy; remember they replaced Gwen for Mary Jane in the scenario Gwen dies.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) blew me away. Movie is so good, I hear the video game made for it is also good. In this day and age, that is a rarity that explains everything. 

Which brings me to Turbo Kid (2015); another movie set in a post apocalyptic setting where there were once robots and are mistreated, guzzoline is now replaced by bicycles, and people are extracted for water by the bad guy. The movie is Canadian.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) of course! The movie is not perfect. I like how the lightsaber battles were done, a bit more raw. I did not like how the Poe character disappears to then just reappear [makes me think he won't see the third film alive]. I loved the TIE fighter explosion - high finesse. Outside of the film, I appreciate the marketing behind it. The two new main characters are very likable. There has been some critiquing on how the Force and the lightsaber skills of Finn and Rey were handled, but I disagree. 

The new storm troopers are supposedly more skilled - you can see their brutality in the first shots. So for Finn to be able to use a lightsaber like he did makes sense, he wasnt deflecting blaster beams... as far as the Force goes - they said it, there has been an awakening. I don't recall hearing that phrase in any of the six previous episodes, so it must mean something. Maybe the Force feels desperate times after being away for a while. Also, it shouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities that Rey hadn't read about Jedis and what they could do; she is clearly a Luke Skywalker fan. Both Finn and Rey knew who Han Solo was. Maybe she is so pure she is able to control the Force. Not everything has to be explained.

If there is a perfect movie on this list; it's The Hateful Eight (2015). Yes, it's that Tarantino movie that had the script leaked, etc. For what it is, it's perfect. It's a two act story in the classic sense of theatre. A western movie in style and setting, but more like a crime mystery. What I like about this movie, it brings back movie making to it's classic roots - one of my personal visions...

Creed (2015) is the seventh Rocky film, and it rivals the first in quality. Years of moviemaking experience were used to create smooth use of the camera. Stallone as a serious actor... observe the moments where he doesn't speak.

Bridge of Spies (2015) is a Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg combo; which had once given us Saving Private Ryan (1998) once. I'd say this one is just as good, but much more mature in vision and message. If you pay attention, you'll notice how elaborate it really is. 

As far as stand-up comedy specials... well the thing about comedy is that it is subjective. My favorite ones this year are Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted (2015) and Bill Burr: I'm Sorry You Feel That Way (2015), Dane Cook: Troublemaker (2014). I like how they command the scene.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015), Terminator Genysis (2015) - there has been an action movie genre renaissance these past few years. And yes, the recent Terminator movie is a good movie - if you got over your bias... actually Terminator Genysis and The Force Awakens are much more similar in that sense.

The Intern (2015) is on the top of feel good movies. A relaxed Robert de Niro on camera is such a rare sight - you know, without that murder aura he carries in most of his movies?

 

On close reference there is Danny Collins (2015). Performed by a more approachable, kinder Al Pacino; still alcoholic though.

Magic Mike XXL (2015) is one to watch - its much better than the first one; a lot lighter in theme, none of those brooding moments from the first movie. My favorite thing about this movie is how Channing Tatum captures the feel of Florida, as he is from Tampa like me. A girl in a bikini wearing a bike helmet jumping on mattresses just explains it all.

Everything Before Us (2015) - Movie Reviews

This is the second movie that I have the pleasure of watching that was made by a YouTube/Internet celebrity [plural in Wong Fu's case]. Both movies were also primarily financed by their fans. 

I enjoyed it. In both cases they have captured what they do on the internet for a feature film. They both used a lot of cameos from other internet personalities - granted, I have to say the newer movie handled it much better. 

To describe the movie in short: it keeps the audience engaged with not a whole lot going on [if you're into romantic comedies] - and that is commendable.

The characters and performances are heartfelt and simple. They go about their romantic endeavors, and they act the way you expect them to act. It ends the way you'd think a movie in this genre would. There is even the disposable romantic partner for two of the characters.

By not a whole lot going on: I mean there are no car chases, grand fight scenes, or shoot-outs. No, this movie focuses solely on romantic conflicts, and the many opinions its creators had on the subject. And it does it beautifully. It handles the parallel story between the young couple and the more 'mature' couple with finesse.

This movie could easily pass for a movie made by a bigger studio - like one of those Lifetime movies, but filled with Asian Americans. It has that clean styled look with smooth, easy-to-follow, editing; that Wong Fu touch. 

On Tennis - June 2015

Today Novak Djokovic has defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarter finals of the French Open. This would mark the second loss in this tournament by Nadal - his only other loss came at Roland Garros was also in the quarter finals against Soderling in 2009. Today's match will probably become the Djoker's most important triumph over the undisputed King of Clay. The day before [yesterday] Roger Federer lost against fellow countryman Stanislaw Wawrinka on what some journalist call it "too easy". More on that later.

I am a die-hard Roger Federer fan. 

It wouldn't be a surprise since he is still the most popular player in the world. I have my reasons. Since I was little I had a liking to tennis, maybe because my dad liked it or I just got it. Maybe it was difficulty of following a tournament or players at the time, or maybe it was more inclined to playing with my toys - It wouldn't be until 2008 when I would become a tennis fanatic. Before I saw any of Federer's matches, all I'd keep hearing was his name. I wanted to she Sharapova's matches, but since none of the players in the WTA other than Serena Williams were as consistent as the males; it was hard to catch Maria's matches. So, at the 2008 US Open, I decided it was time to give the men and that dreaded Swiss player a watch - before the Open he had suffered an early exit in Cincinnati, which had made news, and got my interest up. And ever since I understood all the reasons why Roger Federer is loved all over the world.

Note: I am just writing out of memory and not looking into stats. So correct me if I am wrong.

I believe that Roger Federer deserves his greatest of all time [GOAT] title for all the things he has done in the world of tennis - he brought it back to life, he has taken it to the next level. But if we limit it to the tennis court on what can be done with a ball and a racquet - I have to give it to Novak Djokovic. What this guy has accomplished in the last five years is unbelievable. Now, Dojokovic may not break the seventeen slam record or the weeks at number one records that Federer has, nor he may never get to nine titles on a single slam like Nadal - Nole has his own records, but his best quality is that he can beat both in convincing fashion on their good days.

I have yet to see any real weaknesses on Novak Djokovic, since his revamped serve and gluten-free diet [circa late 2009] - he has no real nemesis, yet. He doesn't seem to need one. This may read ridiculous, but Roger Federer's air of dominance started to significantly dwindle with Andy Roddick's retirement. See, Federer was to Roddick what Nadal is to Federer. Although these seem to be one-sided rivalries given the records, these are important foundations for the success of Federer and Nadal respectively. Now, the tennis A-Rod may only have one slam to his name, but that's thanks to Roger. Federer on the other hand could have achieved the Grand Slam twice had it not been for Rafa. You will hear Rafa talk about Roger with a lot of respect. Don't kid yourself, Nadal knows he can beat Federer. He knows he can destroy him [may it be skill or match-up rules, doesn't matter]. but he plays against Roger like it was life depended on it every single point. And it kind of does. Rafa needs Roger to increase his confidence; to assure himself that he can win tournaments - I believe it was the same for Roger. So, does Rafa have a nemesis? Why yes, it's the Nole - the only player to be able to beat the King of Clay consistently, in clay - well, at least since gluten has left Novak's menu. Novak 2.0 is to Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray what Federer was to many players when the Majesty was untouchable.

I hate to admit all of this. It's not that I dislike Djokovic as a player. Ever since he started to make his way into the tennis world - people noticed him. He was known for being a great imitator; and he showed he could play with the 2008 Australian Open to his name - even back then. It's just that his style is rather 'standard' - if you can call his rubberband body to be within standard levels that is. He doesn't have the aesthetic finesse that Roger posesses, nor does he have that animalistic air and style of Rafa. No, Novak is just a nimble-looking guy, a two-handed back-hand, great shots all around. Djokovic right now is the embodiment of a complete player, he has no problem completely adapting his game to beat yours - but feels rather common at the same time. Maybe that's what it is; the reason why over the years I struggle in rooting for the new champ, Novak, is because I am unable to view his genius on the television screen. How do you think he has been able to beat Nadal in clay the way he has? Djokovic is the only player to be able to control Nadal's brutal top-spin. So yes, I'm calling it, Djokovic's best attribute is his ability to control spins - makes sense after years of playing catch-up with monster hits coming his way by the former top two players in the world.

We don't know what holds for Novak in the future. Will he ever find the Rafa to his Roger? We really don't know. Which brings me to Federer and his loss against Wawrinka. Every fucking time Roger loses they want the guy to retire. That was since I started watching. Seven fucking years I have had the displeasure of running into media articles talking about how Federer is done... How about they talk about Stan Wawrinka as an athlete instead of trashing the other player. Whenever I see the Wawrinka, I see a stronger version of Federer - Stan can serve, rally, and hit harder shots than Roger; one handed-backhand and all. Sure, Federer is the better player in many other aspects; Stan is less consistent. But when the Stanimal is on - what other player has been able to break the Nole's spirit? Recall the 2014 Australian Open final. Am I implying that Stan could be Nole's bane? Not really. However, they are both in the semifinals of this year's Roland Garros - separate draws. 
\

Book Review - Rousey, Ronda (2015). My Fight/Your Fight. Regan Arts.ISBN 978-1-941-39326-0.

*Book review after one read*

I have been a fan of Ronda since her first appearance in Conan. I believe that was after her first Miesha Tate fight. When I started following her, she had nearly sixty thousand followers in Facebook; now, that number surpasses a million. Although I like to keep objective - I do acknowledge this review is biased.

I loved the book. But is it any good? Fucking yeah it is. Even if it was a fictional story; this book is written with love and care. Despite the vast amount of information thrown at the reader, it is an easy read. I like a book that has a fast pace. In it, she goes from one moment [like a heartbreak], to the beginning of another journey in the next paragraph. I makes great use of symbolic elements to tie in chapters - like her thirteen-year story with her dad's flag. The book also makes great use of storytelling elements - how the her journey with picking a walk-in song ties in with her rise in one chapter. Moreover, it has a middle point [near the mid count]. It has a three act structure, and multiple plot twists I lost count. It was written with love.

I got the hard-cover version. The book's presentation is photographic. At the back of the cover, she shows her back. That wonderful lower-back to ass transition kills me every time I see it. The photos inside have photographic qualities to them [the use of black and white, etc]. I mean, there's photos, that alone is a nice touch. And thankfully it is not one of those books that have that middle glossy paper because it ruins the feel of the book midway. So, I like.

One nit-pick I have with it is that some of the pages aren't aligned, and some of the ink in some parts is blurry. Which tells me it was a rushed job. I wish it had that good old-fashioned library book - the leather; the felt. I feel this book is good enough to get that treatment. Here, my bias.

The book made me fall in love with Ronda - Because I can relate. Just like everyone else. But it also helped me understand why some people wouldn't like her. She is intense. She is opinionated, and hard headed. All those qualities that make her a champion.

A note about parenting: I am not a parent, but I have been to take a fatherly role with my younger sister nine years my junior; as well as help care for friend's kids. I respect Dr. AnnMarie's method of raising Ronda. But nowhere in this book does it mention that Dr. AnnMarie's style worked only because it is Ronda fucking Rousey. She knew she had to take that risk with Ronda. She saw a champion in her that she didn't see with her other daughters. She was desperate. I get the feeling from the book that Dr. AnnMarie had to become Ronda's father figure in pretty much all aspects. Her work is a work of genius - and I know the results went beyond her own imagination. But yes, for all you parents/future parents: Do not attempt what you read at home without professional supervision.

Like I said, it is a great book for many reasons. No other book has urged me to write a review on it; maybe that is contributed because I am a huge fan of hers. But in the literary sense, it is a great motivational book. This is aside from the countless pep-talk rants Ronda has all over the book - I am referring to the story itself. For the first half of it: Ronda is surrounded by elements that worked against her. A lot of betrayal happens in the book; although I must admit that she is quite unforgiving as a character. But when you persevere, all of a sudden, in the second half of the book; people are starting to care for her - she is then surrounded by love.

In accordance to this book, a pep talk: when the environment you live in works to put you down; you must persevere because it means that you are destined for greatness, if you make it through the impossible odds, that is. But why not? What is there to lose? Your life? Fuck your current life. Meh, hers are better.

It is an open attack letter to many of those who have wronged her. The first half of the book is dedicated to US Judo. Some parts are dedicated in trashing the people that she felt wronged her. I mean, there is rage all over this book. It is delightful. There was also stabs at other fighters, particularly Miesha - the first appetizer came in the shape of a grammar correction to one of Tate's tweets.

I connected to the personality of Ronda Rousey the moment I saw her on that show [in the shape of a YouTube video]. I then saw her fights, on the Internet. Her fighting style, forward... I then watched her interviews, and I started to realize she follows the way of the Bushido through her Judo [which is confirmed in the book]. Bushido is the Japanese warrior way for being good. It is the Japanese warrior's code of honor. I myself am a every-now-and-then-probably-won't-return Kendo practitioner; another art that follows, yes, Bushido. I agree with Ronda's views on the sport, not that I know much of it, but Olympic martial arts are becoming all about competition. Points - that's not what Judo used to stand for... and it's not just Judo. This is a topic for another time.

My first Kendo sensei once said, and this has one stuck with me fourteen years later, when you are going to hit your opponent, use your ki - your emotions, use this love to give him/her your all. When she talks about beating the opponent - like Mike Tyson has said - that you use this rage, this need for destruction... Well, I disagree. And I did start getting a sense of it near the end of the book; Ronda started to speak of fighting with love. It is an ancient martial arts tradition that is constantly shown in anime and manga, there is a good and evil side of fighting, and though the good is harder to achieve - it is the strongest one [I think this pep-talk piece is better].

My Fight/Your Fight is also a great sports book. In it she describes how she thinks. You read it while you watch replays of her fights, and you are the closest you can be inside a fighter's head. I tried it, and it was awesome. She even gives out her training routine. She tells other fighters how she trains. It is like she is inviting people to memorize her so that they have a better chance at beating her. - There many elements to this book; which is why it makes it a book to read if you don't mind reading cuss words - I mean, really, what the fuck.

In closing, I would love to meet her one day. Sit down, have a conversation. But that is highly unlikely, and that is ok. The book has helped me understand somethings about myself. Yeah, she is fucking good at this pep-talk business -

I do wonder what volume two of her story brings. I think her biggest challenge is yet to come. What will happen if she loses? How would that shape her? Can she stay at the top of her game until a worthy opponent shows up? No, seriously. It´d be a dream come true to sit with her.