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Reacting to 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' and 'Licorice Pizza' (Patreon)

Published:
2021-11-19 18:10:48
Imported:
2026-06
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In this Patreon exclusive audio, I share my thoughts on Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Licorice Pizza. But mostly, this is about my experience watching and reacting to these films, thinking through whether/how I should review them, plus weighing a decision I need to make about one of them. I hope you find it interesting and as I mention in the audio, if you have any thoughts, I'm open to hearing them in the comments below (or hit me up via DM)!

PATRONS: You can get this audio in your podcast app by going to patreon.com/davechen, going to the "My Membership" section, and copying and pasting the RSS link to your podcast app.

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Comments

Suren DeSilva

Hi Dave, I’m a long time fan and supporter of all your endeavors and I say write the GQ piece. You’re such an inflective, thoughtful person; your voice and opinions are important. I think you writing that piece would resonate with a lot of people who feel the same way. When the inevitable backlash hits, please try and remember the quiet people who like and share the post. I’m sure they will outnumber the loud/awful people. Whatever you choose to do, you deserve all the success in the world.

Tony C

Thank you Dave! GQ article sounds like a fantastic opportunity to share you point of view with people who may not have considered it. There's defiantly a way to cover your perspective in a respectful way. There could be a creative angle of approach? Maybe weaving in a bit of humor? (having not seen the movie, not quite sure how this could work) The movie is set in the past correct? Is there something to be said about dated terrible inappropriate ways that characters in movies that were shot in the past talk vs dated terrible inappropriate ways that characters in movies that are SET in the past talk? Defiantly sounds like a great opportunity!

Brandon Lee Tenney

Write the essay, Dave. With all of this complication. Trust your morality.

M. R. Turnage

Please add my voice to the chorus of your praise. Yes. Do it. Write the piece.

Chris

I’ll be the one to say I’m not sure writing the article will be worth it. I think you need to make and old fashion pros/cons list. What is the best possible result of writing it? You get asked to write more movie reviews? You introduce some more people to your work? What is the most optimistic outcome from doing it? Now is that worth knowing the impending hate mail that is to come. We all know they’re shitty opinions stemming from hate and racism, but you do have to account your own mental well being and if you are in a place to take in all of that hate. Your 2nd point hit home for me too. Are you really just the aggrieved Asian critic? You’ve been an established film reviewer/podcaster for many years and this is what they come to you for? Maybe it’s my own insecurities but it doesn’t sit right with me. Anyways, I’ve read some of your writing before and I know you’d do a great job if you decide to take it. This is just my two cents.

Iain

I just got done watching Ghostbusters Afterlife - I agree with your somewhat redacted take on the film, FWIW. I was somewhat taken aback by your comments about not wanting your negative thoughts/feelings about both of these movies (Ghostbusters Afterlife and Licorice Pizza) to make it back to the directors, as you feel indebted to/reverance for both people. As an avid listener and supporter, I value your opinions, good, bad, or indifferent; that’s what a good reviewer passes on to readers/listeners. Your honest opinions challenge mine, at times, and I find that to be mentally invigorating. I’d hate to think you’re ‘pulling punches’ or staying silent, due to personal feelings towards the movie makers. Your best friends are the ones to call you on your shit, while others are blowing the smoke. I’m being extreme, of course. If these guys (two directors, in this case), or anyone, for that matter, respect you, they’ll respect your opinion, as long as it’s genuine. It seems disingenuous to filter your opinions for your reviews. I can say this to you, because I know you to be a man of integrity and your opinion are honest. BTW, I’m Scottish, why is it widely acceptable to make fun of that accent? I jest; even I make fun of it. Sometimes, it’s good to laugh at ourselves. This all comes from a place of love, Dave. Keep it up!

Tom Scholfield

Hey Dave, been listening for many, many years, haven’t reached out often, but this post compelled a response! I can feel your struggle with this one. I concur with what Tony says above, there is a way to write the GQ piece that doesn’t come off as rude or disrespectful to PTA or his team. Focusing the article on you for instance, your history with the portrayal of Asian characters and culture in entertainment and how you would have hoped it would have changed over time, how it has or hasn’t. Imagine your first “encounter” with PTA not as him reading this negative article, but as him seeing this thoughtful, well written subjective critique of a film going experience. One thing that made me sad when hearing you talk of your experience was the fact that for me seeing a movie with a crowd of strangers IS the true magic that movies create for me. Having that experience of joy, sadness, fright, etc. with a crowd of people is so powerful. The fact that it was ruined for your because of this really hurts, exploring that idea would be interesting and that is only partially PTA’s responsibility, it’s also the other people in the room and what American culture has told them what should be funny, and it’s you, bringing all your past hurt from that American entertainment culture. I’m reminded of something Jeff said on a Filmcast episode a while back about how he wants his reviews to be very subjective, bringing all of himself and his reasons for what he loves or hates to a review. This article coming from a very respectful, extremely subjective point of view could be enlightening for many, especially from your gifted and thoughtful voice. There will of course be people who don’t understand or (won’t) choose to and that is something to weigh, if you want that kind of negative energy in your world. Finally, about being the “guy who just speaks about Asian grievances.” You have over a decade of work out there, containing hundred of hours speaking about many other grievances 😉. You can’t change the fact that your Asian, or what that brings to your reviews and criticism. I would bet that many people (MANY PEOPLE) find this fact a positive about your content. This also made me thing about Walter Chaw, he often has criticisms around how Asian characters or culture is portrayed. I very much valued the discussion you had with him about Shang-Chi for instance where you had pretty differing opinions. But, Walter Chaw is seen as much more than an “Asian critic.” I believe you are/would be too, even with the potential GQ piece. Much love Dave, keep up the great work which ever way you go.

Stephen David Miller

I can’t say anything more insightful than what folks already have. Write the article. Write it in the same conflicted, complicated, self-interrogating style you voiced to us. Use the 8 Mile approach and throw out every strawman the trolls will use before they can hit the comments section. You don’t hate the movie; in fact, you love it. You don’t ascribe malevolent motives. You can take a joke. You grew up with South Park and edgy-for-edgy’s-sake shit. You know that bad characters != bad creators. And yet, this is what you feel. I think it will be brilliant, and if it indeed gets to PTA, I think it would be a fantastic launching point for a vulnerable conversation.

Miles Rudy

On the one hand I think the GQ offer is an exciting opportunity, but on the other hand I’m distrustful of how such an article might be handled by them. It may just be the cynic in me, but I worry about what kind of divisive headline they might use or how they might edit your piece to mitigate the thoughtfulness and even-handedness of your intent. I think the best version of this essay would be something you would be proud to be associated with and have as a springboard for your critical career. The question is, how much do you trust the publication to honor that?

Jef Caine

With all respect to your reservations which are totally valid, I'd say you pointing out that no one else seems to be talking about this is a good reason for you to write the article. If it's a conversation you wish more people were having - why not take the opportunity to spark the conversation.

Jack Lee

No one ever get beat up in middle school if you have a funny French or British accent. But If you have an Indian, Chinese or Vietnamese or some other 3rd world accent, you better be big and strong to fight off the bullies. I think your feeling is well justified.