The above is the sneak peek for the upcoming ‘Street Fighter’ movie.  For those who don’t know, ‘Street Fighter’ is a long-running video game series that began in 1987.  It’s one of the most popular games in the fighting genre.  Yet, the trailer looks really goofy in a way, but . . . That makes me want to watch it more.

Long ago, they made a live-action ‘Street Fighter’ movie, which was also the final role for Raul Julia.  He played the main villain, M. Bison, and hammed it up to the point where he was the best part of the whole film.  It was corny, but it really didn’t have the draw that one would hope for.  From what I remember, the film tried very often to take itself seriously while also going over-the-top.  I mean, one character is a green-skinned, red-haired cannibal monster who can discharge electricity from his body.  So, it felt off when it tried to be serious.

This new one has only had a sneak peek, but I feel like its still goofy and entertaining.  It could be terrible though, so who knows.  My point is that something about the outlandish and oddness of the trailer is appealing.  Friends who are heavy into the franchise lore think otherwise, but I find myself drawn to whatever this is.  Maybe it’s psychologically refreshing to see something that doesn’t take itself too seriously and exists solely for entertainment?

A lot of modern stories are designed to have overt social commentary, which results in that overshadowing the entertainment factor.  Works for some, but one that requires being in the right mood.  If you go in hoping to just have fun and leave reality, you could be broken out of the moment by any heaviness.  This isn’t to say all stories need to be for pure entertainment, but a balance is needed.  For all I know, ‘Street Fighter’ has a message about income inequality or climate change, but that won’t hurt anything if the primary focus is on the fighting.  Over the top goofiness helps here too because it can be a draw for the story.

I guess this would explain why comedy is such a popular genre and many others have it somewhere in the tone.  Still, there is something to be said for a story that lean heavily into not taking itself too seriously.  What is said tends to depend on the person.  I’m one who enjoys such things while I have friends who scoff at the slightest bit of silliness outside of a full comedy story.  The seriousness and maturity of the audience should be taken into account, but it’s such a big variation that you know you’re going to have someone upset with your decision.  Even a character designed to be comic relief in a serious story can come under fire for ‘ruining the mood’.

Well, I already said what I personally feel, which shouldn’t be a surprise.  Anyone who has read my stories know I like having there be comedic moments.  I make sure not to have them damage the serious ones, which many authors forget.  A joke can break tension, but timing is everything.  Too early and it destroys the overall scene.  Don’t think that’s going to be a big issue with ‘Street Fighter’, but you never know.

So, what’s your goofiness tolerance level?  If it’s low then you’re going to get a kick out of Wednesday and Friday.  😀