Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm-Chapter 457 - 456: Blackening Myself!

"Drew, are we ready to begin?"

"Uh... Martin, let me confirm this again. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Relax, I know what I'm doing. Go ahead!"

Martin hung up the phone and casually picked up a newspaper from the table.

The World News.

It featured a review by Roger Ebert.

Even after being suppressed by Martin and losing his job at the Chicago Sun-Times, the old man had found a new platform.

After bashing Martin's Step Up, he had now written an extensive review praising Hulk.

"Hulk is unique among Marvel superheroes because his abilities are more of a curse than an advantage. When rage overtakes Dr. Bruce Banner, transforming him into a towering green monster, it's not to battle evil or defend America—it's simply to lash out at those who torment him."

"Like his predecessor, Frankenstein, Hulk serves as a warning against the hubris of those who tamper with the mysteries of life. It is a tale of the agony that comes with possessing a power one never sought nor desired. As Banner tells his only friend, Betty Ross: 'What scares me the most is that when it happens, when I lose control... I like it.'"

"Ang Lee's Hulk is the most thought-provoking comic book adaptation in recent years. More than a tale of a green monster, it is a psychological exploration of two wounded individuals suffering from the sins of their fathers. Banner's father, a scientist, experimented on his own DNA, unknowingly passing the altered genes to his son. Betty Ross, Banner's research partner and almost-lover, is herself trapped in a toxic cycle, drawn to emotionally distant men. Her cold and domineering father, General Ross, is determined to destroy the Hulk."

"This film's heart lies in these two deeply Oedipal conflicts. We see not just superheroes and villains but broken children at war. When the Hulk's astonishing power is revealed, the military naturally seeks to kill him—standard protocol in most alien or monster films. But another antagonist, Talbot, a greedy entrepreneur, has a more sinister agenda: to exploit Banner's secret and create self-healing soldiers, profiting immensely from it."

"This film raises questions about genetic experimentation, the misuse of scientific research, and our instinctive fear of those who don't fit in. And unlike most blockbusters, it actually discusses these issues. Remember, Ang Lee is the director of The Ice Storm, Sense and Sensibility, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—he strives to genuinely explore the Hulk's deeper themes rather than simply relying on mindless special effects."

"Hulk contains numerous cinematic references. King Kong is undoubtedly a major inspiration, while Bride of Frankenstein is another—particularly in the scene where Hulk gazes at his reflection in a pond. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the obvious literary precursor. Other references include Citizen Kane (Hulk's rampage in the lab) and The Right Stuff (a jet soaring high enough to see the stars). General Ross also carries echoes of General Jack D. Ripper from Dr. Strangelove, played with chilling restraint by Elliott."

"This film employs a visually elegant storytelling style, with a technique reminiscent of comic books: frequently switching angles within the same close-up—rather than cutting to a new shot, it subtly shifts perspectives within the same frame, mimicking how graphic artists handle extended conversations."

"Without a doubt, this is a comic book adaptation unlike any other. Its depth and meaning surpass that of its genre peers. Ang Lee masterfully blends commerce with artistry, transforming them to serve his own vision. This is a superhero film for those who dislike superhero films."

(P.S.: The above is Roger Ebert's actual review of Hulk. This is NOT the author sucking up to Ang Lee, haha!)

"Wow, that's a lot of words," Martin chuckled, amused. "They really went all out with the praise."

The higher they were praised now, the harder they would fall later.

The "praise one, bash the other" tactic was common among film critics, but Martin already knew Hulk would bomb at the box office while Step Up would soar.

It was time to permanently bury the influence of film critics.

Of course, some "necessary" measures had to be taken.

The next day—

A flood of negative reviews about Step Up suddenly appeared online.

"Martin does nothing but pose in this movie. No real talent on display."

"Martin's ugliest and worst film."

"Jessica is hideous. Can she even dance?"

"This film is completely worthless."

"A disgusting, brain-dead movie."

"Anne Fletcher should stick to being a dance teacher—she has no idea how to direct."

Martin scrolled through the online comments, his smile widening.

That's right.

All these negative reviews?

He had Drew hire a troll army to post them.

He was blackening his own film.

Savage move!

And why?

Just look at the replies under these comments.

"Martin does nothing but pose in this movie. No real talent on display."

Reply 8,871: "Are you blind? That dance sequence was incredible! The romance was beautiful! You must be blind."

Reply 2: "On the contrary, Martin's dance moves were the best part of the film. I seriously doubt your taste."

"Martin's ugliest and worst film."

Reply 1: "Ugly? Worst? Do you even know what you're talking about?"

Reply 2: "Obvious hater from a rival studio. Keep talking—I'm going to watch it again!"

"Jessica is hideous. Can she even dance?"

Reply 1: "How dare you insult my goddess Jessica! You must be some jealous old hag."

Reply 2: "Your comment just reveals how ugly you are inside. Look in a mirror before you insult others."

"A disgusting, brain-dead movie."

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Reply 1: "I think YOU are disgusting!"

Reply 2: "So many malicious reviews online, and people are giving it low ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. I bet a rival studio is trying to smear Step Up."

Reply 3: "These jerks! Everyone who loves Martin, Jessica, and Step Up, go rate it highly on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes! Let's restore its rightful score."

Martin leaned back in his chair, grinning.

People naturally rebel against negativity.

The more you attack something, the more its supporters rally to defend it.

And so, with just a few well-placed bad reviews, Martin had sparked an avalanche of positive responses.

His movie's reputation was skyrocketing.

And the film critics?

Well, they had no idea what was coming.