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Good days.

I heard you’re a bit low on the yapping dose, so I’m back with a spontaneous episode of my take on Zendaya’s new film: “Challengers.”

It’s a love-hate relationship.

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3 Random Things I Hate About “Challengers”

“Hey, I thought you said you love it?!!!"

I do. But doesn't everyone have some grudges against people they love?

Like how you love your parents, but they keep asking when you're getting married. It pisses you off sometimes, right?

This is neither a critique or analytical piece about the movie. It’s simply my take on it and I’m reducing as many spoilers as possible. You’re welcome.

THE TIME JUMPS

They were so unnecessary and confusing. Some might argue they were illogical. The only cue that helped me to notice them was the characters’ hair.

• Tashi’s hair getting shorter.

• Art’s hair getting shorter and less blond.

• Patrick’s facial hair sprouting out of hands.

LOUD-A** MUSIC

The music was great, don’t get me wrong. Certified bops for this summer.

But why were they so loud?

To my ear-sensitive subscribers, don’t forget your earplugs!

ZENDAYA’S STRUT

I get it, she serves very hard. All of the models out there should be thankful Zendaya chose the runway as her side gig.

BUT, there were moments in this movie where she struts and catwalks: across the court, down the water, in an alleyway - which are so, so random.

Again, unnecessary.

3 Things I Love About “Challengers”

PRODUCT PLACEMENT

Usually, I get irritated if sponsored brands overflow the screen and are illogically displayed. But “Challengers” has finessed its way around it.

• During her stardom, Tashi drapes in Adidas. 

• During his stardom, Art drapes in Uniqlo.

• Being the rich and posed couple, Tashi and Art advertise for Aston Martin.

Meanwhile, Patrick’s clothes are brand-less and probably thrifted, given his downgraded status as a “surviving” tennis player. So why does excessive product placement works in this film?

It’s an easy answer: in tennis, brand partnerships rule. This is applicable across all sports.

Dressing an emerging athlete cements a brand's identity as a creator of champions. And that sticks forever.

So, it makes sense that as Art and Tashi get more famous, they are endorsed by more brands.

And for the first time, I might get a tennis skirt for the summer.

ZENDAYA’S FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

STORY ON PRIVILEGES

Sure, Tashi loves the game of tennis.

But Tashi also carries the weight of this heavy love on her: she has to turn her passion into a full-time job to support her family.

This was something that teenage Patrick and Art didn’t get because they were more privileged. They played for the fun. She played for her role as the breadwinner.

@sovlust

in the back of my mind #tashiduncan#zendaya#challengers#challengersmovie#challengersedit#zendayaedit#fyp#artdonaldson#wildflower#billieeil... See more

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