How It Should Have Ended (HISHE) brilliantly exposes the narrative inconsistencies and logical fallacies inherent in popular films by offering alternate, often comedic, conclusions. HISHE functions as a critical lens, challenging viewers to question established storytelling conventions and recognize missed opportunities for more satisfying or even realistic resolutions. HISHE’s success lies not just in humor, but in highlighting the fragility of narrative suspension of disbelief.
Deconstructing Hollywood: The HISHE Phenomenon
How It Should Have Ended, born from the minds of Daniel Baxter and Tommy Watson, has become a YouTube institution. Their animated shorts dissect blockbuster movies, meticulously identifying plot holes, contrived scenarios, and character actions that defy logic. But HISHE does more than just point out flaws; it presents viable alternatives, demonstrating how a more rational, consistent, or simply more entertaining conclusion could have been achieved. This isn’t just about mocking movies; it’s about exploring the art of storytelling and the audience’s inherent desire for narrative coherence.
The HISHE Formula: Humor and Logic
The core of HISHE’s success lies in its clever blend of humor and logical reasoning. The animation style, while simple, is effective in conveying comedic situations and highlighting absurdities. The dialogue is sharp and witty, often employing dry humor and self-aware commentary on the filmmaking process. But beneath the surface of the jokes lies a genuine understanding of narrative structure and audience expectations. HISHE dissects films with a critical eye, exposing the weak points where the story falters and offering solutions that, while often exaggerated, resonate with a sense of what could have been. The frequent appearance of the Superhero Cafe with Superman and Batman, the embodiment of opposing ideologies, provides a consistent meta-commentary on heroism and storytelling itself.
Impact and Influence
HISHE has had a significant impact on online film criticism and fan culture. It’s popularized the concept of “plot holes” and encouraged viewers to engage with movies more critically. The series has also influenced other content creators, leading to a proliferation of videos that dissect films and offer alternate endings. But HISHE remains the gold standard, thanks to its consistent quality, clever writing, and enduring appeal. Its ability to find the absurd in the familiar, and offer solutions that are both hilarious and insightful, has cemented its place in the landscape of online film criticism.
Examples of Brilliant HISHE Endings
HISHE’s impact can be best understood through specific examples. Several endings are iconic within the HISHE community and perfectly demonstrate their ability to highlight shortcomings while offering plausible or comedic alternatives.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: The Eagle Solution
One of the most famous and frequently referenced critiques in film history revolves around the Eagles in The Lord of the Rings. Why didn’t they simply fly Frodo to Mount Doom? HISHE’s version of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King acknowledges this directly, with Gandalf summoning the Eagles early on to resolve the quest swiftly and efficiently. This highlights the contrivance of the narrative journey and poses a legitimate question about the need for the arduous quest, even within the bounds of the established fantasy world.
Star Wars: Palpatine’s Weakness
The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was widely criticized for its convoluted plot and unearned resolutions. HISHE addressed this by simply having Palpatine use his Force abilities to prevent Rey from deflecting his Force lightning with her lightsaber. This simple change highlights the absurdity of Palpatine’s defeat and points out the lack of internal consistency in the film’s depiction of Force powers.
Harry Potter: Voldemort’s Strategy
In the final battle of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, Voldemort could have easily won if he had simply focused his attacks on Harry Potter directly, instead of engaging in elaborate magical duels. HISHE’s version shows Voldemort employing this more strategic approach, swiftly defeating Harry and ending the story. This exemplifies how a minor adjustment in character behavior could dramatically alter the outcome, exposing the artificiality of the chosen narrative path.
The Art of Subverting Expectations
HISHE’s success comes from understanding and subverting audience expectations. By identifying established tropes and clichés, and then twisting them in unexpected ways, HISHE creates moments of both humor and insight.
Recognizing Tropes and Clichés
A key element of the HISHE formula is recognizing and leveraging established tropes and clichés. For example, the “villain monologue” is a common trope that often allows the hero to escape. HISHE frequently mocks this trope by showing the villain being immediately apprehended or defeated while delivering their monologue. Similarly, the “convenient Deus ex Machina” is often exploited, replaced with a more logical or even absurd solution.
Creating Unexpected Twists
Once a trope or cliché is identified, HISHE subverts it by introducing an unexpected twist. This could involve a character acting in a more rational or strategic manner, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle being easily overcome, or a plot hole being directly addressed. These twists are often humorous, but they also serve to highlight the artificiality of the original narrative.
Maintaining Internal Consistency
While HISHE often deviates from the original plot, it strives to maintain internal consistency. The alternate endings are not simply random or nonsensical; they are based on established rules and logic within the film’s universe. This is what distinguishes HISHE from simple parody; it’s not just about making jokes, but about offering plausible alternatives that challenge the original narrative in a meaningful way.
The Future of HISHE
The future of HISHE looks bright. The series has cultivated a loyal fanbase and continues to generate millions of views on YouTube. The creators have also expanded their reach through merchandise and collaborations with other content creators.
Continued Popularity and Evolution
HISHE’s continued popularity stems from its consistent quality and its ability to adapt to changing trends. The series has evolved over time, incorporating new animation techniques, incorporating more complex narratives, and tackling a wider range of films. This willingness to innovate and experiment ensures that HISHE remains fresh and relevant.
The Enduring Appeal of Critical Engagement
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of HISHE lies in its ability to foster critical engagement with film. The series encourages viewers to think about the choices that filmmakers make, the impact of those choices on the narrative, and the potential for alternative outcomes. This critical lens enhances the viewing experience and encourages a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How It Should Have Ended
Here are twelve frequently asked questions about How It Should Have Ended, designed to provide a deeper understanding of the series and its impact.
1. What software do they use to create HISHE?
HISHE uses a combination of software for animation and editing. While the specific software has changed over time, they primarily rely on Adobe Flash (now Adobe Animate) for the animation itself, and Adobe Premiere Pro or similar video editing software for assembling the final product, adding sound effects, and incorporating music.
2. How long does it take to make one HISHE episode?
The production time for a single HISHE episode can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the film being analyzed and the length of the alternate ending. Generally, it takes several weeks to a month for the team to complete one episode from initial concept to final rendering and upload. Research, writing, animation, voice acting, and editing all contribute to this timeframe.
3. Do the filmmakers of the original movies know about HISHE?
Yes, many filmmakers and actors are aware of HISHE. Some have even publicly acknowledged and praised the series. HISHE has even collaborated with some studios on promotional materials, suggesting a positive relationship with the industry. However, it’s impossible to know the specific feelings of every filmmaker whose work has been parodied.
4. Has HISHE ever gotten any negative feedback from the film industry?
While HISHE is generally well-received, there have likely been instances of disagreement or concern, although not publicly reported in a significant manner. The critical nature of HISHE inherently invites debate, and some filmmakers might not appreciate their work being dissected and humorously subverted, but no major public controversies have arisen.
5. Where is the Superhero Cafe located?
The exact location of the Superhero Cafe is never explicitly stated, adding to the comedic mystique. However, based on the architecture and general ambiance, it’s commonly assumed to be located in a generic American city with a vibrant superhero population. Its nonspecific location allows it to serve as a universal gathering point for superheroes from various fictional universes.
6. Why are Superman and Batman always arguing?
Superman and Batman’s constant arguments represent a fundamental philosophical difference: Superman represents optimism, hope, and adherence to strict moral codes, while Batman embodies cynicism, pragmatism, and a willingness to bend the rules to achieve justice. Their clashing ideologies provide a consistent source of comedic friction and insightful commentary on the nature of heroism.
7. Does HISHE make money from its videos?
Yes, HISHE generates revenue through various channels, including YouTube ad revenue, Patreon support, and merchandise sales. The series’ popularity and large subscriber base allow it to sustain itself and continue producing content.
8. What is the “Evil Genius” meme used by HISHE?
The Evil Genius meme, often represented by a character stroking a cat, is a satirical portrayal of villains who believe they are exceptionally clever and cunning, but whose plans are often overly complicated, nonsensical, or easily foiled. HISHE uses this meme to highlight the ridiculousness of villainous schemes and the flawed logic behind them.
9. What is the most popular HISHE video?
While viewership numbers fluctuate, one of the most consistently popular HISHE videos is “How The Avengers: Age of Ultron Should Have Ended.” Its witty commentary on the film’s plot holes and the Avengers’ strategic failures has resonated with millions of viewers.
10. Can I suggest a movie for HISHE to do?
Yes, HISHE welcomes suggestions from its viewers. Fans can submit movie ideas through various channels, including social media platforms like Twitter (now X), YouTube comments, and their official website (if available). While not every suggestion is guaranteed to be used, the HISHE team often takes fan input into consideration when selecting future projects.
11. Will HISHE ever run out of movies to parody?
Given the constant stream of new blockbuster releases and the vast library of existing films, it’s highly unlikely that HISHE will ever run out of material. Moreover, the series can always revisit older films from a fresh perspective, ensuring its continued relevance.
12. What makes HISHE different from other movie parody channels?
HISHE distinguishes itself from other movie parody channels through its unique blend of humor, logical analysis, and animation quality. It doesn’t simply make jokes about movies; it critically examines their plot holes and offers plausible or comedic alternatives that are grounded in the film’s own internal logic. This intellectual approach, combined with its memorable characters and consistent quality, sets it apart from its competitors.