I just don’t understand people’s disdain for a good action/thriller movie. There are wonderful dramas being made on TV now, the lists are long. Why does everything have to be top sirloin steak, sometimes I just want a burger.
Can you be more specific?
So are you asking why stupid yet fun movies are getting the bum wrap while the likes of "Oscar bait" are getting all the attention?
A Participant says:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a lap-dance/Michael Bay movie.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving a stripper/Michael Bay money.
We just don't like to admit to either in polite company.
Just don't try to claim that "That's My Boy" is entertainment ;-)
If it's made by fat cats for $300 million in the hopes it will make them richer by $600 million plenty. Went to see Prometheus this afternoon and my take is the substance of the story doesn't hold up to the quality of the special effects. The trouble with entertainment these days is that's all we will tolerate. Preachers have to entertain to get attention, teachers give away candy and prizes and show DVD movies during slow times. (Of which there are few these days) We overspend for cars and houses so they can be constructed in ways that entertain us.
We seek mates who entertain us. We carry cell phones and portable game playing devices so we will always be entertained. As a result we are in debt, poorly governed, and live shallow lives. Why would anyone have a problem with movies that just want to entertain?
@ Michael – Sure, you got me, just stirring the pot.
@ Sean – No, I guess I was too vague. I just feel people are too critical of some genres, like there could never be something of value because of its entertainment level. I don’t always need to be intellectually hammered. I work hard and my brain sometimes needs down time. Hope that helps.
@ Scott – I wouldn’t pay to see that movie. I didn't see John Carter or Battleship because the uncreative trailers (Story and visuals) told me they were crap. I did not hand over my money. But I’m not going to cut up a movie I have not seen. – Not saying you would either.
@ Calvin – You said -- “As a result we are in debt, poorly governed, and live shallow lives. Why would anyone have a problem with movies that just want to entertain?” I never said JUST entertain. I’ve worked on two Darren Aronofski films. Enough said.
I believe that the best way to get your message across is through entertainment. People don’t realize they are digesting it till they have gobbled it up. A discovery from the reader/viewer of this truth will last longer and be more powerful; simply because it has not been preached to them.
Jason
the only way to get your message across is through entertainment. And I enjoy entertainment as much as anybody. My fear is that we are losing our ability to do the hard work of learning and thinking, and the discipline required for enduring drudgery. All are necessary to get along in this world where just having food to eat is enough entertainment still for a lot of folks.
Calvin,
I agree that not all are critical thinkers. But to that fact, I believe that if someone is incapable of seeing the bigger picture, even when you make it obvious, they will reject it because they feel spoon-feed.
Full Metal Jacket is a good example of a movie that a Meathead would think – Great action, good kill. But we know that there is much more going on by Kubrick. I wont get preachy about it though.
I think your comment may be the subtext of your next script. It true, current, and full of conflict. Just make it entertaining and I will watch it.
@ Jason Snea,
Ah. I love horror and comedy. But never was much into drama. And personally I do think the latter soaks all the attenton.
