0 for 3 - Why are there so few good movies?

[The Burgomaster]

I have seen 3 movies in theaters this weekend:

* THE SIMPSON'S
* MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY
* HALLOWEEN

The only one I had high hopes for was THE SIMPSON'S, but I also expected MR. BEAN and HALLOWEEN to be decent.  Unfortunately, THE SIMPSON'S was a disappointment with only a handful of laugh-out-loud moments; MR. BEAN was less than decent, but not quite a bad movie; and HALLOWEEN started out with a lot of promise but ended with a huge flat tire.  In hindsight, I really didn't need to see any of these movies.

I'm somewhat intrigued by the upcoming I AM LEGEND, although something tells me they'll screw it up.  I also see that there is a remake of THE HEARTBREAK KID on the way.  Another pointless remake.  The Charles Grodin original is fine.  Let's leave it alone.

Earlier in the summer I saw TRANSFORMERS.  Brainlessly entertaining, but it could have and should have been a lot better.  I liked SPIDER-MAN 3, but it was a bit long and should have been streamlined.  RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER was a disappointment, as was GHOST RIDER.

So, why are there so few good movies and when will we see the "big turnaround" to more quality filmmaking?  (If I see "Directed by Brett Ratner" one more time, I think I'll get the dry heaves).  Should I just avoid the big-hype movies and stick to Dame Judi Dench period pieces and Martin Scorsese gangster flicks?  Can someone help me here?  I would really like to occasionally see movies with lost of car chases and things exploding that are actually pretty good.  But they seem to be few and far between . . . and getting more difficult to find every year.  Maybe that's why I buy so many older DVDs.  But I LOVE going to the movies!
 

[Susan]

i'm thinking it's because nobody wants to pay good writers and also come up with an original idea  - it's too risky

So jus rehash an old idea, throw in all the budget towards any eye candy special effects and hope to make a profit

[JaseSF]

I find no movie today compares to the joy and entertainment I still get from watching the classics of yesteryear (in fact given the choice, I'll usually take a black and white film from the 30s, 40s and 50s over anything today). What's truly good out there nowadays seem to be coming mainly from independent (and most often non-American) efforts.

[Mr_Vindictive]

Burgo,

Your complaint is one that I have most every summer.  The problem is that summer films are ones that will be brainless, guaranteed money makers.  When was the last time you went to the theater between May and October expecting a "good" film?

As for the films you saw over the weekend...  The Simpsons flick was decent, but it was just an hour and a half episode of the simpons with animated penis.  I felt the film was decent, but then again, I didn't expect it to be amazing.  Halloween is one that I plan on subjecting myself to tonight despite knowing deep down inside that I'll loathe it.  Then there's Mr. Bean's Holiday......I'll wait till it's out on DVD.

Sometimes though if you look close enough, you'll find a fun and intelligent summer flick.  Apparently Superbad is quite good, and Knocked Up was excellent, especially for an early summer flick.

Give it another two months or so and once November begins, we'll start seeing the good stuff again.

[Allhallowsday]

I tend to agree with Burgomaster from my own experience, but Skaboi, you made some good, insightful comments there.   

[indianasmith]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS


In those magnificent films, Hollywood atoned for every bad movie ever lampooned on this board.

[IzzyDedjet]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS


In those magnificent films, Hollywood atoned for every bad movie ever lampooned on this board.

Though well intentioned, I honestly believe you to be a bit delusional.
I thought the LOTR films were entirely too long winded and disjointed.
The stuff only a fanboy would love.
That's not a slam, by no means.  Type is notorious for not conveying inflection or emotion.  I was just stating my opinion.

[Susan]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS


In those magnificent films, Hollywood atoned for every bad movie ever lampooned on this board.

Though well intentioned, I honestly believe you to be a bit delusional.
I thought the LOTR films were entirely too long winded and disjointed.
The stuff only a fanboy would love.
That's not a slam, by no means.  Type is notorious for not conveying inflection or emotion.  I was just stating my opinion.

just wait = there will be a LOTR remake

it's coming

everything eventually gets recycled

[Fearless Freep]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS


In those magnificent films, Hollywood atoned for every bad movie ever lampooned on this board.

Though well intentioned, I honestly believe you to be a bit delusional.
I thought the LOTR films were entirely too long winded and disjointed.
The stuff only a fanboy would love.
That's not a slam, by no means.  Type is notorious for not conveying inflection or emotion.  I was just stating my opinion.

just wait = there will be a LOTR remake

it's coming

everything eventually gets recycled

I'm waiting for the Special Edition where Frodo shoots first.

[akiratubo]

THE LORD OF THE RINGS


In those magnificent films, Hollywood atoned for every bad movie ever lampooned on this board.

Um, no.

[Susan]

lol yea whatever

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QAlt4Sfl7Q

[indianasmith]

What can I say?  I've read the trilogy over 30 times, including twice out loud to my children!

Call me FANBOY from now on!

Or in Sindarin:

Y'elvai edain

[Allhallowsday]

What can I say?  I've read the trilogy over 30 times, including twice out loud to my children!
Call me FANBOY from now on!
Or in Sindarin: Y'elvai edain

Twice out loud?  Can't imagine why you'd roll your eyes, being a true "FANBOY."  The films are hardly faithful to the books, as I know you know, but I suppose they come reasonably close!    

I really enjoyed the first film.  The second one was a mixed bag, entirely carried by the character of Gollum.  The third one was insufferable, and though spectacular in parts, so-oo-oo-oh BO-OE-RING.  That film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture is proof again of the absurdity of awards, particularly, that one.   

[indianasmith]

What can I say?  I've read the trilogy over 30 times, including twice out loud to my children!
Call me FANBOY from now on!
Or in Sindarin: Y'elvai edain

Twice out loud?  Can't imagine why you'd roll your eyes, being a true "FANBOY."  The films are hardly faithful to the books, as I know you know, but I suppose they come reasonably close!    

I really enjoyed the first film.  The second one was a mixed bag, entirely carried by the character of Gollum.  The third one was insufferable, and though spectacular in parts, so-oo-oo-oh BO-OE-RING.  That film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture is proof again of the absurdity of awards, particularly, that one.   

Yeah, I read it to them once when they were six and again last fall, when they were twelve.  And RETURN OF THE KING was the best of the bunch, IMO, especially the extended 4 hour version.  I am waiting with bated breath for THE HOBBIT to get its big-screen day in the sun, and (dare I hope?) THE SILMARILLION  someday?

In other words, yes, I am hopeless.

[Allhallowsday]

In other words, yes, I am hopeless.

  I applaud your hopelessness.