Comments on: This Film is Rated ‘S’ for Stupid

By: Dale Pidlisny

Dale Pidlisny — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Here, here! Unless people suddenly wake up to the fact they’re supporting a lot of terrible films, it’s not going to change and I’m not holding my breath.

If people want to make a difference they should go out and support their local independent theaters. That’s where you’re going to see the more intriguing and interesting movies. Admittedly sometimes I think some of them are really far up their own butt, but at least they are saying something or trying to do something different.

I’ll be making my way to see Moon saturday night. Looks great!

By: Ryan Ferrier

Ryan Ferrier — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:36:18 +0000

I’ll agree with you on the sweet-sour aspect, but there is a difference between a generally ‘bad’ film and a ’stupid’ film, which is why I never brought remakes and reboots into the argument.

One thing I failed to mention though is the new rash of toy-based films; we will be getting big-screen versions of Monopoly, Stretch Armstrong, Battleship, and believe it or not, View Master.

Of course these film’s will fail, but just like remakes, it will take a long goddamn time.

It’s a sick chain of events that ultimately falls on the heads of all of us who fell victim, or should I say bought into the first-weekend system which is massively flawed and is proving the be the death rattle of a qualitative film-industry.

Also, for as boring as Superman Returns was, it was shot really beautifully.

By: Nate

Nate — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:24:34 +0000

I don’t know, I think the mix between crap and quality has probably remained fairly steady throughout the film age.

I would also argue that the collective audience is demanding more these days thanks to social networks and people being more film/media literate. But Twilight shits on that theory…

Now that massively corrupt financial firms like AIG are in the biz, running hedgefunds like Legendary Pictures, I think that we can expect more mega buck movies like Transformers 2 getting the greenlight. Flicks like Batman Begins and Watchmen will always be a hair away from Superman Returns and 10,000BC. Truly talented Directors/Producers have to bust their asses for along time before they can stick to their guns with creative choices that prevent big budget films from turning into marketing bile.

By: Ryan Ferrier

Ryan Ferrier — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:58:03 +0000

Exactly my point, we’re doing the demanding and supplying. DAre I say there is a difference between G-Force types and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang types – the film’s of yesteryears, even the bad ones, still weren’t as stupid as they are today. At least there’s some form of narrative in those old Disney live-actions.

As a collective audience we’re not demanding more.

We are gutter sluts that love being abused.

Okay, that was a little harsh, but I don’t see how much lower stupid films could get.

By: Nate

Nate — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:51:34 +0000

G-Force, Chipmunks, Bev Hills Chihuahua are all filling the old Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Herby the love bug G rated feel-goods for families. As long as people are having children and looking for something to do outside of changing diapers and cleaning up the house, there will be an audience for those flicks. A cheap comedy with a run of the mill story is much easier to produce than a Pixar or Miyazaki character driven drama filled with suspense, humor and sometimes tears.

Transformers 2 gets away with a sack of money because the first was decent and most people don’t bother with reviews. I haven’t heard any adults within my own circle of friends trying to defend it. It was crap and most people admit it. Much like Spiderman 3, I’m sure that it has killed the franchise for a lot of fans. But if they switch directors and do a reboot, we’ll see everyone ramp up the nerd fervor for another 2 hour toy commercial.

By: Speros

Speros — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:16:19 +0000

Although I agree 100% it appears that we are in the minority, at least that is what I have found. Within my circle of friends I was the only who was not enchanted by Megan Fox and giant robots, and when I voiced my opinion, I was greeted with eye rolls and the comment “Come on man, it was perfect. Didn’t you see Megan Fox on the bike?” A part of me died inside when I heard their defense. Sure Megan Fox is gorgeous, but I prefer my leading women with a little bit of acting talent to back up the beauty. Hey maybe she will prove me wrong with an Oscar caliber performance in Jennifer’s Body.
Also I just wanted to say for any Calgarian GKS fans that Moon is opening tonight at the Globe, so go show some support!

By: Ben Rankel

Ben Rankel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:40:49 +0000

I’m sure you get tired of me agreeing with you, but I agree with you. Rather wholeheartedly. People just need to demand better. Escapism does not require a lobotomy.