As sad as it is to say, the people I encounter on a
daily basis are rather disappointing. In general, I try to force
myself to maintain that people are good/nice/whatever, but that their
crappy behaviors and decisions should be attributed to “not knowing any
better.” As someone who was practically born overly self-aware, I
recognize that not all people analyze and re-analyze and over-analyze
their daily choices, but sometimes I wish people would think twice about
stuff occasionally.
Most frustrating example: media consumption choices.
Granted, I am by no means an expert or snob. I like my fair share of crappy movies and shitty bands and I don’t have a problem owning up to it. This is the written disclaimer that makes me less of a hypocrite.
Part 1: Movies.
I am fully convinced that the folks in Hollywood churning out most of the popular movies of the last 5 years are linked together in a giant conspiracy to exploit the stupidity of Americans. On any given day, there is at least one (probably multiple) movies in theaters based on a recycled story. Disney continues to make bank by re-releasing decades-old movies and slapping “remastered” on them, as if Joe on the street can really see any difference. In only my 21 short years, I’ve seen the books, TV shows, video games, and toys of my childhood be unoriginally adapted to the big screen. Alvin and the Chipmunks? Really? Hollywood had to ruin my favorite annoying Christmas sing-a-long tape? As much as the exploitation of my childhood memories angers me, I am more frustrated by the creation and consumption of such films. For every one awesome, original, and technologically innovative film that Pixar has released in their time, there have been a handful of cheesy, recycled stories with fart jokes shoved down kids’ throats…and far too many people filling their pockets based on another person’s creativity that was proven successful 20 years ago. When did everyone give up? When did movie makers decide that everything worth doing has already been done, and the only thing left to do is redo it all? And when did the general population agree that they don’t have a problem paying $10 a piece to see MORE Muppets?
Most frustrating example: media consumption choices.
Granted, I am by no means an expert or snob. I like my fair share of crappy movies and shitty bands and I don’t have a problem owning up to it. This is the written disclaimer that makes me less of a hypocrite.
Part 1: Movies.
I am fully convinced that the folks in Hollywood churning out most of the popular movies of the last 5 years are linked together in a giant conspiracy to exploit the stupidity of Americans. On any given day, there is at least one (probably multiple) movies in theaters based on a recycled story. Disney continues to make bank by re-releasing decades-old movies and slapping “remastered” on them, as if Joe on the street can really see any difference. In only my 21 short years, I’ve seen the books, TV shows, video games, and toys of my childhood be unoriginally adapted to the big screen. Alvin and the Chipmunks? Really? Hollywood had to ruin my favorite annoying Christmas sing-a-long tape? As much as the exploitation of my childhood memories angers me, I am more frustrated by the creation and consumption of such films. For every one awesome, original, and technologically innovative film that Pixar has released in their time, there have been a handful of cheesy, recycled stories with fart jokes shoved down kids’ throats…and far too many people filling their pockets based on another person’s creativity that was proven successful 20 years ago. When did everyone give up? When did movie makers decide that everything worth doing has already been done, and the only thing left to do is redo it all? And when did the general population agree that they don’t have a problem paying $10 a piece to see MORE Muppets?
I completely agree on the fact that most movies that are released today are recycled ideas or taking Disney classics (or any movie for that fact) and making it 3-d or remastered...this is getting old. I rarely go to the movies anymore unless there is a movie out that everyone is talking about...I think the last one was The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Anyways, whenever I want to watch a movie, I usually find myself in the classics section of Family Video.
ReplyDeleteOh, have you noticed the trend that movies are in production that are based on BOARD games? Like Battleship? Yes.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there seems to be a lack of creativity. My guess for this is because it is cheaper to re-make a movie that has an established audience. It seems like studios are less willing to take a risk on a new project. This makes sense for studios who are trying to save money, but for the audience it can get annoying because it appears like the studios have stopped trying to be creative.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree; anymore I see movies that were out when I was a child but now it's in 3D. I don't see the point myself besides that studios are becoming less and less creative/lazy. I am glad that I am not the only one getting annoyed with it.
ReplyDelete