Hollyweird is not devoted to entertainment anymore. Do you think they concern themselves with what Bob and Doris of Mainstreet USA would like to see? The movie makers are just part of where the sixties hate America crowd went.
Some people can't get enough of their heroes for sequels. Sometimes it is good like Rambo or Die Hard and sometimes it is terribe like the last Indiana Jones movie.
I saw the last "Die Hard" flick and wasn't terribly impressed for a whole host of reasons. When I was subjected to it and two other bad movies on the ride home, I promptly flipped on the iPOD and hit the books.
Sure, people an't get enough of their heroes: one reason why the James Bond movies have been around as long as they have. But even I have to watch the Bond flicks in moderation.
I am not a big movie person anyways, but I am now on a self-imposed movie moratorium for the rest of the year.
There is nobody, and I mean nobody, who can take their place, especially that icon of American manhood, Brad Pitt. Can you see any of the above walking three steps behind their live-in lovers and carrying the babies?
Here's some trivia for you. Steve McQueen was the second fastest draw in Hollywood. The only person he could not beat was... Sammy Davis Jr.
If not for old tv shows and the "F" word and violent explosions every 10 seconds, there'd be no movies. Writing talent, acting talent and class are dead in Hollywood.
Phooey on modern Hollywood.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Here's some trivia for you. Steve McQueen was the second fastest draw in Hollywood. The only person he could not beat was... Sammy Davis Jr.
Did you ever see Sammy on "The Rifleman?" He was extremely impressive with a six-gun.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
Walter Brennan, Harry Carey, Jr. (John Wayne's idol), John Ford (director), so many from this era. Your comment about black & white was right on although "The Searchers" was magnifico. It was easy to determine right from wrong in the old days - no blurring the lines. John Wayne once said if a producer couldn't watch a movie with his kid, he shouldn't be making the movie. Gee, I wonder just how many of those producers are actually allowing their kids to watch their stuff today.
I agree with you about sequels, I thought the Pirates 3rd sequel was weak and terrible, just like the 3rd Indiana Jones sequel. I also thought that Ironman was a better movie than the Indiana Jones one. The only exception to the sequel part was Prince Caspian, which I found interesting and good.
but I heard "The Hulk" was quite good. I might check that out today. I actually still love movies. Can't believe they charge 8 bucks for a matinee now.
It's all about the fast buck, the sure thing, the maximal return on investment for perceived risk.
In other words, the accountants are running the place. They're running the medical industry, the tech industry and every other damn thing anymore.
It is all risk-averse, return on profit, outsource to cheapest labor market, etc, etc.
Just a symptom.
So we get remake after remake. Even on TeeVee, every "new show" is an old idea, with a proven audience acceptance rate from the focus group, usually done first on the BBC. Even "American Idol" wasn't a new idea, it was a proven marketable idea from another country.
"Even "American Idol" wasn't a new idea, it was a proven marketable idea from another country."
The forerunner of AI was Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour from the '50's. Everything came to a standstill around my house on Sunday evenings when Ted Mack was on.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
I wish hollywood would leave these classics alone. Not having seen oceans twelve or thirteen...how VERY original....I wonder if there are not subtle political remarks in these movies. are there? I wouldn't doubt it. Hollywood is more interested in making a political statement than making money. Or rather, the money aspect is nice but someone will take the loss if necessary in order to incrementally promote their political view.
You didn't miss much. I fell asleep thru Ocean's 12 and 13. It was that boring and ridiculous. I agree they should have never made a remake of it the 60's version of it with the rat-pack was much better.
I believe there are two big reasons they do so many sequels: those who make the movies (most often Baby Boomers) are incrediby narcissistic, and they are so in love with movies they made in the past, they just have to try to recreate the success and cinema magic from before.
And second, they are nostalgic for the television & movies of their youth- they think there's no better entertainment than the Beverly Hillbillies, Leave it to Beaver or the Mickey Mouse Club. Oh, I guess I was wrong. There's only one reason: Hollywood is narcissistic.
You forgot the Andy Griffith Show - the black and whites with Barney. The show went downhill after Don Knotts left and they switched to color. It's still the best show on TV.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Another sequel must be made of "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians." I am going to pitch to Hollywood a new movie, "Santa Claus Conquers the Uranians." I will demand that the major acting talent who appeared in the original, Pia Zadora, have a role in the sequel as Santa's love interest. What happens is that Santa lands in Hollywood and tears down the historic Pickfair mansion. Then he transports it piece by piece on his reindeer sled to Uranus where it is rebuilt for him and Pia to live in for all eternity.
These are the sure money winners used to offset the political Anti-American, anti-war left-wing films they really want to make. They all lose a ton of money because the rest of the country has no use for the prevailing mindset from these losers.
They figure they can make back the money they spend making movies "they" want to make that bomb by putting tripe out there.
Fotunately a few movie like Harry Potter, Narnia, Lord of The Rings have been so well made that people go see them and spend enough money to make back their loses.
They also make allot of trash movies designed to help drive the moral standards of Americans lower in conjuciton with the teacher's union, ACLU and main stream media.
I wish I could say the same for the music industry but unfortunately there aren't any artists left making much money in the music industry it ALL calculated and strategically market oriented.
There are so many forms of entertainment out there other than what Hollywood offers. I mean, I'll take in a movie every now and then if it looks alright...the first "Hellboy" movie was pretty good (although I think it was originally a comic), and there were a lot of good Adam Sandler films that I saw (although his more recent films are beginning to suck...judging from its trailers, that "Zohan" movie looks like it's crappy).
But what about other forms of entertainment? Surely going for a walk is a good thing to do...picking up a hobby...writing...the possibilities are limitless. One of my friends took me offroading for the first time...it scared the hell out of me, but at least it was something different than the prescribed forms of entertainment we encounter frequently! It seems that failure of imagination is not just something Hollywood might be going through...
This is sort of easy. Hollywood used to be pro-American. All you have to do is watch the original "Mr. Deeds" with Gary Cooper to see the sign of the times. Also know that Cooper was extremely patriotic in his films and knew the dangers of the world. One of my favorites, Meet John Doe, was very pro-American had a very strong religious message. Rent it and you'll feel good about yourself. The Hollywood of today takes pride in showing the dark side of man and I think, the depravity of man. Not good, not good at all.
I agree with you on Mr Deeds and John Doe - two of my favorite movies. Those movies from Frank Capra while derided as "Capra-corn", always gave an uplifting and encouraging message - no matter how bad things get, they can get better. Hollywood today is as you say all about depravity. That even bleeds over into the TV shows. The main theme is sex followed by how utterly stupid and hopeless Dad is, followed by how incredibley smart the teen agers are. Movies and TV today are anti-American and anti-family. They know their tripe wont sell here but it is very popular in foreign countries.
My wife and I dont go to movies anymore. We got pretty tired of shelling out 20 bucks to watch explosions and hear the "F" word. I dont use that word in front of my wife or anybody else, and I wont allow Hollywood to do it. If we pay to see a movie at all we'll wait for one that looks interesting to come out on PPV.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
"The main theme is sex followed by how utterly stupid and hopeless Dad is, followed by how incredibley smart the teen agers are."
The TV shows are very forgettable--but, just last night, while watching something I already forgot, (and I don't think it's because of my senility), I said to my wife, "there they go again , making the man of the family look like a helpless idiot. Somene to be lovingly tolerated in spite of his ineptitude and forgetfulness".
Right on! My kids have watched some kids shows and somehow, the parents are always screwing things up and the kids make them great. Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius is one small example of a kid that's smarter than anyone and his dad is a total idiot. They should be careful of what they wish for.
I really love TCM but one thing I have been noticing lately is their desire to show that these patriotic and morally superior movies were always made with complaints and there was always an "underground" element that tried to push the limits and still made movies that were unamerican and morally decadent.
The difference between than and now is that once the liberals gained control over what movies could be made they locked out any conservative influence. Back in the day it was the conservative owners of the studios that held sway and told the producers what movies they could and couldn't make and also conservatives had allot more control over what was considered acceptable standards for broadcast.
What is clear from allot of the TCM commentary is that the liberals in Hollywood were always complaining about censorship and repression that finally around the 60s their views finally started getting serious consideration on TV and New programs.
Movies made before the 60s did show the dark side of men, however, you rarly saw the raw sex and violence on the screen and the endings were always that these things had negative side effects and weren't desireable. Today movies tend to show liberal theology in a vacuum without negative side-effects or reprecussions and tend to fool teens and younger views into thinking their ideals actually could work, if only the conservatives would leave them be.
From the movie studios to the universities to unions liberals have found ways to gain power and never let it go using ideas like tenure to ensure they have life-long jobs and only "bless" fellow right-thinking liberals with similar honors, thereby ensuring that conservative thought will not get back into power.
I think your comment is right. So many of their guests are left winged nutcases and they have a hard time acknowledging the greats for what they represented - patriotism, country, love of God, etc. - and instead lift up their acting and portrayal of a character or how they may have pushed a boundary.
My point regarding the "dark side of man" would be that in the past, movies showed that dark side as being something not to embrace or not normal. Or if a bad guy was out doing his thing throughout the movie, he either received justice in the end or changed his ways. Today, I think Hollywood trys to make this dark side of man as normal as breathing. No moral high ground anymore so you can now root for the bad guy. I find this very, very scary.
A is close but I chose other for all the above. I think Hollywood is lazy and stupid. There are thousands of best selling novels that could be made into movies, but Hollywood would rather concentrate on I Dream of Jeanie: The Movie because of a built in audience. Much like hip hop music, they sample famous songs and riffs to hook you in, instead of writing new and original music.
Hollywood just keeps churning out the sequels until the money fizzles (what are they up to now, Lethal Weapon 26?).
Plus, there's a dearth of good ideas. I really don't go to the movies, rather catch them later on the plasma monster (no annoying public).
Two movies I've seen lately that were really great:
Mel Gibson'sApocalypto (very violent, but a true depiction of Mayan culture, original and fascinating).
Curse of the Golden Flower, apparently made in the PRC. I generally steer a hundred miles clear of sub-titles, but this movie was visually stunning. The story of a 6th century emporer of China, and his scheming family. The costumes, sets, and acting were amazing. Don't read too much of the plot I've linked...just watch and enjoy.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I am an older man who was "movie age" when the heroes were Gable, Cooper, Bogart, Autry, Grant, among others. The world was not as well known as TV has made it since the 50s. The mysterious Orient isn't too mysterious anymore. As a matter of fact, it has become a modern, but dangerous area. A Tarzan concept is almost ludicrous today, but when the film was released, much of Africa was unknown to movie viewers.
Smut, filthy language, semi to full nudity under suggestive circumstances are the norm today. My wife (another senior) and I went to the local cinema. The movie "Crank" was playing. We did not go to see it, but the poster on the theater wall seduced us into thinking it was a good action film. When the movie started , the volume was unbelieveably loud. Within ten minutes the amount of cursing, racial epithets and gratuitous sex drove us out of the theater.
Then, (this may really show my age), they remake old films that are pleasure banks in my memory. They put today's stars in them. Theses starts, obviously do not have the same magnetic appeal to an older viewer as did the stars when I was young. Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy will live in my mind until , I guess, senility or death erases them. To cast Brad Pitt in an old Spencer Tracy role doesn't do it for me.
Finally, with the daily comepetition of TV whioch is getting more and more risque, writers, directors and producers reach for the outer edges of decency because they believe it is the only way to reach audiences,
As proof, I submit--"Sex And The City".
Chek out how well it did--what a pity! I guess my wife and I will search for CDs and PPVs of old movies and watch at home.
Bless you, John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, William Powell and all.I miss you.
Hollywood has always made remakes and sequels since before "The Jazz Singer." This is nothing new.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
I happen to have on TV right now a classic...."The Great Race", with Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemon....the don't make em like that anymore.......fun for everyone. The "pie fight" is one of my favorite scenes.
One reason for the junk that passes for movies today, new plot or remake, is that most of the audience is made up of teenagers. Going to the movies is one of their main social activities and what's on the screen isn't as important as who else is going to be at the theater. Add to that the fact that talented older writers and producers have been replaced with talent-free people not much older than the audience and you wind up with people who have little or no life experience making movies for people who know even less.
Chai
“A liberal is a man who will give away everything he doesn’t own.” —Frank Dane
The greatest stories have already been told, retold, disguised, and repackaged; only the names have been changed to protect the guilty. When a great story is twisted around too much by formula driven producers who try to cash in or try to score liberal points, those films invariably turn out to be a multimillion dollar pieces of cliche' crap.
They have to go with what makes the money. Everytime they try to make a movie for a political statement or anti war statement, they lose their collective a$$'s. So, we have the comic books of old. And that is where the money is.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Hollyweird is not devoted
June 21, 2008 - 03:32 ET by MidAmericaHollyweird is not devoted to entertainment anymore. Do you think they concern themselves with what Bob and Doris of Mainstreet USA would like to see? The movie makers are just part of where the sixties hate America crowd went.
Well...I picked A....only
June 21, 2008 - 03:37 ET by bigtimerWell...I picked A....only because it comes closest to how I feel....but quality is what is really missing.
For the whole family.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
demand
June 21, 2008 - 03:56 ET by shawn228Some people can't get enough of their heroes for sequels. Sometimes it is good like Rambo or Die Hard and sometimes it is terribe like the last Indiana Jones movie.
Movies just suck
June 21, 2008 - 05:11 ET by UnsaneI saw the last "Die Hard" flick and wasn't terribly impressed for a whole host of reasons. When I was subjected to it and two other bad movies on the ride home, I promptly flipped on the iPOD and hit the books.
Sure, people an't get enough of their heroes: one reason why the James Bond movies have been around as long as they have. But even I have to watch the Bond flicks in moderation.
I am not a big movie person anyways, but I am now on a self-imposed movie moratorium for the rest of the year.
By the way, I selected "collapse".
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
My heroes have passed
June 21, 2008 - 09:33 ET by misterbee241My heroes have passed on:
John Wayne
Gary Cooper
Randolph Scott
Joel McCrae
Ward Bond
Victor McLaughlin
Jimmy Stewart
Dean Martin
Sammy Davis Jr
Gene Autry
Roy Rogers
Cary Grant
Humphrey Bogart
Edward G. Robinson
Henry Fonda
James Cagney
Steve McQueen
There is nobody, and I mean nobody, who can take their place, especially that icon of American manhood, Brad Pitt. Can you see any of the above walking three steps behind their live-in lovers and carrying the babies?
Here's some trivia for you. Steve McQueen was the second fastest draw in Hollywood. The only person he could not beat was... Sammy Davis Jr.
If not for old tv shows and the "F" word and violent explosions every 10 seconds, there'd be no movies. Writing talent, acting talent and class are dead in Hollywood.
Phooey on modern Hollywood.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Here's some trivia for you.
June 21, 2008 - 09:49 ET by NewsbusterbrownHere's some trivia for you. Steve McQueen was the second fastest draw in Hollywood. The only person he could not beat was... Sammy Davis Jr.
Did you ever see Sammy on "The Rifleman?" He was extremely impressive with a six-gun.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
Sammy Davis Jr.
June 22, 2008 - 00:41 ET by DEVILDOCMOMwas the absolute best entertainer, never anyone like him again.
Evening DDC... ...Who Can
June 22, 2008 - 00:46 ET by bigtimerEvening DDC...
...Who Can Make the Sunshine?
The Candy Man Can...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
I think it was
June 22, 2008 - 16:40 ET by DEVILDOCMOMeven more his ability to dance, play so many instruments, be an impressionist, and just all around entertain with a positive spirit.
Hey DDC... I was agreeing
June 23, 2008 - 23:10 ET by bigtimerHey DDC...
I was agreeing with all you emtioned above...
I loved to watch his tap-dancing..being an ex-one myself.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
great list
June 21, 2008 - 21:58 ET by ort777Love the list. Here's one or two more:
Walter Brennan, Harry Carey, Jr. (John Wayne's idol), John Ford (director), so many from this era. Your comment about black & white was right on although "The Searchers" was magnifico. It was easy to determine right from wrong in the old days - no blurring the lines. John Wayne once said if a producer couldn't watch a movie with his kid, he shouldn't be making the movie. Gee, I wonder just how many of those producers are actually allowing their kids to watch their stuff today.
Wait...Brad Pitt is somehow
June 21, 2008 - 22:15 ET by balboaWait...Brad Pitt is somehow not manly because he takes care of his kids? Really?
I always find it funny when people claim that there are no talented actors these days in Hollywood. THAT is phooey.
you'ed do it for
June 23, 2008 - 23:06 ET by red_dragon311you'ed do it for Randolph Scott
RANDOLPH SCOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
I agree with you about
June 21, 2008 - 09:50 ET by mjgI agree with you about sequels, I thought the Pirates 3rd sequel was weak and terrible, just like the 3rd Indiana Jones sequel. I also thought that Ironman was a better movie than the Indiana Jones one. The only exception to the sequel part was Prince Caspian, which I found interesting and good.
More of a remake than a sequell
June 21, 2008 - 09:55 ET by shawn228but I heard "The Hulk" was quite good. I might check that out today. I actually still love movies. Can't believe they charge 8 bucks for a matinee now.
It's all about the fast
June 21, 2008 - 04:17 ET by niner-four-whiskeyIt's all about the fast buck, the sure thing, the maximal return on investment for perceived risk.
In other words, the accountants are running the place. They're running the medical industry, the tech industry and every other damn thing anymore.
It is all risk-averse, return on profit, outsource to cheapest labor market, etc, etc.
Just a symptom.
So we get remake after remake. Even on TeeVee, every "new show" is an old idea, with a proven audience acceptance rate from the focus group, usually done first on the BBC. Even "American Idol" wasn't a new idea, it was a proven marketable idea from another country.
It's some effed up stuff.
American business has lost its huevos.
Other
June 21, 2008 - 05:26 ET by ToddonCapeCodHollywood just sucks
"Even "American Idol"
June 21, 2008 - 09:36 ET by misterbee241"Even "American Idol" wasn't a new idea, it was a proven marketable idea from another country."
The forerunner of AI was Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour from the '50's. Everything came to a standstill around my house on Sunday evenings when Ted Mack was on.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
I have no interest in seeing a remark of Ocean's Eleven
June 21, 2008 - 07:53 ET by MearlineI wish hollywood would leave these classics alone. Not having seen oceans twelve or thirteen...how VERY original....I wonder if there are not subtle political remarks in these movies. are there? I wouldn't doubt it. Hollywood is more interested in making a political statement than making money. Or rather, the money aspect is nice but someone will take the loss if necessary in order to incrementally promote their political view.
You didn't miss much. I fell
June 21, 2008 - 09:45 ET by mjgYou didn't miss much. I fell asleep thru Ocean's 12 and 13. It was that boring and ridiculous. I agree they should have never made a remake of it the 60's version of it with the rat-pack was much better.
Hollywood & Sequels
June 21, 2008 - 07:55 ET by stefI believe there are two big reasons they do so many sequels: those who make the movies (most often Baby Boomers) are incrediby narcissistic, and they are so in love with movies they made in the past, they just have to try to recreate the success and cinema magic from before.
And second, they are nostalgic for the television & movies of their youth- they think there's no better entertainment than the Beverly Hillbillies, Leave it to Beaver or the Mickey Mouse Club. Oh, I guess I was wrong. There's only one reason: Hollywood is narcissistic.
You forgot the Andy
June 21, 2008 - 09:39 ET by misterbee241You forgot the Andy Griffith Show - the black and whites with Barney. The show went downhill after Don Knotts left and they switched to color. It's still the best show on TV.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Biodome Sequel
June 21, 2008 - 08:00 ET by P.J. GladnickI demand a sequel to that cinematic classic, "Biodome." And please make sure to keep Pauly Shore in the lead role.
"Biodome II: A New Beginning."
Santa Claus Conquers the Uranians
June 21, 2008 - 08:14 ET by P.J. GladnickAnother sequel must be made of "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians." I am going to pitch to Hollywood a new movie, "Santa Claus Conquers the Uranians." I will demand that the major acting talent who appeared in the original, Pia Zadora, have a role in the sequel as Santa's love interest. What happens is that Santa lands in Hollywood and tears down the historic Pickfair mansion. Then he transports it piece by piece on his reindeer sled to Uranus where it is rebuilt for him and Pia to live in for all eternity.
Didn't you hear?
June 21, 2008 - 12:22 ET by Indiana JoeThey're thinking of changing the name of Uranus, to put a stop to all those juvenile jokes.
Gonna call it "Urectum."
»→ Great movie remake
June 21, 2008 - 08:19 ET by Cool ArrowThey Saved Hitler's Brain would be an appropriate remake today.
Al Gore as "The Brain"?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Remakes
June 21, 2008 - 08:26 ET by canuckThese are the sure money winners used to offset the political Anti-American, anti-war left-wing films they really want to make. They all lose a ton of money because the rest of the country has no use for the prevailing mindset from these losers.
Right on Canuck
June 21, 2008 - 11:40 ET by exLibThis is EXACTLY the reason!
They figure they can make back the money they spend making movies "they" want to make that bomb by putting tripe out there.
Fotunately a few movie like Harry Potter, Narnia, Lord of The Rings have been so well made that people go see them and spend enough money to make back their loses.
They also make allot of trash movies designed to help drive the moral standards of Americans lower in conjuciton with the teacher's union, ACLU and main stream media.
I wish I could say the same for the music industry but unfortunately there aren't any artists left making much money in the music industry it ALL calculated and strategically market oriented.
Music
June 22, 2008 - 09:19 ET by UnsaneI agree 100% on the music industry; MUCH sifting has to be done in order to find some quality artists.
And sometimes you have to go overseas. Witness:
http://www.within-temptation.com
http://www.lacunacoil.it and http://www.emptyspiral.net
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
There are so many more
June 21, 2008 - 09:02 ET by SchnikeysThere are so many forms of entertainment out there other than what Hollywood offers. I mean, I'll take in a movie every now and then if it looks alright...the first "Hellboy" movie was pretty good (although I think it was originally a comic), and there were a lot of good Adam Sandler films that I saw (although his more recent films are beginning to suck...judging from its trailers, that "Zohan" movie looks like it's crappy).
But what about other forms of entertainment? Surely going for a walk is a good thing to do...picking up a hobby...writing...the possibilities are limitless. One of my friends took me offroading for the first time...it scared the hell out of me, but at least it was something different than the prescribed forms of entertainment we encounter frequently! It seems that failure of imagination is not just something Hollywood might be going through...
------------------------------------------------------------
"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
sort of easy
June 21, 2008 - 09:05 ET by ort777This is sort of easy. Hollywood used to be pro-American. All you have to do is watch the original "Mr. Deeds" with Gary Cooper to see the sign of the times. Also know that Cooper was extremely patriotic in his films and knew the dangers of the world. One of my favorites, Meet John Doe, was very pro-American had a very strong religious message. Rent it and you'll feel good about yourself. The Hollywood of today takes pride in showing the dark side of man and I think, the depravity of man. Not good, not good at all.
I agree with you on Mr
June 21, 2008 - 09:49 ET by misterbee241I agree with you on Mr Deeds and John Doe - two of my favorite movies. Those movies from Frank Capra while derided as "Capra-corn", always gave an uplifting and encouraging message - no matter how bad things get, they can get better. Hollywood today is as you say all about depravity. That even bleeds over into the TV shows. The main theme is sex followed by how utterly stupid and hopeless Dad is, followed by how incredibley smart the teen agers are. Movies and TV today are anti-American and anti-family. They know their tripe wont sell here but it is very popular in foreign countries.
My wife and I dont go to movies anymore. We got pretty tired of shelling out 20 bucks to watch explosions and hear the "F" word. I dont use that word in front of my wife or anybody else, and I wont allow Hollywood to do it. If we pay to see a movie at all we'll wait for one that looks interesting to come out on PPV.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
MB241
June 21, 2008 - 10:36 ET by milootoole"The main theme is sex followed by how utterly stupid and hopeless Dad is, followed by how incredibley smart the teen agers are."
The TV shows are very forgettable--but, just last night, while watching something I already forgot, (and I don't think it's because of my senility), I said to my wife, "there they go again , making the man of the family look like a helpless idiot. Somene to be lovingly tolerated in spite of his ineptitude and forgetfulness".
Enough already.
perfect
June 22, 2008 - 14:37 ET by ort777Right on! My kids have watched some kids shows and somehow, the parents are always screwing things up and the kids make them great. Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius is one small example of a kid that's smarter than anyone and his dad is a total idiot. They should be careful of what they wish for.
Unfortunately there's one
June 21, 2008 - 12:56 ET by dboUnfortunately there's one Frank Capra movie that only seem to fine tune Al Gore's plagiarizing skills.
http://www.youtube.c...
I thought so too ort
June 21, 2008 - 11:49 ET by exLibI really love TCM but one thing I have been noticing lately is their desire to show that these patriotic and morally superior movies were always made with complaints and there was always an "underground" element that tried to push the limits and still made movies that were unamerican and morally decadent.
The difference between than and now is that once the liberals gained control over what movies could be made they locked out any conservative influence. Back in the day it was the conservative owners of the studios that held sway and told the producers what movies they could and couldn't make and also conservatives had allot more control over what was considered acceptable standards for broadcast.
What is clear from allot of the TCM commentary is that the liberals in Hollywood were always complaining about censorship and repression that finally around the 60s their views finally started getting serious consideration on TV and New programs.
Movies made before the 60s did show the dark side of men, however, you rarly saw the raw sex and violence on the screen and the endings were always that these things had negative side effects and weren't desireable. Today movies tend to show liberal theology in a vacuum without negative side-effects or reprecussions and tend to fool teens and younger views into thinking their ideals actually could work, if only the conservatives would leave them be.
From the movie studios to the universities to unions liberals have found ways to gain power and never let it go using ideas like tenure to ensure they have life-long jobs and only "bless" fellow right-thinking liberals with similar honors, thereby ensuring that conservative thought will not get back into power.
I agree
June 22, 2008 - 14:44 ET by ort777I think your comment is right. So many of their guests are left winged nutcases and they have a hard time acknowledging the greats for what they represented - patriotism, country, love of God, etc. - and instead lift up their acting and portrayal of a character or how they may have pushed a boundary.
My point regarding the "dark side of man" would be that in the past, movies showed that dark side as being something not to embrace or not normal. Or if a bad guy was out doing his thing throughout the movie, he either received justice in the end or changed his ways. Today, I think Hollywood trys to make this dark side of man as normal as breathing. No moral high ground anymore so you can now root for the bad guy. I find this very, very scary.
A is close but I chose other
June 21, 2008 - 09:11 ET by tazzA is close but I chose other for all the above. I think Hollywood is lazy and stupid. There are thousands of best selling novels that could be made into movies, but Hollywood would rather concentrate on I Dream of Jeanie: The Movie because of a built in audience. Much like hip hop music, they sample famous songs and riffs to hook you in, instead of writing new and original music.
i voted "B" because it's
June 21, 2008 - 09:22 ET by botgi voted "B" because it's guareenteed money.
Look at it this way if you could invest money at a near guareentee of 30% return would you?
The sequel reason is that people buy tix to these bits-o-dredge
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Me too, botg,
June 21, 2008 - 10:50 ET by BlondeHollywood just keeps churning out the sequels until the money fizzles (what are they up to now, Lethal Weapon 26?).
Plus, there's a dearth of good ideas. I really don't go to the movies, rather catch them later on the plasma monster (no annoying public).
Two movies I've seen lately that were really great:
Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (very violent, but a true depiction of Mayan culture, original and fascinating).
Curse of the Golden Flower, apparently made in the PRC. I generally steer a hundred miles clear of sub-titles, but this movie was visually stunning. The story of a 6th century emporer of China, and his scheming family. The costumes, sets, and acting were amazing. Don't read too much of the plot I've linked...just watch and enjoy.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
well B
June 21, 2008 - 10:56 ET by botgfrom your Apocalypto link:
"A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within."
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Ouch
June 21, 2008 - 11:03 ET by BlondeWell, the decadence and arrogance of the Mayan culture as depicted certainly give credence to that statement.
Double ouch when you think about the current crop of American liberals.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
B that's it
June 21, 2008 - 11:10 ET by botgin a nutshell
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Foreign films
June 22, 2008 - 09:16 ET by UnsaneThere are some GREAT foreign flicks out there!
Exhibit A: Tae Guk Gi.
Exhibit B: Alexander Nevsky.
I could go on but I have to sleep sometime...
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Mix and match
June 21, 2008 - 09:43 ET by milootooleI am an older man who was "movie age" when the heroes were Gable, Cooper, Bogart, Autry, Grant, among others. The world was not as well known as TV has made it since the 50s. The mysterious Orient isn't too mysterious anymore. As a matter of fact, it has become a modern, but dangerous area. A Tarzan concept is almost ludicrous today, but when the film was released, much of Africa was unknown to movie viewers.
Smut, filthy language, semi to full nudity under suggestive circumstances are the norm today. My wife (another senior) and I went to the local cinema. The movie "Crank" was playing. We did not go to see it, but the poster on the theater wall seduced us into thinking it was a good action film. When the movie started , the volume was unbelieveably loud. Within ten minutes the amount of cursing, racial epithets and gratuitous sex drove us out of the theater.
Then, (this may really show my age), they remake old films that are pleasure banks in my memory. They put today's stars in them. Theses starts, obviously do not have the same magnetic appeal to an older viewer as did the stars when I was young. Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy will live in my mind until , I guess, senility or death erases them. To cast Brad Pitt in an old Spencer Tracy role doesn't do it for me.
Finally, with the daily comepetition of TV whioch is getting more and more risque, writers, directors and producers reach for the outer edges of decency because they believe it is the only way to reach audiences,
As proof, I submit--"Sex And The City".
Chek out how well it did--what a pity! I guess my wife and I will search for CDs and PPVs of old movies and watch at home.
Bless you, John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, William Powell and all.I miss you.
Milo...
June 21, 2008 - 09:55 ET by misterbee241You and I seem to be about the same age. I have a real problem with volume too. And the people you listed are my heroes as well. See my post above.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Hollywood has always made
June 21, 2008 - 09:45 ET by NewsbusterbrownHollywood has always made remakes and sequels since before "The Jazz Singer." This is nothing new.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
I'd like to see some GOOD
June 21, 2008 - 11:24 ET by wiwfI'd like to see some GOOD war movies come out. You know, ones that show our troops in a good light, heaven forbid!
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
That would be nice.
June 21, 2008 - 15:35 ET by NewsbusterbrownThat would be nice.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
As I'm sitting here bloging with the rest of you........
June 21, 2008 - 12:40 ET by BEGRUNTI happen to have on TV right now a classic...."The Great Race", with Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemon....the don't make em like that anymore.......fun for everyone. The "pie fight" is one of my favorite scenes.
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Sequels are a known
June 21, 2008 - 13:40 ET by balboaSequels are a known quantity.
Remakes/sequels
June 21, 2008 - 14:44 ET by ChaitealoverOne reason for the junk that passes for movies today, new plot or remake, is that most of the audience is made up of teenagers. Going to the movies is one of their main social activities and what's on the screen isn't as important as who else is going to be at the theater. Add to that the fact that talented older writers and producers have been replaced with talent-free people not much older than the audience and you wind up with people who have little or no life experience making movies for people who know even less.
Chai
“A liberal is a man who will give away everything he doesn’t own.” —Frank Dane
I voted "Other"
June 21, 2008 - 15:00 ET by DelsaTo me it is simple. Socialists don't have any new ideas.
I'd add a smilie face but I forget how Noel showed me.
Let me see... ?(:
I think it's a studio
June 21, 2008 - 15:42 ET by ckc1227I think it's a studio preference for safe bets, not a societal one.
Saw The Hulk last night. It was ok, but nothing I'd pay to see again.
Liked this Hulk much better
June 23, 2008 - 12:19 ET by balboaLiked this Hulk much better than the last one. Better tone, better story.
"Poultry's just another way of saying chicken!"
June 22, 2008 - 11:37 ET by CrashThe greatest stories have already been told, retold, disguised, and repackaged; only the names have been changed to protect the guilty. When a great story is twisted around too much by formula driven producers who try to cash in or try to score liberal points, those films invariably turn out to be a multimillion dollar pieces of cliche' crap.
I voted "Other." Hollywood is on life-support,...
June 21, 2008 - 22:27 ET by R D Helm...and there is a hand reaching for the plug in the receptacle.
The last movie I paid to see in an actual theater was Saving Private Ryan.
No joke. :-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
They have to go with what
June 23, 2008 - 12:00 ET by bassndudeThey have to go with what makes the money. Everytime they try to make a movie for a political statement or anti war statement, they lose their collective a$$'s. So, we have the comic books of old. And that is where the money is.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Comic books and fantasy
June 23, 2008 - 12:11 ET by balboaComic books and fantasy books are a gold mine now that we have teh special effects to make them look good. And both lend themselves to sequels.