# What's so great about current Hollywood movies? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 2, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380 "2020-02-02T14:03:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/41 "2020-02-02T21:27:48Z")
O.K., that’s 26 movies in the past 60 years. It seems to me that you aren’t really a big fan of movies in general. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it makes it hard to suggest any movies for you. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2020, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/42 "2020-02-02T21:44:33Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > O.K., that’s 26 movies in the past 60 years. It seems to me that you aren’t really a big fan of movies in general. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it makes it hard to suggest any movies for you. I’ve gone through phases. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was really into Western foreign films (e.g. Polanski), 60’s movies (Blow-Up, Easy Rider) and horror (e.g. Hammer films) that I was too young to see when they debuted. In the mid to late 80’s, I was heavily into horror (especially gore/splatter films) and action movies. Then in the early 90’s, I started watching Asian horror and action films and that’s stayed with me ever since. I’ve always enjoyed cartoons, but not anime, with the exception of _Dragon Ball Z_ for a year because of the cliffhanger endings, but gave up once I learned that it never ends. I found my conversation with my co-worker interesting because he seemed enthused about seeing\* Bad Boys 3 \*and I was able to connect with him a bit because I saw the original and maybe the sequel, and thought it might be worth my while despite my dislike for Martin Lawrence after his SNL bit as I’ll still watch _Martin_ if it comes on TV. Interestingly, the movie has good reviews on Rottontomatoes, so if comes up on on TV, I may give it a try. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/43 "2020-02-02T22:04:19Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Telperion, Acsenray, I’m having trouble believing that even you two are interested in the conversation you’re having. This is an issue I am somewhat passionate about, but I think I’ve made my point. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2020, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/44 "2020-02-02T22:39:07Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I believe I’m making a valid criticism of an invalid attitude I’ve seen expressed on these boards. It’s an attempt to make things better here. If I can plant a seed of doubt the next time someone is tempted to express this anti-knowledge, pro-ignorance attitude, I consider it an improvement. What valid criticism? “I don’t like these movies” is not a valid criticism. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/45 "2020-02-03T01:33:32Z")
> [@lingyi](#): > > I’ve always enjoyed cartoons, but not anime But that is another sweeping generalization, speaking of “cartoons” and “anime” as if they are genres, not mediums. Do you really mean that you like series like _Care Bears_, _Muppet Babies_, _Stressed Eric_, _The Oblongs_, _CatDog_, _Family Guy_, _Rick and Morty_, and _BoJack Horseman_ and that you don’t like series like _Shin-chan_, _Doctor Slump_, _Anpanman_, _Azumanga Daioh_, _Haibane Renmei_, _Death Note_,\* Attack on Titan\*,and _Ergo Proxy_? ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/46 "2020-02-03T02:40:36Z")
I like movies from different genres. _South Pacific_, and _Flower Drum Song_ are on my list, but so are _Lord of the Rings_ and several heist films. _Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?_, _Memento_, _La Strada_, _Snatch_, _Crash_, and _Whale Rider_ are all on my Top List. All different genres, about the only consistency is that I like **good movies**! 🙂 I can often guess whether I’ll like a film from the actors’ names. Jack Nicholson, Joaquin Phoenix or Denzel Washington? _I’ll watch that movie!_ John Wayne or Mike Douglas? No. Not sure why; Wayne and Douglas might be the “better” actors for all I know. Speaking of Joaquin Phoenix, I was reminded by clicking a link above that I did like the relatively recent _Her_, though I’m not sure it belongs on My Top 100. > [@septimus](#): > > There were some films I liked in 2006 (_The Departed, The Prestige, Casino Royale_). Not quite in the same league, but perhaps the best movie since 2006 is _No Country for Old Men_ (2007). I’m looking forward to watching _Joker,_ **but** usually do not like the superhero/action genre so dominant today. _Casino Royale_ is action and (arguably superhero!) but I liked it a lot. (Add Daniel Craig to the list of actors I’ll always watch.) Similarly, Joaquin Phoenix is the main reason _Joker_ is a must-see for me. **It’s interesting that the thread is ostensibly on the question “What’s so great about current Hollywood movies?” but over half of the early responses spoke to the question “Why can’t we have good discussions anymore?”** The only response to my post speaks to that. English language experts: Stare intently at the underlined sentence from my quote. In 25 words or less, explain any inferences you might derive from the use of ‘BUT’ in that sentence. And yet … we have to put up with > [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > Well since **Joker** is not either a superhero or action movie, you have nothing to worry about. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/47 "2020-02-03T03:16:20Z")
A lot of what used to be exclusive to movies are now available on television, so movies have to deliver something newer and more unique to compete. And though they are managing to do so, it’s an increasingly limited pool. Now even live-action Star Wars is getting more buzz from their TV options than their movies are. That’s definitely a significant shift and a portent for the future. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/48 "2020-02-03T03:27:57Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > But that is another sweeping generalization, speaking of “cartoons” and “anime” as if they are genres, not mediums. Do you really mean that you like series like _Care Bears_, _Muppet Babies_, _Stressed Eric_, _The Oblongs_, _CatDog_, _Family Guy_, _Rick and Morty_, and _BoJack Horseman_ and that you don’t like series like _Shin-chan_, _Doctor Slump_, _Anpanman_, _Azumanga Daioh_, _Haibane Renmei_, _Death Note_,\* Attack on Titan\*,and _Ergo Proxy_? Yes to some of the in the first series:, _The Oblongs, CatDog, Family Guy_, no to anything in the second series. It seems you’ve defined the second series by the broadest definition of anime, which is any animation from Japan, so I’ll say I liked, but not longer watch A_stroboy_ and _Princess Knight/Ribbon Knight_. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/49 "2020-02-03T03:28:04Z")
From the list of films the OP has on hand, I would say he should drop whatever he’s doing and watch **Repulsion** and **Picnic at Hanging Rock.** I’m a spooky kinda guy, what can I say? It’s the Scorpio in me. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/50 "2020-02-03T03:49:39Z")
Some of the ‘cartoons’ I like/liked: _Ren and Stimpy The Simpsons Beavis and Butthead Cow and Chicken The Fairly Oddparents Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness_ Anything from Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies and some Hanna Barbara Pseudo-anime _Transformers_ - The original series ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/51 "2020-02-03T04:47:32Z")
If the reason that you don’t like science fiction movies is because they butcher the science, then how about _Gravity_ and _The Martian_? Sure, the science isn’t perfect in either, but it’s pretty darned good (better than most of the “science journalism” you’ll see). Heck, even most of the Marvel movies have been making an effort to get the science as good as they can. Which is of course very limited, because, after all, superheroes. But they’re trying. Honestly, I’m not sure there’s ever in movie history been a time when the science in SF movies has been better than now. It’s a good time for science in the movies. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/52 "2020-02-03T04:59:18Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > How about a link to these amazing variety shows so we can decide for ourselves? Two shows that I watch every Sunday are the Korean _Running Man_ and _Knowing Bros/Ask Me Anything_ available for viewing at [Kshowonline.com](http://Kshowonline.com). Both require a bit of knowledge about the regular’s characters and the fact that the informal speech and mannerisms they show towards each is completely against Korean and generally Asian norms. This weeks shows weren’t the best, but I still had a few true belly laughs watching Knowing Bros. And the Running Man episodes 481-485 were some of the funniest in the nearly four years I’ve been watching the series. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/53 "2020-02-03T06:02:48Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > If the reason that you don’t like science fiction movies is because they butcher the science, then how about _Gravity_ and _The Martian_? Sure, the science isn’t perfect in either, but it’s pretty darned good (better than most of the “science journalism” you’ll see). > > Heck, even most of the Marvel movies have been making an effort to get the science as good as they can. Which is of course very limited, because, after all, superheroes. But they’re trying. > > Honestly, I’m not sure there’s ever in movie history been a time when the science in SF movies has been better than now. It’s a good time for science in the movies. Naw, Kubrick had the science of simulating the effects of the lowered gravity and the near vacuum of the moon down so pat in 1969 that he was able to nearly flawlessly fake all the moon landings! :rolleyes: 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/54 "2020-02-03T07:32:00Z")
> [@lingyi](#): > > It seems you’ve defined the second series by the broadest definition of anime, which is any animation from Japan No shit, Sherlock? How else do _you_ define anime? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/55 "2020-02-03T13:24:32Z")
> [@MortSahlFan](#): > > Watch movies from the 1930-70s, blockbusters and not so blockbuster, from all over the world… 99% of movies made in my lifetime suck. Awful writing, acting stinks, trivial and stupid. I don’t think anybody’s touched this comment, but it’s been nagging at me: On what basis do you say that “acting stinks” in modern Hollywood movies? How so? Compared to what? If that’s stinky acting, what does non-stinky acting look like? ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/56 "2020-02-03T14:00:52Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats](#): > > I’m sorry, but _1917_ didn’t live up to the hype for me. Yes, realistic visuals and the whole arty filmed in one shot stuff, but it had a video game plot and no character development at all. Like most “serious” Hollywood movies today. There were two by the book “emotional” scenes, and the rest were an increasingly implausible journey of one on one fights with single enemy soldiers and one woman and baby thrown in for, I dunno, pathos or something. > Movies for me ended with the Twentieth Century, Fox and all. How are we defining ‘Hollywood movie’ for the purposes of this thread? Because I think 1917 is a stretch - British Writers, Director, Cinematographer, Actors, shot in England. Not saying Hollywood wasn’t involved, but Hollywood movie? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/57 "2020-02-03T14:44:54Z")
Given **lingyi** is apparently only watching Asian (Japanese, Korean, Chinese) films, I think “Hollywood movies” is more or less synonymous with “Western movies”, so British films count. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/58 "2020-02-03T15:03:10Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > It’s interesting that the thread is ostensibly on the question “What’s so great about current Hollywood movies?” but over half of the early responses spoke to the question “Why can’t we have good discussions anymore?” The only response to my post speaks to that. > > English language experts: Stare intently at the underlined sentence from my quote. In 25 words or less, explain any inferences you might derive from the use of ‘BUT’ in that sentence. > > And yet … we have to put up with I don’t know what you are talking about. You wrongly assumed Joker was a superhero/action movie, and I said that it wasn’t. What does English have to do with that? ---
**Author:** ![Lantern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2020, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/59 "2020-02-03T19:43:46Z")
Some of the Hollywood films I have liked since 2010 would include Inception, Life of Pi, American Hustle, Gravity, Her, Inside Out, The Martian, Arrival, Moonlight and Lady Bird. Some themes that emerge: a) A wider range of perspectives including women, blacks, gays etc e.g. Moonlight, Lady Bird b) Extraordinary special effects as an integral part of a great story. e.g. Life of Pi, Inside Out c) Stories that bend space and time in unique ways e.g. Inception, Arrival Bottom line: Hollywood continues to make great films, and often ones that would not have been made 30 years ago. In particular I think it’s a golden age of intelligent science-fiction films. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2020, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380/60 "2020-02-04T21:12:38Z")
> [@lingyi](#): > > Rollerball… > Jesus Christ Superstar > Big Trouble in Little China… > The Andromeda Strain… > The Green Berets > Caveman I feel compelled to point out that several of the movies you listed as things you are interested in are movies that received mediocre to poor reviews. I’m sure we can all recognize the irony of pointing out bad movies that you like while questioning the quality of other movies. But now I’m totally confused as to how to constructively recommend movies you might like. I mean, The Green Berets is basically the 1968 equivalent of the Fast and the Furious in terms of being a thoughtless action vehicle for has-been actors. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-great-about-current-hollywood-movies/847380.md?page=4)