What's going on?
Something very strange is happening.
So far critics and the viewing public have been backlashing against the big sequels of the US Summer movie season (Spider-Man 3, Shrek the Third, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World’s End) – which bloat the studios’ coffers nonetheless.
Common complaints? “Too long.” “Tired.” “Too many characters and plot lines.” “Bigger is not better.”
What's strange about all this?
I’ve actually been quite content with the offerings so far. Sometimes even pleasantly surprised. Of course I can see the films’ many flaws, but they’re still an entertaining diversion for a few hours – even if I wouldn’t rush out and add the DVD to my collection.
"So, who's been asked to come back for Number 4?"
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is released worldwide today. It’s expected to shatter all known box office records, but so far reviews have been mixed to negative. Although, the geeky Aint It Cool News reviewers have been kinder.
What I don’t understand is that critics are railing against what they adored in the first two films – in particular, the plot and running time. Yes, it’s confusing. Yes, it’s repetitive, with characters continually striking deals, backstabbing, being captured and escaping. Yes, it’s overlong. But it’s no different from Curse of the Black Pearl, or Dead Man’s Chest. Hell, I found it better than Dead Man’s Chest...
My biggest concern, no, pet peeve, is that no sooner are these film’s released than there is talk of sequels. Critics can slam them, audiences may be disappointed, but the fact that they made $100 million on their first weekend, secures a sequel. Then you know these films will just be pumped out faster and faster, with increasing carelessness until the audiences stop paying, and the studios have crushed every cent from the franchise.
Three is enough. It should be left at that. As much as we audiences want more magic, as much as studios want more money, we need to learn to be less greedy! Because pretty soon, that endless suppy of delicious cake will start tasting like ash in our mouths.
So far critics and the viewing public have been backlashing against the big sequels of the US Summer movie season (Spider-Man 3, Shrek the Third, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World’s End) – which bloat the studios’ coffers nonetheless.
Common complaints? “Too long.” “Tired.” “Too many characters and plot lines.” “Bigger is not better.”
What's strange about all this?
I’ve actually been quite content with the offerings so far. Sometimes even pleasantly surprised. Of course I can see the films’ many flaws, but they’re still an entertaining diversion for a few hours – even if I wouldn’t rush out and add the DVD to my collection.
"So, who's been asked to come back for Number 4?"
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is released worldwide today. It’s expected to shatter all known box office records, but so far reviews have been mixed to negative. Although, the geeky Aint It Cool News reviewers have been kinder.
What I don’t understand is that critics are railing against what they adored in the first two films – in particular, the plot and running time. Yes, it’s confusing. Yes, it’s repetitive, with characters continually striking deals, backstabbing, being captured and escaping. Yes, it’s overlong. But it’s no different from Curse of the Black Pearl, or Dead Man’s Chest. Hell, I found it better than Dead Man’s Chest...
My biggest concern, no, pet peeve, is that no sooner are these film’s released than there is talk of sequels. Critics can slam them, audiences may be disappointed, but the fact that they made $100 million on their first weekend, secures a sequel. Then you know these films will just be pumped out faster and faster, with increasing carelessness until the audiences stop paying, and the studios have crushed every cent from the franchise.
Three is enough. It should be left at that. As much as we audiences want more magic, as much as studios want more money, we need to learn to be less greedy! Because pretty soon, that endless suppy of delicious cake will start tasting like ash in our mouths.
Comments
They don't seem to take the cd/movie/game for what it is and they seem to love comparing it to previous efforts. Grrrrr...
I think these days there's a definite trend to go with the flow, and not have a different opinion from the majority... which is very sad.