Are Films Too Manic Now?

@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
February 7, 2010 5:45pm CST
I haven't been to see a film for absolutely ages. The film in question was "Seabiscuit" which I thought was brilliant. Kids films like "ET" just wouldn't be made now because there's not enough action in it for them...and everyone would know the ending. You know what I mean? At the time the ending was kept secret and if your friends knew the ending they wouldn't spoil it for you. It would all be splashed on the front pages now. "ET actually LIVES!" lol. We need to bring the romance back, some intelligent dialogue for once and as for humourous films, I can't remember the last ace one I saw..probably "Dumb & Dumber" or "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (loved John Candy). The innocence has been replaced by in-your-face banalness that isn't even funny. "Jaws" would be classed as tame now but I loved that film, it wasn't in a hurry to finish! There was humour in it too. I don't really like those gorefest films with no plot but I did enjoy "Pulp Fiction" a lot. I once caught it AFTER John Travolta got killed in it. I was most upset when, seeing the full version he died early on. This just goes to show that we must watch films from the beginning, which is something I don't think my Dad has EVER done in his life (on telly anyway) haha! Question for you; if "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was remade would it be any good? Would the effects cloud the plot? Who would replace Richard Dreyfuss I wonder?
1 person likes this
3 responses
• Bulgaria
8 Feb 10
I think nowadays there arent films like ET . The films are very stupid and they are not so exiting.Before 5-6 years had really good films but today it is hard to find such movies
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Feb 10
I tend to agree with you. If I had kids I'd probably show them films from years ago because they are so much better than the dirge that's around now. Do you get your Gladiator28 name from the Gladiator film (which was very good, I thought) or does it have some other significance? Welcome to MyLot!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
10 Feb 10
I like Russell Crowe, I think Gladiator is one of his best films.
• Bulgaria
8 Feb 10
Yes. I get the name Gladiator from there.The Film was really good and still is good :)
8 Feb 10
So firstly as someone who reviews films I am in full agreement over the decline of modern cinema which substitues intelligent storylines for an onslaught of special effects and action. I lament the decline in modern comedies which seem to cater for a juvenille mind without realising their are many non teens who want to laugh as well. And I cry out for a mainstream movie which is brave enough to shun the modern trend for recycling storylines and delivers something new, original, unique just something different. As to whether a remake of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" well it depends who was directing it. If it fell into the hands of someone like Michael Bay (Transformers) then I would bet it would end up being something crass relying on huge visualls which dwarf the significance of the storyline. But then say someone like Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum) was to direct it then the storyline would be the central element embelished by some wonderful action and effects. As for replacing Richard Dreyfuss, well I would go for Edward Norton because unlike many "actors" he is not just a big name he can act as well.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Feb 10
To my shame I've never heard of Edward Norton. However, I had a look on Wikipedia and, visually, he looks kinda cute. I love the eyes and he doesn't look 40 does he? If you say he can act then I shall take your word for it because you know what you are talking about.
@derek_a (10874)
8 Feb 10
I don't know if Close Encounters could be improved on if it was remade. I guess that there wouldn't be much of an improvement as the storyline and all the tension that built up to the final scene was superbly executed and full of modern technology. I believe it is getting harder and harder for movie producers to keep bringing out better and better movies, as they have so much competition, particularly with the likes of directors like Spielberg. _Derek
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Feb 10
Yes, Spielberg is the master isn't he? I don't rate Cameron though. Parts of "Titanic" weren't true so I am always dubious of his reliability now. It's getting to the stage where all good storylines have been done already so all we are left with is the odd blockbuster and the rest are just...well, dross! I am so glad though, that films such as "The Shawshank Redemption" got made in the first place because it stands out head and shoulders above the rest...and did nowt at the box office. If it ever got re-released I still wouldn't go to see it because of the idiots who would spoil it for others by not being able to sit still and LISTEN for 3 hours or whatever it is!As for "Close Encounters" I suppose they could do a follow-up version but I can't think of anyone cool enough to replace Dreyfuss, I really can't!I haven't read "Under The Dome" the latest best-seller from Stephen King..but from what I've heard it's awesome and would make a really good film. What are they waiting for? Haha!