Thanks for the link, Anchorhead. That was a well-argued, well-written piece.

I love the idea of a boycott as a form of protest, but there are two problems with that strategy:

1) Boycotts would have to gain traction with the public at large - and that chunk of the populace is least likely to worry about this dumbing down of popular cinema. I really do believe that most moviegoers are just looking for a nice two hour vacation from home and don't care too very much about the quality of the film. Film buffs care, but they are badly outnumbered.

2) When mostly every movie at the local Cinema 12 is a CGI-crapfest shoot-em-up, which one of those features is going to get the business end of the boycott?

The only way to turn this around is slowly and gradually. When you go out to rent (or log on to NetFlix), look for story-driven films. Look for character-driven films. Don't look for "name" actors - in fact, the films might even be better in their absence. And when you find films you do like, recommend them with enthusiasm to friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. Steer clear of anything that remotely resembles a "blockbuster".

That's about the only solution I can offer.