vote_for_palpatine said:
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.

Definitely, the majority of kids going to see these movies want to see Jason Statham getting blown up, Angelina Jolie getting it on will shooting someone and Jet Li using his bad ass kung fu skills to cover up his bad acting.

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?

That's what the brainless meat puppets want to see and sadly Brainless Meat Puppets are the majority. THEY ARE THE POWA

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

Actually all of the actors I look for when I watch movies are starting to go down the deep dark road of crappy films. Even Harrison Ford has to beat the shit out of someone who is on his plane, train, or automobile. Or has his Family.

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".

I tried showing my friend Immortal Beloved and he called me a fag because he said it was a chick flick.

That's about the only solution I can offer

Really my only solution would be for us to all start making our own movies.