MovieChat Forums > Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Discussion > Thoughts on this film and the modern era...

Thoughts on this film and the modern era of film making

posted 8 years ago by Prophet_muhammad_578
7 replies | jump to latest

Films (as a whole) have improved in the last 15 years. I also feel that Michael Bay isn't completely useless - he's made a few good films - unfortunately, the majority were made over 20 years ago.

I'm not bashing action films. I just appreciate it when these movies can also tell a coherent story, and aren't entirely dependent on music video cinematography, and over-the-top action scenes.

Without a decent story, and proper character development, we're just left starring at a bunch of useless, visual noise. That's what most Michael Bay films look like. And yes, it's also what Trevorrow's 'Jurassic World' was like.

[–] Keanu_the_Dude 8 years ago

decent stories and character development are a thing of the past. Modern audiences don't need that to enjoy a movie.

[–] vukaroo 8 years ago

But that's if we only pay attention to Hollywood films. Independent cinema/foreign films are quite good, even now. Some of the intelligent people left on this planet still enjoy the decent stories and character development. Hollywood is nothing but a mainstream film outlet. Nevertheless, Villeneuve has proven himself as a good director, and I honestly trust him with Blade Runner more than Ridley at this point.

[–] little_wing 8 years ago

I've often scoffed at Michael Bay myself, but his films do serve a purpose. Sometimes one needs that kind of film. The problem comes when a viewer doesn't recognize it for what it is and doesn't realize there's so much more out there. And to take it a step further, to not realize that American films aren't the only ones worth watching. Foreign films can add even another dimension to the film going experience. There are things I see, in films from other countries that I can't verbalize, more a new feeling or emotion I'll get from watching one.

Reaction time is a factor in this, so please pay attention.

[–] Prophet_muhammad_578 8 years ago

You're kind of backtracking on your argument here. So you like big Michael Bay style action films, but you're saying that intelligent people should watch more independent?

Personally, I love Villeneuve, I think he's on fire at the moment and Arrival is my fav movie of 2016. I'm all for independent cinema and I wish that some of these big budget films could take hints from the smaller films. I think Logan will surprise a lot of people as it's a big CBM movie in the style of a gritty independent film. I'm also happy they're giving the JW sequel to Bayona, as I feel he'll bring more heart to the story, which is what was severely lacking in Jurassic World.

[–] little_wing 8 years ago

You're kind of backtracking on your argument here. So you like big Michael Bay style action films, but you're saying that intelligent people should watch more independent?

I wasn't inferring that I like Michael Bay films. I looked it up and I've seen 4 of them over a 20 year period and I did enjoy them. I do like some action films, but that category is rather large. I think Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the best films ever made. However one's taste in films is purely subjective. What I said was:

The problem comes when a viewer doesn't recognize it for what it is and doesn't realize there's so much more out there.

I didn't say anything about the movie goers intelligence. I just bet that there are some who never think about watching a film that might be more under the radar. Take Captain Fantastic for instance; great film, but it wasn't well promoted. It had everything, comedy, drama, action, et al.

Personally, I love Villeneuve, I think he's on fire at the moment and Arrival is my fav movie of 2016.

I've only seen one Villeneuve film for some reason and that one totally underwhelmed me. But I've been assured by others that Arrival would change my opinion. I was worried about BR 2049 after watching that one film but then I saw the trailer for 2049 which blew me away.

I think Logan will surprise a lot of people as it's a big CBM movie in the style of a gritty independent film.

I'm looking forward to that one too. I never thought Jackman would make a good Wolverine due to his height but it turned out he was perfect.

Reaction time is a factor in this, so please pay attention.

[–] Prophet_muhammad_578 8 years ago

I agree that it's all subjective, and there are some movies that are very difficult to argue against.

I hated 'Mad Max: Fury Road'. In my opinion, it's overrated and one of the worst films I've ever seen. I figure that it's because I'm not a big fan of post-apocalyptic films, and I never got into the previous films, but it's more than that. The whole movie felt like an advertisement/music video.

If 'Fury Road' comes up in conversation, I tend to bite my lip because it's not worth fighting over when 95% of the room disagrees with me. On the other side of the coin, I loved 'Batman v Superman' which most people cannot accept.

I haven't seen Captain Fantastic yet but I'm sure I'll like it based on what I've heard. There were a lot of smaller films that came out in 2015/2016 that were in my top 10 ... The Lobster; Swiss Army Man; 10 Cloverfield Lane; Sing Street; Hell Or High Water; The Nice Guys; Midnight Special; Arrival; The Handmaiden; War Dogs; The Accountant - to name a few.

I was the opposite regarding Jackman's casting as Wolverine. I liked it when it was initially announced back in 1998, and I enjoyed him in 'X-Men' and 'X2' (even 'The Last Stand' to some degree). After that I lost interest. It's a tiny aesthetic, but as soon as he lost his mutton chops and crazy hair, I felt that his character started to change, and he lost that berserk vibe that Wolvy should always have.

Even in the Logan trailer - apart from when his claws are out - you would never know it's Wolverine. I'm personally looking forward to his retirement and getting some new blood into the role. - It might be a while though.

[–] Squeeth2 8 years ago

Actually you didn't imply it, he inferred it. Odd that you liked Mad Max FR, I gave up after 15 mins. What do you think about The Man in the High Castle? I find it whiles away the time while I'm getting over ManFlu, the worst illness in the world.

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