Negativity...

[Psychocandy]

This going to be a short rant. Why are so many people so fucking negative about everything? I go from thread to thread and everything is just SUCK!!! SUCK!!! SUCK!!! The overriding impression I come away with is that the majority of my fellow schmoes are extremely pessimistic and overtly cynical. Is this what being a movie fan does to people? Does it turn them from being glass half full types to glass totally empty and smashed to jagged shards on the wall of life types? It's not exactly the negativity that pisses me off. It's the fact that I truly believe that the much of it is forced. I think some schmoes think it's cool to be critical whether the criticism is warranted (or heartfelt) or not. Why can't we all be optimistic about the next Uwe Boll movie instead of automatically thinking it will suck? Ok...it will suck but can't we just pretend that maybe the dude will pull a rabbit out the hat this time instead of a bag of shite? Why does the prospect of yet another Hollywood remake of a classic necessarily herald the coming of yet another travesty? Some of them have been entertaining. Some of them have been stinky big bags of shite. That's the case with all movies. Originality does not equal excellence. Anyway...I could go on all day and I promised i'd keep this rant short. Does anyone disagree? Agree? Think i'm a cock?

[BadCoverVersion]

Can I simultaneously agree and think you're a cock?

[TrippingBalls]

Because being pessimistic and negative about everything makes you look smart. If everybody loved the Lord of the Rings movies and you hated them and posted some smartass "witty" review as to why you hate them, that alone makes you more intelligent than everybody else. Watch, you'll see it with the new King Kong movie. It will be praised upon, but there will be a small heap of negative reviews, and 95% of them will have this smartass aura surrounding them, because being sarcastic and negative when regarding something popular makes you look cool and sophisticated. Each and every one of the reviews will feature some tagline that's supposed to be funny but ultimately makes the reviewer come off as an ass.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Can I simultaneously agree and think you're a cock?

Can't argue with that. For I am simultaneously 100% right all of the time and a huge big dobber. :D

[Mr-Blonde]

Originally posted by Psychocandy
The overriding impression I come away with is that the majority of my fellow schmoes are extremely pessimistic and overtly cynical.

Of course we're cynical. Look at how much crap they try to disguise as good films that they try to push down our thoats. I consider myself to be very cynical but not necessarily pessimistic. I am simply guarded about what I will be investing my time and money in.

Why can't we all be optimistic about the next Uwe Boll movie instead of automatically thinking it will suck? Ok...it will suck but can't we just pretend that maybe the dude will pull a rabbit out the hat this time instead of a bag of shite.

Nope-- the man is incapable of making anything that resembles a coherent film. He's proven that consistenly with every new release. He is a hack of Ed Woodsian proportions.

As for all the negativity, my view is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion-- no matter how negative. While I understand that some of it may just be people trying to sound cool if I see an extrordinary amount of negativity directed towards a film I start to believe that there might be something to it. However, I still reserve judgement untill I actually view the movie in question. Everyone has differing tastes after all.

Overall, I generally trust my fellow schmoes opinions. Just about everyone here is an avid movie watcher. If the majority of schmoes react negatively to a film it's probably because it is lousy.

[Joshmo]

My philosophy is "a Pessimist is an Optimist with Experience in Life" ;)

While I do agree that many do think giving negative reviews makes them seem more intelligent (in their own minds) and I have also reflected on those who just cant wait to dump on King King just to do so, cause those type of retards do exist...I cannot and will not pretend Uwe Boll or anyone who has let me down more than once without at least something good in between is gonna surprise me and make me happy.

[Psychocandy]

BTW...Uwe Boll as an example was used more to amuse and bemuse than to actually reinforce the point i'm trying to make. Not perhaps the best strategy. :D

[Lazy Boy]

There's also the opposite line of thinking -- too many people are positive and forgiving, especially for crap movies. If forced negativity gets on your nerves, than I would say I'm more irritated by bandwagon popularity for films that don't deserve it (Sideways, Batman Begins).

[Criminal Rock]

Originally posted by Psychocandy
[B It's not exactly the negativity that pisses me off. It's the fact that I truly believe that the much of it is forced. I think some schmoes think it's cool to be critical whether the criticism is warranted (or heartfelt) or not. [/B]

I really couldn't have said it better myself. I've noticed the same thing.

[The Postmaster General]

I blame this fucker -> :rolleyes:

[Draccoca]

If a movie is good to me then it's a good movie and I could give a damn about what anyone else thinks, to me it's a good movie, and the same goes for if it's a terrible movie. That's my opinion and that's all I care about.

[jeo4]

The irony of this thread is astounding, considering the fact that you came into a thread I had created in music and used the comment "That's terrible." and left without another word. You're entitled to your opinion, just the same as I am. But if you want a more constructive discussion, you have to build one.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by jeo4
The irony of this thread is astounding, considering the fact that you came into a thread I had created in music and used the comment "That's terrible." and left without another word. You're entitled to your opinion, just the same as I am. But if you want a more constructive discussion, you have to build one.

Are you referring to me? Hmm. I must have been in a hurry. But I can assure you that if I did say that it was terrible it truly must have been. Whatever it was. I did say in my initial post that it's negativity for the sake of being negative that irks. I must have had a good reason for saying "That's terrible." and been in too much of a hurry to back it up with any solid facts. If you direct me to the post in question I promise i'll rant at length. ;)

[War Movie Mania]

Sarcasm and cynicism are the new cool things to be. Hard to have a conversation these days that isn't drenched with sarcasm.

Personally, I take movies for what they are... I go in looking to have a good time and that's all I expect out of a movie.

The only 'bad' movie to me is one that doesn't turn me into a mindless zombie for a couple hours.

[The Postmaster General]

Originally posted by War Movie Mania
Sarcasm and cynicism are the new cool things to be. Hard to have a conversation these days that isn't drenched with sarcasm.



Yeah, a lot of people believe that, but the fact is that it's so mid-to-early 90s. Remember this poignant social commentary moment:

Teen1: Oh, here comes that cannonball guy. He's cool.

Teen2: Are you being sarcastic, dude?

Teen1: I don't even know anymore." - The Simpsons, Episode: 3F21 Homerpalooza

[SpongeBod]

Originally posted by BubbaStrangelove
Yeah, a lot of people believe that, but the fact is that it's so mid-to-early 90s. Remember this poignant social commentary moment:

Teen1: Oh, here comes that cannonball guy. He's cool.

Teen2: Are you being sarcastic, dude?

Teen1: I don't even know anymore." - The Simpsons, Episode: 3F21 Homerpalooza
Bart: What is that smell?

Lisa: It smells like Bubba's jacket. ;)

[Rated R]

If overly pessimistic rantings are getting you down, look at my thread of my top hundred countdown in the Best/Worst/Faves section. It's a list of reviews counting down those movies that mean the most to me! Sure others may throw in their two cents, some of which is negative...but my input is happiness, in joy from these, my favourite movies.

But otherwise I understand where you're coming from...it is why I stopped posting for the first six months of this year after being a consistent member since '02. It got to a point where everyone just felt liked trashing everything and a lot of the time it seemed for no reason or they did not back up what they were saying. I try not to make two word or even five word posts unless there is something in the post that makes sense with the subject matter. I see it everyday though, "It sucked." "Boo to this." But at the same time it works on the opposite side..."Awesome".

Where you started with overly negative, I took it and and started bitching about lack of originality...maybe I veered off topic but I think the two somewhat coincide. If I am wrong let me know. But it's all about balance...and if you're gonna be negative at least provide reason for it...back up your claims damn you! This is at no one in specific as I am sure I have been guilty of it too.

[bigred760]

For me, it all starts with matters of opinion. One person doesn't like a movie and then can't understand why others do like it. Then, since he/she obviously can't be wrong or in the minority, has to bash the movie more and then criticize the people that enjoyed it (there was a thread about why a guy couldn't understand why people liked Crash).

Yes, cynicism and sarcasm also come into play.

Me - I tend to like most movies I see. The lowest grade I've given a movie this year is 6/10 (two movies actually) and the rest I've at least enjoyed on the whole.

[RustyRazor]

Originally posted by Psychocandy
This going to be a short rant. Why are so many people so fucking negative about everything? I go from thread to thread and everything is just SUCK!!! SUCK!!! SUCK!!! The overriding impression I come away with is that the majority of my fellow schmoes are extremely pessimistic and overtly cynical. Is this what being a movie fan does to people? Does it turn them from being glass half full types to glass totally empty and smashed to jagged shards on the wall of life types? It's not exactly the negativity that pisses me off. It's the fact that I truly believe that the much of it is forced. I think some schmoes think it's cool to be critical whether the criticism is warranted (or heartfelt) or not. Why can't we all be optimistic about the next Uwe Boll movie instead of automatically thinking it will suck? Ok...it will suck but can't we just pretend that maybe the dude will pull a rabbit out the hat this time instead of a bag of shite? Why does the prospect of yet another Hollywood remake of a classic necessarily herald the coming of yet another travesty? Some of them have been entertaining. Some of them have been stinky big bags of shite. That's the case with all movies. Originality does not equal excellence. Anyway...I could go on all day and I promised i'd keep this rant short. Does anyone disagree? Agree? Think i'm a cock?

Not to start delving into my scarred psyche, pessimism (I think that's a word) is a flag flying high in my mind when I look out on a field of upcoming movies and they make me cringe.

I'm trying to break into the screenwriting business and everybody I've spoken to says the same thing.

"Write something original. Make it new. Make it fresh."

I'm tryin', I really am. In a time when practically every idea you could think of has been proceeded by another, that "fresh" idea is tough.

But when they just don't try anymore, it pisses me off.
"Waiting" w/ Ryan Reynolds?
"Kids in America" w/ Nicole Richie?
"Get Rich or Die Trying" w/ 50 Cent?

That would be:

"Office Space" (Waiting)
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (Kids in America)
"8 Mile" (Get Rich or Die Trying)

And don't get me started on the remakes! If it's a "classic" and you're going to re-make it, I guess it doesn't deserve the title of "classic", now does it?! Why would you try to redo something considered excellent, by so many people's standards?

Money, money, money, money....money!

You're right, Psychocandy, at least about me. I am negative, cynical, and majorly pessimistic. I've been like that forever though. Rough life, no need to get into that. When I get home from my 55 hour work week and I want to unwind, I don't turn to regular TV and a plethora (I like that word) of shit filled reality television. I turn to the movies. Escapism, fantasy, ninety to one hundred and twenty minutes of a break from a truly miserable world.

And then I get "Yours, Mine, and Ours".

I'm no genius. I have no unusually large frontal lobe, but when you look at a trailer for a movie like this or say "A Lot Like Love", I for one can just feel the "load of crap" waves just generating off of these cinematic nuggets.

This, however, are my opinions and as they say:

"Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has them and they all stink."

One man's meat is another man's poison.
You know the sayings, I'll save the rest.

I just think that a medium that SO many people love, an industry that deals with SO much money and some of the greatest acting talent available, it is their job, THEIR DUTY as an entertainment industry to provide movie goers with the BEST that can be offered.

If Cheaper By The Dozen 2 is the best that they have to offer, then I'll just save my money and wait for a movie that I like to come out, but I will not go quietly into that good night.

If it walks like a duck
Quacks like a duck
And stars Katie Holmes, IT SUCKS.
I just have to say it.

[The Postmaster General]

Originally posted by RustyRazor
"Office Space" (Waiting)
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (Kids in America)
"8 Mile" (Get Rich or Die Trying)



Take This Job & Shove It
Cooley High
Rocky


Just sayin...

[AWP82]

Originally posted by Psychocandy
It's not exactly the negativity that pisses me off. It's the fact that I truly believe that the much of it is forced. I think some schmoes think it's cool to be critical whether the criticism is warranted (or heartfelt) or not.

Yeah, I feel ya. It's the "cool" thing these days to be an overly cynical/sarcastic/witty critic, usually just to cause controversy. But that's inevitable, I guess. As the saying goes..."you can't please everybody." I think lots of them do it for attention though (i.e. the obnoxious ones who like to rain on people's parades, and force it without backing it up). It gets annoying at times but I respect their opinions. Anything relatively successful is going to have it's backlash.

Originality does not equal excellence.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I cannot stress this enough. I hear so many people fall back on the "unoriginal" argument when they don't like a movie, but can't fully articulate why. It's like they can't think of any other way to bash it, even if it's well-written/acted/directed/etc., other than pointing out the fact that it's been done before. So what?! Why does every single thing that comes out every week have to be the most goundbreaking original idea EVER? Brilliant new ideas can't be rushed. As long as the movie is entertaining, that's all I really care about, and if it's original, that's an added bonus. To each their own though.

Originally posted by bigred760
For me, it all starts with matters of opinion. One person doesn't like a movie and then can't understand why others do like it. Then, since he/she obviously can't be wrong or in the minority, has to bash the movie more and then criticize the people that enjoyed it

That's what irritates me the most...people who bash THE FANS of a movie THEY didn't like, as if THEIR opinions are the only valid ones. The Mysterious Skin DVD review (http://www.joblo.com/reviews.php?mode=joblo_dvds&id=1012) is a perfect example of this. (Yes, I "actually enjoyed" it...and no, I'm not as "fucked up" as the characters in the movie, nor to I get off on watching creepy guys molest children. :rolleyes: )

PS. No offense to anyone who disagrees with me (just for the record).

[GoldenGhost]

It's better to be a pessimist who is always right, rather than an optimist who is sometimes wrong.

I can't believe they're remaking The Wicker Man....FUCK OFF!!!

[Dom Shady]

Originally posted by Lazy Boy
There's also the opposite line of thinking -- too many people are positive and forgiving, especially for crap movies. If forced negativity gets on your nerves, than I would say I'm more irritated by bandwagon popularity for films that don't deserve it (Sideways, Batman Begins).

I agree with you on Batman Begins. WAY overrated. Not a bad movie by any means, but I don't think its as great as alot of people let on. The lack of a strong villain and quick-cut action scenes hurt the movie IMO.

[dellamorte dellamore]

Hey Jon Stewart , and all his imitators , have made a career out of the pessimistic , snarky , wisecracking chic . I like to do it , because i feel there should be some balance , and it's fun , or can be fun to take jabs at the " well oiled " , producing , marketing machine that is Hollywood .

None of their films , make that no film can actually live up to the breathless anticipation that is at times afforded particular films . It does get a bit annoying when certain people , yes the new golden boy PJ , are considered immune from critisism , like it's sacriligeous to even consider , hey maybe KIng Kong wasn't that great , maybe it lifted elements from other action , dino films , or love stories , maybe this guy isn't the really the second coming .

What i hate is when a majority of fans of a particular filmmaker thinks he or she can do no wrong and is above critique . Really that can apply to a fan of anything .

Yesw , i admit , sometimes it's trolling , when someone tears apart a film for that specific reason , but who cares , i don;t take it too seriously , it's all part of the entertainment factor , for me at least , i don't want all positive reviews of a certain film , written by people who didn't see any flaws , blinded by their obsessive nature and fanatisism , and i don't want someone who's just totally dumping , at least not all the time .


I just don't understand why people think certain filmmakers or celebrities are beyond reproach , and by pointing something out , that may not be negative , just perceived as , are being negative and cynical .

And by the way , i do dump on mainstream films and low budget ones , ones people may have never heard of . I'm not just having fun with the hyped up concoctions , but any movie .


Another thing , and this is off topic , but i feel related , are those " interviews " with the casat and crew with regards to certain films . They are stacked and false , with a bunch of softball questions thrown out at the interviewees in order to pump up a product . They are advertisements , not interviews . NBC should have pointed out that they got those exclusive interviews with Jack Black ( what a bufoon he was ) , and PJ , because NBC is owned by Universal , who as you know produced and distributed KK . It's what they call synergy , when a parent company or affiliate indirectly advertises for one of their products in the guise of a celebrity interview or Journalism .



Anyway , i don't mind the cynisism , or pessimism , a healthy dose is needed , and it's refreshing . It's definitley welcome .



And yes , i am seeing Kong in theaters , because it does look great , but i don't think it's perfect by any stretch . I still say Jack Black sucks though , he still acts the same he did in Airborne :) .