Ryan Hall4 said:That is exactly my point. Once you spot a snob, they are incredibly easy to identify. graniteheron132 and Noah Roberts46 are textbook examples of that breed. They refuse to form an opinion unless it aligns with some arbitrary internet consensus. It’s always the same tired rhetoric: "You only praise classics like The Godfather because they're old." 🤣
Does that mean you two snobs won't be praising the movies you love today thirty years from now? Because if you intend to laud current cinema decades down the line, you are nothing more than hypocrites. You aren't just elitists; you are frauds. What’s truly hilarious about people like you is that you lack the self-awareness to realize you're being pretentious. People like graniteheron132 have existed in every era. I remember back in 2005, browsing old internet message boards and file-sharing sites; you could find the exact same brand of arrogance there. In my experience, these "connoisseurs" have actually seen very few films, genres, or directors. They don't want a debate; they simply want to belittle anyone who disagrees. Go ahead and claim I'm insulting you, but the reality remains: I am merely pointing out how weak your arguments are.
I’ll say it again: some people praise *The Godfather* simply because it’s considered a masterpiece, likely out of pure insecurity rather than genuine appreciation. It’s the same pattern with *The Odyssey* or *12 Angry Men*; while critics and audiences generally align, I refuse to believe these classics built their reputations on a foundation of fake enthusiasts. There is simply no chance that.
I am utterly exhausted by snobs like graniteheron132 and Noah Roberts46, who hide behind internet consensus and recycled talking points just to praise older films simply because of their age. Let’s be clear: there are "recognized classics" that I personally cannot stand. For instance, I have zero interest in the New Hollywood era, which everyone seems to agree was the pinnacle of American cinema. I don't care for films like *Dog Day Afternoon*, *Nashville*, or *The Exorcist*; they just don't resonate with me. That said, I can acknowledge when an older film is a genuine masterpiece, such as *The Odyssey* or *Vertigo*.
What’s your take on Andromeda Strain?
Well put. You provided a perfect example with Casablanca. I was just as naive as a kid, listening to people rave about what a "great film" it was; naturally, when you hear nothing but praise for something you haven't seen, you end up resenting it. Eventually, I watched it. While it might not be my absolute favorite, it is undeniably an excellent piece of work. Bergman and Bogart famously clashed off-set, but that is the essence of great acting. It is packed with legendary lines and iconic shots. Bogart was a powerhouse.
That is precisely why we have lost our cinematic foundation. Did we grow up on blockbusters? Sure, but compare those classics to the hollow spectacles produced today. It wasn't just blockbusters, though. We grew up with whatever the networks broadcasted, and I know for a fact they regularly aired classics that allowed us to build a genuine appreciation for real filmmaking. Today, those classics aren't on TV nearly as much—I see it myself. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible for a kid today to sit in front of a TV without being distracted by a computer or Facebook; they are raised almost exclusively on modern blockbusters. When they finally try to pivot to an older film, they lack the fundamental appreciation we developed during our childhood. Even video rental stores played a massive role—I'd argue, the most significant role of all.
Hey man, maybe step away from the Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters for a bit. There are plenty of great sci-fi films out there today; it all just depends on what you're into.
Check out *Children of Men*, *Moon*, *Primer*, *Predestination*, *Timecrimes*, *Mr. Nobody*, *I Origins*, *Another Earth*, *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, *Europa Report*, *Safety Not Guaranteed*, *Robot & Frank*, *Coherence*, or *Upstream Color*. If you’re into meta stuff, one of these is bound to hit the spot for you.
Honestly, there's just so little high-quality hard sci-fi out there, no matter what era you look at. You definitely won't find the good stuff hiding in those big Hollywood blockbusters.
