Are "Let People Have Fun!" and "It's Not That Deep" valid Movie Opinions?

I'm noticing phrases like these being used more and more anytime someone tries to criticize films (namely big blockbusters, action movies, marvel, etc.)

To me, this implies that they believe that movies like that can only be fun OR well made, never both.

Sinners is a recent reminder that you CAN have it all—you can make a big fun blockbuster that is also well executed, thematically layered, and completely original. It further invalidates the argument that some movies are just supposed to be ‘fun’ and not ‘good.'

What do you guys think?

Comments 15
Hot
New
Lucas.
Lucas.
 · May 8, 2025
What about "you wouldn't get it"?
4
Reply

View replies 5

Ishika Banerjee
Ishika Banerjee
 · May 8, 2025
The phrase turn off your brain when you take the time to watch something that took effort and money to make, and it's bad is insulting. I hate that phrase. My brain is fully on watching anything, so make it good for Pete's sake.
6
Reply

View replies 2

Matthew Alan Schmidt
Matthew Alan Schmidt
 · May 8, 2025
I think it's one of those opinions that walks a thin line between validity and cop-out, sort of like the inverse of calling a movie "pretentious." There's something to be said about not over-analyzing a certain kind of movie, and just allowing yourself to sit

Just like how John Lennon decided to throw a bunch of bullshit lyrics into the later Beatles records like "I am the Walrus" because he was tired of people hyper-fixating on every little thing he said.

There's nothing wrong with making a movie that you just need to sit back and enjoy, without needing to sit there with a cognac and a cigar, scratching your chin and nodding your head in subtle recognition of every single camera move and micro-gesture. However, that also doesn't excuse a movie like MINECRAFT for being a total pile of shit just because "it's a kids movie, so who cares if it's good or not?"

Just like calling a movie "pretentious," it's kind of a generic and over-used critique to the point where it doesn't really mean anything anymore. Is it really a bad thing for someone to truly strive for greatness when making a film? Throwing around the word "pretentious" when describing films usually makes the person using it come across as the pretentious one.

People throwing around "Let people have fun!" and "It's not that deep!" generally come across to me as people that simply don't like to be challenged by the art they engage with, and watch things more for the purpose of escapism or distraction.

/rant
2
Reply

View replies 4

Bob Woolsey
Bob Woolsey
 · May 8, 2025
I love the way Ryan Coogler walks the line between thoughtfulness and mainstream sensibilities. Looking forward to seeing this on Saturday.
4
Reply