Movies Today:
When was the last time you saw an unpredictable film in theaters? A movie that wasn’t a sequel, or shoot–em–up action thriller, or an adaptation of a comic book? Actually, when was the last time you even went to the movie theater? If it's been awhile, you don't need to be a cinephile to know why: the films coming from the studios lately have been pretty appalling.
Thus far in 2013 the box office’s number one is "Oz the Great and Powerful"—a movie that got panned by critics and earned a mere 44 out of 100 on Metacritic. Number two from this past weekend’s box office is "Scary Movie 5," which earned a dismal 5% score from Rotten Tomatoes.
In the next eight months you can expect to see over 30 sequels and reboots coming from Hollywood. That includes Fast and Furious 6 and Paranormal Activity 5. Hardly inspiring stuff. So what gives?
The Problem
In Hollywood today, there's almost no room for failure. The movies that are made have astronomical budgets, so they need to have a high likelihood of box office success, too. The studios have come up with what cinema studies professor Timothy Corrigan calls a “dull, repetitive formula” for these commercial winners. That means blockbusters and sequels with big name stars and huge special effects to tap into an established audience. And after the theater run, don’t forget about the franchise of video games, action figures, clothing and junk food endorsements.
“It’s all about limiting risk,” says Heather Steinman, co–president of Undergraduate Media and Entertainment Club, “[Hollywood wants] to get a four-quadrant audience—that’s male, female, old and young. It’s the only way you’re going to get a film made today.”
Break The Mold
Even if this year's Hollywood blockbusters have disappointed, quality cinema is still at your fingertips—SPEC Film Society provides preview screenings of new releases on a monthly basis. Meg Schneider, co–director of Film Society, says that they select movies to show based on what campus will like the most, and comedies have proven most popular.
For those with more art–house tastes, the International House is constantly screening foreign films. And if that's not enough, the nearby Ritz theaters offer art cinema alternatives to the mainstream blockbusters at the Rave.
For buzzy new premieres, nothing can replace a festival experience—check out the fall Philadelphia Film Festival or the Tribeca Film Festival, only a train ride away. Plus, Penn is the only university with a program that brings students to the famed Cannes Film Festival.
Maybe the most compelling films won’t be coming out in theaters anymore, but if you work a little harder you can still find them— they're just a click away on Netflix or down the red carpet at Cannes.
Tim Corrigan – cinema studies professor
Best movies of the year: "Life of Pi," "Anna Karenina"
Looks so bad I’d never see it: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation"
Movie that I’m looking forward to: "To The Wonder" (directed by Terrence Malick)
Throwback I wish would comeback: Screwball comedies of Katherine Hepburn and films with sassy, smart fast-talking women.
My recommendation: Take a Cinema Studies course!
Meta Mazaj – cinema studies professor
Best movies of the year: "Holy Motors," "Amour," "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Looks so bad I’d never see it: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation"
Movie that I’m looking forward to: There’s lots, but it’s not coming out of Hollywood, it’s not in the mainstream. I’ve kind of given up hope.
Throwback I wish would comeback: For art cinema to be in the mainstream the way it was in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
My recommendation: Use Netflix and web streaming
Heather Steinman – president, undergraduate media & entertainment club
Best movie of the year: "Celeste & Jesse Forever"
Looks so bad I’d never see it: "Battleship"
Movie that I’m looking forward to: "Monsters University"
Throwback I wish would comeback: Romantic comedies
My recommendation: Find a film that you like, look at that director, then look at everything else that s/he’s done.
Meg Schneider– Co–director, SPEC film society
Best movie of the year: "Pitch Perfect"
Looks so bad I’d never see it: "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters"
Movie that I’m looking forward to: "Star Trek Into Darkness"
Throwback I wish would comeback: Psychological thrillers
My recommendation: Watch documentaries
