Movies Worth Watching

[Michael G.]

Whatever happen to movies that were worth your time to go see?
The ones that were on the billboards for weeks

I can't image how theaters can stay open with the junk that's out there.
It seems they all went to streaming and even those are questionable.

And what happen to all the good actors/actresses these days.
I think this train was derailed around 2023 or since covid.

The last movie I paid to see in a theater was the last release of Top Gun.

[Michael G.]

Anyone ?

[Pugchief]

Whatever happen to movies that were worth your time to go see?

The last movie I paid to see in a theater was the last release of Top Gun.

Yep, aside from Top Gun, most of the garbage that has come out of Hollywood has been borderline unwatchable. Poor writing, lack of fresh ideas (reboot anyone?), and most of all injection of preachy woke themes has ruined the film industry and most of TV as well. There have been a few good TV series, particularly from the Taylor Sheridan universe.

Of course, IMO. YMMV but I doubt it does.

[Taltarzac725]

Best Movies to Stream at Home (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes Best Movies to Stream at Home (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes (https://share.google/qByDSacwk3XxZ48m3)

Everyone has their own tastes in art.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yep, aside from Top Gun, most of the garbage that has come out of Hollywood has been borderline unwatchable. Poor writing, lack of fresh ideas (reboot anyone?), and most of all injection of preachy woke themes has ruined the film industry and most of TV as well. There have been a few good TV series, particularly from the Taylor Sheridan universe.

Of course, IMO. YMMV but I doubt it does.

What are woke themes?

[manaboutown]

Movie quality has been going downhill for years. Indeed, it seems to have sunk to an all-time low. Absurd miscasting and woke themes are the prime culprits IMO. I refuse to pay good money (and a lot of it!) to raise my blood pressure and waste my time watching trash.

[Michael G.]

Yep, aside from Top Gun, most of the garbage that has come out of Hollywood has been borderline unwatchable. Poor writing, lack of fresh ideas (reboot anyone?), and most of all injection of preachy woke themes has ruined the film industry and most of TV as well. There have been a few good TV series, particularly from the Taylor Sheridan universe.

Of course, IMO. YMMV but I doubt it does.

Movie quality has been going downhill for years. Indeed, it seems to have sunk to an all-time low. Absurd miscasting and woke themes are the prime culprits IMO. I refuse to pay good money (and a lot of it!) to raise my blood pressure and waste my time watching trash.

Well stated on both replys

[Taltarzac725]

What are woke themes?

Fox news uses it a lot .Woke Culture | Fox News Woke Culture | Fox News (https://share.google/VGFh9USh8ubKCzN0c)

[Caymus]

What are woke themes?

As Justice Potter Stewart wrote on another issue, "I know It when I see it".

[jimkerr]

This is why theaters have gone out of business.

[Berwin]

Who wants to go to a theater when I can sit at home in my lay-z-boy reclining couch, watching my big screen high-rez TV, with all the snacks and adult beverages close to hand, and - to top it off - can pause the movie when the bathroom calls.

[hypart]

Domestic theater ticket sales for 2024 was close to $9 Billion. There's a world outside your bubble

[Caymus]

Domestic theater ticket sales for 2024 was close to $9 Billion. There's a world outside your bubble

But inflation adjusted it was almost $18 Billion in 2002.

[Cuervo]

You do understand that the film industry is a business, and they produce products that will attract the largest number of views. After the importance of the viewer are the investors, those are the two group they have to please. You may not personally like what they are offering, but you are most likely in the minority.

[maistocars]

What are woke themes?
Among other things, anything related to highlighting LGBTQ to young audiences. A few examples, Strange World, Elemental, Lightyear and the 2023 version of the Little Mermaid. There are many others.

[airstreamingypsy]

I don't go to movie theaters. I'm surprised anyone does with all the movies and TV series you can stream from the comfort of your own home. The best picture Oscar last year that went to Enora, which was dreadful. I don't even know how it was a contender. I'd rather watch reruns of Yellowstone than films like that. I do eventually catch up, I finally watched John Wick 4 last week, it didn't disappoint.

[Tvflguy]

Only time we went out for a movie in the last few years, was to AMC Leesburg to see Mission Impossible. Good to get out to see this one on the big screen. BUT it will probably be another 3 years to go out again. Our big screen and sound system is wonderful. Big savings$, our own healthy low$snacks, pause button, and nice clean toilet.

We see movies on Prime, Netflix.

Used to go to BW theater years+ ago. Used annual Movie pass. That was then...

[opinionist]

Watching old movies on YouTube is free and a refreshing break from the garbage they put out today.

[Haggar]

Yep, aside from Top Gun, most of the garbage that has come out of Hollywood has been borderline unwatchable. Poor writing, lack of fresh ideas (reboot anyone?), and most of all injection of preachy woke themes has ruined the film industry and most of TV as well. There have been a few good TV series, particularly from the Taylor Sheridan universe.

Of course, IMO. YMMV but I doubt it does.

What's your definition of woke? The dictionary says "socially aware". When did that become a bad thing?

Great films like "Philadelphia","12 years a slave"," The Defiant Ones", The Wizard of Oz","The Ten Commandments" shouldn't have been made because they contained "preachy woke themes".

I've come to believe "woke" is a term used when you want to suppress what you don't like.

[Bic2Fla]

Target audience is 18-34 male. Does this apply to you? There are good movies, good shows being broadcast, but unlike the "olden days" we have a lot more choice and a lot more ways to see entertainment. Remember when everyone gathered around the TV on Sunday nights to watch Disney or Ed Sullivan? the movie on Thanksgiving night, which was The Wizard of Oz, for many years? That train has left the station!

[Taltarzac725]

What's your definition of woke? The dictionary says "socially aware". When did that become a bad thing?

Great films like "Philadelphia","12 years a slave"," The Defiant Ones", The Wizard of Oz","The Ten Commandments" shouldn't have been made because they contained "preachy woke themes".

I've come to believe "woke" is a term used when you want to suppress what you don't like.

Most of the Best Picture winners would be viewed as "woke" and following the Golden Rule of major religions of treating others like you would want to be treated.

[Regorp]

Whatever happen to movies that were worth your time to go see?
The ones that were on the billboards for weeks

I can't image how theaters can stay open with the junk that's out there.
It seems they all went to streaming and even those are questionable.

And what happen to all the good actors/actresses these days.
I think this train was derailed around 2023 or since covid.

The last movie I paid to see in a theater was the last release of Top Gun.

Been to AMC for 2 movies recently and it was packed. Mission Impossible and Ballerina were very good edge of your seat thrillers that the crowds reacted to enthusiastically. July brings a new Jurassic movie and new Superman which will bring the crowds to the theater.

[Tvflguy]

Most of the Best Picture winners would be viewed as "woke" and following the Golden Rule of major religions of treating others like you would want to be treated.

....and WHO votes in The Academy??? HOLLYWOOD. enough said. How many recent past BP winners are what????

[Pugchief]

You do understand that the film industry is a business, and they produce products that will attract the largest number of views.

You would think, but then, you'd be wrong. Disney has been bleeding money and changing CEOs like you change underwear.

After the importance of the viewer are the investors, those are the two group they have to please.

If Disney investors were happy, they wouldn't be swapping out CEOs.

You may not personally like what they are offering, but you are most likely in the minority.

If that was true, Disney's woke movies would be making them bank. Maybe you're in the minority?

[Lottoguy]

“The Program” on Prime is a real eye opener.

[Pugchief]

What's your definition of woke? The dictionary says "socially aware". When did that become a bad thing?


Your dictionary is outdated. That may have been an acceptable definition years ago, but no longer. There is nothing wrong with being socially aware, in fact, it's a good thing.

A more current definition describes "woke" as a "cult-like adherence to liberal social orthodoxy," suggesting that it represents a radical activism that is out of touch with reality. The term has evolved to convey a negative connotation, often associated with extreme social justice ideologies.

[Taltarzac725]

Your dictionary is outdated. That may have been an acceptable definition years ago, but no longer. There is nothing wrong with being socially aware, in fact, it's a good thing.

A more current definition describes "woke" as a "cult-like adherence to liberal social orthodoxy," suggesting that it represents a radical activism that is out of touch with reality. The term has evolved to convey a negative connotation, often associated with extreme social justice ideologies.

Woke seems to be used however the person using it wants others to hear it but means different things for almost every group of people.

[hdanielblank]

There are movies worth seeing that premiere at the theater. Unfortunately, the major studios other than Disney / Marvel are premiering most of them on streaming services. That's how the industry has evolved.

That said, two major movies I've seen in the past month that I loved were: Karate Kid - Legends (100% clean enough for kids over 8) and The Amateur with Rami Malek (more violent but not raunchy in any way). Both had terrific plots, acting, visuals, direction, dialog and more.

Most of the movies I have loved in the past year, however, have been of smaller scale but still worth seeing in the theaters. One that is still there is "Raising the Bar", totally excellent and held over at Old Mill four extra weeks for positive word of mouth. Others we've seen and loved include: White Bird; Bonhoeffer; Tyson's Run; and The Forge.


Whatever happen to movies that were worth your time to go see?
The ones that were on the billboards for weeks

I can't image how theaters can stay open with the junk that's out there.
It seems they all went to streaming and even those are questionable.

And what happen to all the good actors/actresses these days.
I think this train was derailed around 2023 or since covid.

The last movie I paid to see in a theater was the last release of Top Gun.

[jimjamuser]

Best Movies to Stream at Home (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes Best Movies to Stream at Home (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes (https://share.google/qByDSacwk3XxZ48m3)

Everyone has their own tastes in art.
I only get Netflix, Prime, and HBO. I thought that 'Mickey 17' and 'Companion" were VERY good. However, I gave 'Mountainhead' a very NEGATIVE rating. Movies are supposed to have character development. If you compare the Mountainhead's 4 characters in the beginning of the movie to the same 4 at the end. They are UNCHANGED. Funny thing, the movie was NOT worth watching, but the acting was excellent.

[JRcorvette]

On Netflix

The Green Zone 2010 with Matt Damon

[Cuervo]

You would think, but then, you'd be wrong. Disney has been bleeding money and changing CEOs like you change underwear.



If Disney investors were happy, they wouldn't be swapping out CEOs.



If that was true, Disney's woke movies would be making them bank. Maybe you're in the minority?

You obvious have political leanings and you want to bring it into this into this topic. what I'm simply telling you, is you might not like what is on the menu as far as films, but the film industry like any other industry delivers what the majority demands. Which means you are in the minority.

[Taltarzac725]

On Netflix

The Green Zone 2010 with Matt Damon

Very good movie.

[Lottoguy]

Watched The Big Country recently, great movie and cast.

[Lottoguy]

People have not clue what “woke” really means. They show their ignorance when they use it in a broad term.

[Charles K]

What are woke themes?

You know it when you see it.

[tophcfa]

People have not clue what “woke” really means. They show their ignorance when they use it in a broad term.

Woke. - I got woke this morning by the guy mowing right outside the bedroom window.

[Bogie Shooter]

Fox news uses it a lot .Woke Culture | Fox News Woke Culture | Fox News (https://share.google/VGFh9USh8ubKCzN0c)

They make up their own definition all the time.barf

[Bogie Shooter]

////

[Pugchief]

what I'm simply telling you, is you might not like what is on the menu as far as films, but the film industry like any other industry delivers what the majority demands. Which means you are in the minority.

Believe that all you want, but it's not reality.

The numbers are in, and it's official, the live-action "Snow White" remake, released back in March of this year, is "officially a flop," according to IMDB.com.

The 2025 remake of the 1937 Disney classic earned a total of just over $205 million during its three-month run in theaters, a paltry sum compared to the $410 million total cost to produce and market the movie.

The prevailing wisdom is that a film needs to double its production costs to turn a profit, and if that's the case, "Snow White" is deep in the red.

With these box-office earnings, "Snow White" now has the dubious honor of being the worst-performing wide-release live-action Disney remake in almost a decade.
live-action-snow-white-officially-considered-flop (https://www.outkick.com/culture/live-action-snow-white-officially-considered-flop-i-cant-imagine-why)

[Bwanajim]

Toooo much Woke crap!! I miss the days of John Wayne, Bruce Willis, Clint Eastwood and the rest.

[djlnc]

Newton Minow's 'Vast Wasteland' has spread from TV to the movies.

[kp11364]

Anyone ?

A bit old, but "Joyeux Noel" and "A Midnight Clear" were excellent movies.

[Frankb]

I do watch a lot of movies but very few hold my attention especially when streaming. The biggest problem is too many have an agenda beyond entertainment, they're trying to enlighten us and
it seems those are the Oscar winners. The last worthy winner was 2010 "The Kings Speech" everything since has been virtue signaling.

[Pugchief]

I do watch a lot of movies but very few hold my attention especially when streaming. The biggest problem is too many have an agenda beyond entertainment, they're trying to enlighten us and
it seems those are the Oscar winners. The last worthy winner was 2010 "The Kings Speech" everything since has been virtue signaling.

A nice intro to why Woke has ruined Hollywood, but far from inclusive.

[HomerSimpson]

Must see
---------------
Where the Crawdads Sing 2022
A Man Called Otto
Pretty much anything starring Denzel Washington

Lighthearted, funny
-------------------------------
Shaun of the Dead 2004
Freeway 1996

Classics
------------------
The Wizard of Oz 1939
The Godfather
The Godfather II
Rear Window 1954
Night of the Living Dead 1968

[Kelevision]

Fox news uses it a lot .Woke Culture | Fox News Woke Culture | Fox News (https://share.google/VGFh9USh8ubKCzN0c)
But for those of us who don’t watch Fox “news”. That term is so ridiculous.

[Kelevision]

You obvious have political leanings and you want to bring it into this into this topic. what I'm simply telling you, is you might not like what is on the menu as far as films, but the film industry like any other industry delivers what the majority demands. Which means you are in the minority.

Based on all this persons posts, yes, they’re the minority but somehow they think they’re the majority? It’s simple math.

[Flyers999]

“The Program” on Prime is a real eye opener.

Are you talking about the football movie? I don't see it offered on Prime, but see a football movie by that name on Disney.

[Pugchief]

But for those of us who don’t watch Fox “news”. That term is so ridiculous.

The new Superman movie's director has admitted he has a political agenda and was using the movie to push a narrative that has nothing to do with the Superman story.

But sure, it's my imagination. And I don't watch Fox News.

[Stu from NYC]

Saw the new mission impossible movie a week ago.

Great special effects but ridiculous plot.

Very long and needed rest room breaks and for some reason they would not stop the movie for me.:bigbow:

First movie to go to this year and most likely the last. Much more convenient to watch on my TV.

[Taltarzac725]

The new Superman movie's director has admitted he has a political agenda and was using the movie to push a narrative that has nothing to do with the Superman story.

But sure, it's my imagination. And I don't watch Fox News.

Except that Superman is an alien in the truest sense of the word. So, it stands to reason he is also an immigrant.

[Pugchief]

Except that Superman is an alien in the truest sense of the word. So, it stands to reason he is also an immigrant.

Okay, sure.
What does that have to do with making a movie with a political agenda rather than continuing the Superman story we grew up with? The whole thread was about why movies are no longer worth watching, and that's why.

[Pugchief]

Saw the new mission impossible movie a week ago.

Great special effects but ridiculous plot.

Very long and needed rest room breaks and for some reason they would not stop the movie for me.:bigbow:

First movie to go to this year and most likely the last. Much more convenient to watch on my TV.

Yep.
Only one of several reasons:

Stop movie for rest room.
Stop movie for food/drink (which is also cheaper and healthier at home).
Adjust volume according to your needs.
Adjust heat or A/C to your comfort level.
No idiots in row behind you kicking seat and talking loud.
No $15 admission.

I could go on and on. The only benefit I can see to the theater is massive screen size and "experience".

[Taltarzac725]

[/I]gchief;2444615]Okay, sure.
What does that have to do with making a movie with a political agenda rather than continuing the Superman story we grew up with? The whole thread was about why movies are no longer worth watching, and that's why.

I have no problem with a movie director having a reason for telling his or her story. The Bible has thousands of these such stories as do Shakespeare's plays and most other great literature.

[manaboutown]

The new Superman movie's director has admitted he has a political agenda and was using the movie to push a narrative that has nothing to do with the Superman story.

But sure, it's my imagination. And I don't watch Fox News.

Most new movies are literally garbage. Good new movies are almost as rare as hens' teeth and unicorns in that finding one is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Not worth the time.

[fdpaq0580]

As Justice Potter Stewart wrote on another issue, "I know It when I see it".

AKA, "anything that I disagree with and/or don't understand".

[fdpaq0580]

You know it when you see it.

No, you don't!

[fdpaq0580]

What's your definition of woke? The dictionary says "socially aware". When did that become a bad thing?

Great films like "Philadelphia","12 years a slave"," The Defiant Ones", The Wizard of Oz","The Ten Commandments" shouldn't have been made because they contained "preachy woke themes".

I've come to believe "woke" is a term used when you want to suppress what you don't like.

Being "woke" or aware has never been a bad thing. It is the "W" word the "un-woke", "un-aware", have been trained to invoke by the overlords, against any thoughtful, caring, understanding, helpful, humanitarian, uplifting, dare I say "Christian" (as in "like Jesus), individual, individuals or organizations.
By the way, your last sentence was on the money. Good on you.

[fdpaq0580]

As for movies with watching, I just re-watched Father Goose, with Cary Grant and Leslie Caron. I love this movie. Hope you will, too.

[fdpaq0580]

Except that Superman is an alien in the truest sense of the word. So, it stands to reason he is also an immigrant.

Illegal! Go get him, ICE. Send the commie bass turd back where he came from!

[fdpaq0580]

Okay, sure.
What does that have to do with making a movie with a political agenda rather than continuing the Superman story we grew up with? The whole thread was about why movies are no longer worth watching, and that's why.

Lots of movies have political, religious, social and other points of view (agenda). Nothing new about that. Movies, books, art of all kinds are created by humans. All humans develop biases as they go through life. If you were a Nazi in Germany during WWII you probably would not have liked the Three Stooges portral of you beloved fuhrer. Just because you don't like the message doesn't mean the movie is artistically without merit. Look up old movies that you once loved. Watch them again. I often do. Like a visit with an old friend.
Make some popcorn and melt some butter and have a nice day!

[fdpaq0580]

Most new movies are literally garbage. Good new movies are almost as rare as hens' teeth and unicorns in that finding one is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Not worth the time.

Not garbage! Trash.
Hens'teeth and unicorns don't exist. Good movies do, whether you like them or not.
Needle in a haystack not with the time? Depends on how badly you need it.

[Flyers999]

I would give this movie a "7" out of "10." It's about a rich person (via lottery winner) who buys and lives on a small island and decides to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of his wife's untimely death by holding a concert on the island. The musical group he invites is a duo (think Sonny and Cher) who were his wife's favorite.
It's only on Peacock. I get that for free since I'm the last one in the universe who still subscribes to Comcast

[Taltarzac725]

I would give this movie a "7" out of "10." It's about a rich person (via lottery winner) who buys and lives on a small island and decides to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of his wife's untimely death by holding a concert on the island. The musical group he invites is a duo (think Sonny and Cher) who were his wife's favorite.
It's only on Peacock. I get that for free since I'm the last one in the universe who still subscribes to Comcast

That's on Fandango at Home as well.

[fdpaq0580]

I would give this movie a "7" out of "10." It's about a rich person (via lottery winner) who buys and lives on a small island and decides to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of his wife's untimely death by holding a concert on the island. The musical group he invites is a duo (think Sonny and Cher) who were his wife's favorite.
It's only on Peacock. I get that for free since I'm the last one in the universe who still subscribes to Comcast

Sometimes being last is a good thing.

[Stu from NYC]

I would give this movie a "7" out of "10." It's about a rich person (via lottery winner) who buys and lives on a small island and decides to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of his wife's untimely death by holding a concert on the island. The musical group he invites is a duo (think Sonny and Cher) who were his wife's favorite.
It's only on Peacock. I get that for free since I'm the last one in the universe who still subscribes to Comcast

Just saved $ 90 per month by saying good bye. A week after I left they sent text asking me to return equipment. Already returned.

A week later they offered me a 50% discount over what I was paying good for 5 years. Told them if they did it last time I told them I would be leaving I would not be a former customer.

[Flyers999]

That's on Fandango at Home as well.

Yes, you can buy it or rent it on Fandango (which is owned by Comcast).

[Taltarzac725]

I only get Netflix, Prime, and HBO. I thought that 'Mickey 17' and 'Companion" were VERY good. However, I gave 'Mountainhead' a very NEGATIVE rating. Movies are supposed to have character development. If you compare the Mountainhead's 4 characters in the beginning of the movie to the same 4 at the end. They are UNCHANGED. Funny thing, the movie was NOT worth watching, but the acting was excellent.

Companion was very entertaining. Did not care that much for Mickey 17. I really enjoyed The Amateur .