Most movies are pretty terrible, I'd agree. But, every once in a while you get a movie that can't be described as anything but art. And what you should understand is that it's not easy, no part of it. I used to think some similar things too, and I still think most mainstream actors/directors are way overpaid, but their product brings in huge amounts of revenue, and that's what America represents. It's a lot less shady and corrupt than much of our other prized industries :cough: financial :cough:. Also, consider an awesome movie you do like, now replace all the main actors with completely unknown people, do you think that movie would be anywhere near the quality of what it currently is? That's a question that really changed my opinion, acting is a skill, and some people are absolutely brilliant at it. Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, just to name a few, those guys put life into the character and have the ability to bring the audience to tears, full on tears! That's an incredible talent that should be acknowledged! Especially after considering the implications.. good actors can actually change the opinions of entire nations. Have you ever tried to act? Lol, go try, report back, because I was awkward as shit when I attempted it.
Give these movies a shot;
-The Matrix - great action, awesome story, revolutionary special effects
-V for Vendetta - awesome story, top notch acting (Hugo Weaving is the shit, also plays agent Smith in The Matrix), relevant to today
-The Godfather (I, II, III) - outstanding Italian mafia story
-Goodfellas - another Italian gangster movie, awesome
-Casino - De Niro and Pesci are quality actors too, Sharon Stone is a babe in this one! Crazy as fuck though! Great story based on the rise of Las Vegas
-Carlitos Way - Gritty, awesome New York gangster movie with Al Pacino, the prequel is also pretty legit with Jay Hernandez playing the younger Carlito Brigante
-The Patriot - the best representation of the American Revolutionary War I've ever seen, Gibson gives a stand up performance, totally believable as Benjamin Martin, colonial hero to his countrymen for actions during the French and Indian war. When I first saw this I was blown away!
-Saving Private Ryan - How the hell could I forget about Tom Hanks, Jesus, that dude is a great actor! And Matt Damon is right up there with him, all around great cast, great, SAD story with a great ending, totally makes you feel like you're there
-Enemy at the Gates - Legit sniper flick about the top scoring Soviet sniper during WWII, great action scenes, great acting and you get to see Rachel Weitz's butt!
-Bad Boys (1 & 2) - Hilarious mix of action and comedy from two of today's funniest actors! Cool story, cool bad guys!
-Constantine - Cool as fuck movie with Keanu Reeves sending demons back to Hell! Great soundtrack
-The Incredibles - One of the best animation movies I've ever seen, perfectly fluid movements, awesomely designed characters and world, amazing visuals, memorable villian, great movie!
-Fight Club - Brad Pitt and Edward Norton are the shit in this movie! Acting does not get better than this! Great story, awesome message
-Jurassic Park - Fuckin' DINOSAURS! Best dinosaur movie I've ever seen!
-E.T. - Revolutionary movie about a boy and his friendship with an alien, great story!
-Saw (series) - Epic traps, great continuity, awesome message!
Just off the top of my head...
Not to mention all the documentaries you could also watch, you can learn awesome shit without ever having to read a word! Perfect for the lazy learner!
One thing I'd like to comment on the most though is that if you know what to look for in movies, they become a lot better! Like if you know the meaning behind a color, or why they would place the camera in this specific angle for the shot, little subtle things like that, it adds an entirely new dimension to the enjoyment factor of movies, it's like being involved in an inside joke when you notice it between you and the filmmaker.
