Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode #918: "Critical Drinker - Why Do Modern Movies Suck So Much?"

Release Date: March 22, 2025

In this engaging episode of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson sits down with The Critical Drinker to dissect the declining quality of modern movies. They delve deep into the corporatization of beloved franchises, the impact of streaming services, and the broader cultural shifts influencing Hollywood's current trajectory. The conversation is rich with insights, critical analysis, and candid opinions, making it a must-listen for movie enthusiasts and cultural commentators alike.

1. The Corporatization of Iconic Franchises

James Bond's Evolution Under Amazon

The discussion kicks off with an analysis of the James Bond franchise. The Critical Drinker expresses concern over Amazon's acquisition of MGM and the subsequent creative control shift:

“They have tapped out essentially and now Amazon have got full creative control over the Bond franchise and they are already talking about turning it into the next Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
[00:03]

He fears that this move towards an “exploitation of the IP” could dilute the essence that has made Bond a cultural staple for over six decades.

Comparison with Lord of the Rings and Star Wars

Drawing parallels, The Critical Drinker criticizes Amazon's handling of Bond by referencing the mismanagement seen in franchises like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings:

“They found a way to destroy something as thoroughly as they did and to blow a billion dollar, you know, show.”
[01:48]

He highlights how corporate overreach can lead to the downfall of once-cherished series, emphasizing that such mismanagement erodes the foundational allure of these franchises.

2. Challenges Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Character Development and Franchise Fatigue

The conversation shifts to Marvel's handling of characters like Loki and Thor. The Critical Drinker laments the loss of original character depth:

“Loki at his best is actually a really intimidating character...”
[06:05]

He criticizes the MCU's trend of making beloved characters more vulnerable or sidelining their strengths, which diminishes their original appeal and menace.

Excessive Spin-offs and Superhero Fatigue

Predicting the eventual decline of the superhero genre, he points to over-saturation and diminishing returns:

“We're going to see the demise of the superhero genre... after that, the genre is cooked.”
[13:09]

He anticipates a shift from superhero films to video game adaptations, citing the burgeoning success and larger budgets of the gaming industry.

3. The Impact of Streaming Services on Movie Production

Shortened Theatrical Windows and Streaming Dominance

The Critical Drinker discusses the accelerated shift towards streaming, influenced by economic incentives and consumer preferences:

“You do see a really short theatrical window now... it's just the economics of the new technology that we're grappling with.”
[28:12]

He argues that the convenience and affordability of streaming are making traditional cinema-going less appealing, leading to a transformation in how movies are produced and distributed.

Pros and Cons of Streaming Exclusives

While acknowledging the rise of high-quality streaming exclusives, he notes that this trend could marginalize traditional movie theaters:

“It will become gradually more like the way we see going to the theater, you know, to go see a stage play...”
[30:04]

He envisions cinemas becoming niche venues for immersive experiences rather than mainstream entertainment hubs.

4. The Decline of Traditional Genres: Rom-Coms and Comedies

Romantic Comedies and Cultural Shifts

The episode highlights the near extinction of romantic comedies in mainstream cinema:

“Comedies have died... it's impossible.”
[31:26]

The Critical Drinker attributes this decline to heightened political correctness and the difficulty of creating humor without offending audiences, leading to a barren landscape for traditional comedic narratives.

Potential for a Comedy Comeback

Optimistically, he suggests that a backlash against excessive political correctness might pave the way for the resurgence of bold and edgy comedies:

“If some studio actually has the balls to do it and make a comedy that's not afraid to be a little bit edgy and offensive... I actually think it would play really well.”
[32:24]

5. Cultural and Political Influences on Hollywood

Progressive Overreach and Industry Self-Awareness

The conversation delves into Hollywood's entanglement with cultural and political agendas, questioning the sustainability of such influences:

“They know that this stuff doesn't sell anymore... They're increasingly uninterested in your actual movies even.”
[53:35]

The Impact on Award Ceremonies

Discussing events like the Oscars, The Critical Drinker criticizes their shift towards being industry-only events, detached from mainstream appeal:

“It's like an industry event... it's a chance for them to recognize talent within their industry.”
[54:39]

6. Future Predictions for the Movie Industry

Superhero Genre's Downfall and Video Game Adaptations

Reiterating his earlier points, The Critical Drinker firmly believes that the superhero genre will wane, replaced by the lucrative and expansive world of video game adaptations:

“They make a shit zillion dollars every day from like their actual online website... This is just a vanity project.”
[69:15]

The Resilience of Iconic Franchises

He remains skeptical about the Star Wars franchise reclaiming its former glory, suggesting that time and fresh creative directions are necessary:

“There is something timeless and consistently appealing about James Bond...”
[04:55]
“I think this is one. And it's gonna be hilarious.”
[25:05]

Conclusion: A Call for Authenticity and Quality

The episode closes with a lament for the loss of authenticity and quality in modern filmmaking. The Critical Drinker advocates for a return to respecting source material, maintaining character mystique, and prioritizing genuine storytelling over corporate profit motives.

Notable Quotes

• The Critical Drinker on James Bond's corporatization:
  “They want to spin offs of Moneypenny... it's about exploitation of the IP.”
  [00:03]

• The Critical Drinker on Marvel's Loki show:
  “Loki at his best is actually a really intimidating character... when they tried to do this TV show with him, he's getting knocked out by people.”
  [06:05]

• The Critical Drinker on the demise of comedies:
  “All those things like political correctness is the death of fun and it's the death of comedy and it's the death of entertainment.”
  [31:26]

• The Critical Drinker on the future of movie genres:
  “Superhero genre... cooked because it's super expensive to make.”
  [13:09]

Key Takeaways

• Corporate Control Dilutes Franchises: The shift of creative control from original families or managers to large corporations like Amazon risks diluting the essence of iconic franchises such as James Bond.

• Streaming Services Reshape the Industry: The dominance of streaming platforms is altering traditional movie distribution, leading to shorter theatrical windows and prioritizing streaming exclusives over cinema releases.

• Genre Decline Due to Cultural Shifts: Traditional genres like romantic comedies and comedies are struggling to survive amidst increased political correctness and changing audience sensitivities.

• Future Lies in Adaptations: The rise of video game adaptations is poised to become the next blockbuster trend, given the proven success and massive budgets involved.

• Authenticity Over Exploitation: There's a growing call for Hollywood to return to authentic storytelling and respect for source materials, rather than exploit intellectual properties for profit.

This episode provides a comprehensive critique of current trends in the movie industry, blending sharp observations with a nostalgic yearning for quality and authenticity in filmmaking. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a seasoned cinephile, the insights shared by The Critical Drinker offer a thought-provoking perspective on why modern movies often miss the mark.