Despite Box Office Success, Why Do Some Movies Still Fail to Capture My Heart?

Reading about my experience with ldquo;Gone With The Windrdquo;, it seems I'm not alone in experiencing a disconnect between a movie's box office status and my personal appreciation for it. This phenomenon is not limited to just a few old classics such as ldquo;Gone With The Windrdquo;, but also extends to modern blockbusters like ldquo;Avengers: Infinity Warrdquo; and ldquo;Black Pantherrdquo;. I will delve into these topics and primarily focus on my personal disdain for the tearjerkers genre, with a specific critique of the film ldquo;The Pursuit of Happinessrdquo;. As someone who has lived and worked extensively in Africa, my experiences have given me a unique perspective on what makes a movie authentic and why some cultural representations fall short.

From Childhood to Appreciation: My Journey with ldquo;Gone With The Windrdquo;

As a 65-year-old who grew up in the south, the story of ldquo;Gone With The Windrdquo; is deeply ingrained in my cultural background. My peers, predominantly females, adored the movie and spoke fondly of Scarlett Orsquo;Hara and Rhett Butler. However, when I first attempted to watch it in black and white on a small television set, I was rather unimpressed. Perhaps a new viewing experience on a larger HD screen would yield better results, or perhaps it's time to move on from this classic.

The Over-Hyped Marvel Universe

Another example of box office success overshadowing personal taste is the ldquo;Avengers: Infinity Warrdquo; franchise. While I am a long-time fan of Marvel, the films often seem to recycle the same formula with a focus on large-scale action and an assortment of high-profile actors. These movies rarely bring something new to the table, and their reliance on familiar superhero tropes has caused me to regard them with less enthusiasm than I do other films.

My Disappointment with ldquo;Black Pantherrdquo;

The same can be said about ldquo;Black Pantherrdquo;. Although I have a deep love for Marvel and have enjoyed many of their films, this one was a letdown. The story was written by white male writers who lacked cultural insight into Africa. Given my own experiences working in West and East Africa, I felt that the film's portrayal of Wakanda was riddled with stereotypes and inaccuracies. It was clear that significant effort was not put into creating a authentic representation of African culture, which is a missed opportunity for the film.

The Tearjerkers Genre: A Personal Battle Cry

One movie that particularly grates on my nerves is ldquo;The Pursuit of Happinessrdquo;. Directed by my countryrsquo;s pride, Gabriele Muccino, this film falls into the tearjerkers category, which is the genre I strongly detest. The problem with these movies, including ldquo;The Pursuit of Happinessrdquo;, is that they rely heavily on relatable scenarios like a father losing his job but lack depth in character development. Instead of focusing on creating powerful, intelligent plots, these films pepper viewers with clichés, cheap emotions, and oversimplified messages. They seem to lack any true craftsmanship or effort, resulting in generic and repetitive narratives that fail to resonate or engage the audience.

What I find particularly troubling is the widespread appreciation for these tearjerkers. Despite what I perceive as their flaws, these films often receive high praise, with viewers shedding strapped for words when they describe their feelings during these movies. However, as someone who values authenticity and depth in storytelling, I struggle to understand how these films can be considered anything but garbage, both as a critic and as someone who has witnessed real-life struggles similar to those portrayed in these films. While my experience is highly subjective, it reflects a larger critique of the movie-making industry and the pressure to elicit emotional reactions rather than create substantial narratives.

Conclusion

While the box office success of a film does not always guarantee its ability to resonate with every viewer, my experiences with ldquo;Gone With The Windrdquo;, the Marvel franchise, ldquo;Black Pantherrdquo;, and the tearjerkers genre highlight the importance of retaining onersquo;s unique perspective and personal taste in evaluating films. Despite the cultural significance these movies hold, it is essential for filmmakers to strive for authenticity and character-driven storytelling to create films that truly move and inspire audiences.