Fake "tension" in movies

[Blinkman987]

Watching ID4, I remembered that Roland Emmerich is a terrible writer. When Air Force 1 is escaping D.C., does anybody actually believe that the plane is in jeopardy? That single plane had a good 50% of the cast's stars on it a good half-hour into the film. If that plane went down, so did tens of millions of dollars in salary.

Then I remembered he did 10k BC and I saw that movie on a date. Her choice. I won't spoil the end, but I wanted to throw my soda at the screen. Way to tug at sentimental heart strings that fail to elicit a single ounce of sincere emotion. Thank you again Roland Emmerich. You can lick my taint.

I really hate when directors and writers do this. None of it brings out any real feeling from the audience. It would be like someone coming out and saying "Man, I really hate cancer." What a bold and edgy statement to make! Thanks Capt. Obvious! Oh wait, jerks with yellow wristbands already did that, showing they hate cancer one whole dollar's worth.

A better analogy is in order, but I can't come up with one. Basically, I just hate when film makers write in crappy parts that the viewer can immediately disassemble and call BS on, and I hate it more when they write in crappy emotional scenes that have no genuine quality to them.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Blinkman987

Thank you again Roland Emmerich. You can lick my taint.
.

Best post of the day!!!!!!! and also, I couldn't agree more!

[Secretagentnumber6]

Yeah Roland Emmerich is pretty much the Anti-cinema guy. His movies entertain but they are no substance popcorn flicks. Sure I will watch them but as Blinkman said it is fake tension and mostly bad writing. Of course most movies use this, we all know that the main character is probably not going to die, and guess what the good guys are gonna win in the end. *SPOILER ALERT*This is one of the main reasons I love movies like No COuntry, Infernal Affairs, and its remake The Departed, and There Will Be Blood. good guys do not always win, in fact usually it is the other way around.

[Variable]

the last two times I watch ID4 were extremely rough for me. I was young when it came out, I think like 9, and I've always loved it as a bad but fun movie. however ikt was only recently that I realized how bad it is.

totally agree with OP.

[Secretagentnumber6]

Originally Posted by Variable

the last two times I watch ID4 were extremely rough for me. I was young when it came out, I think like 9, and I've always loved it as a bad but fun movie. however ikt was only recently that I realized how bad it is.

totally agree with OP.

I hate it when that happens. You have all these fond memories of a movie you saw when you were a kid and then you watch it when you are older and it is the worst thing you have ever seen. It is like someone is stabbing your inner child. I have the same experience with ID4, I almost feel embarassed to watch it if other people are around because it really is just awful, but has its moments.

[statikcat]

The guy sucks at film.

[JeremyPiven]

Originally Posted by Secretagentnumber6

I hate it when that happens. You have all these fond memories of a movie you saw when you were a kid and then you watch it when you are older and it is the worst thing you have ever seen. It is like someone is stabbing your inner child. I have the same experience with ID4, I almost feel embarassed to watch it if other people are around because it really is just awful, but has its moments.

Same here. Was cool when I was younger, but now it seems so lame. Corny even. That's why I won't be picking it up. Need something with more substance.

[GreenScar]

I have to disagree with the ALL part of the argument.

Loved the Patriot. Sure it had some cheese in it, but it definitely had it's moments.

[GreenScar]

Also liked Stargate. Universal Soldier was alright.

[J_UNTITLED]

Originally Posted by Secretagentnumber6

His movies entertain but they are no substance popcorn flicks.[/COLOR]

Aren't the majority of popcorn (or big, tentpole summer blockbusters) flicks by their definition not much with substance or depth?

[Secretagentnumber6]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

Aren't the majority of popcorn (or big, tentpole summer blockbusters) flicks by their definition not much with substance or depth?

Of course they are. And there is nothing wrong with that. They are meant to entertain casual movie audiences and they serve their purpose well.

[DutchBoy]

I dunno if it's writing, directing or what... but ID4 has just "lost it" for me over the years. I loved it when it first came out (midnight showing and everything!) but...

I just can't bring myself to buy it, now. Have no desire for it whatsoever.

[hoosier2007]

Originally Posted by jasonbird

Also liked Stargate. Universal Soldier was alright.

Hey Jason
I never seen that Youtube video before so I thought it was the line of Ben Stiller from Zoolander or was it Starsky & Hutch till i clicked on it. Pretty neat video

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by hoosier2007

Hey Jason
I never seen that Youtube video before so I thought it was the line of Ben Stiller from Zoolander or was it Starsky & Hutch till i clicked on it. Pretty neat video

I came across it looking for something else on YouTube and it always makes me smile. I love the way it starts with Bill Murray

[TheRealBob]

Originally Posted by Blinkman987

I really hate when directors and writers do this. None of it brings out any real feeling from the audience.

This is not a movie, but I used to be a big fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and they really just defied belief with the contrived tension. It seemed there was a 20-week stretch during which every show had a scene where several of the main characters are on something that explodes just as they're transporting them out, and the explosion seemingly happens first, so -- oh, no! -- they must all be dead, but -- wait! -- here they are materializing safely in the ship after all! Whew! That was close!

Pathetic.

One of the reasons I really liked Armageddon, despite its many flaws (animal crackers scene, anyone?), is that they killed off a major character at the end. They set it up so it had to happen, but I was kind of rolling my eyes the first time I saw it, thinking they'd find some stupid way to get out of it, but they did it. I tip my hat to the atrocious, but Blu-ray supporting, Michael Bay for that one.