1. This Movie Sucks
When producers are left scratching their heads because a "sure thing" flopped at the box office, they're wondering "How did this happen? We had the right stars, a good director, decent writer, and the marketing was top notch. What happened?" To quote one of Roger Ebert's book titles, maybe "Your Movie Sucks." The main reason why we can't stand mainstream cinema is that most of the films in the mainstream are flat out terrible. Let's look at the top rated movies according to Rotten Tomatoes. But remember that these films are based on the "tomatometer," which is completely dependent on the overall verdict of whether a critic thinks the movie is positive or negative. If one were to look at the best rated films of 2011, I'm willing to bet that most of the public have never heard of these movies. Films such as "A Separation," "The Guard," "Pariah," "Win Win," and "Submarine." The reality is that many good films are independent or foreign films and will not get enough publicity. We want these quality independent or foreign films in the mainstream and to make a lot of money, but then it wouldn't be the mainstream, it'd be a paradox. Huge worldwide success AND good artistic merit? That's why there's only one Radiohead. But in film, it just wouldn't work. We need to hate the mainstream. It's always been like that. It creates potential for independent artists to aspire to make great films and to inspire others to make good art without the benefit of being a mainstream product. But it doesn't change the fact that we'd at least like the option of seeing these films. I'd love to see all these independent films, but not many theaters play them. If Hollywood would give some shoving room for the little guy, then they'd see there are more options than 3D reissues, remakes, sequels, and prequels. Maybe they'll see the light and, while they'll save the main spotlight for "The Smurfs 2," some of the shine will rub off on a future independent film like "Mean Streets" and another Scorsese will be born.