Why Some Movie Franchises Fail to Deserve Their Popularity in My Opinion

When it comes to assessing the quality of movie franchises, it's essential to separate hype from substance. While certain franchises may enjoy massive popularity, that doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of their content. In my opinion, several franchises have failed to live up to their acclaim and have not earned their current level of popularity. Let's take a closer look at a few examples that fall short and explore why they might not deserve the fans and accolades they receive.

Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the Dark Knight Series

Some of the most well-known movie franchises globally, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the Dark Knight series, have become cultural phenomena. However, these blockbuster franchises have often been criticized for their over-the-top action, hackneyed dialogue, and repetitive storytelling. Many viewers have found these franchises to be a disappointment, lacking the depth and nuance that elevate them to the level of true epic storytelling.

The Superman, Marvel, and X-Men Franchises

Several superhero franchises, like the various Superman films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and the X-Men series (excluding Logan, which stands out for its quality), have also received mixed reviews. While these franchises have enjoyed commercial success, the quality of individual films within them has varied widely. Moreover, the sheer number of interconnected movies can sometimes result in a diluted narrative that fails to resonate with audiences.

Long-Running Movie Series and Their Quality

Long-running movie series are designed for mass appeal rather than artistic or critical acclaim. This mass-oriented approach is often the root of the problem. For instance, the Mission Impossible series, despite its interesting premise, has often been compared to a ready meal. These films, which are packaged and served to audiences for convenience, tend to prioritize action and spectacle over substance. They lack the emotional depth and complexity that make a film truly memorable and impactful.

Mispromoted Artifacts of Blandness

Popularity is not a reliable indicator of quality. A good example is the literature of JK Rowling and other authors whose works, while commercially successful, may not hold up to close scrutiny. Similarly, certain music and comedy acts, like that of Andrei Rieu and Michael McIntyre, may be popular due to their mass appeal but lack the depth and creativity that critics and discerning audiences appreciate.

Comedy and Quality

The realm of comedy provides a stark contrast. The popularity and perceived quality of comedians and their routines can sometimes be misleading. For example, the most popular comedian in the UK, Michael McIntyre, might not be as funny as many believe. The hilarity in his jokes often lies in their timing and delivery, which can overshadow their actual content.

A Case Study: Vic Hitler

Comparing these to an imaginary but hilariously bad comedian like Vic Hitler from Hill Street Blues, we can understand the spectrum of comedic quality. Vic Hitler was a fictional character known for his inability to deliver a decent punchline or even a coherent joke. Despite his lack of actual comedy skills, he was often the subject of admiration, much like the most popular comedians who might be overrated.

So, while Vic Hitler wouldn't be considered a top comedian by any standards, he serves as a parody of the kind of material that many so-called popular comedians might produce. This underscores the point that the true quality of comedy and, by extension, other forms of entertainment, goes beyond mere popularity.

Conclusion

Popularity and quality are two different concepts that often come into conflict. Some of the most popular movie franchises, while successful in terms of box office earnings, might not live up to their acclaim in terms of artistic merit. By reevaluating the content and the stories behind these franchises, we can gain a deeper understanding of why certain popular works might not deserve the level of hype they receive.