Viva La Video

March 29, 2011 | Posted by

Maybe it's the gargantuan TVs sitting in everybody's living rooms, or maybe its the poor quality of writing in movies. Maybe its the fact that big name movie actors are taking 90% of the movie budget that leaves little to actually writing a good story. But I can only speak to my perspective and I've come to the conclusion;

Movies are losing relevance to TV and Video Games.

I know what you're thinking, that's ridiculous, but ask yourself; when was the last time you were really excited to see a movie? I mean, line up at the theatre excited. I'm talking "STAR WARS vs. Indiana Jones on the Island of Jurassic Park" (trademark pending) type of excited!

Now how often do you find yourself saying one or more of the following:

Oh man, I cant wait for season X of _____* to start

The next _____** video game is going to be epic!

Now think back to the last time you paid between $15-$20 (depending on the inclusion or absence or 3D) only to leave the theatre angrier than when you entered because you saw every good part in the trailer?

I believe that longer running TV shows have a huge advantage. When you fall in love with a well written, deep, engaging character, you want to see said character over and over again. You want to see them in a myriad of situations. You want them to grow, to evolve or devolve depending on the show. Considering that a movie needs to cram in an entire story into an hour and a half, it's no wonder movies are going into 3 - 6 parts. And no, i'm not talking about Saw VII.

Could you imagine trying to watch the entire Twilight saga in an hour and a half? (Actually, that might actually make it less painful). Okay, Lord of the Rings then.

Which begs the question. When was the last time a movie wasn't based on a book, video game, or graphic novel? It seems that the movie industry is trying in vain to latch onto everything and anything to keep themselves relevant.

And then there's this. The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival is honouring the new Rockstar Games' Crime Thriller L.A. Noire as an Official Selection. Now I won't say I told you so but isn't it about time we start taking games and TV seriously by giving them the justification they deserve? 

* Insert any one of the following. Walking Dead, Curb your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Californiacation, Mad Men, Dexter, Breaking Bad, Weeds, Big Love, Boardwalk Empire.

** Insert any of the following video games. Mario, LA Noire, Bioshock, GTA, actually, I am going to quit this cause the list would go on an on.