The Two Movie Flops Everyone Loves to Hate But One Expert Says Are Not the Real Problem

Amid a tragically divided populace, one thing holds us together as a nation right now: the near-unanimous spite regarding a couple of flops, “Megalopolis” from Francis Ford Coppola and “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the “Joker” sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. These films have been panned by critics and audiences alike, but are they the real problem in the movie industry?

Not according to Michael Phillips. As a seasoned film critic, Phillips has seen his fair share of box office bombs and cinematic masterpieces. He argues that while “Megalopolis” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” may be flops, they are not the films that should be worrying us. Instead, Phillips points to a larger issue in the movie industry that is threatening the very fabric of cinema itself.

“Megalopolis,” the ambitious epic from Francis Ford Coppola, was expected to be a grand spectacle. With a star-studded cast, including Adam Driver and Forest Whitaker, the film promised to be a sweeping narrative that explores the rise and fall of civilizations. However, upon its release, the film was met with widespread criticism, with many panning its convoluted plot and overreaching ambitions.

“Joker: Folie à Deux,” on the other hand, was expected to be a more conventional film. The sequel to the 2019 hit “Joker,” which earned Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for his portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime, promised to delve deeper into the psyche of the iconic villain. However, the film was met with mixed reviews, with many critics panning its meandering plot and lack of direction.

Despite the negative reception of these films, Phillips argues that they are not the real problem. Instead, he points to the issue of franchise fatigue, where studios prioritize sequels and reboots over original storytelling. This, Phillips argues, is stifling creativity in the movie industry and leading to a lack of innovation and risk-taking.

“The real problem is not ‘Megalopolis’ or ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’” Phillips says. “It’s the fact that studios are more interested in playing it safe than taking a chance on something new and original. This is leading to a lack of diversity in the types of films that are being made, and it’s ultimately hurting the industry as a whole.”

Phillips also points to the issue of over-reliance on CGI and special effects. While these elements can enhance a film, they cannot replace good storytelling and compelling characters. “When a film relies too heavily on CGI and special effects, it can come across as shallow and lacking in substance,” Phillips says.

In conclusion, while “Megalopolis” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” may be flops, they are not the real problem in the movie industry. Instead, it is the lack of creativity and innovation, combined with an over-reliance on franchise filmmaking and CGI, that is threatening the future of cinema. As Phillips notes, it is time for studios to take a chance on something new and original, rather than playing it safe and relying on the same old formulas.