Hollywood rethinking A-List actors?

[redfirebird2008]

that's a big brush you're painting with there

So you mean to tell me that a vast majority of people who go to the movies don't watch television? I consider pretty much everything on television today to be trash. So if you agree that most people who go to the movies also watch television, and I consider 99% of the scripted stuff on TV these days to be trash, then the odds are pretty strong that they are watching something that I consider to be crap.

 

[BlackLantern]

and that is your angry barometer and yours alone....I get that considering most of TV crap is in vogue these days...I like a variety of tv, some shows I have started watching again that I haven't watched since I was a teenager....whole point being, indicting someone just because they like TF as a "lesser being" is a bit much....all im saying....

hug??

 

[redfirebird2008]

and that is your angry barometer and yours alone....I get that considering most of TV crap is in vogue these days...I like a variety of tv, some shows I have started watching again that I haven't watched since I was a teenager....whole point being, indicting someone just because they like TF as a "lesser being" is a bit much....all im saying....

hug??

Never said anyone is a lesser being for liking TF. What I do believe is that TF represents everything that is wrong in Hollywood these days. I'm all for escapism, but escapism doesn't have to be loaded with poor writing and crappy acting. And it sure as hell isn't a requirement to have a CGI-fest in order to have escapism.

There's nothing "angry" about me not enjoying the stuff on television these days. I've accepted the fact that it's simply not what it used to be. Same thing with movies. I suppose you can make the argument that they've pretty much thought of all the good ideas for movies and TV shows, so at this point it's all about repackaging things and trying to sell it to people all over again in a different way. That doesn't really make me angry. I still have many, many older movies to check out. Heck, I still have plenty of older TV shows I need to check out too for that matter.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Let's not underestimate the role that Television plays in the downfall of big time studio actors. Like I have said, many movie stars (a lot of them credible, Oscar Nominated stars) have made the jump to Television in recent years and all of them have had success. I mean, a few years ago did anyone think that Glenn Close would ever do a TV show and have major success on TV? I sure did not. And yet, she's an Emmy Award winner for the show "Damages" which has received critical acclaim.

Now, I don't think Tom Cruise or Will Smith or Tom Hanks will go back to doing regular TV, but I do think more movie actors will jump to TV, hoping to replicate the success of Close, Gabriel Byrne, Alec Baldwin, Holly Hunter and others that I have mentioned earlier.

Internet also plays a role as Actors have started doing that stuff too.

 

[BlackLantern]

go farther back...John Lithgow wasn't a super huge name at the time, but people were surprised that a dedicated film actor was going to do a sitcom (3rd Rock from the Sun)

 

[redfirebird2008]

go farther back...John Lithgow wasn't a super huge name at the time, but people were surprised that a dedicated film actor was going to do a sitcom (3rd Rock from the Sun)

Now see, that was actually a good show. t:

 

[Dr. Evil]

go farther back...John Lithgow wasn't a super huge name at the time, but people were surprised that a dedicated film actor was going to do a sitcom (3rd Rock from the Sun)

This is true and now he's back on TV on Dexter. Lithgow received critical acclaim for 3rd Rock, much like some of the Movie turned TV actors today.

 

[terry78]

You see how many actors from across the pond are now starring in tv shows over here. It's considered a very legitimate art form.

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I think the article is pretty funny, especially it's list of A-list actors;

Bruce Willis ("Surrogates") - Well, Surrogates, just didn't look interesting, with a good movie Bruce can still draw a crowd.
Adam Sandler ("Funny People") - When was the last big hit Sandler had? He's still considered A-List.
Will Ferrell ("Land of the Lost") - Ferrell's star has been falling for a while now, since every movie seems to be the same.
Eddie Murphy ("Imagine That") - Eddie Murphy is A-list? He hasn't been A-List for 20 years
Julia Roberts ("Duplicity") - Really Julia Roberts is still A-List too? Wouldn't have guessed that.
Also they mentioned Jim Carrey, once again, update the roledex Hollywood execs, it's not the '90s anymore Carrey isn't the star he used to be.

Then you look at the movies they're using to justify the non-A-list movie;

Paranormal Activity - This was perfect timing and marketing, a scary movie during the Halloween season, with an increasing widening release. I don't it would have worked in any other season or if it started out as a wide release.

District 9 - I think a big part of this movie's success was Peter Jackson's name being attached, without that I think it would've done a lot worse at the box office

The Hangover - Every summer there seems to be that one comedy with lesser known actor's that becomes the big hit, The Hangover was this years American Pie, 40 Year Old Virgin, Anchorman, etc.

Twilight/New Moon - It's got the built in audience already, of course it was going to hit because all the teenage girls would be lining up for it no matter what.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Oh wait that article was written over at Slashfilm? Well, nice job as usual of talking about **** five years too late guys, seriously grand job over there

 

[BlackLantern]

bastion of journalism, that slashfilm

 

[redfirebird2008]

bastion of journalism, that slashfilm

 

[Super_Ludacris]

bastion of journalism, that slashfilm

I mean its a decent filmsite and I use like there podcast and they make some good points on it...but the ****ing fanboy mentality of Devindra and Adam is just ugh. And they fawn over the most random of "that guy" actors, its kinda ridic

 

[mikeyh89]

Not on the list for major returns vs. what they were paid. Naomi Watts, Jennifer Connelly, and Meryl Streep made the top of the list of most bankable. God bless them.

This list?

http://www.buzzsugar.com/5513360

Aniston ranks 6th.

Sorry, I had to find it so I knew I wasn't crazy and imagining things haha! Either way your initial point still stands.

Anyways, regarding the topic, I have to agree with Dr. Evil about big actors moving to TV and making a successful transition. Like you said, I doubt Will Smith or Tom Cruise will be going to TV anytime soon but I think people like Meg Ryan or Ashley Judd who haven't been doing as much lately would be wise to pull a Holly Hunter or a Glenn Close.

 

[BlackLantern]

I mean its a decent filmsite and I use like there podcast and they make some good points on it...but the ****ing fanboy mentality of Devindra and Adam is just ugh. And they fawn over the most random of "that guy" actors, its kinda ridic

I think it's that whole mentality of not wanting to like what everyone else likes and the fear of being seen as a "sheep", so they latch on to some actor, laud him as unappreciated, so they can rail against "The Man" and the evil Hollywood machine

 

[redfirebird2008]

I think it's that whole mentality of not wanting to like what everyone else likes and the fear of being seen as a "sheep", so they latch on to some actor, laud him as unappreciated, so they can rail against "The Man" and the evil Hollywood machine

I thought they were part of it? I remember them hyping the hell out of The Dark Knight for instance.

 

[BlackLantern]

maybe the self loathing part of it....I really don't know....I tend to stay away from those sites slashfilm, AICN, etc

 

[redfirebird2008]

LOL, I think you're right. Self-loathing is a pretty good description of it.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

maybe the self loathing part of it....I really don't know....I tend to stay away from those sites slashfilm, AICN, etc

Probably a wise choice, I use to go to those sites all the time but it gets kinda monotonous with the same typical online fanboy reactions to things ("Oh no a remake they are raping my childhoor" etc etc) and being a fan of certain actors and actresses they hate in tv and film, I can do without the same predictable whining. I think thats sorta why I took a break from here too.
But I feel you on staying away from those spots, even though everyone I know things Im some uber film elitist and comic book geek, I just hate rolling with my own kind lol

 

[Evil Twin]

I think the article is pretty funny, especially it's list of A-list actors;
Adam Sandler ("Funny People") - When was the last big hit Sandler had? He's still considered A-List.

Sandler has been the lead in seven $100+ million domestic grossers in the last seven years, Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Longest Yard, Click, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, You Don't Mess With the Zohan, and Bedtime Stories. His audience doesn't follow him to more challenging fare, but his silly comedies consistently make money.

Arguably, he is worth the money for a specific genre.

 

[Red Mask]

This list?

http://www.buzzsugar.com/5513360

Aniston ranks 6th.

Sorry, I had to find it so I knew I wasn't crazy and imagining things haha! Either way your initial point still stands.

Anyways, regarding the topic, I have to agree with Dr. Evil about big actors moving to TV and making a successful transition. Like you said, I doubt Will Smith or Tom Cruise will be going to TV anytime soon but I think people like Meg Ryan or Ashley Judd who haven't been doing as much lately would be wise to pull a Holly Hunter or a Glenn Close.

Ashley Judd has been doing pretty well with her life. Even if she's not doing movies her goodwill works has touched a lot of people. Jolie may not be high on the list, but we all know she's done lots of goodwill missions. She's brought attention to human rights crimes. That's more than I can say for Aniston, whose reputation appears more related to her love life.

 

[BlackLantern]

Probably a wise choice, I use to go to those sites all the time but it gets kinda monotonous with the same typical online fanboy reactions to things ("Oh no a remake they are raping my childhoor" etc etc) and being a fan of certain actors and actresses they hate in tv and film, I can do without the same predictable whining. I think thats sorta why I took a break from here too.
But I feel you on staying away from those spots, even though everyone I know things Im some uber film elitist and comic book geek, I just hate rolling with my own kind lol

I have a tough time seeing them as "journalists" because they are fans first and if you're not a trained journalist that has learned to be objective and separate your self from your work, your fandom will always come first

 

[Max J Power]

Sandler has been the lead in seven $100+ million domestic grossers in the last seven years, Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Longest Yard, Click, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, You Don't Mess With the Zohan, and Bedtime Stories. His audience doesn't follow him to more challenging fare, but his silly comedies consistently make money.

Arguably, he is worth the money for a specific genre.

I hope this doesn't deter him from making the more challenging fare. I thought he was really good in "Funny People."

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I hope this doesn't deter him from making the more challenging fare. I thought he was really good in "Funny People."

Obviously it's not detering him from doing more challenging fare. He does a safe, cash grab movie or two, then the serious movie.

 

[BlackLantern]

I liked him in Punch Drunk Love