Are today's movies too conservative?
There seems to be a certain type of film that is made for the cinema:
high action , special effects like Cliffhanger; Lord of the Rings, K2, Terminator; or
teen feel good films for adolescents like Clueless; Bring It On; or
The family film for Mum, Dad & the under 12 children; or
Films just because they have bankable big name stars; or
Franchise films either remakes of past TV series, or various of past-like the Bond films.
Made for TV films of 1990's and today-with strong female leads
But films from the 70's like Dirty Harry series; Lipstick, Badham County; that are psychological thrillers and involve family,small town, and close friend, relationships , only appear on midday TV as Made for TV movies.
These often feature a strong Mom in 40-50's, dealing with her adolescent kids and dangers within a small-town community. Angela Light and Kate Jackson are two actors I think of who have played these roles.
These films have to rely of greater character development and better plots, and so are better films as the viewer can identify with one or more of the characters as it in a real-life family situation of conflict etc, not 90 minutes of escapism.
Lipstick is a good film and stood the test of time because it is so dramatic. There was a decided lack of violence and no police swarming in numbers. Does every police car have to have to be driven like an Indy car?
Hemingway sisters v Olsen twins v Paris & Nicole-respective roles
The Hemingway sisters are brilliant as well as beautiful, contrast the meaty roles that they play with the saccharin , sugary films that similarly aged, but equally beautiful 'sisters' like the Olsen twins & Paris Hilton & Nicole Ritchies.
Those films/TV programs have no substance, but Lipstick & other films that were made in mid 70's early 80's like Personal Best , Star 80, Hardcore, are more dramatic & therefore more interesting.
So Made for TV films are usually the best films to see if you want really interesting and dramatic psychological and family drama.
What do you think? Made for TV or mainstream Hollywood movies at the cinema?