MovieChat Forums > Spy Hard (1996) Discussion > I can like spoof movies if they are done...

I can like spoof movies if they are done well but I don't like this


First, I think its important to preface the fact that this is just my opinion and that there is no such thing as "right" and "wrong" when it comes to a way movies are made or created. Everything about entertainment is based on subjectivity, preference and opinion and I do at times get very annoyed that instead of IMDB (and most of the rest of the internet sadly) being a forum where people who like movies can discuss them with each other.

However, instead, it seems like about 95% of people who post on IMDB do not do so intelligently, do not back up their opinions with explanation or examples (which in my opinion destroys all credibility and any actual usefulness of the opinion in a productive manner other than to let angry people vent). It also seems that some act as if there is a right way or wrong way of doing things when it comes to movies which seems extremely naïve to me about what movies are mainly about, which is just entertainment. There is though, as well, something that can be learned from sociologically speaking and can use a story to send a bigger "message" by intent. Mainly though, my point is, movies, which are mainly for entertainment, and whether a movie succeeds at that is a complete matter of opinion.

So, after saying that, my reason for disliking this form of spoofs is that it takes it to a level where the gags are mostly so over the top and just as importantly, so FREQUENT that it starts to destroy the narrative about the movie, which in even movies like these does matter. Movies like this (and I think most of these were done by the same people, meaning the spy hard movies, date movie, epic movie) are getting borderline close to pornography as it pertains to the narrative which ultimately becomes just a device used to put as many gags/jokes (Whatever you want to call them) on the screen for people who find this type of "over the top" spoofing to be entertaining (just like any narrative in a porno movie is just a device to put sex on the screen).

To me, it really seems like all they are doing is just throwing as much mud at the wall and just hoping some of it sticks, so if just 1 out of 10 of the gags are making you laugh, then you are laughing every 5 minutes because of the over the top frequency of them.

Anyway, that is my problem with these forms of spoof movies. I like spoofs but I enjoy ones that have more subtlety and less silly slapstick scenes. So, that's my two cents on why I have trouble enjoying this type of spoof film.

reply

I think most of these were done by the same people, meaning the spy hard movies, date movie, epic movie

Sort of. You see... Actually, we're on IMDB. You can look it up.
getting borderline close to pornography as it pertains to the narrative which ultimately becomes just a device used to put as many gags/jokes (Whatever you want to call them) on the screen for people who find this type of "over the top" spoofing to be entertaining (just like any narrative in a porno movie is just a device to put sex on the screen).

Great metaphor!
I like spoofs but I enjoy ones that have more subtlety and less silly slapstick scenes.

Such as?

reply

I don't understand where this idea got started that the audience doesn't have to care about the characters or the story in spoofs.

Completely wrong.

One of the reasons the "Naked Gun" trilogy is so memorable is that you were emotionally invested.

reply

Thank you! That's exactly why people still talk about AUSTIN POWERS, ENCHANTED, GALAXY QUEST, HOT FUZZ, SCREAM, SHAUN OF THE DEAD and SHREK: They had heart.

reply

Nobody cares about garbage movies like Hot Fuzz or Shaun of the Dead.

reply

Who told you that?

reply

Spy Hard is underrated, and so is Johnny English.

"Like my great grandpappy used to say, when life gives you booty, make bootyade!"-Big E of New Day

reply