Mainstream Dude Hoping to Fit In Here

[JacobKyon]

Hi everyone. It's such an awesometacular forum you have here. I mean, an entire forum for movie-discussion? It's everything I'd been searching for years ago. :D

I'm a 24 year old Singaporean who started watching movies ever since I was a kid, mostly due to my parents. I didn't take movie-critiquing seriously till I was around 18-20. My favorite movies are Terminator 2, Toy Story 2 and 3, Cabin in the Woods, The Dark Knight, Scream, and Fight Club. This list might change in the future, however, as I'm still growing as a movie lover.

I see that many of you here are serious film-buffs who likes the more intellectual movies, which worries me a little, since I only like mainstream movies that aren't too "deep" for me. Heck, I just watched that French movie, "Cache" yesterday, and found it kinda boring because I didn't get what the point was. That being said, I'm not shallow enough to have enjoyed the Transformers movies and call them a good movie.

No, my idea of a good movie is something that combines a good element of entertainment with art - or "entertaining art," as I once called it. Stuff like Terminator 2, Predator, Alien/Aliens/Alien 3, Empire Strikes Back, etc., they'd be my examples of movies that are both entertaining and yet have a good story behind them. I watch movies to have a good time, not to analyze philosophies and politics, but anything that holds a "deep" story while managing to entertain me at the same time would most probably gain a 5/5 from me.

However, I do occasionally get in the mood of really enjoying the arthouse stuff. I enjoyed Magnolia and American Beauty, both movies which I found to have quite interesting stories. I gave both "2001" and "The Exorcist" a 5/5, even if they weren't really my kind of movies. I do recognize good quality most of the time when I see it, even if I don't necessarily enjoy the movie.

As you can tell from my profile banner, I'm a big fan of Pixar movies. That said, I do recognize their flaws, and I'd admit that their recent track record isn't the most impressive one compared to their history. That said, I am really looking forward to their next movie, Inside Out, which looks like a return to quality for them, hopefully.

I'm also an anime fan of sorts, but currently, I'm taking a break from them to focus on movies instead. If anyone who's an anime fan here that's interested, my favorite anime are Gintama, Madoka Magica, Azumanga Daioh, Nichijou, Aku no Hana, and Watamote. Much like my taste in movies, I prefer anime that knows how to satisfy me with entertainment yet keeping it intellectually nourishing.

Last but not least, here's my letterboxd profile, if you'd like to take a further look at my movie ratings and reviews:
http://letterboxd.com/ominousflare/

As you can see, I have a lot of mediocre to sub-par '90s movies in my library, mostly because I had little knowledge of what makes a good movie when I was a kid and I'd just watch anything that comes on cable and the local channels, or anything that my parents bought on DVDs. I've seen quite a lot of monster B-movies thanks to that.

Anyway, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd if you want to catch the update on my latest streak of movie-binging. I've been watching a lot of movies everyday for a while now, and I'm planning to continue doing so for much longer. Christmas is coming, and I'm planning to watch a number of Christmas movies starting tomorrow, as I traditionally did for the past couple of years. Also, for anyone who has Skype, my Skype profile is "jacobkyon".

Merry Christmas, and I hope to see you guys around! :D

[The Rodent]

Welcome to the site!


Judging by those films you've listed and your general likes, you'll fit in here just fine :D

[Gatsby]

If Magnolia and American Beauty is arthouse to you wait till ya see some other films...

Anyways welcome to Movie Forums, enjoy your time here.

[mlaturno]

American Beauty is in no way arthouse fam

[JacobKyon]

American Beauty is in no way arthouse fam

Well, I obviously meant that loosely as a phrase. Art is subjective, after all. What's "artsy" to one might be garbage to another. :P Don't take it too literally.

[The Rodent]

Alien 3 is arthouse.

[Zotis]

There's nothing wrong with being mainstream. I'm sure you'll get a lot of culture jammed into you if you stick around here long enough. There's quite a range of people here I'd say. Also, I'm one of the resident anime buffs, so feel free to PM me for recommendations anytime. Madoka Magica was an excellent choice. :up:

[The Rodent]

Just steer clear of Sexy Celebrity.
He'll get you watching Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.


Ain't nobody got time fo dat.

[Gatsby]

Just steer clear of Sexy Celebrity.
He'll get you watching Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.


Ain't nobody got time fo dat.

....and honeykid. :laugh:

[JacobKyon]

and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Hah. I thought Rocky Horror was a cult classic?

[The Rodent]

Well... yeah...


Doesn't mean it's any good though :D

[Zotis]

Hah. I thought Rocky Horror was a cult classic troll?

Me too. :p

[christine]

Welcome Jacob, as long as you're a film fan you'll fit in here just fine. There's such a wide range of tastes on here, but the nice thing is that now and again you'll be tempted into watching something out of your comfort zone and really like it. That's the beauty of sharing a forum with such a friendly set of people :)

[Cobpyth]

Welcome and Merry Christmas! :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Welcome aboard Jacob. One rule you should know about here; never speak ill of Rocky....again.

[JacobKyon]

Welcome aboard Jacob. One rule you should know about here; never speak ill of Rocky....again.

3.5/5 isn't really speaking ill. A 2/5 is speaking ill. A 3.5/5 is "It's okay, but not as amazing as the blinding nostalgia would have people think."

[the samoan lawyer]

ill

[Mr Minio]

The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Actually is a great film. Even funnier if you imagine Tim Curry is Sexy Celebrity.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBnWpjLeSOw/VC6xPvEQWDI/AAAAAAAACzs/eE_deEyr4SA/s1600/rocky%2Bhorror.gif

[JacobKyon]

Relevant video, just for laughs. :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVQjYWyocmk

[Mr Minio]

Rocky III is 2

I'm ready for your rage.

[the samoan lawyer]

Rocky III is rating_2

I'm ready for your rage.

Rocky IV is 4.5

[neiba]

Oh, don't worry, I was a mainstream guy when I joined. Now I don't know if I am anymore! An it's only been 4 months so...

[neiba]

Rocky III is rating_2

I'm ready for your rage.

You rated it too high!!!

Bring it on! :p

[the samoan lawyer]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0najymJSy1qia2dho1_500.gif

[MovieMeditation]

A huge welcome! :D

It doesn't really way in what way you love film, no matter what you'll probably end in some kind of discussion anyways. That's how it is with so many different opinions haha, you seem like a real chill dude so please stick around!

I'm sure after a year or less your movie taste will already be different! :up:

[Thursday Next]

Heck, I just watched that French movie, "Cache" yesterday, and found it kinda boring because I didn't get what the point was.

I think the point of Cache was to make the audience wonder 'what was the point of that'.

[The Gunslinger45]

Hah. I thought Rocky Horror was a cult classic?

It is. Ignore him and see it.

Anyways welcome to the site! Stay for a while, hope ya like it! As for you film taste most everyone starts with the easy stuff, but eventually you learn to love the more academic and maybe more artsy films as well. It is part of growing as a viewer. But that does not mean you have to turn your back on good old fashioned action movies and popcorn flicks altogether. Just don't be afraid to expand you tastes. :)

Also be honest about your likes and dislikes. Do not feel the need to pretend to like a director to be accepted. Everyone here is not hot on at least on film most people like. Like me and my opinions on Tarantino. :D

[JacobKyon]

but eventually you learn to love the more academic and maybe more artsy films as well. It is part of growing as a viewer.
Well, the thing is, I've been watching movies for quite a while now, and I still find it hard to be interested in "artsy" movies as many "serious movie fans" do. Stuff like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, etc., I'd hear about them a lot, but I just can't get myself into watching them.

I'll admit, I like my movies simple. While I do recognize (at certain times) the effort put into movies that force the audiences to think, I just like my movies entertaining, though not necessarily shallow. I mean, it gets especially annoying when the film requires your prior knowledge of American culture to appreciate what it's trying to do, since I have very little knowledge of said culture as a Singaporean, so I do prefer movies that have themes that are easily appreciated by a global-wide mainstream audience.

[honeykid]

I see that many of you here are serious film-buffs who likes the more intellectual movies, which worries me a little, since I only like mainstream movies that aren't too "deep" for me. Heck, I just watched that French movie, "Cache" yesterday, and found it kinda boring because I didn't get what the point was. That being said, I'm not shallow enough to have enjoyed the Transformers movies and call them a good movie.

No, my idea of a good movie is something that combines a good element of entertainment with art - or "entertaining art," as I once called it. Stuff like Terminator 2, Predator, Alien/Aliens/Alien 3, Empire Strikes Back, etc., they'd be my examples of movies that are both entertaining and yet have a good story behind them. I watch movies to have a good time, not to analyze philosophies and politics, but anything that holds a "deep" story while managing to entertain me at the same time would most probably gain a 5/5 from me.
Your salvation awaits.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/64/No_One_Killed_Jessica_Movie.jpg/220px-No_One_Killed_Jessica_Movie.jpg

Welcome to the site, JK. :) I'm sure you'll fit in fine.

[Chypmunk]

Welcome, new here myself and have found it to be a friendly place thus far. Liking mainstream movies is fine - 'entertainment' comes in many different guises and is subjective as far as I'm concerned. There are all types on here from what I've seen, I'm sure you'll fit right in.

[Gatsby]

In contrast of Minio's 'Arthouse Mafia' thread you can make a 'Mainstream Mafia' thread and have some stylish gang-fighting against the opposing organization. :D

[Mr Minio]

Gang fights are too mainstream for Arthouse Mafia.

[JacobKyon]

[QUOTE=Gatsby;1225583]In contrast of Minio's 'Arthouse Mafia' thread you can make a 'Mainstream Mafia' thread and have some stylish gang-fighting against the opposing organization. :D

Haha... as fun as that sounds, I don't think many serious film-buffs would really give a Mainstream Mafia the time of day (as opposed to an Arthouse Mafia). :lol: But erm... like I said, it does sound like a fun idea. I wouldn't mind creating one if there's enough interest, I guess.

"Mainstream" can be so subjective though. I mean, it's rather easy to say which film is trying to be "artsy"... at least easier than pointing out mainstream movies anyway, IMO. "Mainstream" just seems like such a diverse category. It's like the "General" category of movies.

[Yoda]

Wow, that's one epic intro thread.

Welcome to Movie Forums!

[Sedai]

Hello and welcome to Movie Forums! :)

[jal90]

Come on guys, how come nobody mentions this:

I'm also an anime fan of sorts, but currently, I'm taking a break from them to focus on movies instead. If anyone who's an anime fan here that's interested, my favorite anime are Gintama, Madoka Magica, Azumanga Daioh, Nichijou, Aku no Hana, and Watamote. Much like my taste in movies, I prefer anime that knows how to satisfy me with entertainment yet keeping it intellectually nourishing
If you are an Azufan, the rest is irrelevant. It wouldn't even matter if you didn't like movies at all. Superb taste, mate.

[JacobKyon]

If you are an Azufan, the rest is irrelevant. It wouldn't even matter if you didn't like movies at all. Superb taste, mate.

Azumanga was so much fun. :3 Even Nichijou, as funny as it was, couldn't beat it.

[Citizen Rules]

Hey Jacob, I like you're style. You're not afraid to jump in and start conversing. MoFo is a great, yet small membership board, so new peeps are needed and always welcomed!

[The Gunslinger45]

Well, the thing is, I've been watching movies for quite a while now, and I still find it hard to be interested in "artsy" movies as many "serious movie fans" do. Stuff like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, etc., I'd hear about them a lot, but I just can't get myself into watching them.

I'll admit, I like my movies simple. While I do recognize (at certain times) the effort put into movies that force the audiences to think, I just like my movies entertaining, though not necessarily shallow. I mean, it gets especially annoying when the film requires your prior knowledge of American culture to appreciate what it's trying to do, since I have very little knowledge of said culture as a Singaporean, so I do prefer movies that have themes that are easily appreciated by a global-wide mainstream audience.

Then like what you like. :)

[matt72582]

Welcome... I don't care to use terms that divide... A great movie is a great movie. Before I turned 17, my movie tastes were horrible (if I were to watch them now)... They key is to watch as many movies as possible, even random ones, recommendations from people here, and then you have a bigger gulf.

There are plenty of simple films that are amazing. The more you watch, the better you'll become :)

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

just a heads up, if you don't have an arthouse movie in your top 10 after your first week here, you're automatically banned.

[Rhys]

Welcome to the forum man!

[Fabulous]

Welcome to the community, JacobKyon!

[Zotis]

Rocky sucks!

Na, I haven't seen it so I can't really judge.
But Stallone is a terrible actor.

[JacobKyon]

But Stallone is a terrible actor.

"I AM TEH LAW!!!"

Good luck trying to figure out half of what he's mumbling.

[JacobKyon]

10 years have passed since I last left here. Quite a bit of history during my time. A fair share of drama too. But I remember a lot of good times here too.

Not here to offer apologies or anything for past dumb mistakes made by that young lad—that’d be self-serving at this point. Just looking to revisit and reintroduce myself to an old community I’ve missed.

So, a reintroduction: I’m a 35-year-old Singaporean Chinese who first joined MoFo around 2014, back when I was 24. Still a movie fan, though my passion for certain things has shifted. I used to be a huge Pixar and Spider-Man guy, but over time that flame’s dimmed. The MCU’s take on Spidey just didn’t land for me, and Pixar’s magic has worn thin.

My love for film started early—raised on American cartoons and movies, I gradually drifted from blockbusters toward more sophisticated films driven by complex societal commentary rather than cool visuals. That said, my core taste hasn’t changed much. I still lean toward films that strike a balance between entertainment and intellectual depth. What I called “entertaining art” back then still holds true now.

Of course, mainstream cinema has changed a lot since. Remakes, reboots, legacyquels—endless attempts to squeeze every drop from familiar IPs. It’s gotten tiresome. I haven’t been watching as many films lately, and my last Marvel movie (Quantumania) honestly just left me cold.

These days, I’m more focused on TV shows than films. I’ll talk more about that in the TV-binging thread—I’ve got a somewhat peculiar viewing pattern I stick to. I still catch the occasional movie, though. My last theater visit was for Nosferatu, which I thought was a gorgeously executed gothic horror piece.

Anime? Haven’t kept up in a while. Last one I watched was Attack on Titan season 3. Might catch up on The Final Season eventually in a few months, but the modern anime landscape doesn’t really grab me anymore. Seems like the intellectually meaty stuff—like Monster or Aoi Bungaku—is becoming rare, replaced with lighter slice-of-life content. I did watch Chainsaw Man though; that was glorious action. Looking forward to the upcoming movie.

Anyway, here’s to more thoughtful, hopefully amicable conversations going forward. I’m still me—just with a few more miles on the tires, and a bit more perspective under the hood.

[KeyserCorleone]

Bro, I almost mistook your account for mine just by looking at your top ten.