When I watch a movie, I'm usually very attentive to details.  I hate when movie makers expect the viewers to have to check in their brains at the door.  I demand a well written script, regardless of the visual experience.  Special effects, snappy camera angles, blockbuster actors and acclaimed directors are awarded little clout.

Mike, on the other hand, is almost the exact opposite.  Although he can appreciate great works of film, he needs little intellectual ingenuity in a movie for him to enjoy it.  He gives too much credit to films that are visually advanced but seriously lacking in script (Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Armageddon, etc.).  Dialogue-driven movies are seriously handicapped in attempting to win Mike's approval.

I am seriously disturbed by the proliferation of "cookie-cutter" movies coming out these days.  These are movies that you'll sit through fairly amused, partly annoyed, and walk out of wondering how many times you've seen that same movie.  These movies seem to share the same basic plot structure with only the variables switched around.  A typical cookie-cutter plot seems to always have a stolen or otherwise coveted item or ability, an antagonist (usually an organized crime syndicate or other group), and the "first hapless, then fortunate, then hapless again, and finally content" protagonist.  Or this same formula with the "hilarious" personality mismatch thrown in.

I don't see how Americans can sheepishly beg for more of this same old crap!

The frightening part is, Mike is aware of the formulaic realities of the movie industry, but refuses to let it affect his opinion.  Regardless, I don't think we would enjoy our movie conversations as much if our views didn't conflict like they do.  I just hope he doesn't try to get me to watch Godzilla (1998) again.

-Robin