Embracing the Fun Factor in “Bad” Movies

Hosting a show every week on the subject of film scores, I like to consider myself pretty knowledgeable on the multitude of films and film movements over the years, while always being open to learning more about them. A night/matinee out to a movie or simply enjoying one in the comforts of home…it’s a joy that many people take to heart in their finding of entertainment. 

And with many movies, some audiences and especially critics, often set their standards sky-high to expect nothing less than perfection from each film they encounter. And given how much of an ambitious art form the very medium of film is for over hundreds of years and still evolving, such expectations aren’t always unwarranted. However, what is it that we have to consider when there are instances in which a movie does not meet up with critical expectations? Does this mean that the movie is outright bad, or is it simply something that is not for them?

 With as much as we rely on what a critic says or vegetable-themed “film-grades”, oftentimes a lower regarded film (even with ones that have an audience) can lead to polarized opinions and heated debates about it’s overall quality. And while it might be easy to simply dismiss certain films as just “bad”, what is it about them that draws audiences to see them regardless? And are there really no redeeming factors, or fun, to be had with movies simply deemed “bad”?

 Perhaps what we should consider is that the attraction for some of these films lies not necessarily in their quality but in their ability to provide pure cinematic fun. I think to understand it, we need to look at some of these movies and audience experiences as they fall into certain categories. If anything this may explain why a movie others deride may be your favourite thing…and why that’s OK!

1.) The Joy of Spectacle

This is probably the biggest factor leading to a lot of audience enjoyment, regardless of reviews. With some movies, spectacle is often given priority over substance with such films’ intentions being to deliver jaw-dropping visual effects and mind-blowing action scenes. And with some, this can be determined as a red flag especially if it is the only identity that a movie or franchise can have. 

But while critics can scoff at the lack of depth from the writing for a special effects picture, sometimes amazing visual effects (if given the proper care and attention) can give audiences the sheer thrill of experience through just spectacle. A great visual sequence can enhance escapism, by simply just viewing something clearly not of our reality but is right there on the screen whether it’s digital or practical. And let’s be honest…seeing escapism such as giant robots or giant monsters duking it out, high-speed car chases that go to completely off the rails, or even showcasing the most ridiculous premise are things not of our reality but it’s right there on the screen unapologetically and in full glory.

Sometimes the very image of an impressive special effect is the first thing to lead to a viewer’s first instinct of whether it will appeal to them or not. And simply embracing and enjoying the spectacle, it’s one of the major things that leads to cinematic greatness and an audience’s positive experience simply because you are looking at something beyond reality.

2.) The Love for Camp

With some movies, it’s sometimes from the first look or it’s a growing process for an audience to realize what they’re looking at is…kind of silly. Some movies, whether intentionally or not, go all out in camp and kitsch in telling their plots and for many this can be admittedly hit or miss.

Depending on the subject, these kinds of movies are usually noted for performers engaging in over-the-top performances inside equally outlandish plots and worlds. Sometimes there are actors who make their current career by just how over the top they can go with their performances, which has actually been a selling point. For a lot of critics, these kinds of performances are derided, often viewed as beneath an actor’s caliber. And it is easy to see that viewpoint…but it can’t be denied that the idea of watching a performer (especially one of “high caliber”) engaging in a “so bad they’re good” performance simply because they are going all out in it. Even movies that purely just do not work at all on their own, regardless of intention, can bring joy to audiences just from the hilarity of their “failure” all on their own.

What we often forget is that there are many B-movie to C-movie gems from bygone eras that even today are celebrated based solely on the pure absurdity they produce. To imagine that this absurdity has no place in cinema today, is ridiculous as it’s even become a major influence in modern critical successes. Some directors go out of their way to embrace that very over-the-top feel, as sometimes it’s the best way to make your work stand out. While full success is dependent on who can actually be open-minded enough to accept films with cheesy dialogue, outrageous costumes and set pieces, strange to questionable special effects and sheer ridiculous subject matter…embracing camp and reveling in sheer audacity can make for a fun experience.

Image by Kendrick Sims / Movie posters belong to respective artists and companies

3.) The Comfort in Nostalgia

One of the more controversial examples for why audiences gravitate toward certain movies is how some movies can tap into nostalgia. Because for some audiences, nostalgia can be a factor in how they enjoy a movie like an older one that was deemed not that good to begin with. This usually comes from older movies that were disliked back in the day and opinions have remained more or less unchanged critically. It can also come in the form of fandoms taking in reboots, remakes and legacy sequels/prequels to franchises long thought concluded.

With Nostalgia, critical analysis is not always at the forefront for viewers but rather something that leads to reconnecting with memories and shared experiences. If one were to look at them critically, it is easy for a nostalgic property to be dismissed simply because they were “bad” back then and “bad” now, or just don’t hold up as well to “modern standards”. And if a newer work should come to try to build on it, then the only other thought is that it’s only serving to pander or be derivative of past work.

But it can’t be denied that audiences find comfort in the familiarity.

Seeing a brand new adventure featuring beloved characters in an old franchise or recreations of iconic moments through modern technology or even taking a whole spin to a previous established work. Somehow in ways we can’t always grasp, it will inevitably resonate with audiences simply because of recognition. And even if it doesn’t always work like the previous, sometimes seeing a repeated attempt to catch that lightning can be admired.

On the opposite side of the spectrum are some films that are remade with an attempt to catch a similar or better bolt of lightning in a bottle to improve on what in the original “didn’t work”…can sometimes lead to a reevaluation of the previously derided work showing they work a little better than originally thought.

Image by Kendrick Sims / Movie posters belong to respective artists and companies

4.) The Subversive Power of Fun

With movies, it often seems that the ones that receive the highest praise and deemed deserving of notoriety are those that offer serious themes and complex narratives. This is not to say that these movies are wrong to exist. After all, they are sometimes the brick layers that build where we are now and what made movies a true artform. But for as good as they are, they are often the type of films that set the standards to what a movie should and must always be. 

While it is always good to challenge your audience, there’s something subversive about embracing pure, unadulterated fun. Critics may bemoan their lack of artistic merit, but how audiences flock to movies simply for sheer entertainment value, which doesn’t always have to be profound or thought-provoking. At their core, some movies are simply designed to entertain, and offer an escape from the stresses of daily life. 

One way to look at it, metaphorically, is like when you decide to go out to eat at a restaurant. Sometimes, it’s believed that the best way to eat is to go for a high quality dining experience, eat the healthiest and freshest ingredients possible, and your meal can only be enjoyed through acquired tastes and a sophisticated palate. And this is something that people should admittedly give themselves an opportunity to try if it presents itself. But…sometimes when a diner goes out to eat, what they are looking for is an excellent comfort food that can be found in not the fanciest or healthiest of places but who go all out on the eccentricities. They offer a meal that just touches the right tastes and can leave you with a satisfied feeling from being able to indulge in something  more out of the norm. 

Embracing the fun factor invites audiences to let go of their inhibitions and just take in the love of the genres films provide with laughs, thrills, chills and excitement in escapes from reality. Sometimes with a great meal, some people want the pheasant under glass in a white sauce…others want the double decker cheeseburger. Either way, it’s all for your own pure enjoyment.

Image by Kendrick Sims/ Movie posters belong to respective artists and companies

In Conclusion

In this day and age, movies may be held to high standards of artistic excellence simply because in order to guarantee success, it has to entirely meet the critical eye. But at the same time, the true magic of a good movie really lies in an audience’s enjoyment of the actual movie that they enjoy watching. Whether it’s through spectacle, camp, nostalgia, or just sheer entertainment value, some films are able to stand strong outside of rigid critical analysis. While it’s important for audiences to try to challenge themselves, what might require some reevaluation is in the way that movies personally connect to the viewer. We like what we like, and there’s nothing wrong with that, nor should we need to be offended or defensive if the more critical opposite views disagree with it (provided they’re not being openly vindictive about it).

Even if it’s something well beyond the norm of modern “good taste”, if a movie can bring joy and excitement into an audience’s lives that should always be the consideration of where movies are judged. Sometimes the best movies are the ones that simply make us smile. And in life, there should always be at least more of those.

If you want to hear more of my thoughts on movies or other things, keep checking out my blog here and follow me here on:
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