First, that was a complete straw man argument. No where did I say to you that “movies should only be watched for its message and meaning.” (I included “only” because by saying you watch a movie for entertainment, you imply that the message and meaning aren’t entertaining.) I was countering people like you who called the movie’s plot* cliche or generic Hollywood liberal BS by explaining that message and trying to show its unique aspects (in terms of presentation of the message and the questions that message raises). Good job not addressing any of the real points I made, quickly changing topics to something much more favorable to you, and attempting to act like that’s what we’d been talking about all along.
If I were to play along, I’d say:
Just because something doesn’t fit your exact parameters doesn’t make it bad. I hate horror games and will never play them because I don’t like the stressing out and freaking out that comes with them. That doesn’t change the fact that Resident Evil 4 is an incredible game.
Personally, I found the movie plenty entertaining as well. I don’t see how soaring through the air on awesome Banshees and fucking up helicopters wasn’t entertaining (one small example). Even if you’re not into violence, there was a nice romance side story, cool animals and environments everywhere you looked, etc. I really doubt this movie would be grossing over a billion dollars (on track to give Titanic a run for its money) if it didn’t feature broad entertainment.
*Plot and story is something appreciated much more on an intellectual level than what I think you’re implying by “entertainment,” similar to things like message, themes, and such. Still, I don’t think you’d argue a story can’t be entertaining, so why can’t other things on a similar level also be entertaining?
@David: Have you taken any history course that taught you anything about imperialism? I only ask because Cameron’s comment makes sense only if you have. Capitalism led to imperialism the same way our modern transportation system lead to car crashes. Our modern transportation system does not cause car crashes, but certain parts of it, when misused and combined with inattention, can lead to car crashes. Likewise, capitalism lead to imperialism lead by certain corporations. While these certain corporations (and thus imperalism) would not have been possible without capitalism, it wasn’t all of capitalism striking out at the natives, it was certain people in certain corporations misusing that system for greed.
You can argue that Cameron’s suggesting that greed ruins Capitalism, but that’s a criticism that’s really inherent in any condemnation of imperialism, as it’s one of the prime examples of just that.
Also, why the hell shouldn’t you think deeply about a movie? What makes them shallow? That’s news to me. Just because you didn’t doesn’t mean everyone shouldn’t. A movie is just as legitimate an art form as literature.