Gimmick (noun):
1. an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
2. a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal: An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
3. a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
Gimmick (verb):
4. to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, esp. in order to increase saleability, acceptance, etc.
My buddy Dave sent me this link on Facebook: http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/03/18/all-warner-bros-tentpole-movies-will-be-released-in-3d/
After reading it, this was my comment response:
“Wha….But….wait…All of them???!!! I can’t see in 3D you a-holes!!! As a visually impaired individual, I take offense. I want to see my DC comics in regular D!!! I don’t need spiderwebs and batman pecks to thrust towards me from the screen. Ho hum. Also, since I can’t enjoy the experience, I don’t see why I should have to pay for it.”
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Don’t get me wrong. I get the appeal of most people wanting to see movies in 3D. It’s “cool” and different and a great treat to bring those small people otherwise knows as kids to. My problem is that, as previously stated on other entries, I don’t see the third dimension. Therefore, I don’t see why I should dish out an extra couple of dollars so I can put on a pair of “stupid hipster glasses” as my buddy Dave called them. Very funny Dave. I wear glasses already and choose not to wear contacts at the moment, so putting those on top of my glasses is uncomfortable.
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That’s just one reason why this annoys me. The other one? 3D movies think they can get away with crappy writing and direction. They get dumbed down. Why bother hiring a good writer when you’re just going to distract the audience with implements being “thrown” at them. It’s like a mobile in a baby’s crib. Audience member: “That doesn’t seem like a realistic thing to say/do…Oh wow! Look at that thing flying towards me!!!! I could almost reach out and touch it!!! Oh wait, what just happened?”
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Not everyone will share this opinion with me. I don’t care. I see a lot of movies, and I went to 4 “3D” movies last year. None of them made my favorite list. Perhaps because I wasn’t amazed by the illustrious third dimension and only had the story to keep me interested. Or uninterested as it mostly turned out. I haven’t bought any of those and don’t plan to.
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It’s my opinion that if someone wants to see a story in 3 dimensions, they should GO SEE A PLAY!!!!! Not all good actors are celebrities and not all celebrities are good actors. So instead of dishing out an extra 3$ per person every time you go to a movie, put that towards going to see “The nutcracker” at Xmas time or something. Support some unknown actors who didn’t need multiple takes and digital enhancements for their performance.
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I’m not saying they shouldn’t make all these movies in 3D. Everyone saw it coming and it’s a great way for filmmakers to make even more money off us poor suckers. I just don’t think it’s too much to ask that they dedicate one screen to “regular D”. For people like me who can’t see it, and for those who may not be able or willing to pay an extra fee for it.
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I know this is a purely selfish entry. With the exception of my recent discovery via my EW that Johnny Depp shares the same inability to see properly out of his left eye and therefore doesn’t see the 3D in movies either, my situation is fairly unique. Most of you will see the benefit of this gimmick going mainstream and will happily dish out your money for a movie to wow and dazzle you with it’s visual acrobatics. And let’s not fool ourselves, it is a gimmick whether you think it’s definition 1. or 4. that applies here. Hopefully you won’t be disappointed with the DVD version of it. Suckers.
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Now let me ask you this. Would you really want to see the upcoming Iron Man 2 in 3D, and have Mickey Rourke’s pulsing veins throbbing in your face??? Ewww.
And now television is offering 3D!! I’m saving my shekels!!!.
I think 3D movies are a refreshing change from the frequently mundane, rehashed, overworked plots many of today’s films offer. Of course there are exceptions
……..some notable ones, as I’ve learned from reading your reviews, but then again I don’t go to a lot of movies either.
But I really do enjoy 3D! I’m the person who could “almost reach out and touch it” Not many movies can get me that involved.
Gimmicky?? Sure, but I always expect a sensory, not a cerebral experience from a 3D movie.
Your point about cost is really valid and indeed, why should you pay for something you’re not receiving? I remember a time when movies were all priced the same but we had to buy the crappy glasses if we wanted to view it in 3D.
Then we got to keep the crappy glasses….Yeah!
It’s unfortunate you can’t see it Sly, it’s great fun. And you’re right, plot is definitely secondary in 3D
movie…but what the hell?…. for us who enjoy it, it’s a great diversion.
I wonder if all programming on the new televisions will be seen in 3D or only those films actually made in 3D
Times, they are a changin’.