If you've noticed that I haven't, you know, seemed to write about movies all that much lately, you're not alone. But more on that in a bit.First, the results of the last poll. In the previous post like this, where I introduced the Survivor poll, I said that I was curious as to what percentage of readers here actually watch the hit reality show, stating that "I can't imagine it being more than 20%."
Well, look who's all smart and stuff. I hit the nail right on the head. Also unsurprising is that there aren't really any 'occasional' viewers; I wouldn't think that too many reality shows have part-time viewers - keeping up with the story would be pretty difficult in that case.
Anyway, though I wish that 20% was a bit higher, I think the Survivor blog will continue at least through the end of the season, as those that do watch and read seem to enjoy it quite a little bit.
Speaking of writing about subjects other than movies (and/or just not writing much in general), that's the subject of the new poll, in a roundabout way. It seemed to both Mrs. Fletch and I that we just haven't been to the movies much lately, and I'm not exactly crazy. I did some quick research, and judging by the number of reviews written (or to be written...ahem, Watchmen) this year compared to last, we've seen quite a bit fewer. 20 for 2008 versus 14 for 2009, to be exact.
What's to be blamed? I could certainly argue that there's been a dearth of quality films released in the first quarter of 2009. When I remove the leftover films from last year from those 14 films, I'm left with a scant five (5) 2009 releases seen (Monsters vs. Aliens, I Love You, Man, Watchmen, The International and Coraline). I mean, I know that January and April are the traditional dumping grounds for Hollywood (along with August), but this is ridiculous. Are we that picky and/or demanding of quality? It certainly doesn't seem as though we've missed much - according to Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, the only wide releases over 50% (approval) that we have yet to see are: Adventureland (first on my Want To See list), Sunshine Cleaning (meh) and Duplicity (meh plus). Also complicating our lives was having each of our fathers in the hospital at some point over the last few months.
But all is getting better now - Dads are healing, the heat is returning to the Valley of the Sun, and I'm hoping this issue becomes null and void as we enter the spring/summer movie season, as it rightly should. In the meantime, I hope to keep you on your toes with a random sampling of SGCs, 12 Tags, FF-UNs, TGITDNMARs, Survivor recaps, Burning Questions, and anything else I can think up. Thanks for reading.
5 people have chosen wisely: on "Poll results; new poll"
Let's go see Adventureland tonight! We can watch Lost online (with fewer commercials) this weekend.
I think it is a combination of getting older and not much out worth seeing this year. I know as I've gotten older I've definitely gotten pickier on what movies I watch. Plus with being disappointed on several of the movies that I have seen so far this year, it hasn't left me with much of a desire to go back to the theater right now. Especially when I can just get them off of Netflix for a fraction of the price.
I am still eagerly awaiting your review on Watchmen.
I missed the poll, but add me to the Survivor "wouldn't miss it" group. But I know what you mean, I haven't blogged Survivor in a few weeks. First work got in the way, then a vacation, and now I just can't seem to get back into the swing of it. My poor abandoned blog. I'll always hope you continue the Survivor blogging though, cause I gotta dish somewhere! :)
Mrs. Fletch - good call. Done and done.
Shane - thanks much. Though I swear I wasn't fishing, it's nice to hear of some anticipation.
I don't know if it's an age thing, though. I think that life has certainly got in the way (so to speak) of seeing as many, and I guess that could be considered an age thing, but I really feel like the overwhelming thing has been a lack of good options. Heck, maybe the local indie theater chain is partly to blame. Usually, there are some good foreign flicks and/or smaller movies that get released around this time of year, but nada. Of course, that might also have to do with the major studios shutting down their indie arms. Are there just fewer movies out there this year as opposed to last? I'm sure it's a little bit of everything.
Robb - muchas gracias. If it makes you feel any better and/or gives you some motivation, I've been missing your take, especially since we're not usually on the same page in terms of who we love and why we love them.
I've seen fewer than normal, too.
Oh, and I'm still waiting on that Watchmen review...
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