Grumblers need to grow up and let inner child play. PAUL CHAVEZ on adults who complain about movies made for kids
(AP Illustration/Jackie Myint)
I'll admit it. I was excited to see "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and watched it on opening day with friends on the huge Cinerama dome screen at the pricey-yet-worth-it Arclight theater in Hollywood.
I'll even further admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
I liked it so much that I'm going to defend it against those 30-something naysayers who claim the filmmakers dumbed it down and ruined it to appeal to 10-year-olds and the family audience. It's the same tired argument that cropped up in 2004 when PG-13 rated "Alien Vs. Predator" came out. You can't go into these movies expecting an Oscar-caliber experience, just be happy that you're watching aliens fighting predators and the Silver Surfer wielding the Power Cosmic. Really, what more do you want?
Remember this: You started reading comic books at the 8- to 12-year-old range and the magical world they created of superheroes and dastardly villains and their epic multi-issue battles of good versus evil kept you riveted.
It's more than a little unfair to criticize Hollywood for trying to deliver the same experience to today's younger generation.
My advice: Don't forget that these movies are meant for kids and if your inner child doesn't want to play, don't blame the movie.
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Paul Chavez is an asap reporter based in Los Angeles.
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