Part 3/8:
Reflecting on the cinematic landscape during the late 20th century, one recognizes a stark contrast with the current Hollywood realm. While sequels and franchises certainly existed—think Terminator 2, Aliens, and Ghostbusters 2—it was not at the overwhelming frequency that we encounter today. The industry was not entirely driven by the allure of franchise-building; filmmakers were encouraged to innovate, pushing the envelope in narrative and aesthetic.
Movies of the '80s and '90s radiated a genuine passion for the art of filmmaking, a stark contrast to the cookie-cutter, safety-first approaches dominant in modern studios. This unfortunate shift often leads to disappointments—less impactful, predictable storytelling wrapped in familiar formulas devoid of unique flair.