My Evolving Love-Hate Relationship with Classic Movies

It's not uncommon for our tastes in movies to evolve over time, and the list of films that we once adored but now find distinctly cringey is a testament to this phenomenon. Here are a few classic movies that exemplify this shift in our preferences, along with their inaccuracy and why they no longer hold the same appeal.

Braveheart: From Fanatic Devotion to Cringeworthy Inaccuracy

One film that stands out in my list is Braveheart. It was once a significant part of my movie-watching journey, captivating me in a way that no other film had ever done. I was so enamored that I watched it a staggering three times in a single day. However, as I outgrew the 'training wheels' of my younger years, I found myself less and less invested in the story and its embellishments.

While I was drawn to the epic visuals, particularly the castles and the rolling green hills of Ireland, the film's inaccuracies become more noticeable with age. For instance, while Wallace and his group did win at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the movie failed to mention the death of Wallace's friend, Andrew Morray. Additionally, the Scots army retreated deep into York territory, a detail omitted for dramatic effect.

As an American, I can acknowledge the film's shortcomings, and I'm sure those from the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom will find even more reasons to critique it.

Rating: Two Thumbs Way Down

Weird Science: Creepy Protagonist and Fantasy

Another film that once held a special place in my heart but now leaves a sour taste in my mouth is Weird Science. While I still enjoy the 80's fantasy and the soundtrack, the creepiness of these movies—with the protagonist getting the girl just because they are the lead—has become increasingly intolerable. Many such movies feed into the mindset of incels, who feel 'owed' a woman, and the creepiness just cannot be ignored.

Five Movies that Once Appealed but Now Lack Charm

Die Hard: While John McClane's heroics may have seemed thrilling in the past, the film's inaccuracies and overly lucky ending make it less appealing today. The plot's reliance on luck rather than skill undermines the film's action sequences and diminishes the character's growth.

Lethal Weapon: Initially appealing due to the tough-guy protagonist, Mel Gibson, the film's depiction of Riggs as a troubled, somewhat disturbed character actually becomes disturbing in its own way. The scene where Riggs jumps off a building handcuffed to someone else takes on a dark and disturbing tone, which is hard to overlook.

Mr. Majestyk: My youthful admiration for Charles Bronson's action films has waned, and I now see them as more shallow and stereotypical. The movie's plot relies heavily on cliches and the lack of diversity in casting, making it feel outdated and unengaging.

The Spy Who Loved Me: The film's visuals were once a testament to the era, but subsequent viewings revealed a lack of depth and age-appropriate storytelling. Barbara Bach's accent problems, Roger Moore's over-the-top Bond character, and the dated special effects make it a film that's better enjoyed by the younger audience of the time it was released.

Lilies of the Field: While the film aimed to inspire, I now view it as a contrived narrative. The ending feels too manufactured, and the film's simplistic ideology lacks the depth it once provided.

Classic films often hold hidden gems and lessons that may have been overlooked during our younger years. However, as our tastes evolve, we see them through a more discerning lens, and some of these films no longer hold the charm they once did.

Conclusion

Our movie preferences change over time due to various factors, including our age, experiences, and exposure to different content. We learn to appreciate more than just the immediate joy or excitement a movie can provide, and this can lead us to re-evaluate our favorite films. It's a personal journey that individualizes our relationship with the medium of film.