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Smarmy Screenplays: Is Comedy Dead in Hollywood?
1 Apr
Summary
- New films blend genres but rely on predictable, unoriginal humor.
- Writers mimic styles of Tarantino and Deadpool without their edge.
- Blockbusters prioritize humor as a value-add over genuine comedy.
A recent wave of Hollywood releases, including "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice," "Ready or Not 2," and "They Will Kill You," are criticized for a pervasive and unoriginal brand of humor. These films, while attempting genre-mashing, often fall back on predictable comedic tropes and a detached, "smarmy" tone.
This trend appears to draw inspiration from filmmakers like Joss Whedon and the "Deadpool" movies, attempting to inject humor as a value-add to action and sci-fi spectacles. However, the execution often lacks the genuine wit or edge of its predecessors.
Critics suggest this approach allows studios to tap into audience desire for laughter without investing in or supporting true comedic talent. The result is a proliferation of films that prioritize prefab irreverence over well-crafted jokes, leading to a disappointing cinematic experience.
