Topic Of The Day: The 'Art' Of Phoning It In

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to another episode of Topic Of The Day. Since sometimes, I use Topic Of The Day to talk about things that grind my gears, for today's topic, I will delve into my distaste for seeing actors check out on screen. This is the 'Art' Of Phoning It In.

One thing about seeing actors mail in their performances that really irks me is when older actors collect big paycheck gigs when they are at a point where they don't have to. Take, for example, Bruce Willis. He has made it known that he dislikes doing action films nowadays and people have commented on how he sleepwalks through them. But my big question is, "Who is twisting your arm, Bruce?" If you hate doing studio action films, then you can easily say no and stop torturing yourself. You're Bruce freaking Willis! In Moonrise Kingdom, you looked like you gave a crap. Maybe you should do more smaller scale films like those. Look at Matthew McConaughey. I'm sure the reason he is gravitating towards smaller films nowadays is because he is at the point where he doesn't need to collect big payday after big payday.

But then again, there are those that continue doing studio films, revisiting roles that made them famous. You have Hugh Jackman who audiences still enjoy seeing play Wolverine because he is always game every time he revisits the character. Since he likely gets massive paydays for the role, because of how game he is, I certainly don't mind. As long as he has fun, it makes it more fun for the audience. As I said in my rankings of the Phase 2 Movies from Marvel, one of the reasons Thor: The Dark World was such a failure is because half the actors were sleepwalking through a paycheck. Because of how they weren't exactly enjoying themselves, it makes the viewing experience less pleasurable. To me, seeing these kinds of acting artistes coast their way through studio films with mass appeal screams egotism. As they emotionally check out when in front of a green screen, it's as if they are saying "I'm too good to be in a movie like this" and just want to go and fund their pet projects or small important movies that hardly anyone sees. I understand that in Hollywood, you're only as good as your last movie, either critically or financially. But if you don't seem fond of these big studio films, then either don't torture yourself and refuse to sign the dotted line or sign on and try to look alive. If you look like you're enjoying yourself, then it makes it easier for the audience to enjoy the film watching experience.

So those are my thoughts on my distaste for seeing actors phone it in on screen. Whether you agree or disagree, please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!