Staff Reports
As the year winds down, moviegoers face a lineup that’s causing more groans than excitement. “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is already earning the “major letdown” label, following a sequel that disappointed and set the tone for another potential cinematic flop. While the original “Knives Out” charmed audiences, its follow-up, “Glass Onion,” wandered into questionable storytelling territory. Mysteries should challenge viewers with fair clues, not hit them with twist endings that feel like cheap tricks. Unfortunately, filmmakers traded integrity for shock value, leaving audiences puzzled and frustrated—an approach that threatens to continue in this new installment.
Director Ryan Johnson’s reputation for weaving in personal biases adds another layer of concern. Many anticipate an overtly anti-religious slant in “Wake Up Dead Man,” casting doubt on the film’s potential for honest, engaging storytelling. Given the themes teased in trailers, it’s easy to guess the culprits before the movie ends, stripping away any suspense. This film risks not only disappointing mystery lovers but also alienating those seeking entertainment free of political or ideological agendas.
Then, there’s the avalanche of sequels like “Avatar 9000: Fire and Ash,” which has viewers questioning whether the franchise has worn out its welcome. Though the original “Avatar” was groundbreaking, its sequels have relied excessively on CGI spectacle to cover weak stories. Vibrant visuals no longer compensate for predictable plots, making it tough for audiences to stay engaged. This cycle of flashy, repetitive special effects risks exhausting even the most loyal fans, making the franchise feel less like innovative filmmaking and more like a tired replay.
With so many questionable choices dominating this year’s cinema, movie lovers would be wise to temper their expectations. Trends in poor storytelling, obvious biases, and disrespect for source material suggest a troubling direction. As films flood social media and theaters, viewers should approach with caution and common sense to avoid disappointment. The hope remains that filmmakers will heed this feedback and return to crafting stories that entertain and respect audiences, rather than leaving them feeling cheated and confused.
