Created for Cinemas: Is it Possible for Sinners to Rescue the Big Screen Experience?

      Original films have recently faced indifference, but could "Sinners" be the film that changes that and revitalizes the cinematic experience?

      Without reiterating too much, it's evident that studios backing most major Hollywood productions heavily favor familiar intellectual properties. Be it sequels, remakes, reboots, biopics, or adaptations, it's clear that a struggling industry seldom finds success outside of these categories. Each successful sequel has cleverly masked the disappointments of many films that studios approved but audiences didn’t request. For every successful title like "Minecraft," there’s a remake of "The Crow," for instance.

      The rise of streaming has significantly altered audience preferences and viewing habits, leading to a situation where the big screen is sometimes treated with outright disdain (looking at you, Netflix). Do today’s audiences have the same nostalgia for cinema outings to see must-watch movies as those who came before them did?

      Having recently revisited "Jurassic Park," I noticed two key points: first, every sequel and nearly every similar creature feature that followed (except for "Godzilla Minus One") has greatly failed to measure up. Second, it’s rare for a film to achieve cultural phenomenon status today on the basis of being truly remarkable. Nowadays, event films and pop culture hits often include titles like 'Chicken Jockey' and chaotic cinema experiences. "Jurassic Park" was the first massive event film I experienced in the theater, and it remains timeless. It wasn’t simply produced as content; it was crafted to be groundbreaking, to tell an engaging story, and to showcase technological advancements that served the narrative.

      While one might argue any kind of financial success is beneficial for cinema, the only lesson we learn from hits like "A Minecraft Movie" is that any content has the potential to go viral, capture children’s attention, and make a fleeting impact before fading into obscurity. This illustrates everything that’s wrong with cinema today: studios dumbing down content for audiences they incorrectly assume are foolish. Reflecting on my own childhood, films aimed at kids were often challenging and nuanced enough to engage adult viewers as well. Above all, they were crafted with care, a rarity in modern cinema, aside from international films.

      Ultimately, box office performance reigns supreme, and in the past year, original mainstream films from skilled directors have struggled significantly. While horror continues to perform well due to its low budget and good returns, these films often, even with buzz like "The Substance," fail to receive substantial theatrical releases. Personally, accessing "The Substance" on the big screen proved difficult, as showings were limited and distant, while my nearby cinema filled its schedule with blockbusters and animated kids’ films, many of which were monumental financial failures.

      Then there’s a common sentiment: “It’s no longer enjoyable to watch films on the big screen.” However, this perspective often stems from the lack of quality options available, which tend to be uninspired, poorly conceived, and cynically crafted blockbusters that barely engage audiences enough to look up from their phones or maintain silence. Perhaps people are less conscious of their surroundings and behavior, immersed in a self-centered world connected to their devices. It seems many have abandoned cinema etiquette, especially with certain trends initiated by films like "Chicken Jockey." The listings frequently cater primarily to films targeting boys aged 13 and under.

      The Letterboxd generation holds the love for film and the power to rejuvenate the cinematic experience. However, it's debatable how much of that passion actually translates to a real theatrical experience. Certainly, those under 25 are diversifying their cinematic tastes, embracing the unusual and the eccentric, and grading these films accordingly, leading us to "Sinners."

      This film embodies a genuine directorial vision, shot with meticulous care for exhibition in various formats, from superscope widescreen to immersive top-tier IMAX presentations. "Sinners" is designed for the big screen, created by a filmmaker who has been given the freedom to express themselves artistically. Importantly, this film doesn’t fall into the trap of self-indulgence that some auteur filmmakers have. Ryan Coogler, while crafting this film his way, remains mindful of the audience in his creative choices because, ultimately, he wants people to watch it.

      The film is a fantastic audio-visual experience, showcasing stunning cinematography filmed on traditional stock and featuring an unforgettable soundtrack. It possesses depth and intricacies, along with remarkable performances, while notably having a third act inspired by Robert Rodriguez’s "From Dusk Till Dawn." Admittedly, the conventional genre elements of "Sinners" may not be the most compelling aspect, and it doesn't execute the "Dusk Till Dawn" part as effectively as Rodriguez did; however, it’s the overall combination of elements that elevates it. On a side note, we should definitely consider awarding Delroy Lindo an Oscar now; he stands unmatched as Best Supporting Actor.

      "Sinners" should reignite a passion for attending cinemas and watching quality