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Millennials go to the movies, but only if they’re new ones…
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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

Jul 19, 2012
Millennials go to the movies, but only if they’re new ones…
When you saw billboards and advertisements for the new Spider-Man movie, did you scratch your head?
Andrew Garfield attends the Germany premiere of "The Amazing Spider-Man" at Sony Center on June 20, 2012 in Berlin, Germany.
Andrew Garfield attends the Germany premiere of "The Amazing Spider-Man" at Sony Center on June 20, 2012 in Berlin, Germany.
(
Sean Gallup/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
)

When you saw billboards and advertisements for the new Spider-Man movie, did you scratch your head?

When you saw billboards and advertisements for the new Spider-Man movie, did you scratch your head? “I could have sworn this movie just came out. What gives?” you may have asked. Well, if you were one of those puzzled by the remake of a movie that came out only ten years ago, the answer may be a simple one: You’re just too old.

Nowadays, the target demographic for movie studios is the “millennial generation,” which is today’s moniker for anyone under 30. Hollywood has been marketing to youth since the dawn of time, so what makes this group different?

Well, it’s the relationship they have with cinema. For instance, millennials no longer seem to consider movies as art in the same way baby boomers did. Instead, movies are seen more like fashion or a big event. Whatever gains the most heat and creates the most online chatter becomes the biggest deal, and whether or not it’s a compelling movie with relatable characters and a logical storyline is completely secondary, if that.

Hollywood producers, trying to sell as much product to as many people as possible, stand by their output by saying they’re giving the people what they want. But film critics and professors are sincerely worried about the diminishing effect this will have on filmmaking as an artistic endeavor.

Will subtlety in movies be totally lost? Have you noticed this type of attitude amongst younger moviegoers? Have you met anyone who defies the stereotype? What about you? Are you under 30, but can manage to sit through an old movie? Or do you want to see more fights, car chases and explosions (in 3-D, of course)?

Guests:

Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and boxoffice.com

Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, All Things Considered, AirTalk Friday
Senior Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek