Why Bad Movies Can Be Sublime: A Pop Culture Debate

During the coronavirus pandemic, my friends and I had to modify our usual movie-night tradition. We shifted from gathering together in a room to watching films online. This change meant we watched the same movie at the same time via video conference while maintaining our simple rules: choose something fun and avoid anything boring.

This virtual setup did not hinder our lively exchanges. We still groaned, laughed, and threw metaphorical popcorn at the screen, but the nature of our discussions shifted. During a viewing of the Patrick Swayze cult classic Road House, our talk turned surprisingly philosophical. We pondered why certain films, despite their flaws, captivate and entertain us so effectively. What does it truly mean to be entertained?

My editor at The New York Times often says I tend to think “highbrow about lowbrow.” I’m attracted to stories and figures that defy the usual standards of success and failure. This inclination is evident in my Good-Bad series, which examines movies that are captivating despite their shortcomings. Films like Grease 2, Batman & Robin, Practical Magic, or Volcano become perfect subjects for exploring the essence of entertainment.

Critically acclaimed films provide emotional and intellectual challenges, often leading to deeply memorable experiences. Yet, these are not necessarily the ones we revisit frequently.