Joe Carnahan Says We All Pay The Price When Grindhouse Fails

I always search for honest comments from people I respect within the industry. Grindhouse's failure has resulted in a few of my favorite filmmakers to speak out. First was Kevin Smith, who was outraged. Now comes Smokin' Aces director Joe Carnahan, who writes the following in his blog:

What is wrong with American moviegoers? Is there nothing NEW that they're willing to embrace? Jesus, it's the worst kind of erosion. We're making dumber and dumber films and they're becoming cash cows. God Bless '300', at least it's got balls and the director WENT for it. THAT movie is good for the business, it's good for everybody. But some of these other flicks don't even TRY because they know in the end, EXACTLY the age range and demographic driving ticket prices these days. Those monstrosities (the names of which I won't mention) are pure pieces of commerce,  marketed to perfection.

I hope 'Grindhouse' recovers. It's an audacious idea that I wish would've been given a bigger break. Maybe as they separate the two films, they'll pry some sunshine out of the situation and the Weinstein's will save the day. It bums me the f*ck out though when something like that, a really cool idea that looks like a great time at the movies, made by real talent– can't push past.

It's just dead wrong kids...and we ALL pay the price when those don't work.