Part 10/12:
Throughout the critique, there's a sense of lamentation for better times: the 80s and 90s' action movies, which were straightforward and entertaining, are now replaced by complex, fatiguing universes that prioritize message over story. The decline is attributed to cultural shifts, audience exhaustion, and an industry that values quick profits over genuine artistry.
The critics note how even talented actors and writers are hampered by scripts that are hollow or incoherent. For instance, actors like Mahershala Ali are capable but underused, and they speculate that studio politics, franchise fatigue, and the obsession with social messaging stifle innovation.