Conservative commentator Andrew Klavan tackled Hollywood’s obsession with reboots and cinematic universes in his latest episode, focusing on the original films that started major franchises. He argued that modern remakes often lack the substance and originality of the classics, pandering to political agendas instead of storytelling. Klavan praised foundational films like Star Wars: A New Hope for their groundbreaking creativity and clear moral themes, contrasting them with today’s soulless sequels. He specifically called out the Star Wars prequels for their wooden dialogue and overreliance on CGI, suggesting they prioritized spectacle over character depth.
Klavan lauded the gritty realism of early James Bond films like Dr. No, highlighting their straightforward espionage narratives without forced wokeness. He condemned recent Bond installments for diluting the character’s iconic charm with unnecessary political messaging, arguing that Sean Connery’s portrayal captured timeless masculinity. Turning to horror, Klavan credited Halloween (1978) for pioneering suspense through tension rather than gore, a tactic he said modern horrors replace with cheap shocks and social commentary. He dismissed recent franchise entries as forgettable cash grabs that insult audiences’ intelligence.
The Indiana Jones series earned Klavan’s praise for Raiders of the Lost Ark, which he called a perfect blend of adventure and humor. He lamented that later sequels abandoned this spirit for convoluted plots and “woke” revisions, tarnishing the original’s legacy. For superhero films, Klavan championed 1978’s Superman as a benchmark of heroic idealism, contrasting it with today’s morally ambiguous heroes shaped by cynicism rather than virtue. He accused studios of rebooting franchises solely for profit, stripping them of the heart that made originals resonate.
Klavan wrapped by urging Hollywood to return to the bold, unapologetic storytelling of classic first films. He warned that without this shift, audiences would continue abandoning franchises corrupted by ideological preaching.
