When I entered the Nugget Theaters in July 2025, I was expecting the new “Jurassic World Rebirth” film to give me the same nostalgic indulgences as its predecessors. Despite having a massive $180 million budget, the overall film was completely lackluster.
However, the “Jurassic” franchise is not the only one failing. Recently, Star Wars, Marvel and many other major brands under Disney have been facing the same intense backlash from fans due to subpar films, even with huge budgets. In contrast, smaller movies have begun to stand out as being more refreshing and memorable.
To put into perspective, the live-action adaptation of “Snow White,” released in 2025, had an astounding budget of $270 million. Still, the CGI was comedic, making the dwarfs look unbelievably chopped, and had several other issues that resulted in the movie receiving a meager 39% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, Disney’s colossal flops don’t just end at depressing remakes.
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I’ve witnessed the franchise’s apparent downfall, which started with former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. During her time as a producer, films such as “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker” embarrassed earlier installments with their unoriginality.
It’s not uncommon for large franchises to lack innovation, since their primary focus is seemingly maximizing profits. Both films were extremely predictable, given how plot armor and common sense were completely abused, showing how not even enormous budgets can set forth bare minimum standards.
Additionally, the sheer overuse of character cameos to bring nostalgia back to fans is redundant and strays away from the storylines of both movies. Casting recognizable A-listers is extremely expensive, yet it still does not add much depth to a film.
On the other hand, lower-budget films typically use more original elements, creating a thoroughly enjoyable film. It is important for fans to realize that a high budget does not necessarily equate to a more memorable film.
Despite having a mere budget of $40 million, the 2016 WW2 movie “Hacksaw Ridge” is widely regarded as one of the most accurate depictions of the horrors in the Pacific Theater. The performance of the actors, specifically Andrew Garfield, and the stunning cinematography made this an exquisite movie to indulge in. The film also utilized information from interviews derived directly from Desmond Doss, the combat medic whom the movie is inspired by.
“Hacksaw Ridge” is riveting, showing fans that it is possible for films to be great even at a lower budget.
If viewers want a better cinematic experience — one that leaves them stunned and in pure awe — supporting lesser-known films with original plots can absolutely shape an unforgettable moment.
As big-name franchises continue to release uninspiring movies, fans need to realize that their movie choices can shape the landscape of cinema and help innovative studios flourish. Franchises in response should fully embrace innovation as something that can save both their fanbase and the integrity of cinema as a whole.
