3D OR NOT 3D
3D or not 3D- that is the question. Let’s start with a confession. I am probably older than you. The only thing I can do on my cell phone is make calls. In my last business, we had a coal-fired copier (okay, just kidding on that one). Anyway- I sort of don’t like change...
When I was a kid they tried 3D with dogs like House Of Wax (1953). It was dreadful, with equally bad special effects. 
So what does this ancient curmudgeon think of the latest incarnation of 3D? Well, folks, I’m agin it. It’s not that I haven’t given it a fair try. If anyone can make it work, it should be Martin Scorcese. Hugo (2011) is a very good movie. It starts with one of the director’s signature tracking shots through a crowded railway station. It has a wonderful train wreck. Is the tracking shot better than the one he did in Goodfellas (1990)?  No. Is it better than the train wreck in The Fugitive (1993)? Well, no. Would it be just as good (or maybe better) without the 3D trickery? I think so. 
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams (2011) is a fascinating documentary about some ancient cave paintings in France. It is shot only in 3D. Does that help? Actually, I don’t believe it does. It does perhaps present a little better depth, but that is negated by how dark it is. 
The one movie I have seen I would have to concede is good in 3D is James Cameron’s Avatar (2009). The soaring dragons and the pitched battles between the various creatures are indeed awe-inspiring. Would it be good without 3D? You bet. 
To me, so many of the 3D effects are simply the director saying “Look what I can do” and they don’t really add to your enjoyment of the movie. Rather than helping the story, they actually distract from it. Add to that the fact that 3D very much darkens the images and the tradeoff is hardly worthwhile. 
Think of some good movies with great special effects. How about Inception (2010) with all the collapsing buildings. Better in 3D? I doubt it. Or how about the Star Wars movies with all the chases and high-tech stuff.Or the great stunts in the Mission Impossible series. Need 3D? Don’t think so.
And now they’re even redoing some old favorites in 3D, hoping no doubt to sell more tickets. Lion King and Titanic will not be improved by remaking, in my opinion. 
Finally, who wants to put up with those higher prices and clunky glasses? Well, I’ve had my say- what do you think?