'True Detective' -- Another Hit For HBO, Another Knock To Theaters

Granted, as a title, 'True Detective' doesn't say 'traditional motion picture feature' as much as graphic novel or pulp fiction, but this trailer speaks of success, and successful traditional features are becoming less and less common. We don't see too many good movies at the theater anymore, and fewer that turn a profit. These days, the action is on cable or certain internet venues, and HBO rules the roost. TV is being marginalized and movies in theaters are becoming irrelevant.

With Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, this should be the cinematic event of January. I don't really know what will open in theaters and don't think it matters. 'True Detective' will be the thing to watch.



This poster is pretty good, too.

Wait. This Is On 'TV'?

Definitions are changing. Not that that's a secret. More often these days, the best movies are found on 'TV' (which now goes in quotes).

The only thing about this new HBO series that's television-esque is the title -- 'True Detective', which may as well be the latest boilerplate cop procedural to roll out on the networks. However, with Matthew McCanaughey and Woody Harrelson, directed by Cary Fukunaga, and written by Nic Pizzolatto, the series has the look of a feature movie.

I used to hate TV. Long story short: I thought it was stupid and couldn't stand to watch. Now, much of the time, I think movies (in theaters) aren't worth my time and, about 45 minutes in, having gotten dressed, driven to the theater at a given time, stood in line and purchased a ticket, etc., I regret going out to see them and wish I was at home watching something I like on DVD or, increasingly, television.

The tables have turned. The future of movies at the theater is looking more bleak all the time. With stuff like 'True Detective' it's little wonder theater attendance is down.