May 5. 2025: The Hero Fatigue

I wore that videotape out.

Back in the ‘80s, VCRs hit the mainstream. Renting movies turned into a weekend ritual, and popular releases became instant VHS gifts.

One movie dominated my rewinds. I’ve probably seen it 30 times, with about 28 of those times as a teenager.

What film is it?

A few hints:

• You can see a cobra’s reflection in safety glass during a close-up

• R2-D2 and C-3PO are engraved into an ancient wall carving

• A fly climbs into an actor’s mouth mid-line, but he keeps going

• An iconic scene was completely improvised due to food poisoning

Answer? Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Now, though, it’s hard to sit through. After all those viewings, nostalgia outweighs the entertainment.

This evening, Indy came to mind while reading about Marvel Studios. The success of their Iron Man and Avengers franchises fueled endless sequels and streaming shows. But along the way, fans got overwhelmed and confused.

The result? Audience fatigue. Even some diehards stopped showing up. The latest release, Thunderbolts, just hit theaters. Time will tell if it’s a comeback or another costly flop.

Turns out, too much of a good thing can sometimes be bad. Still better than swallowing a fly, though.