The meaning of the term “classic” has been defiled and buried since the turn of the century by a barrage of poorly made, money-making monsters such as “The Sandlot 2”, “Dumb and Dumberer” and “The Hobbit” trilogy. Filmmakers need to show much more respect to classic, beloved stories such as these and stop producing subpar sequels for pure monetary gain.

A perfect example of the industry’s agenda is “Dumb and Dumberer”, one of the most disappointing prequels in the history of history. The movie hauled in more than $10.5 million on opening weekend, yet was likened to a smashed vegetable with a rating of 10 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, a movie review site. In comparison, the original “Dumb and Dumber” made more than $16 million on its opening weekend, but received a much higher rating from Rotten Tomatoes at 64 percent.

Although the pitiful prequel had a successful opening weekend, due in large part to its title, sales dropped significantly once the film’s poor quality came to light. Since its release in 1994, the original has made more than $247 million internationally, a clear indication of its timelessness and staying power. However, since its release in 2003, “Dumb and Dumberer” has pulled in only a bit more than $39 million, about $28.5 million more since the opening weekend. This is a clear example of the prequel’s inferiority to the original. The name and content of the movie was bound to merit lucrative opening weekend sales, but once the movie was actually viewed and rated those sales dropped steeply.

Now, as if this wasn’t already bad enough, a new trio of movies is set for release that will inevitably solidify the point — and it’s set in a galaxy far, far away.

If I had to choose my favorite part in the Star Wars movies, it would have to be when Darth Vader comes back to life. Wait, Darth Vader doesn’t come back to life! Well, if you hit the theaters in 2015 when “Star Wars VII” is released, you will see the belovedly sinister Vader back in action, according to Disney.

Worst of all, this is not just an issue in the film industry. Our society is slowly becoming one of mediocrity and apathy in exchange for success and wealth. Unless that is the America that we want, something has to change soon.

The fact that Disney has the nerve to change a great storyline like this is the final indicator of the issue. As a young generation of movie watchers (and members of society) here at Whitworth, we must realize what is going on and refuse to fuel the hype that is enabling this lack of integrity. If something doesn’t change soon, I fear that the classics will meet their fate. And unlike Darth Vader, they may not come back to life.

Contact Max Carter at [email protected]