What’s the most annoying trope in books or movies?
Why did Amazon have to ruin Masters of the Universe?
It was humiliating enough to make Adam an HR specialist.
Embarrass him in front of his father.
Shoehorn in how empathy and compassion are his true strength.
Attempt to cover it up with a stream of paper-thin innuendo.
Then take care of the rest with millions in digital FX spend.
It was insulting.
And sitting through the garbage ruined a bunch of otherwise great fight scenes.
Why is it important?
You become what you watch. We’re all prone to “what you see is all there is” bias.
Be presented with a long enough parade of emotionally wounded men who can’t get it together, and you start assuming that of all men.
Assume that’s all men long enough, and you can’t help but look at yourself in contempt.
Or perform for attention.
Viewing males with contempt doesn’t help with fulfillment.
The female energy finds fulfillment in surrender. What’s the good of surrendering if you don’t believe a man can get it all together?
And if we’re running away from something, swinging the pendulum can seem like the only way.
Back to where it started
Take The Great Santini.
Nobody wanted to be that guy.
Win at all costs, push everyone down to get ahead, and, in the end, die and leave a mess behind you.
It was enough of a warning for a couple generations. But is the answer really men who can’t stand on their own?
Don’t lose hope
Maybe there’s a narrow way instead.
Have you seen The Last Rodeo?
Yes, the main character is wounded and he hurts everyone around him. But the answer was him growing into something more.
He’s wounded from losing his wife. And breaking his neck falling off a bull.
That doesn’t translate into being lame.
He doesn’t act pitiable to raise funds for his grandson. He doesn’t moan about the unfair circumstances or start a movement for others to take care of it for him.
He saddles up for one last ride…while gradually accepting help from friends and loved ones.
The movie teaches us we can get the help we need without sacrificing our self respect. Because there’s always plenty of help available.
What to do instead
What do we need out of men on the big screen?
Cutting everyone down to make yourself feel superior doesn’t work.
Neither does paralyzing self-pity and loathing.
Maybe it’s becoming something more than your faults.
Go out. Stand for something.
If nothing else, stand for your intrinsic value. Then look for some small way to recognize the intrinsic value of your neighbor.
Stand for something you truly believe in to your core. Not just for an advantage you think you’ll get.
And maybe that starts with finding something else to watch.
Affiliate corner
You don’t have to put up with movies starring flimsy male leads. Or trade a good plot for a billion-dollar special effects budget.
Check out Angel Studios.
You get all the action, all the drama, and all the feels without all the agenda. Plus, a solid slate of releases in 2026 with Young Washington, Angel and the Bad Man, and Runner.
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Looking for another good movie to watch? Check out these related reviews before you go:
Liberty Begins At Home 
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