suspending logic, or why so picky?

Films/DVD Asylum

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The Minority Report posts remind me of discussions with friends picking apart a movie for its logical flaws.
Take Predator for example. People like to point out that Arnold cannot "outrun" a nuclear explosion, which he does at the end when the Predator activates a self-detonating bomb.
And they point out that laser guns would not cause bleeding -- a laser would cauterize the cut upon impact. Spaceships make no sound in space. You can't trace a cell phone call the way they do in the movies. Romans don't wear those types of helmets into war, only for ceremonies. Doctor friends cannot watch a resucitation scene without commenting on the "fake-looking" CPR. Lawyer friends cannot watch a trial scene without picking apart the cross-examination. And so it goes, these tiny details making the entire movie something "I just cannot believe" (eyes rolling).
At this point, I say (on Predator), "Hold up! This movie is about an ALIEN being that visits earth to hunt down humans for sport. This is an ALIEN with a devise that makes him INVISIBLE. Hell, if you buy the premise of the movie, you can surely allow Arnold to run away from the explosion." I say the same when we watch something involving time travel, psychic future-predicting beings, you name it.
My point is, why are we so picky about small "illogical" points of any movie when the whole movie is based on ideas that are just plain UNBELIEVABLE!! Why do the big logic holes escape criticism?
The best resonse I've heard is, "Hey, I only criticize that stuff that I can understand. The stuff that I can objectively say is 'wrong'." They are basically saying, "Okay, I accept that Predator beings do exist. But that watch Arnold wears is definitely not standard-issue Army gear. I therefore CANNOT believe the movie."

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Topic - suspending logic, or why so picky? - TA 17:45:56 06/26/02 (5)

Ours is not to reason why, ours is just to buy and buy ? - john dem 18:50:22 06/26/02 (4)

Good points; ... - Audiophilander 21:07:46 06/26/02 (3)

Some responses ... - TA 08:30:44 06/27/02 (2)

Your points are well taken, but... - Audiophilander 09:50:14 06/27/02 (1)

Interesting review of "A Beautiful Mind" at.... - AudioHead 07:31:30 07/03/02 (0)

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