I don't think you're really disagreeing with the author--I think his point is that there are fewer original ideas with the potential to redefine genres, push boundaries, etc.:
"I don't mean that there are fewer really good movies than ever before (last year had its share, and so will 2011) but that it has never been harder for an intelligent, moderately budgeted, original movie aimed at adults to get onto movie screens nationwide."
To stretch an analogy, the Googles and Facebooks are still creating great new features, but the startups are in trouble, and even though Google and Facebook are dynamic in a lot of ways, it's just not quite the same.
Hollywood is a business just like any other business. While many movies have been made at microbudget levels, most movies are going to cost a studio at least a couple million.
Sequals, movies based on other media formats, etc. offer a built-in client base. The studio will probably at least make their money back, and if they are lucky, they might turn a large profit.
Now, I love movies. I've even dabbled in trying to write my own screenplay (never getting far, but I've tried). I always enjoy seeing something new. But, again, Hollywood is a business, and it's going to act like a business.
"I don't mean that there are fewer really good movies than ever before (last year had its share, and so will 2011) but that it has never been harder for an intelligent, moderately budgeted, original movie aimed at adults to get onto movie screens nationwide."
To stretch an analogy, the Googles and Facebooks are still creating great new features, but the startups are in trouble, and even though Google and Facebook are dynamic in a lot of ways, it's just not quite the same.