Can a movie be an 'Instant Classic'?

[gsdx]

The promotions for the new movie The Hangover is proclaiming it an 'instant classic.

In my mind, a 'classic' movie is one which withstands the test of time, meaning that it is as popular (or even more so) today as it was when it was first released. The Wizard of Oz is a classic. Casablanca is a classic. Gone with the Wind is a classic.

How can The Hangover be a classic when it won't even be released to the theatres until tomorrow?

 

[Lube]

Any Pixar movie is an Instant Classic in my book.

And Up just reinforced that opinion.

I mean, sheesh, if you can cry at a cartoon character in the first 15 minutes, it's got a great story.

 

[bearbacked]

Lately it does seem the words classic, legend, and icon are all used lightly. Even last year when everyone was talking about mickey rourke's comeback i had to wonder if he had actually "arrived" to begin with.

I guess theres nothing wrong with predicting classic status. But proclaiming it in its preview stages is ridiculous. Maybe it is supposed to be sarcasm.

 

[gsdx]

When people make claims like that I always assume they've been paid a big fat backhander by the marketing-machine responisble for pushing the product in question.

That's what I'm wondering. It is used all the time by Disney, and just about every new Christmas movie which comes out these days is destined to become an instant classic. . . like Jingle All The Way and Santa Clause 3.

I don't think using 'instant classic' for The Hangover was done for sarcasm. It was used for too many other stupid movies as well.

 

[Buckley]

it's a perfect phrase for this post-historical time. like the businesses that tell you they've been around ". . . since 1997!"

 

[gsdx]

Instant classic, a work of popular culture, that inspires instant devotion and the belief that it will be considered a classic in future.

I'm guessing that applies mainly to the producers. The word could very easily be replaced with 'hope'.

 

[bearbacked]

An object of devotion
A work of popular culture that inspires devotion or respect is often called a classic.

Cult classic, a film that has acquired a highly devoted but relatively small group of fans.

Instant classic, a work of popular culture, that inspires instant devotion and the belief that it will be considered a classic in future.

- Wikipedia

Thanks for the definition. At least it tells me the term instant classic is not contradictory.

 

[gsdx]

At least it tells me the term instant classic is not contradictory.

It does sound a bit like an oxymoron, doesn't it?

 

[Ryuukie]

It's just some hack PR guy grappling at straws.

 

[gsdx]

the definition shows an instant classic is really a movie with classic potential, and that doesn't shout like a timeless classic stood over time. Theyre in different leagues

That isn't the way I read it. I read it as a movie which will stand the test of time and become a classic.

The term is used far-too-often and undermines the true definition of 'classic'.

 

[rareboy]

Instant Classic usually signifies it is a bomb when used in a plug for a movie.

This one has been panned by the critics.

 

[RationalLunacy]

Instant classic -- just add water.

 

[gsdx]

^ Ooooooo! Just like Sea Monkeys!!