Originally Posted by
pathoftheturtle
It may be true that movies can help us cope with the challenges of life, but it does not follow that that is the perfect definition of why we watch movies. I had a point I wanted to clarify, even if it does not directly contradict the side of things which you're currently considering.
I think you and Brice may have actually been closer to the truth when you were saying "There is no why." It may not be possible for any general theory to explain film, or establish rational standards for dividing the cool from the uncool. If it is possible, the theory would have to be a very complex one with many sub-clauses... and as soon as it was written, some filmmaker would set out to poke holes in it.