I don't think it's a dilemma for the "modern viewer" in all cases. For instance, my children are both obsessed with the earlier Mad Max films, and my youngest insists the second one is the best (I agree with him, by the way).

Everyone says my children don't count (apparently, I've brainwashed them), but they also have friends who think the same. :)

By the way, did you see my recent piece on CGI films?