Whats going on?!

It seems that sinced I watched the movie Howl starring James Franco I havent rated one movie over 8 since then. I rated Howl an 8 and really loved it, but since then nothing has come close to Howl's greatness. I have watched 18 movies, all first viewings and none of them have been as great as Howl. Has this ever happen to anyone where they just had I guess an average or bad stretch of movies

Well, Howl is in fact a great movie. One of my favorites of 2010, maybe even my very favorite. That said, I've given out a number of 9's and a couple 10's since watching Howl 4 months ago. But not all 9's or even 10's are personal favorites of mine either. Often I rate a movie with consideration of who the film is targeted toward, what genre it works within, what it sets out to achieve, and how well it achieves it. So while it's entirely possible you've just had a dry spell with very few or no good films, (god knows I've ran into similar stretches) you also may or may not want to adapt your mind-set going into a film. Of course I can't answer that question as well as you can.

I seem to rate 8 or above for movies like The Godfather, Revolutionary Road, and Howl. I gave Inception a 10, well because it is now my favorite movie. Has my favorite actress in it and my favorite Director directed it. So it could be just the genre I like now which is more drama, and weird thrillers like Memento.

I believe the more you watch movies, the more you get critical. The last time I gave a 10 was with Memento and it is already 10 years ago (!). Each time I watch a great movie I always notice something bothering me preventing the movie from getting a 10. For example, you now love 'Inception' but over 10 years, you will have seen 100's of movies which have been made before and better than 'Inception' and there is a chance you will lower your rating.

About the dry stretch, it happens, especially when you watch a LOT of movies. For example, I watch at least 7 movies a week in general and the average, is 4-3 movies are average (ranking from 5 to 6), 2 movies are good (ranking 6-7) and there is (maybe) one very good movie (ranking 8-9). The question is 'why do I waste my time with average stuff?!?'. I see it like drinking wine. I enjoy watching an average movie on a everyday basis like you drink some average wine everyday and once a week, I treat myself with some great flicks like you would drink some great wine. You enjoy it more when it is from time to time, not when you get it everyday. And if you don't get the wine analogy, just try some beer... Anyway, that's what I believe!

You cant really waste your time with average stuff, because you obviously wanted to see the movie, but didn't know it was going to be great. Like a few days ago I saw The Adjustment Bureau, it looked great on previews, but I ended up giving it a 5. And I do understand your point

Just ended my streak with City Lights, what an awesome movie and the first silent film I saw

I just think you're overlooking movies and looking for outstanding stuff, rather than just a solid action/adventure or comedic movie. hahah

Well nothing has been solid besides Requiem for a dream, howl, and city lights

Sometimes that happens to me because, when I see a movie I really love (and there are still 10's for me since I'm so new to loving movies like this) I always think, I want more more more of the same movie. And I try stuff that is similar or looks as good, but since it isn't the same thing I get disappointed or I just can't enjoy it. Even if it was really good it's like I get my hopes up for something that is obviously not gonna be the same movie.

Yeah I usually watch movies that look good, but end up being average, or really bad. I though the Adjustment Bureau was going to be good but it ended being a 5/10. And Howl, was an 8/10, Requiem for a dream was 8/10 and City Lights was 9/10 was because they either had a great screenplay, good story, directing, and acting. Thats what I look for and if they all don't impress me I usually can't by in the movie