...and, BOY, DOES IT SHOW!
The quality of the script is far more important than the big-name actors which is why there can be terrible movies loaded with good actors AND, conversely, great movies made with total unknowns.
Two very excellent points.
THE STORY is what is missing from Hollywood flicks these days. It has been replaced by ACTION, SEX, OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE and VIOLENCE. We could add THE GLAMOURIZATION OF DRUG USERS, GAYS AND TERRORISTS and the universal replacement of the nuclear family with SINGLE MOMS AND DADS and DIVORCEES.
The star thing, however is a little bit different. A few actors and actresses consistently make good movies (at least relatively good.) I personally think this is due to the fact that they know good writing (and directing ) when they see it and have the clout to pick and choose.
In any case, my movie going days are over. I have a brand new 65" 1080p HDTV, a great speaker system, three motor driven La-z-boy type theater seats and a cheap microwave popcorn maker. They show old 40's, 50's and 60's thrillers (and G-rated stuff for the grandkids) in my theater and I love it.
Gee, it seems like your biggest clue would be looking at the movies that gross the most money at the box office. Those would be G and PG movies.