Same Subject, Different Reception

Ever wonder what makes a movie popular? Most times, if not always, it's not scientific accuracy but spectacular effects and/or big name actors. Two prime examples: Deep Impact/Armagedon and Volcano/Dante's Peak. Both pairs of films came out within a few months of each other. Both Armagedon and Volcano did much better financially in the theatres than Deep Impact (which to be fair, had a bigger opening) and Dante's Peak, even though the later ones where much more scientifically accurate - Dante's Peak so much so that it drew praise from volcanologists. Deep Impact was also praised by astronomers. Surprisingly, both Armagedon and Volcano was not a hit with the critics, but the general public loved the amazing effects (at least at that point they were) and one can say bigger stars in Armagedon and Volcano. Now, over time, both of the underdogs drew grudging respect and even when they were in theatres, many people preferred them over the more popular pair. Nevertheless, we have those pesky box office results. Money talks, or so they say. And although I cannot think of another similar situation where two movies so alike in subject matter coming out within months of each other, if Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is any indication, fans still prefer larger than life experiences when going to the movie theatre, and saving more scientific movies, hopefully, for their Netflix or DVRs. Any thoughts?