Sometimes filmmakers need to get creative when using effects, and instead of turning to CGI, there are those who use practical effects. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which just came out, used a good amount of practical as well as digital effects.
It arguably started sooner, but I’m convinced the trend of moving towards practical effects was kicked off by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, when J.J. Abrams decided to capture the realistic look of the first trilogy in the new film.
After seeing the success of using practical effects in the film, others got to work using more and more practical effects over CGI, Guardians being the latest example. And after watching the film, I thought they balanced both digital and practical effects well.
CGI is good for bringing ideas and images from the imagination into the real world, but nothing is like filming the real thing.
I hope popular movies continue the trend of practical over digital effects when they can.
