[mgmueller]

I find such discussions highly interesting.
I think, the Americans phrase it best: Show BUSINESS.
It's a business after all.

13 years ago, when the first "Lord of the Rings" movie was in cinemas, a (in Germany) well known professional critic called it "garbage and trivial crap". On the other hand, he gave a German movie the highest rating. This movie was about Nazi Germany, so of course highly educational and quite serious. But: This movie in total had been seen by 70.000 people. I guess, that's what the "Lord of the Rings" movie made in his first hour or so...
Don't get me wrong: I'm not at all a fan of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I found them rather boring. But they've met the target. On the the other hand: What good is a meaningful movie, if no one is watching it?

Meaning:
In my opinion, the first and foremost task of a film maker, book author, journalist or whatever occupation you take, is to find an audience.
A film has to be seen, a book has to be read.

And then, if I choose this simple criteria, Stephen King or Dan Brown and the likes obviously understand their business.

I've read all Dan Brown books since "Angels & Demons".
I would have stopped with "Angels & Demons" (Spoiler Alert: Jumping out of a helicopter, landing in a well without any harm done), but gave it another try because of the hype around "The DaVinci Code".
From "The DaVinci Code" on I've enjoyed them all.
I take them for what they are: Entertainment. And in this they succeed.
Not every book or every movie has to be life-changing and teach a lesson. Sometimes just being entertained is more than enough.