Oddly, I had a similar experience last night. We watched The Libertine, with Johnny Depp. Now, I can just gaze at Johnny Depp for ever (even when he is using makeup to simulate the ravages of disease at the end of the film) but the film, while beautifully directed, filmed and acted simply failed to grab me. I didn't even cry at the ending though I think I was supposed to. The plot was too thin to justify almost two hours of my life, even though it was based in historical fact. A sort of lit!fic film, in fact. I share your dislike of lit!fic, or at least of most modern lit!fic. (I'm more than happy with Trollope, Eliot, etc.) And yes, it's a personal preference/choice/whatever. I'm just glad when I find people who share it!