Greetings, LoveUniHateExams:
I grew up with the FX of the '50s.
Forbidden Planet, which had a designer from Disney, I recall, did the monster of the ID scene. It was nominated for an AA but lost to The Ten Commandments. Then, there was Ray Harryhausen with stop-action motion. (Is that what's it's called?) Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts.
As for new blockbusters -- yawnfest. I really get bored with one superhero slamming another into a skyscraper and vice versa. Losing the city's beautiful skyline is a travesty. Arrival, with minimal but superbly effective, understated visual treats, is about story and character. Suggest terror and mystery. Hitchcock said suspense trumped over surprise. You can figure that one out, I'm sure!
An excellent and favorite subject for me, LUHE!
Thanks!