I see it less as a culture war flashpoint and more as being part of an outrage cycle as part of the marketing. Online conservative commentators see something that will get them views if they can frame it in a way that make their fanbase outraged. They know there are aspects of the movie that they can talk about that can get their base riled up to dislike the movie. Liberal commentators then see that the conservatives are riled up about the movie and then they make videos dunking on the conservative takes. Liberals see the conservatives takes and have to respond and defend the movie. The movie is no longer just a movie, liking it becomes a part of their political identity. Same for conservatives and disliking it. It all works to generate views for the commentators on both sides and to generate interest in/money for the movie, or whatever is currently being discussed. Same thing happened with that Lil Nas X music video, and now the Jason Aldean music video. The commentators on all sides have to continuously keep picking popular things to try and turn into culture war battles to fuel their shows, it is the core of their content.

The commentary itself is shallow all around. Being a part of the online “discourse” around pop culture is a fucking scam. It’s all a repetitive and contrived outrage cycle manufactured by grifters. Very few people I talk to irl pay attention to it anymore.