It’s been quite a while since Paramount Pictures decided to cede the blockbuster ground to other Hollywood studios, and to content itself with a product comprising something less than top-flight material and A-list stars. But “after many years of putting out formulaic, B-grade thrillers fueled by a philosophy of sticking to mid-range budgets and lesser-known stars, Paramount is on a mission to turn things around,” and they’re putting out the word that they’re not afraid to spend whatever it takes.