[teamonkey]

Yeah, when well-timed a cutscene can be part of a syncopated rhythm, or be a satisfying moment when you can throw down your controller in exhaustion after an intense piece of action, or they can be used to frame a shift in gameplay.

That's not to say they're not overused in general, but they can have their use.

On the subject of overuse, one reason is that a linear story and movie-like cutscenes are easier and cheaper to write and make, at least compared to the alternative. The processes are well-known and so they're easier to budget for.