Tom Hanks as Abe Lincoln?

[Arthur Dent]

OK, movie buff. What the fuck does executive producer mean?

I mean, you got the director who tells the actors what to do.
You got the cinematographer who figures out what cameras and lenses to use.
You got the lighting director who figures out how to light the set.
You got the special effects editor, the regular editor, the dialogue editor...
And usually a couple of assitants for everybody and at least one regular producer.

So what the fuck is an executive producer doing beside looking important and rubber stamping his name on a picture?

Never saw Amistad, so I can't judge.
Jurasic Park was pure eye candy, but Chrichton's novel was fillet mignon compared to Spielbergs McD's serving.
Private Ryan was the opening fifteen minutes and three scenes further in.

So, from your list, the guy's really been slacking since 1990.