"You're a tool if you think shooting 24p will automatically make your
video look like film"
You said "Tool". Yup, it all depends on ultimate delivery format. Since the majority of my stuff goes to the 'Net or DVD I prefer progressive scan. But if a client wants interlaced video, not a prob. Yeah, trying to mimic film with video has no 'one off' solution.
The smartest thing I ever saw or did in that arena is to make your video as 'clean' and hi-res as possible so it can be transferred to film without a lot of pain. Now though, you've got great new traditional and DSLR cameras that can give you the 'feel' of film without all the telecine and processing aggravation.
Since much of this stuff is going to digital delivery mediums, you really don't need film unless you creatively want it. Obviously, there are still many types of looks film can achieve, but digital these days depending on the gear and your post setup can cover similar bases (though not all) with excellent results for far less money and time.
Look at it this way; 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p are all 'stocks' of video similar to 16, Super 16, 35, Super 35 and 70mm film. You are not going to use 70mm for everything nor would you use 16mm in the same way. Each video format has its uses, 'quirks', strong points and outright PIA points. Whatever you need at the time, you can reach for just like you would golf clubs, bats or fishing rods.
