Movie theaters doing poorly this summer

[Loafing Smurf]

It was in the news that movie theaters are doing poorly this summer.

Some experts said that people are slowly getting tired of the movies coming out. You know, every year there are action flicks, end of the world movies, love stories and "the comedy of the year".

Then these movies seem follow identical patterns. So out of curiosity, what do you think of movies. Also do you think they should be changed? I left some thoughts in the poll to vote on.

[Hyperion2]

There are several problems with the film industry this year.

1.  Lack of originality.  Look at the list of films this summer: Batman, Herbie, Bewitched, War of the Worlds, Star Wars, Land of the Dead, The Longest Yard...

Remakes, prequels or sequels.  How about something new, Hollywood?

2.  Price.  Due to the price of creating a film ($1 million per finished minute of film) and the extraordinarily high salaries the cast gets, movies are just more expensive than ever.  This is going to result in a drop in attendance.

3.  Piracy.  Movie piracy is undoubtedly more of a threat than ever before.  Within hours of Star Wars opening in the US, it was available for download from P2P.  While I don't agree with movie piracy, I do see the point of those guilty of doing so.  Why spend $10 to go see a 2 hour remake of something I've already seen?

4.  Political views of celebrities.  Face it.  No one cares.  Agree, disagree, whatever.  People are going to stop seeing your movies if you become known less for being an actor and more for being an activist.  Admittedly, this is only a TINY part of the problem, but it's no doubt still part of it.

[Antei]

Not enough good aviation movies...............as far as i'm concerned so far there have only been TOPGUN and maybe Behind enemy lines(the part with the SAM ain't too bad) and not related to aviation Mr and Mrs Smith was pretty good  :P

[Hyperion2]

Ahh, but aviation films are a very specific audience, and aren't going to bring in the huge crowd.  Even Top Gun did very poorly in the theatrical release.  It wasn't until it was released on VHS that it made any noticeable money.

[TacitBlue]

I'm not what you would call a "movie go-er". I saw Batman Begins (pretty good) last weekend, but before that I hadn't been to the theater in over a year. My problem is that most movies don't interest me in the least. However I saw some previews of what looked like some very good movies coming out later this year. There is a live action (not disney cartoon) movie about John Smith - Pocahontas coming out in Nov. that looks like it will be great. You may have seen ads for "The Island" it actually looks good too as a negative-utopia/Orwellian/sci-fi story. Believe it or not, its a remake of a low-budget movie from the 80s called "Parts". You may have seen it ripped to shreds on MST3000.

P.S. for someone who dosn't watch many movies, I always find a lot to say about them.

[Hyperion2]

The entertainment industry - like the aviation industry - is a passion of mine.  I absolutely love it.  Not the stupid Tom and Katie, Brad and Angelina type crap...I mean the REAL Hollywood.  The writers and the filmmakers, specifically.  

Any time there's a discussion on filmmaking, I'm somehow involved.

[Antei]

Ahh, but aviation films are a very specific audience, and aren't going to bring in the huge crowd.  Even Top Gun did very poorly in the theatrical release.  It wasn't until it was released on VHS that it made any noticeable money.

OK that's true why don't more people like aviation

[Hyperion2]

For the same reason more people don't like chocolate, or don't like alcohol...individual taste and preference.  That's never going to change.

[ozzy72]

I think Hollywood has lost direction somewhat, nowadays they try and sell movies on their special effects rather than say script and acting!
That said Million Dollar Babe was awesome! Clint Eastwood keeps going against the grain and producing winners everytime. Everyone said "The Western is dead!" then Unforgiven came out and knocked everyones socks off
I think Hollywood has to take a long hard look at the rubbish it is making and cull a bit and get some writers in who can actually write and perhaps some actors who can act! There are good films out there, but they are the minority.
On the bright side this has led to a lot of really good European films getting their shot and doing really well in the US which can only be to the good

[Hyperion2]

I think Hollywood has to take a long hard look at the rubbish it is making and cull a bit and get some writers in who can actually write...

And with this quote, Mark secures his place in Hype's Hero Hall of Fame!

[Antei]

For the same reason more people don't like chocolate, or don't like alcohol...individual taste and preference.  That's never going to change.

everyone likes chocalte (if its belgian  hehehe ) Couldn't agree more with you mate

[Antei]

[quote]really good European films getting their shot and doing really well in the US which can only be to the good

[Hyperion2]

I'm actually not a fan of European films.  In fact, I've noticed an influx of films that I call "Europesque".  They're just very artsy type films...not at all my style.  They're too deep and affected for my taste.  Most "film people" love that kind of thing, but I just never got into that style of filmmaking.

[ozzy72]

Scott you should try and see some of the British war movies of the 50's and 60's! They really are great. Kevin and myself have been having some long meaningful chats of late over movies (I'm amazed at his incredible wealth of knowledge, and we both love the Blues Brothers).
A lot of the newer British comedies also are good, they are funny.
Maybe I'm just fed-up with the same predictable stuff coming out of the Hollywood machine, within 10 minutes of it starting you can predict the ending exactly. I think that is why I liked Million Dollar Babe, the ending was not what you expected until the last 20 minutes of the film and there was a very human element to it.
I think I'll watch Casablanca tonight, now THAT is quality Bogart at his best

[Hyperion2]

Bah, I should have been more clear.  Not all films from Europe fit my "Europesque" genre...I mean, take Monty Python for example, hardly stereotypical of European filmmaking.

For reasons I'll never understand, I never even think about the UK when I'm talking about Europe...it just seems to break the mold of all things European.

You're right though...British films are some great films!