Revenge of the Moviegoer: The Slump Continues, SMG in Wonderland and More!
July 2005 Movie News
Home vs. Theater: After 16 straight weeks in the doghouse, is there any ray of light for the movie industry? I'd love to say yes, but. a recent AP-AOL poll revealed that 73 percent preferred to stay at home and watch movies, while only 22 percent said that they enjoy the theater experience over home viewing. This, coupled with the slump, does not bode well for the theater chains. Hmm, I hate to haul out the "I told you so" card, but I touched upon this very subject in an earlier essay (please check the archives!). I mentioned that the chains have to do something more to lure people in, but of course the true grist for this mill are the movies themselves. And the poll stated that about half the people said movies were getting worse. Only a third stated they were better. Even the most recent Star Wars blockbuster did not turn the downward spiral. So what can be done? Well, if I knew that, I wouldn't be just sitting here noting the problem.
More On Theater Chains.: On a related note, it looks like competition just took a kick in the pants. AMC Entertainment, Inc. said that it will buy Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp., the No. 2 and 3 chains respectfully, behind Regal Entertainment Group. I hate to say it, but history shows that quality takes a dip when a company grows gigantic. Expect more commercials? Less customer support? Maybe. None of the former and more of the latter are needed to reverse the slump. Sigh, oh well.
Through A Mirror, Darkly: It looks like Sarah Michelle Gellar is going to star in a movie based on the Electronic Arts video game American McGee's Alice. Dark indeed! I played that game, and it is not a cheerful romp. While in my mind Christina Ricci was the only spot-on for this role, the casting folks in Hollywood didn't consult me. But I wish SMG luck, and I will be seeing this one, if indeed it does make it through the mill.
On A Lighter Note: It looks like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are the new, wow celebrity couple. Good on you, mate! I wish you both well.
