2025-07-01 00:00:36.942

The Jurassic World franchise was on the brink of extinction after the disappointing *Fallen Kingdom* and *Dominion*. But now, a new film promises a fresh start. With a new director and screenwriter, the movie retcons the previous films, focusing on a new story set 17 years prior. The plot involves a corporation seeking to profit from dinosaur blood, leading a team of experts on a mission to collect samples. The film features a charming cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, and delivers classic Jurassic Park moments like slow turns and a hapless security guard's demise. The chemistry between Johansson and Bailey is a highlight, adding a rom-com element to the adventure. While not entirely groundbreaking, the film is a fun, thrilling, and well-executed Spielbergian adventure, making it a potentially fitting end to the series. It's set to release on July 2nd (US and UK) and July 3rd (Australia).

2025-06-23 06:00:56.073

The movie industry faced numerous challenges in the first few months of 2025, including a slow start to the box office, the underperformance of major releases like "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Snow White", and a writers' strike. The box office for January to April was down significantly compared to the previous year. However, April brought a surprising turnaround with the success of Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie" and "Sinners", leading to a record Memorial Day weekend. The summer box office was boosted by hits like Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" remake, "Thunderbolts", Paramount's "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning", and Warner Bros.' "Final Destination: Bloodlines". The overall box office is nearing $4 billion for 2025, an 18% increase compared to the same time last year. Analysts attribute this comeback to a rise in quality films and a diverse movie slate catering to various audiences. Upcoming releases like "F1", "M3GAN 2.0", "Jurassic World Rebirth", "Superman", and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" are expected to further boost the box office. Despite the positive trend, the industry remains a risky business, with box office performance fluctuating based on the quality and appeal of individual films. While the recovery is impressive, analysts caution against premature celebrations, noting that June's box office is down compared to last year and pre-pandemic averages. However, the relatively low cost of movie tickets compared to other entertainment options and the social aspect of movie-going are expected to keep audiences coming back.

2025-06-23 00:01:05.244

The movie industry hasn't had an easy time lately. After recovering from the pandemic, studios faced writers' strikes, underperforming blockbusters, and distribution dilemmas. The first few months of 2025 saw a slow box office, down 13% compared to the same period in 2024. Even the release of Marvel's "Captain America: Brave New World" saw a significant drop in earnings after its opening weekend. March was particularly dire, with box office numbers down almost 50% year-on-year. Disney's "Snow White" also underwhelmed. However, April brought a turnaround. Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie" and "Sinners" were massive hits, leading to a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend. Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" remake was another huge success, along with other summer hits like "Thunderbolts," "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning," and "Final Destination: Bloodlines." This momentum continued into June with "How to Train Your Dragon." The overall box office is approaching $4 billion for 2025, an 18% increase compared to last year. Experts attribute this comeback to a rise in quality films and a diverse movie slate catering to various audiences. Upcoming releases, including "F1," "M3GAN 2.0," "Jurassic World Rebirth," "Superman," and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," are expected to further boost the box office. While the recovery is significant, analysts caution that it's still a risky business, with some months still underperforming compared to pre-pandemic averages. Despite this, the relatively low cost of movie tickets compared to other entertainment options, coupled with the social experience of moviegoing, makes it a resilient form of entertainment, even during economic uncertainty. AMC's discount offers further contribute to the affordability and accessibility of moviegoing.

2025-06-21 06:01:17.096

In 1975, Steven Spielberg's Jaws became a box office sensation, but its PG rating ignited a fierce debate about its suitability for children. The film's graphic violence, including scenes of a shark attacking humans, led critics and industry members to question the rating's leniency. The AP interviewed Roy Scheider, the film's star, who acknowledged the movie's intensity but suggested that parental guidance and explanation could help children process the film's frightening aspects. The article also highlights differing viewpoints from producers of other films who felt their movies were unfairly given stricter R ratings. Despite the controversy, Jaws's financial success was undeniable, grossing $60 million in its first month. The debate over the film's rating underscores the ongoing challenges of determining age-appropriate content and the role of parental guidance in mediating children's exposure to potentially disturbing media.

2025-06-20 18:00:30.307

Fifty years after its release, Jaws remains a cinematic landmark. Richard Dreyfuss, who played marine biologist Matt Hooper, shares his memories of filming, including the infamous mechanical shark malfunctions and the surprisingly mythical feud with Robert Shaw. The film's impact on shark populations is discussed, with Spielberg expressing regret for the decimation caused by the film's portrayal of sharks as mindless killing machines. However, Jaws also unexpectedly spurred interest in marine science and conservation, a legacy actively championed by author Peter Benchley and his wife. Lorraine Gary, who played Ellen Brody, also shares her experiences, contrasting Dreyfuss's aversion to water with her own continued love of swimming and encounters with sharks. The article explores the film's creation, its unprecedented success as the first summer blockbuster, and the lasting impact it had on popular culture and environmental awareness.

2025-06-20 00:00:39.667

Danny Boyle's 2002 film, "28 Days Later," successfully predicted two significant trends: global pandemics and fast-moving zombies. Now, "28 Years Later" arrives, a third installment that surprisingly downplays the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing instead on the impact of Brexit. The film is set in a quarantined UK, where survivors cluster on a secluded island. The usual franchise trend of increased scale is absent; instead, Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle utilize iPhones for most of the filming, resulting in a visually disjointed, yet uniquely stylistic approach. The story follows 12-year-old Spike and his father, Jamie, who live in an almost medieval-like setting, where the father teaches his son survival skills. Spike's journey involves encounters with a deranged doctor (Ralph Fiennes) and a Swedish NATO soldier, challenging the macho world he's been raised in. The infected are varied, ranging from Olympic-level sprinters to slow-moving "Slow-Lows." Despite the graphic violence, the film incorporates themes of mortality, misguided exceptionalism, and displays surprising tenderness. Though tonally uneven, "28 Years Later" offers a thoughtful coming-of-age story within a post-apocalyptic setting, hinting at the persistence of infection and rage in our times. Boyle plans to continue the franchise with an upcoming film, "28 Days Later: The Bone Temple."

2025-06-19 18:00:41.252

Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later" successfully predicted two trends: global pandemics and fast zombies. Now, "28 Years Later" arrives, a film that, while visually disjointed, offers a surprisingly soulful take on the apocalypse. Unlike other franchises that expand globally, this one stays in the UK, specifically a quarantined island post-Brexit. The film uses iPhones for innovative cinematography, resulting in a visually jarring but unique experience. The story focuses on a 12-year-old boy, Spike, and his hunter father, Jamie, navigating a world filled with both fast and slow-moving infected. Brexit is a major theme, with the quarantined island mirroring Britain's isolation. The film also features tender reflections on mortality and misguided exceptionalism. Despite its violent content, "28 Years Later" is a thoughtful coming-of-age story, showcasing Boyle's persistence and desire to continue the franchise with future installments. The movie receives a two out of four-star rating.

2025-06-03 06:00:20.601

Jesse Armstrong's 'Mountainhead,' a post-'Succession' film about tech billionaires facing an AI apocalypse, is reviewed. The reviewer expresses fatigue with the over-saturated market of ultra-rich satires, noting similarities to 'Succession' but finding 'Mountainhead' to be a slog. The film's rapid production timeline is highlighted, suggesting it's a product of the current fast-paced news cycle. While acknowledging Armstrong's talent, the reviewer argues that the satire feels blunt and ineffective in the face of hyper-normalized absurdity in current politics and technology. The film's depiction of billionaires is criticized for lacking depth and relatable human elements, resulting in a predictable and unengaging narrative. The reviewer concludes that the genre of ultra-rich satire may have reached a point of diminishing returns.

2025-05-14 00:00:21.507

Final Destination, the splatterific franchise where death finds increasingly creative ways to punish those who cheat it, is back after more than a decade. The new installment, Final Destination: Bloodlines, elevates the series while retaining its signature campy charm. Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B Stein deliver grisly thrills with clever storytelling and stunning visuals. The film boasts a captivating opening sequence and introduces an origin story that playfully expands the series mythology. Death targets not only those who survive initial disasters but also their cursed descendants. The film features charming characters, making viewers root for their survival, a rarity in the franchise. Kills range from lawn tools to an MRI machine, showcasing Buster Keaton-esque physical comedy and callbacks to previous films. The most significant homage is the late Tony Todd's final appearance as William Bludworth, delivering an improvised, poignant monologue. Final Destination: Bloodlines breathes new life into the franchise, reminding viewers to cherish every moment.

2025-04-05 12:00:36.268

The latest video game to hit the big screen is Minecraft, and it's a wild ride. Directed by Jared Hess, the movie follows four unlikely heroes—a brother and sister, a real estate agent, and a washed-up gamer (Jason Momoa)—who get sucked into the Minecraft world. Jack Black plays a helpful guide, and Jennifer Coolidge is, well, Jennifer Coolidge. The movie is true to the game's spirit, featuring Creepers, Piglins, and other familiar characters, but also adds its own twists. While Momoa's comedic timing shines, the plot is somewhat loose and the humor uneven. Despite some bizarre digressions, the movie delivers action, laughs, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about friendship. Ultimately, it's a fun, family-friendly adventure, though maybe not for those unfamiliar with the game. Rated PG for violence, language, and suggestive humor.