Summer movie box office sales down 20%

[MarkXIX]

think there will a paradigm shift in theaters with the movie grills winning out. In 20 years all theaters will have lots more food.

Yeah, except again, theaters grossly overcharge for what food they do offer usually.

My theater just started offering beer, but I will be damned if I pay $5.85 for a 12 oz. bottle of Bud Light. Even worse, there's a liquor store less than a block away where I can buy at least a six pack for that price.

Like Dr. Pizza, I am not fully convinced of the whole "but overcharging for food is the only way we make money" bit they've shilled on us for years now. Paying $6 for $0.35 worth of actual raw materials that require almost zero talent to refine into the finished product is simply absurd.

 

[zinfamous]

Yes, I agree that perhaps Lean isn't the greatest example of deep movies. I was making the point in general. Movies from that era are definitely deeper.

And yes, Shawshank is over rated One sign of a great film is that it ages well, and Shawshank does not. Repeated viewings of it leave you unimpressed and unable to find anything new or fresh in it - like you would with a truly great movie. It was, at best, a better example of the "overcoming the odds" Hollywood formula.

And my point was that they actually aren't deeper than any of the equally good films today. If anything, they are simpler, because the plot tended to be straighter, told in more linear, simpler fashions, with very standard characters, often written and cast to a very narrow Hollywood type of that time.

Not all, obviously, but it really wasn't until the 70s that you started to see complex, non-traditional characters become more standard. A few earlier flicks stood out for this (On the Waterfront--though still "safe" Hollywood; and Streetcar--pretty scandalous fare for its day), but were very rare at the time. There were few, if any, powerful female leads in those days, for example.

 

[smackababy]

Yeah, except again, theaters grossly overcharge for what food they do offer usually.

My theater just started offering beer, but I will be damned if I pay $5.85 for a 12 oz. bottle of Bud Light. Even worse, there's a liquor store less than a block away where I can buy at least a six pack for that price.

Like Dr. Pizza, I am not fully convinced of the whole "but overcharging for food is the only way we make money" bit they've shilled on us for years now. Paying $6 for $0.35 worth of actual raw materials that require almost zero talent to refine into the finished product is simply absurd.

That is typical beer markup. Most resturaunts or bars have similar mark up for beer. I believe theaters don't make much off tickets. Look at how a movie that made twice it's budget still "loses" money. I am sure there is a lot of Hollywood math going on, but still.

 

[zinfamous]

One truly great movie from recent times was There Will Be Blood. I have watched almost all of Daniel Day Lewis' movies multiple times (In the Name of the Father - at least five times). The best actor of this generation by some distance.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36553594&postcount=134

 

[BUTCH1]

Yes, I agree that perhaps Lean isn't the greatest example of deep movies. I was making the point in general. Movies from that era are definitely deeper.

And yes, Shawshank is over rated One sign of a great film is that it ages well, and Shawshank does not. Repeated viewings of it leave you unimpressed and unable to find anything new or fresh in it - like you would with a truly great movie. It was, at best, a better example of the "overcoming the odds" Hollywood formula.

I don't buy the "anything new or fresh in it" deal, are you saying a truly great movie has a plot than can only be discerned after 25 watches?, maybe some films were meant to have multiple meanings to different people but Shawshank clearly wasn't in that category. I'm not saying it's the best of all time but it's up there in that discussion, perfectly cast, amazing screenplay and perfectly directed by Frank Darabont. It's is ranked #1 in IMDb's "Top 250" list for a reason, it is that good. The smile on Robbins face at the bank when he replies to the bank manager, "I hope you enjoy living abroad"..."Thanks, I'm sure I will" was a feel-good moment never to be forgotten in that film..

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I don't understand this "get naked at some point" statement. If I am in my house, you can bet I won't be wearing pants. I would start the process naked!

You have to match your attire to what you're drinking. When I get done with work, I'm dressed professionally, which means it's a perfect time for a martini. The gin starts kicking in and I begin shedding clothes to alleviate the delightful warming sensation of the alcohol. But it's a mysterious thing; as layers of clothing get removed, so do layers of pretension fall away from my choice of libation. After that first drink, and the subsequent shedding of my jacket and tie, it's time for a more relaxed beverage, perhaps of the scotch and soda variety. A refined beverage to be sure, but simpler, without all the pomp and circumstance of drinking from a triangular glass with your pinky out. Another layer of clothing stripped away, and we're at rum and Coke. What do you mean we don't have any Coke? Sh'OK, I'll drink it with the soda. Or the Shcotch. That's a drink, right? OK, so now I'm feeling pretty good, and I'm apparently my pants fell off. Also I'm bleeding somehow. Why am I bleeding? Sounds like it's half past Jager thirty. I don't fucking even need these fucking things. Fuck clothes. WHO'S READY FOR THE BEER BONG?

And that's why I'm not allowed back at Regal Cinemas.

 

[zinfamous]

I don't buy the "anything new or fresh in it" deal, are you saying a truly great movie has a plot than can only be discerned after 25 watches?, maybe some films were meant to have multiple meanings to different people but Shawshank clearly wasn't in that category. I'm not saying it's the best of all time but it's up there in that discussion, perfectly cast, amazing screenplay and perfectly directed by Frank Darabont. It's is ranked #1 in IMDb's "Top 250" list for a reason, it is that good. The smile on Robbins face at the bank when he replies to the bank manager, "I hope you enjoy living abroad"..."Thanks, I'm sure I will" was a feel-good moment never to be forgotten in that film..

Eh, it is a good flick, but it's only ranked up there because most of the IMDB users are mouth breathers--remember, these are the same people that sit around and complie lists of the 500 hottest babes! in film (usually only includes the most recent 5 or so years).

For my sake..it wouldn't crack a top 250. probably not top 500. It really isn't that good.

No, I am not going to list them.

 

[smackababy]

Eh, it is a good flick, but it's only ranked up there because most of the IMDB users are mouth breathers--remember, these are the same people that sit around and complie lists of the 500 hottest babes! in film (usually only includes the most recent 5 or so years).

For my sake..it wouldn't crack a top 250. probably not top 500. It really isn't that good.

No, I am not going to list them.

Have you actually seen the film? If you watched it and then tried to honestly make a list, you'd have a hard time finding 250 movies that were better. Hell, I don't even think there are 250 movies I like (and quite a few of them are terrible, but I still like him - I'm look at you Surf Ninjas).

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I'm not saying it's the best of all time but it's up there in that discussion, perfectly cast, amazing screenplay and perfectly directed by Frank Darabont. It's is ranked #1 in IMDb's "Top 250" list for a reason, it is that good.

IMDB rankings are useful to a point, but popularity should not be confused with quality. According to the IMDB rankings, Inception is better than Casablanca, The Dark Knight Rises is better than North by Northwest and Rush is better than Jurassic Park. That's just lunacy.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Eh, it is a good flick, but it's only ranked up there because most of the IMDB users are mouth breathers--remember, these are the same people that sit around and complie lists of the 500 hottest babes! in film (usually only includes the most recent 5 or so years).

For my sake..it wouldn't crack a top 250. probably not top 500. It really isn't that good.

No, I am not going to list them.

Based on what I quoted, you could use this right now :biggrin:

 

[NikolaeVarius]

Eh, it is a good flick, but it's only ranked up there because most of the IMDB users are mouth breathers--remember, these are the same people that sit around and complie lists of the 500 hottest babes! in film (usually only includes the most recent 5 or so years).

For my sake..it wouldn't crack a top 250. probably not top 500. It really isn't that good.

No, I am not going to list them.

I am curious at so to what 5 movies you think are better than shawshank

 

[smackababy]

I am curious at so to what 5 movies you think are better than shawshank

The Godfather, Empire Strikes Back, The Godfather part 2, The Departed, and Santa Sangre (Alejandro Jodorowsky film, and the perfect horror movie). All 5 of those are better than Shawhank, in my opinion. But, it would come in at number 6.

 

[MarkXIX]

That is typical beer markup. Most resturaunts or bars have similar mark up for beer. I believe theaters don't make much off tickets. Look at how a movie that made twice it's budget still "loses" money. I am sure there is a lot of Hollywood math going on, but still.

Not sure I agree on that markup, I typically can stomach paying about $3.25 for a 12 oz. beer somewhere, anything above that and I'm probably drinking something else.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I am curious at so to what 5 movies you think are better than shawshank

Is this a private party or can anybody join?

Offhand, I'd go with The Godfather, Casablanca, Pulp Fiction, Schindler's List and Goodfellas. And I could easily come up with at least 50 more movies I would prefer to watch.

 

[BUTCH1]

Eh, it is a good flick, but it's only ranked up there because most of the IMDB users are mouth breathers--remember, these are the same people that sit around and complie lists of the 500 hottest babes! in film (usually only includes the most recent 5 or so years).

For my sake..it wouldn't crack a top 250. probably not top 500. It really isn't that good.

No, I am not going to list them.

Well your entitled to your opinion even if your make's you look like the village idiot, that's your baggage..

 

[BUTCH1]

Is this a private party or can anybody join?

Offhand, I'd go with The Godfather, Casablanca, Pulp Fiction, Schindler's List and Goodfellas. And I could easily come up with at least 50 more movies I would prefer to watch.

While I liked "Goodfellas" there's not much character development overall, just a bunch of vicious crooks conducting business as usual.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Why is any 'best of' list always riddled with old stuff? I like the classics as well but they can't be the best forever, right? If so then.. well... that's pretty sad for all of us.

 

[Bateluer]

Watching ATOT rage is fun!

 

[squarecut1]

Why is any 'best of' list always riddled with old stuff? I like the classics as well but they can't be the best forever, right? If so then.. well... that's pretty sad for all of us.

Why has there been no equal to Bob Dylan? Or Neil Young?

 

[squarecut1]

Ok, I've seen Departed mentioned here. Departed!!

1. Not an original creative work. A remake.

2. Scorsese. He made a handful of good movies in his time, but for the most part, his movies are unbearably pretentious. The guy is so far up his own ass it is not funny.

3. DiCraprio. How many actors have been as annoying and one dimensional as him? The same kind of facial expressions, the same annoying voice, the same everything in every movie. His overall persona does explain why Scorsese has fallen in love with him, and can't seem to make a movie without him.

And on and on....

 

[zinfamous]

Have you actually seen the film? If you watched it and then tried to honestly make a list, you'd have a hard time finding 250 movies that were better. Hell, I don't even think there are 250 movies I like (and quite a few of them are terrible, but I still like him - I'm look at you Surf Ninjas).

I've watched Shawshank about a dozen times, at least.

Yes, I've seen it.

 

[squarecut1]

Why in the world is anyone talking about the IMDB Top 250 list here? Those are the most popular movies for the IMDB users - that is what that list tells you, and nothing more.

Perhaps we can talk about critics' lists. That would be more interesting.

 

[zinfamous]

Well your entitled to your opinion even if your make's you look like the village idiot, that's your baggage..

It doesn't, though. The IMDB list is notoriously laughable. It's accurate with some things, sure, but the placement of Shawshank is generally accepted as a weird anomaly.

Like I said, it's a pretty good flick, but nowhere near deserving being placed that high. Reference to its position on that list, and only that list, as some inarguable proof of its quality is generally ignored.

 

[zinfamous]

Based on what I quoted, you could use this right now :biggrin:

Which I would certainly rank higher than Shawshank

 

[zinfamous]

I am curious at so to what 5 movies you think are better than shawshank

throwing out water melons, eh?

OK, um, this is stupid easy:

Raging Bull
Godfather 2
8 1/2
The Conversation
Godfather
The Deer Hunter
Unforgiven
Roma, Citta Aperta
Amelie
Amarcord
L'Avventura
Goodfellas
Taxi Driver
The Departed
There Will Be Blood
No Country for Old Men
Fargo
The Big Lebowski
The Man Who Wasn't There
Everything that Hitchcock sneezed on
Dumb and Dumber
Airplane (as mentioned)
Umberto D
Breathless
all of Tarntino's flicks
all the Pixar movies (well, except for Cars, maybe)
etc