In-theater dining is gaining momentum. National Amusement’s Showcase Cinema is planning a restaurant-style meal service in a Boston-area theater and similar venues are planned for Kansas and suburban Chicago. National Amusements, which is a major circuit in the Northeast United States, will open a Davio’s Cucina restaurant at a to-be-built six-screen multiplex in Chestnut … [Read more...] about In-theater Restaurant Dining Grows
Anti-Obama Docu Soars
The anti-Obama movie “2016: Obama’s America” is emerging as an out-of-nowhere hit in the documentary category. The Rocky Mountain Pictures release premiered at one theater in Houston July 13 and hefty box office from a small start supported an ever-wider release in later weeks--now at 1,800 locations. While that trajectory is impressive, 2,000+ locations on opening weekend … [Read more...] about Anti-Obama Docu Soars
‘Oogieloves’ Bust
Ouch! The toddler movie “The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure” posted what is among the worst openings ever for a wide release movie. The $20 million production grossed just $47 per screen on its opening day on Wednesday, which works out to a paltry $104,564 total from 2,160 screens, according to BoxOfficeMojo. “Apparently, there’s not much love for the … [Read more...] about ‘Oogieloves’ Bust
IWC Wristwatch Stars in ‘Bourne’
It’s no accident that Jeremy Renner is wearing a pricey IWC wristwatch in “The Bourne Legacy.” The Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen issued a press release saying the watch worn by the movie’s star is product placement in a “partnership” agreement with Universal Pictures, which distributed the PG-13 spy thriller movie. “IWC has a longstanding passion for filmmaking,” says … [Read more...] about IWC Wristwatch Stars in ‘Bourne’
Fanboys Hurl ‘Dark Knight’ Threats
Passions by some fans of the “The Dark Knight Rises” are getting a little too overheated. A blogger critic Marshall Fine received online death threats on film website Rotten Tomatoes for panning the PG-13-rated release that Warner Bros. will premiere July 20. Writing for “Time” magazine, Eliana Dockterman said that Fine generated the first negative review from professionals … [Read more...] about Fanboys Hurl ‘Dark Knight’ Threats
TV Shows, Females Jumping at Comic-Con
TV programs -- not theatrical films -- took the spotlight at the Comic-Con enthusiast convention July 12-15. “Other than a blow-out panel for the upcoming fifth and final movie in the ‘Twilight’ series, there didn’t seem to be a single movie event here that made a significant impact with the crowd of approximately 125,000 genre fans,” wrote Ed Martin in Media Post. The … [Read more...] about TV Shows, Females Jumping at Comic-Con
‘Spidey’ Promos Target Females
Sony Pictures aims its $200 million in third-party marketing support for “The Amazing Spider-Man” at women, figuring that is the elusive demographic for the PG-13 film that will open July 3. “To do that,” says a Variety story by Marc Graser, “Kellogg’s and beauty brand OPI are now in the mix with companies like Carl’s Jr., Twizzler, Schick, Walmart and Target in the U.S. to … [Read more...] about ‘Spidey’ Promos Target Females
Book review: ‘Creating Blockbusters!’
A new book provides insightful analysis of the building blocks for successful Hollywood films, from script to promotion to licensed merchandise—all from point of view of marketing to the audience. “Creating Blockbusters!” by consumer researcher Gene Del Vecchio covers movies, TV programs, video games and books. Most film books lean toward arty but “Creating Blockbusters!” is … [Read more...] about Book review: ‘Creating Blockbusters!’
Pixar Covers Postage Stamps
The United States Postal Service adds Disney’s Pixar animation characters to the pantheon of Hollywood luminaries that have graced postage stamps. Some 125 million stamps in total will be issued with five different mixes of Pixar characters including Nemo and Squirt from “Finding Nemo," and Woody, Bullseye and Jessie from “Toy Story 2.” “These delightful stamps lift spirits … [Read more...] about Pixar Covers Postage Stamps
R-rated ‘Prometheus’ Nabs Promos
20th Century Fox’s sci-fi yarn “Prometheus” lined up major tie-in partnerships with Coors, Verizon, and Amazon, according to Variety. The Coors alliance is the brewer’s first movie deal in six years. The R-rated sci-fi film from Ridley Scott (“Alien”, “Blade Runner” and “Gladiator”) will premiere June 8. The Variety article by Marc Graser observes that R-rated films … [Read more...] about R-rated ‘Prometheus’ Nabs Promos