Paramount Pictures “made and (audience) tested as many as half-a-dozen of its own” edited versions of the Biblical drama “Noah,” starring Russell Crowe, according to a lengthy article in the Hollywood Reporter. The retelling of the Noah’s Ark story of global flooding, which was produced for $125 million with New Regency Productions, is scheduled to premiere March … [Read more...] about ‘Noah’ Endures Extensive Research Screenings
affinity groups
Weinstein Aims ‘Philomena’ Beef At Critic
The Weinstein Co. bashes in a “New York Times” advertisement a professional film critic who pans its drama film “Philomena,” which triggered a battle in the press. Film distributor TWC urges readers to see the movie to “Decide For Yourself.” In a lengthy opinion article today, New York Post critic Kyle Smith defends his review. “I found the film lazy, contrived, with a … [Read more...] about Weinstein Aims ‘Philomena’ Beef At Critic
Christian Film Stokes Group-Tix Sales
Documentaries and films with strong appeal to identifiable affinity groups are ideal for cinema group sales, and “Son of God” is a case in point. The 20th Century Fox release appeals to faith-based audience, which is an intense affinity group. Group sales started yesterday—three months before its Feb. 28, 2014, cinema premiere. The PG-13-rated movie is a period drama that … [Read more...] about Christian Film Stokes Group-Tix Sales
Horror-film Hits Enchant H’wood
Horror films, which are always part of Hollywood’s ecosystem, are suddenly very hot. The $5 million production of “Insidious: Chapter 2” rolled up about $41 million in domestic box office on its opening weekend of Sept 13-15 for distributor FilmDistrict. “The success of the genre has upended a release calendar that once relegated horror movies to the winter months and … [Read more...] about Horror-film Hits Enchant H’wood
Regal Circuit Runs ‘Iron Man’ Marathon
Regal Entertainment books a one-day theatrical rerelease of three “Iron Man”-related movies in advance of “Iron Man 3,” which premieres nationally May 3. The three-film rerelease occurs Thursday May 2 for “Iron Man”, “Iron Man 2” and “The Avengers 3D.” The following day, “Iron Man 3” premieres nationally from Walt Disney Studios. Regal, which is the nation’s largest … [Read more...] about Regal Circuit Runs ‘Iron Man’ Marathon
Mainstream Films to Screen in Spanish
A mainstream theater circuit, Digital Cinema Destinations (known as Digiplex), will screen major-studio films in Spanish language, in a bid to tap the growing Hispanic demographic in the U.S. The effort will start with Spanish language tracks for some showing of Paramount’s “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” on April 1, 8 and 15; Universal’s “Oblivion” on April 22 and 29; Disney’s … [Read more...] about Mainstream Films to Screen in Spanish
AMC Publicizes Apatow Film
AMC Theatres is mounting a movie publicity event connected with “This Is 40,” which ties into the circuit’s loyalty program. AMC is hosting a question-and-answer session Nov. 28 with director Judd Apatow at its AMC NorthPark 15 in Dallas. Members of AMC Stubs—which is the circuit’s loyalty program—are given tickets to see “This Is 40” for a by-invitation-only screening prior … [Read more...] about AMC Publicizes Apatow Film
Confessions of a Horror Film Mogul
Horror filmmaker Eli Roth is a “brand” that he milks online and in other media. A creative force behind "Cabin Fever" and "Hostel," Roth provided a fascinating tour of the horror film genre in an interview at the Variety Film Marketing Summit last week. His big break came as director of “Cabin Fever” released in 2003, though that low-budget film that was a hit with $21 … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Horror Film Mogul
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
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