You might say this week’s films are “Movies I Always Kinda’, Sorta’ Thought About Seeing, But Never Really Went Out Of My Way To See, So I Guess I Might As Well See Them.”
So yeah, I’d definitely check them out, though if you’d rather just go see Jurassic World again, nobody would blame you.
What do this weeks’ selection of films have in common…uh, I’ve seen them? Yeah, really, that’s about it. But anyway, you should too!
If you listen to the show with any regularity, you probably already know where I stand on J.J Abrams’s upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but I’m not sure I’ve ever really expressed just how much Star Wars once meant to me. As a child I was a huge fan of the original Star Wars films. For years I popped in a VHS tape of Episode IV, V, or VI every night before going to bed. If my love for film has an origin story, it begins with those three movies.
But as I grew older my horizons expanded, and Star Wars slowly drifted from my orbit. This was in no small part due to the prequels. I’ll attempt to spare you the redundant laundry list of complaints everyone throws out for Episodes I, II, & III, but I will say this; those were the first Star Wars films I ever saw in theaters, and they likely play a key role in my lack of fanboy enthusiasm for anything today.
This week features three films dealing with characters who are severely disturbed. You’d be crazy to miss any of these! #dadjoke
Storied independent label Stones Throw Records is the subject of this enthusiastic documentary that recounts the company’s roots and personality.
Reading this week’s list you’re liable to think I’ve gone soft. Don’t worry dear reader, I’ve thrown in a sci-fi flick as well.
Jurassic World has made more money than the GDP of about 15 countries, and counting. Isla Nublar is now one of the most profitable islands in the South Pacific.
One by one, previous records have gone extinct in its wake – biggest opening weekend, biggest 2nd weekend, fastest to $100M, $200, $300, on and on.
Experts knew it would be a hit. But potentially unseating Titanic as the 2nd highest-grossing movie ever? Nobody could’ve guess. Though in hindsight, it seems so obvious.
Jurassic World is the 3rd film in the franchise to break the opening weekend record (go stand in a corner JP3). And the original was the highest grossing film ever until that record was sunk by Titanic.
People love Jurassic Park. Sure JP3 underperformed, but that was 14 years ago, and can be blamed on that stupid Spinosaurus (yes, I’m a bitter T-Rex apologist, and No, I will not apologize for it).
Jurassic World stomping Avengers: Age of Ultron to become this summer’s juggernaut can be attributed to the most powerful of blockbuster film formulas – Nostalgia + Novelty = $$$$Continue reading