Latest news with #moviegoers
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guide #203: Has Hollywood rediscovered the joy of the 90-minute movie?
Walking out of a 6.30pm showing of The Naked Gun a couple of weeks ago I was greeted by an unfamiliar sight: daylight. Had I gone to see the film in the upper reaches of the northern hemisphere, where daylight is near-permanent in the summer months? No I was in Leicester Square – a different kind of barren wasteland than the Arctic tundra – and there was another reason for the brightness: The Naked Gun was only 1hr 25m long. Very few modern films – aside from those of the child-friendly variety – clock in at less than 90 minutes, but even so The Naked Gun doesn't feel a total outlier. In fact, of the last three blockbusters I've seen at the cinema, only one – Superman – went beyond the two hour mark, and only by 10 minutes. The other, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, was 1hr 54m, relatively svelte for a 21st-century superhero movie. Granted, earlier in this summer we had Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, clocking in at a Brobdingnagian 2hr 49m (and boy, at times did it feel it), but looking back now, that almost feels a relic from and earlier, more indulgent time. Because, generally the blockbuster seems to be getting shorter. The average for this year's top 10 movies so far at the US box office (which seems to me the best benchmark for the health of the blockbuster given they make and consume the bulk of them), is 2hr 4m. That number (sure to be nudged up further by Avatar: Fire and Ash later this year) is actually higher than last year's average between the top 10 – 2h 01m – but way down on the 2hr 15m and 2hr 16m of 2023 and 2022 respectively. Those years admittedly featured some hefty movies like Oppenheimer (3hrs) bumping up their averages, but also some silly lengths for movies of a more disposable nature: how, for example did John Wick 4, a dialogue-light film about a man hurting other men in various imaginative ways, clock in at a whopping 2hr and 49m? Or why did The Batman brush right up to the three-hour mark? And did the live-action Little Mermaid really need to be two and a quarter hours? The animated original managed to rattle through the story in almost an hour less. Listen, we probably talk too much about films being too long these days: it's something I have definitely been guilty of in this newsletter, somewhat absurdly because I don't actually have a problem with long films at all – especially when a bladder-aiding intermission is included as part of the deal. I'm generally of the belief that films should be as long as they need to be and, in some cases, a film needs to be very long indeed. But it's certainly the case that blockbusters, once designed to provide quick, easy thrills, have tended toward bloat since the 2010s. Much of that of course has to do with the steroidal growth of the superhero movie, which, in service of the 'expanded universe model' of interlocking films, had to incorporate more and more convoluted backstories and peripheral characters into its run times. That feature soon became a bug, with endless complaints in thinkpieces and on forums that superhero films had grown too long. But there has been a sense in recent years that the superhero industrial complex has listened to the ambient noise around its films being too long. You could see those stirrings in the desire by Nia DaCosta, director of 2023's The Marvels, to make that film under two hours. She succeeded and then some: it's the shortest Marvel movie of all, at 1hr 45m. (Though given The Marvels is regarded as one of the weakest Marvel movies, such brevity doesn't always equal quality.) Equally Superman director James Gunn had to deny rumours Warner Bros had ordered him to make the film shorter: he perhaps should have listened given the movie's weakest moment is an impossible to follow city-smashing final battle that goes on for at least five minutes more than it needs to. Certainly there's a sense watching The Fantastic Four that it strives to stay under the two-hour mark. In doing so it perhaps over-corrects a little: a blossoming romance between Ebon Moss-Bachrach's The Thing and Natasha Lyonne's schoolteacher suddenly vanishes midway through the movie – or more likely was sent to the cutting room floor by clockwatchers. Still, that did probably contribute to a film that, while not without flaws, felt appealingly brisk. Hopefully more mainstream movies can follow its example, as well as that of The Naked Gun, whose 1hr 25m runtime is identical to that of the original movie in the franchise in 1988. Back then that was a little less of an outlier: the average run time of the top 10 highest grossers that year – a time Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Coming To America, Die Hard and the like reigned supreme – was a positively breezy 1hr 48m … so there's still a long way to go in films getting shorter. Sign up to The Guide Get our weekly pop culture email, free in your inbox every Friday after newsletter promotion If you want to read the complete version of this newsletter please subscribe to receive The Guide in your inbox every Friday
The Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
AMC is reportedly looking to shorten ad pre-show
AMC Theaters recently added a disclaimer stating films would begin 25-30 minutes after the advertised showtime, following a deal to increase in-theater advertising. This decision, stemming from a partnership with National CineMedia, aimed to boost AMC's advertising revenue amidst its weakest first-quarter earnings since 1996. The extended pre-show, which included both new ads and AMC's branded content, caused significant frustration among moviegoers and major film studios. Audiences voiced their annoyance on social media, with many indicating they would simply arrive at the cinema later to avoid the lengthy pre-film content. In response to the backlash, AMC is reportedly considering shortening its pre-show, potentially reversing some of the recent changes.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
AMC Theatres sparks outrage over surprising change coming to commercials before movies
One of AMC's most recognizable assets is its pre-show ad featuring Nicole Kidman saying, 'somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.' But are the days where Nicole is gracing the big screen before the beginning of the latest movies numbered? AMC Theatres has announced that it is currently working on shortening its pre-show. Though there aren't many details about what this will look like exactly, the company predicts that this change is set for before the end of the year. But dedicated AMC fans and general movie-goers alike aren't thrilled. 'The ads are absurd but that 25-minute window before the movie actually starts is extremely clutch for many reasons,' one user said in defense of the pre-show commercials. 'Nooooo I get there 30 mins late and it's perfect every time,' another said, followed by a crying-face emoji. 'We need that that 30 minute buffer with lines and slow a** concession workers take the longest,' another user shared. But some fans were more concerned with seeking clarification on what constituted as the pre-show. 'The regular commercial ads are annoying, but I love movie trailers,' one user commented. 'I hope trailers aren't included in this effort to shorten what plays before the movie.' Others mirrored this sentiment, doubling down on their disdain for the advertisements that play before movies. 'The biggest absurdity is paying for a service to watch commercials,' one user said. 'Just tell us the time the movie ACTUALLY starts,' one X (formerly Twitter) user said. The announcement comes after the company received backlash for plans to book more advertisements to show before movies. Movie executives claimed that this cut into time that could be used to show trailers for other movies, advertising directly to movie-goers. Critics were especially concerned after noticing that AMC included the following language in their ticket-buying portals. It read: 'Please allow 25-30 extra minutes for trailers and additional content before the movie starts.' This gave the impression that AMC was encouraging fans to skip the pre-show altogether. But now that pre-shows are being shortened altogether, AMC can only wait to see how the movie industry responds.
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Top pet-friendly cafes in Dubai for your super dog
We've just been introduced to Krypto, the super dog on the big screen – and are impressed with the well-dressed pup. At the weekend, as some moviegoers headed to the cinemas to see the dog in red-and- blue save Superman, others took their own woofilicious friends to Reel Cinemas, where they saw Krypto take to the screens as part of a promotional event. Didn't get to go? Don't worry, you can still find some lovely things to do with your fur-child across the city. To begin with, here are some cafes where your fluff balls will find friends, food, and lots of pets. Aria and Bianca's Bubble Tea Café Looking for a place where you can relax, unwind, watch those tails wag in happiness? Check out this JLT café, which comes complete with an indoor dog park and play area, a special menu for the pups – including cake! – and enthusiastic staff that's always ready to give those extra cuddles and pets. 7am – 11.45pm (Sun-Sat). Cluster L, JLT, Dubai. 055 229 7416 Chaihona, The Greens It's the perfect time for ice cream, and there's no reason why your dog should miss out. While you slurp on homemade artisanal ice cream or sorbet, your dog can whet his taste buds too. Plus, it's a nice place to help him/her make a few new buds. 9am-midnight. Daily. The Onyx Tower 2 - Floor P2, Dubai. 052 684 3748. Pawdy Neighbors Get your dopamine fix at this pet-friendly bistro and spa, where the doggos get shampoos and fancy dos while you chat away with like-minded fur-parents. While dog-friendly spaces are the main draw of this café, it isn't like the food is an afterthought – the menu has something for everyone, including some vegan and gluten-free options. 7am-10pm. Daily. Souk Al Manzil - Old Town Downtown, Dubai. 04 568 9291. Tail Café Whether you just want to hang out with your pup and get a few pets in or you want to do an activity (such as yoga) with your pooch, keep an eye out for this café's menu of things to do. Small, but fun sessions are held often, so you can not only get your stretches in and sip your cappuccino, you can do it with your dog in tow. 7am-9pm. Daily. The Market, Green Community, DIP 1, 04 835 7281. Lime Tree Café Talk about a real treat. The pups have a special menu at this café, so while you enjoy your meal, they can scoff down theirs too. While all the eatery's branches – in The Springs Souk, Depachika - Nakheel Mall & Trampo Extreme. Waitrose Community Mall - Motor City and Town Square – allow pets in their outdoor spaces, the Al Quoz spot allows them indoors, too. Al Qouz 1, Next to the Courtyard Gallery, Near to Times Square – Dubai. 04 325 6325. Special mention Happy Bark Day Calling all the good boys and girls. The UAE's first pet restaurant and café is now in operation and it's got the treats. From pooch-friendly cupcakes to designer dog biscuits, there's something for every birthday (and budget). A certified pet nutritionist has helped formulate the delicacies, so you can feed your precious without worrying about the ingredient quality. But pawrents, please carry your own nosh – the menu is for dogs only.
Washington Post
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
‘Jurassic World Rebirth' bites off $318 million at the global box office
Dinosaur fatigue may be a theme in 'Jurassic World Rebirth,' but moviegoing audiences don't seem to have that reservation. The newest installment in the 'Jurassic World' franchise ruled the Fourth of July holiday box office with a global, five-day launch of $318.3 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The Universal Pictures release, directed by Gareth Edwards, opened on Wednesday and earned $147.3 million in its first five days in 4,308 North American theaters. An estimated $91.5 million of that comes from the traditional 'three day' weekend, which includes the Friday holiday, Saturday and projected Sunday ticket sales.
