2006 keeps getting worse and worse. Week one started with a record three films not screened for the press (Hostel, Grandma's Boy and BloodRayne). That was quickly followed by Underworld: Evolution. Big Momma's House 2 pulled the sly trick of screening for the press, but on Thursday night at 7:30, well after any and all deadlines. Next up was When a Stranger Calls, and now we have the latest: Date Movie. And we're only seven weeks into the new year.
Now I'm glad I missed some of these, but others I actually wanted to see, and I certainly lost out on some income by not being able to pitch them to editors.
Studios are not required to screen movies for the critics, but when they do not, it's a sure sign that they have a turkey on their hands. If they open these films quietly with no press, teenagers often run out to see them, pushing them to number one on the box office list for one week, before they disappear forever.
What's disturbing is the new frequency of this practice. It's possible that a lousy economy and a politically volatile mood drove Hollywood into "safe" mode. But today people seem to feel a little more outspoken, and hopefully that bravery will rub off on future films -- which will mean fewer turkeys.
Now I'm glad I missed some of these, but others I actually wanted to see, and I certainly lost out on some income by not being able to pitch them to editors.
Studios are not required to screen movies for the critics, but when they do not, it's a sure sign that they have a turkey on their hands. If they open these films quietly with no press, teenagers often run out to see them, pushing them to number one on the box office list for one week, before they disappear forever.
What's disturbing is the new frequency of this practice. It's possible that a lousy economy and a politically volatile mood drove Hollywood into "safe" mode. But today people seem to feel a little more outspoken, and hopefully that bravery will rub off on future films -- which will mean fewer turkeys.
| :: posted by Jeffrey M. Anderson, 2/14/2006 | Comments (0) Links to this post |
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