It was two nights before Christmas and not many people went to the movies.
Of course, really, the weather is terrible. A lot of people are snowed in, or too cold to go outside.
But still…
Last night, the only two movies that drew audiences were the equivalent of carnival rides: “Avatar 2” and “Black Panther 2.” They made millions and millions.
In the case of “Wakanda Forever,” however, the end is actually coming. The take last night was just $1 million. If the whole weekend is $3 million, then the party is coming to an end at $450 million. Sounds like a lot, but that’s $250 million short of the first episode.
Meantime, the two new releases of the week did pull a few fans. “Whitney Houston” beat Brad Pitt and an all star cast in “Babylon,” but they each cleared hurdles. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” hit $2 million including $750,000 from Thursday. “Babylon” did less well with $1.4 million including previews.
What’s going on? Lack of product from the studios, and marketing that’s turned away from getting people into theaters. Also, streaming is doing to movies what it already did to CD sales. It’s eating it from within. The digital revolution is just that. It’s sent everyone home.
Humbug.
