The word from Cannes is that a lot of people could not stomach David Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future.”

Cronenberg predicted there would be walk outs and apparently there were a lot. The film starring Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux is not easy to watch.

Kyle Buchanan of the NY Times wrote: “I counted around 15 who exited during the film’s first press screening. Maybe walkouts are the new standing ovation!”

Scott Feinberg of the Hollywood Reporter Tweeted: “CRIMES OF THE FUTURE marks a return for 79yo Cronenberg to the sort of body horror for which he made his name. It’s smart, creative, thought-provoking and yes, very f—ing weird. Viggo/Lea’s committed perfs help to make it plausible. But I wouldn’t hold my breath for the Academy.

The headline for the LA Times review: Surgery, sex and superfluous human organs converge in David Cronenberg’s ‘Crimes of the Future’

I was really sad that I couldn’t get to Cannes this year. But all I keep reading about are movies with gross scenes, movies that involve puking and other scatological messes that no one in the real wants to see for $15. But knowing the way things work now, they’ll probably put these films on IMAX screens!

Over the weekend there were reports of a leak- of the trailer of “Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One.” The movie won’t be released until July 14, 2023– 14 months from now.

So now Paramount is forced to release what they call the teaser trailer — it’s two and a half minutes of Tom Cruise doing dangerous stunts. But I’d wager the studio didn’t want this out this week. It interferes with the launch of “Top Gun Maverick” on Thursday night.

But here it is. Next summer looks like a blockbuster!

Weekend box office: it all goes to “Doctor Strange,” which is now reeling in second and third timers in waves.

The Marvel phenom is now flirting with $350 million, ending the weekend just $8 below that magic number. The landmark should come by Wednesday if not sooner.

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” finished with just over $16 million, down 50% from the 2019 movie. This film will have a big life on streaming and VOD. Also, I think it was a mistake not to tell passionate fans what happens in the film. So here goes: there’s a major character death that’s beautifully acted and executed. If you loved the series, you must see this movie.

And then were “Men.” Or was? These Men are not at Work. The A24 horror film didn’t scare anyone. Total $3.3 million. It was low budget but still…

Now we wait for this Thursday night’s “Top Gun Maverick” previews. Tom Cruise is not generally a box office killer. But this film has had extraordinary marketing and publicity plus great reviews. It could be the biggest grosser of Cruise’s career.

“Men” figured in last night’s box office. Some scored, others didn’t.

“Doctor Strange” conjured up $ 8.5 million, bringing its total to a hefty $319 million. Another $17 million will bring it well over $330 million by tomorrow night.

Other “Men” didn’t fare so well. A24’s horror film of that name, which I hear people really don’t like made just a million bucks last night after $400K in previews. “Men” won’t take home $5 million in its opening weekend. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a lowly 56% audience score.

The best new movie of the weekend, “Downton Abbey: A New Era” did great last night given all parameters of COVID. “A New Era” will have a $20 million opening weekend, lower than the first movie (pre-pandemic) but just fine. Go see it. It’s incredibly enjoyable even if a certain someone comes to sad but beautiful end.