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Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 September 2025

Entertainment Updates: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle 2025


ChatGPT:



Critical Reviews

What critics generally liked:

  • The animation and visuals are widely praised. Ufotable’s work on the fight sequences, especially the depiction of the Infinity Castle itself, is considered spectacular. (The Guardian)

  • Emotional weight: many reviews appreciate the flashbacks and character arcs (notably of Akaza), giving more depth to the villains. (The Guardian)

  • Faithful adaptation of the manga: the movie is seen to deliver many of the chapters’ biggest moments in ways that resonate. (The Guardian)

What critics found less successful:

  • Pacing issues: the heavy use of flashbacks tends to slow down the forward momentum. For some viewers, it breaks the tension built by the action. (The Guardian)

  • The film doesn’t resolve all narrative threads — as a first part of a trilogy, some felt it ended too “on a cliff” without enough payoff. (Rotten Tomatoes)

  • Some supporting characters get less screen time, which disappointed fans who enjoy the full ensemble. (Metacritic)

Scores from critics:

  • Metacritic’s early reviews: e.g. Total Film gave it ~80/100, Screen Daily ~70/100, IGN ~60/100. (Metacritic)

  • The Guardian (Phuong Le) gave it 4/5 stars, calling it “a spectacular treat” with strong visuals and emotional impact (though noting some flashback slowdowns). (The Guardian)


Netizen / Fan / Audience Reviews

Highlights:

  • Many viewers say the movie is emotionally powerful, several noting they were moved / cried during certain scenes. (The Times of India)

  • Huge praise for the animation (“breathtaking,” “best work yet”, “Ufotable is GOAT”) and sound / music — fans especially behind fight scenes on big screens. (The Times of India)

  • Fans appreciate how manga moments are visualised: they like seeing key panels brought to life. (The Times of India)

Criticisms from netizens:

  • Some felt the flashbacks and backstory segments (especially for Akaza / the Upper Rank demons) were too long — they disrupted flow. (IMDb)

  • A few say that certain character moments or fights didn’t feel as strong as expected, or that some characters were underused. (IMDb)


Average Ratings

Putting together what’s available:

  • On Rotten Tomatoes, the critical “Tomatometer” (percentage of positive reviews) is very high: ~95%. (GamesRadar+)

  • On Filmarks in Japan, first-day satisfaction from user reviews is about 4.36/5 (based on ~8,114 people). (Wikipedia)

  • On IMDb, audience reception is very positive; one article notes it has become the “highest-rated original anime movie” there, around 8.9/10. (GamesRadar+)

  • On RatingGraph, the average rating is about 8.7/10 with many votes. (Rating Graph)

If we convert things to a common “out of 5” scale, many audience scores map to ~ 4.3-4.5 / 5. Critics’ star ratings tend to cluster around 4/5 as well, though some are more mixed (~3-3.5/5) because of pacing or structure.


Memorable Quotes & “Best Lines”

I wasn’t able to find many reliable full quotes from the movie (especially in English translation) from the sources I checked. One fan note, though, is about a Giyu Tomioka quote that was cut from the movie (present in the manga) and many fans mourn its absence. The line is:

“I must pass on what was entrusted to me. Never again will I let family and friends die before my eyes. I will save him. I will save Tanjiro… the same way I was saved.”
— Giyu Tomioka (ComicBook.com)

Because it was cut, fans consider it one of the most powerful quotes that could have been in the film but wasn’t. (ComicBook.com)

If you like, I can try compiling a list of accurate translated quotes from the film (Japanese & English) once more screenings have completed / more transcripts are available.


Opinion:

Agree with 3.5 rating.

I think it's more suited as a TV series rather than a movie with the multiple long flashbacks.

Entertainment Updates: Nintendo Confirms The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Coming April 2026 With First Teaser Trailer


Source:



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Nintendo officially confirmed during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct that Illumination, the studio behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie, will return to produce The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The project adapts the beloved 2007 Wii platformer and will debut in U.S. theaters on April 3, 2026, followed by a Japanese release on April 24, 2026. The announcement was accompanied by a brief teaser trailer that concluded with the film’s title and logo reveal.

As expected, much of the original cast from the 2023 box office hit will reprise their roles. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. This continuity ensures fans will once again hear familiar voices bringing Nintendo’s iconic characters to life.

The casting also opens the door for fresh additions. Foremost among fan speculation is who will portray Rosalina, a central character introduced in the Super Mario Galaxy game but absent from the previous movie. Many viewers are eager to see how Illumination adapts her cosmic role in the story. Another mystery is Yoshi’s involvement, teased in the post-credits sequence of the prior film. Whether Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion will speak or simply appear remains unknown.

Nintendo’s decision to expand the cinematic Mario universe underscores its growing commitment to cross-media storytelling. The original film grossed over a billion dollars globally, making a sequel all but inevitable. By focusing on one of the franchise’s most critically acclaimed titles, Nintendo and Illumination are setting expectations high for fans of both the games and the first movie. With just months to go until release, anticipation for The Super Mario Galaxy Movieis already building rapidly.


Opinion:

Kids are excited about this movie.

Me too πŸ˜‹

Wednesday, 10 September 2025

Entertainment Updates: Superman 2025

ChatGPT:


Here’s what I found about the 2025 Superman film directed by James Gunn:


Major Reviews & Reception

Critic Reception

Summary:

Critics and audiences largely embraced the film for its vibrant tone, heartfelt portrayal, and reinvention of Superman, though some noted a degree of narrative overcrowding. Key performances—including those of Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult—received particular praise (WikipediaGamesRadar+ReutersRotten Tomatoes).


Netizen Feedback

Positive Impressions:

  • Many users celebrated the film’s emotional depth and charm.

  • From Thought Catalog:

    “It’s a bird! It’s a plane!... David Corenswet’s kind, sweet, and righteous performance… reminds us that the classic superhero story isn’t dead.” (Thought Catalog)

  • Reddit chatter highlighted quotes and themes fans found moving and resonant.

Criticism & Mixed Thoughts:

  • A user on r/moviecritic commented:

    “Its a bit overrated ngl… Its pretty long… could have been cut by 25–35 mins.” (Reddit)


Best 5 Quotes from the Movie

Pulled from Thought Catalog and fan-voted lists:

  1. Jonathan Kent: “Your choices. Your actions. That’s what makes you who you are.” (Thought CatalogRanker)

  2. Superman: “They’ve always been wrong about me. I love. I get scared. But that is being human. And that’s my greatest strength.” (Thought CatalogRanker)

  3. Superman: “Hey, Buddy. Eyes up here.” (Thought CatalogRanker)

  4. Lex Luthor: “My envy is a calling. It is the sole hope for humanity, because it is what has driven me to annihilate you.” (Thought Catalog)

  5. Superman (reflecting purpose):
    “The ship my parents sent me... I’m not here to rule over anybody, Lois.” (Thought Catalog)

These lines capture key themes of identity, humanity, conflict, and Superman's moral compass.


Average Rating (Out of 5)

Let’s convert and average available scores:

SourceScore (out of 5)
Rotten Tomatoes (≈83–87%)≈4.2
Metacritic (68/100)≈3.4
IMDb (7.7/10)≈3.85
detikpop reviewer4.0
CinemaScore “A−” (≈4.3/5)≈4.3

Approximate average:
(4.2+3.4+3.85+4.0+4.3)/53.95

So, the movie’s average rating is around 4.0 out of 5—indicating a generally strong and enjoyable reception.


Summary

  • Critical Reception: Strongly positive—~83–87% critics rating, 68/100 Metacritic.

  • Audience Reception: Very favorable—A− CinemaScore, 86% PostTrak positive.

  • Netizen Vibe: Mostly enthusiastic, praising its warmth and modern resonance; some concerns about length.

  • Memorable Quotes: Center on choices, humanity, inner conflict, and purpose.

  • Average Rating: About 4.0/5.

    tomsguide.com

    GamesRadar+

    Reuters


Opinion:


Agree with 4.0 rating. Show's not too bad.
Superman is quite weak. Not like in the past movies.

Entertainment Updates: The Monkey 2025


ChatGPT:


Here’s a detailed breakdown of The Monkey (2025)—a darkly humorous horror-comedy, based on a Stephen King short story:


What Netizens and Critics Said

Critics’ Viewpoints

  • RogerEbert.com praised the film’s tone and creative kills: “A toy monkey that malevolently bangs a drum, leading to unimaginably brutal death… Perkins keeps upping the ante on his film’s comedic brand of insanity.” (Roger Ebert)

  • Rotten Tomatoes summaries ranged from acclaim for the gore-comedy blend (“An amusing, blood-soaked horror comedy” – Screen Realm, 3.5/5) to criticism of its uneven tone (“a badly cast lead… not-so-fun ride,” 6/10) (Rotten Tomatoes).

  • Everything Movie Reviews called it “unexpectedly fun, funny and unique,” praising its satirical gore and tone (Everything Movie Reviews).

  • The Guardian was harsh: “Smug, nihilistic tone… juvenile humor… creates a grating and insufferable watch.” (The Guardian).

Netizen and Reddit Reactions

From r/horror:

“In my opinion The Monkey was the most fun I have had in a theater in quite some time. It was over the top… such a feast for the senses…” — Jonqbanana (Reddit)

“I loved it… Didn’t expect it to be so funny. I’ll definitely watch it again.” — Important_Fortune25 (Reddit)

“If you go into it as a horror-comedy and not a horror movie, it’s okay. A little awkward.” — TIX3(Reddit)


Best 5 Quotes from the Movie

According to fan rankings and transcripts, here are five of the most memorable lines:

  1. “The coroner said it was an accident, but it was no accident. It was a monkey.” — Hal (Ranker)

  2. “The monkey that likes killing our family, it's back. It must be vanquished.” — Bill (Ranker)

  3. “We have been chosen to witness its power over life and death in its most devious ways.” — Hal (Ranker)

  4. “It’s evil. It’s basically the devil.” — Hal (Ranker)

  5. “Everybody dies, and that’s life.” — Lois (Ranker)


⭐ Average Rating (Out of 5)

Here's how the movie fared numerically:

Estimated Average Rating: ~3.2 out of 5

Taking into account critic scores, audience surveys, and floating averages, the overall rating lands around 3.2/5—a moderate, mixed-to-positive consensus.

Opinion:


Agree with 3.2 rating.

The movie's just pass-able.

Saturday, 6 September 2025

Entertainment Updates: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 2025



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Here’s a refined overview of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), presenting major critic reviews, netizen reactions with a 5-point rating scale, and the film’s most memorable dialogues:


Major Reviews & Ratings

  • Tom's Guide ranks it third among the summer’s top blockbusters, praising its “best action in the series despite a slow start.” (Tom's Guide)

  • The Week rates it ★★★ (~3 / 5), applauding Cruise’s performance and stunts—especially a biplane sequence—but critiques its “slow burn” and “staid dialogue” in the first half. (The Week)

  • The Australian offers an enthusiastic review highlighting visual spectacle, emotional weight, strong scripting, and speculative final arc for Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. (The Australian)

  • Forbes notes the Rotten Tomatoes score dropped from 88% to 81%, marking it as the lowest-rated Mission: Impossible film since 2006. The criticism centers on uneven storytelling not matching its spectacle. (Indiatimes)

  • The Guardian calls it a disappointment, lacking the franchise’s previous stylistic flair; it leans too much on exposition and fails to sustain its action grandeur. (The Guardian)

  • Entertainment Weekly gives it a solid B (~3.5 / 5), noting convoluted plotting but affirming Cruise’s commitment to real stunts and strong, energetic visual sequences. (EW.com)

  • RogerEbert.com points to a cumbersome first hour but acknowledges the film “recovers” through breathtaking stunts, especially underwater and aerial scenes. (Roger EbertWikipedia)

  • Metacritic aggregates to a Metascore of 67/100 (~3.35 / 5) and a User Score of 7.0/10 (~3.5 / 5). (Metacritic)

Estimated critic average~3.4 / 5
Estimated audience average~3.5 / 5


Netizen Reactions

  • Reddit discussions showcase mixed feelings:

    “Before the title sequence, Kittridge tells Ethan ‘This mission of yours… is going to cost you dearly.’ … I think this was subtle foreshadowing for Benji’s fate.” (Reddit)
    “Guys I'm from the future. The best bit of the final reckoning is when Ethan says ‘it’s Cruisin’ time’ and Tom’s all over them.” (tongue-in-cheek praise) (Reddit)

Netizens are drawn to emotional beats and stunt moments—even amid story criticisms.


Overall Ratings Summary

PerspectiveApprox. Score (out of 5)
Critics (average)~3.4
Audience (average)~3.5
Overall average~3.45 / 5

Best Dialogues & Memorable Lines

From WTFDetective (fan-discussion site):

  • “Our lives are the sum of our choices.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)

  • “This is the one mission I can’t walk away from.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)

  • “I’ve been running my whole life. Maybe it’s time to stop.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)

  • “No mask can hide the truth forever.” — Luther Stickell (WTF Detective)

  • “I chose this life. And I’d choose it again.” — Ethan Hunt (WTF Detective)

  • “We don’t need luck. We’ve got Ethan Hunt.” — Benji Dunn (WTF Detective)

  • “Goodbye, Ethan.” — Ilsa (WTF Detective)

From IMDb Quotes (official quotes page):

  • Luther Stickell: “Our lives are not defined by any one action. Our lives are the sum of our choices.” (IMDb)

  • Luther’s closing monologue (hugely poignant):

    “Hello, brother… I never had a moment of doubt… We, who live and die in the shadows… Good luck, Ethan.” (IMDb)

  • Captain Bledsoe: “Mister, without the decompression chamber, you're going to die for sure.”
    Ethan: “Sir, your decompression chamber has never been the part of the plan.” (IMDb)

  • Ethan: “What separates a great pickpocket from a good one?”
    Grace: “Timing.”
    Ethan: “Blink of an eye.” (IMDb)

From GameRant Quotes:

  • “They were gonna kill you.” — Ethan Hunt (playfully intense escape moment) (Game Rant)

  • “It’s my name now.” — Jasper Briggs, redefining legacy (Game Rant)

  • “That’s your plan?!” — Admiral Neely reacting to Ethan’s audacious strategy (Game Rant)

  • “If you want to poke the bear, you’ve come to the right sub.” — Captain Bledsoe embracing danger with humor (Game Rant)

  • “Today… I choose not to attack.” — President Sloane, placing faith in Ethan (Game Rant)

  • “Whatever you do, don’t… cut the red wire.” — Benji Dunn, in a tense, near-humorous moment (Game Rant)

  • “Only one of us has a parachute!” — Gabriel, mocking mid-air chase drama (Game Rant)

  • “I knew you’d find a way. You always do.” — Luther Stickell, emotionally affirming their brotherhood (Game Rant)

From Wikiquote:

  • “There's no nations on this one. There's no rival ideologies, no dogma. It's who keeps their head and who panics.” — Ethan Hunt (en.wikiquote.org)

  • “Just... keep telling yourself: ‘It's only pain.’” — Ethan Hunt (en.wikiquote.org)

  • “Hagar! You spend too much time on the internet!” — Classic Ethan quip again (en.wikiquote.org)


Summary

  • Rating: Critics ~3.4/5, Audiences ~3.5/5 → Overall ~3.45/5

  • Strengths: Tom Cruise’s real stunts, emotional moments, visual spectacle

  • Weaknesses: Lengthy exposition, uneven tone, narrative heaviness

  • Memorable dialogue: Emotional reflections (“sum of our choices”), clever banter (“decompression chamber was never part of the plan”), and heartfelt stanzas from Luther.



Opinion:


Agree with Critics 3.4 rating.
The show is too long.

Entertainment Updates: Thunderbolts 2025


ChatGPT:



Major (Professional) Reviews & Ratings

  • On Rotten TomatoesThunderbolts holds a Critics’ score of 88%, translating roughly to 4.4 / 5 (WikipediaBusiness Insider).

  • Metacritic’s critic average is 68 / 100, which converts to 3.4 / 5 (Metacritic).

  • AP News awarded it 3 out of 4 stars → 3.75 / 5, praising its emotional tone and character depth (AP News).

  • Swedish outlets (SvD, DN, Expressen) praised it as a “tight, well-directed spy-action adventure” with standout performances, darker tone, humor, and analog sensibility (Omni).

  • Business Insider and Decider noted its emotional gravity, mental-health focus, grounded visuals—calling it potentially one of the MCU’s more substantial entries (Business InsiderDecider).

Estimated average critic rating~3.9 / 5.


Audience & Netizen Reactions

  • Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) has a striking 95% "Certified Hot", one of the highest in MCU history—equivalent to ~4.75 / 5 (Forbes).

  • Metacritic (User Score) sits at 7.4/10, or approximately 3.7 / 5 (Metacritic).

  • CinemaScore reports an A–, roughly 4.0 / 5, while PostTrak gives 4.5 / 5 stars with 74% of viewers indicating they’d “definitely recommend” it (Wikipedia).

  • First Reactions on social media widely praise its team dynamic, emotional weight, and label it “one of the best Marvel movies in years” (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).

  • Reddit comments reflect mixed tones:

    “So that’s it, huh? We’re some kinda... Thunderbolts.” – a playful take on the team name
    Some skepticism too—box office performance discussions and comparisons to other flops show that not everyone was entirely sold (Reddit).

Estimated audience rating~4.4 / 5.


Overall Ratings Summary

PerspectiveApprox. Score (out of 5)
Critics (average)~3.9
Audiences (average)~4.4
Overall average~4.15 / 5

Best Dialogues from Thunderbolts (2025)

Drawing from multiple sources, here are the most iconic lines—mixing emotional depth, wit, and thematic weight:


Standout Dialogues (With Context)

  1. Yelena Belova

    “We own you now.”
    Final line before the credits, signaling the team’s defiance and unity (moviesphilosophy.com).

  2. Bucky Barnes

    “The past doesn’t go away. So you can either live with it forever… or do something about it.”
    A call to action and redemption (moviesphilosophy.commotivationmaze.comScreen Rant).

  3. Yelena

    “We can’t stop him alone. No one can. But we can find a way together.”
    Establishes the theme of unity (moviesphilosophy.commotivationmaze.com).

  4. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

    “We’re brought up with this belief that there are good guys and there are bad guys, but eventually you come to realize that there are bad guys and there are worse guys.”
    Highlights moral ambiguity and cynicism (moviesphilosophy.comMovieQuotesandMore).

  5. Yelena

    “There’s something… wrong with me. An emptiness…”
    Introduces her emotional void and grief arc (moviesphilosophy.comdonnalaprade.comthedailyjagran.com).

  6. Red Guardian (Alexei)

    “Yelena, being the hero, there is no higher calling. Your sister understood something about that.”
    A touching nod to Natasha’s legacy (moviesphilosophy.com).

  7. Additional memorable lines (humorous, introspective, or thematic) include:


Takeaway

  • Critical acclaim: ~3.9/5

  • Audience love: ~4.4/5 — among top-tier MCU responses

  • Core appeal: Character-driven storytelling, emotional stakes, grounded action, and standout performances (especially Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman)

  • Quote power: Memorable lines that echo themes of redemption, unity, trauma, and survival



Opinion:


Agree with Critic's 3.9 rating.
The superpowers are not the focus. 
The action falls a little short for me.

Entertainment Updates: Ballerina 2025


ChatGPT:


Here’s a breakdown of how Ballerina (2025) has landed with critics and audiences—complete with a rating out of 5, a peek at standout dialogues, and netizen insights:

Critical Reception (Major Reviews)

  • Rotten Tomatoes

  • Metacritic

  • CinemaScore & PostTrak

    • CinemaScore: A– (~4/5) (Wikipedia)

    • PostTrak: 87% positive, 79% would definitely recommend (Wikipedia)

  • Highlights from Press Reviews

    • The Washington Post (Ty Burr): Praises inventive action and slapstick flair in the third act—a chaotic but entertaining entry (The Washington Post).

    • Time: Calls it a “visually dynamic, physically exhilarating” film—though the narrative is simple (TIME).

    • New Yorker: Appreciates its mythology and visuals but notes thin characterization and overdesigned action (The New Yorker).

    • Financial Times: Critiques its lack of the franchise’s trademark wit and liveliness, though Huston’s dark humor stands out (“Tend to your wounds... sepsis... cut off your feet.”) (Financial Times).

    • AP News: Calls it visually engaging, especially early on, but repetitive in violence; gives it 2 out of 4 stars (~2.5/5) (AP News).

Average Critical Rating

Combining these, the film lands around 3.5 to 4 out of 5:

  • Critics: ~3.5/5

  • Audiences: ~4.2/5


Netizens & User Reviews

  • Rotten Tomatoes (Audience):

    • “The best action movie of 2025, wall-to-wall.” – 5/5

    • “It wasn't up to the John Wick standard but it was good.” – 4/5 (Rotten Tomatoes)

  • Metacritic (User):

    • “I loved it! … Hand-to-hand fight choreography … cinematography was phenomenal.” – 9/10 (~4.5/5) (Metacritic)

    • “Enjoyable… strong start… lacking at points.” – 7/10 (~3.5/5) (Metacritic)

  • IMDb Reviews:

    • “Ana de Armas redefines 'grace under fire' … Ballerina pirouettes … guns blazing … final verdict: 4/5 stars.” (IMDb)

    • “Dumb. But the action is insane!” – acknowledges a shallow plot but finds the action enthralling. (IMDb)

  • Reddit Reactions:

    • Some skepticism: “borderline imitation… tonally inconsistent… poorly directed” (Reddit)

    • Yet overall positive early buzz: “Every reaction I’ve seen so far has been positive.” (Reddit)


Memorable Dialogues

From Wikiquote and other sources, here are some standout lines:

  • Eve Macarro

    • “They killed my father. This isn’t done until they’re dead.” — Stark, vengeful determination (en.wikiquote.org)

    • “You’re him. The one they call the Baba Yaga.”
      John Wick“Looks like you already have.” — A symbolic passing of the assassin torch (en.wikiquote.org)

  • Nogi, her mentor:

    • “To stop the assassin, you must become the assassin.”

    • “You will always be weaker. You will always be smaller. You want to win? Improvise. Adapt. Cheat.” — Clever and empowering lessons. (en.wikiquote.org)

  • The Director (Anjelica Huston, dry wit):

    • “The path to paradise begins in hell.” — Philosophical flair (en.wikiquote.org)

    • “Tend to your wounds before you get sepsis and we have to cut off your feet.” — Dark humor gold (Financial Times)

  • Bystander Dialogue (ComingSoon.net):

    • “Fight like a girl.” — Reclaimed as a badge of honor and strategy (comingsoon.net)


Summary Table

CategoryRating (out of 5)
Critics Average~3.5 / 5
Audience Average~4.2 / 5
Memorable DialoguesMultiple standout quotes

Final Thoughts

Ballerina (2025) is a visually bold, action-packed spin-off that leans heavily into the John Wick formula. Critics are mixed—appreciating its stylized violence and some comic beats, but noting thin characterization and pacing issues. Viewers, on the other hand, largely love it for the adrenaline-fueled spectacle, with many giving it 4+ stars.

Ana de Armas anchors the film with charisma and physicality. And while the story is lean, lines like “Fight like a girl”and Eve’s defiant declaration of vengeance stick the landing.

Opinion:


Agree with critic's rating of 3.5
Show pacing is not great.

Friday, 5 September 2025

Entertainment Updates: Why cinemas are still thriving in some countries – and it's not such an easy formula to copy


Source:



ChatGPT:


Cinema closures in Singapore, such as The Projector and Cathay Cineplexes, highlight a decline in local theatre attendance, which fell 16% in 2024 to 8.4 million tickets—far below the 22.13 million peak in 2011. Globally, cinema attendance dropped 8.8% last year, influenced by streaming platforms, pandemic habits, Hollywood strikes, and China’s domestic slump. Singapore faces unique challenges: small population, multi-racial diversity, high production and operating costs, and strong competition from international films. Local filmmakers often produce niche or arthouse films, limiting broad appeal.


By contrast, countries like France, Vietnam, and Indonesia maintain or grow attendance through structural and cultural advantages. France’s cinema culture is embedded in its education system, supported by government subsidies, film funding, protectionist release windows, and strong local film production, creating a sense of national identity around movies. Vietnam and Indonesia benefit from low ticket prices, a young population, rapid mall development, and locally produced films dominating box offices, often unavailable online. Similarly, Thailand saw domestic films outperform foreign releases in 2024, though overall attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels.


Experts suggest Singapore cinemas can rebound, but not by directly copying foreign models. Strategies include enhancing the theatre experience with premium or novel offerings—luxurious seating, immersive formats, themed screenings, or post-show discussions—to provide value beyond streaming. Strengthening the local film industry is also key: increasing exposure for local productions, offering government support, and encouraging filmmakers to produce accessible, relatable stories rather than exclusively arthouse films. Small-budget, high-impact films, like Thailand’s 2024 hit How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, show that storytelling resonance can drive success without massive budgets.


Despite challenges, industry leaders remain optimistic: cinemas worldwide, including Singapore, have historically weathered competition from new media, adapted, and regained momentum, suggesting that with strategic innovation, the big-screen experience can thrive once more.


Opinion:


Some films are just meant to be experienced on the big screen. Yet, with cinema ticket prices in Singapore being so steep, My family would save the full cinematic experience for trips abroad. 


Malaysia and Indonesia have become my go-to destinations for movies; affordable tickets, global blockbuster films, and acceptable theatre qualities make it worth it every time πŸ˜

Saturday, 31 May 2025

Entertainment Updates : Filmmakers Used 20 iPhones at Once to Shoot '28 Years Later'


Source : 



Apple Intelligence : 


Filming Technique: The movie “28 Years Later” was shot using iPhone 15 Pro Max and custom rigs, with some sequences using up to 20 iPhones simultaneously.


Movie Genre and Budget: “28 Years Later” is a post-apocalyptic British horror movie with a budget of $75 million.


Technical Support: The filmmakers received technical assistance from Apple.


Filming Technique: The movie uses iPhones to shoot, paying homage to the original film’s use of camcorders.


Visual Style: The film aims to immerse the audience in the action, similar to the original movie’s use of standard definition.


Notable Shot: A 20-rig camera shot is used in the second half of the film, creating a startling and graphic visual effect.