For the film industry, the holiday season is a major opportunity to roll out blockbuster releases, says Dr. Van Roberts, a longtime movie aficionado.
The associate professor of communication at Mississippi University for Women has reviewed more than 2,000 movies on the Internet Movie Data Base and is considered a local expert. For those looking for the big screen entertainment during the holiday break, he says there’s been plenty to draw fans to the box office.
“The Christmas movie season began around Thanksgiving with the release of the new James Bond saga ‘Spectre’ and ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2,’ part of two hugely successful franchises,” Roberts said. Several other recent releases have drawn a variety of viewers.
The force is definitely with “Star Wars” fans this season with the recent release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The PG-rated film, released Dec. 18, has is drawing huge crowds and brought in a record-breaking $238 million in ticket sales the first weekend it opened. The original “Star Wars” opened in 1977.
“This movie is undoubtedly bringing a lot of people in the multiplexes, principally for the ‘Star Wars’ film. But if people are not able to watch that film, they might watch one of the other movies available,” which adds another boost to the season, said Roberts.
Actor Will Smith stars in a film that sheds light on a controversial issue in the game of football. “Concussion,” which opened Christmas Day, is based on the biography of a doctor who uncovers the links between the sport and traumatic head injuries. This film is rated PG-13 and has already generated much debate.
Those who want to watch a movie in the comfort of home may want to opt for “The Ridiculous 6,” a Netflix original movie released Dec. 11. The comedy stars Adam Sandler and Terry Cruz, and was co-written by Sandler. Although it has generated some less-than-flattering reviews, Roberts believes it is a parody for the upcoming Quentin Tarantino film, “The Hateful Eight.”
A New Year’s Day release, “The Hateful Eight,” stars Channing Tatum and Samuel L. Jackson. With it, Roberts believes Tarantino is hoping to revitalize the genre of classic Westerns. Rated R, the film is set in the years after the Civil War and details the stresses of relationships between eight characters in an unforgiving wilderness.
Whatever the taste in movies, Roberts said recent releases offer plenty of variety and a choice for every interest.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.