Movie theaters are battling their toughest economic climate since the pandemic. Box office numbers are startlingly low – Stephen King's "The Life of Chuck" brought in just $71,000 on opening weekend, a fraction of what would normally be expected. For every cinema opening globally, five are closing as audiences tighten their belts and reconsider entertainment spending.

What makes us choose the big screen experience in 2024? We break down the five critical factors: timing (theaters aren't selling movies, they're selling experiences worth your precious time), convenience (location, parking, session availability), pre-film experience (cleanliness, staff engagement, those dreaded 30-minute pre-shows), viewing environment (sound levels, disruptive patrons), and crucially – price. With economic pressures mounting, value perception matters more than ever.

Despite these challenges, signs of resilience emerge. IMAX is investing in 60 new screens globally, demonstrating faith in cinema's future. Local theaters are finding success through community engagement – showcasing local filmmakers, hosting special events, and creating unique cultural experiences that streaming simply can't replicate.

The theatrical slate still offers promising titles, from the corporate whistleblower thriller "Relay" starring Lily James and Riz Ahmed to "The Naked Gun" reboot that delivers non-stop laughs in a time when we desperately need them. This comedic assault could be exactly what audiences have been waiting for – a guaranteed good time that justifies venturing out.

If you value the theatrical experience, now's the time to support your local cinema. Provide feedback when services fall short, celebrate what they do well, and most importantly – show up. We're predicting "The Naked Gun" will hit $1.1-1.2 million at the box office. Could this be the shot in the arm our collective funny bones need?

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

Are movie theaters dying or just evolving? That's the question at the heart of our latest deep dive into cinema's current landscape. While studios continue to release films at a breakneck pace, getting audiences through the doors remains the industry's biggest challenge.

Horror films are particularly struggling in New Zealand, with the latest "I Know What You Did Last Summer" installment earning a disappointing $112,000 despite the return of original stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt. This continues a troubling pattern following underperformances from "Megan 2" and "28 Years Later." Could the upcoming R16 horror "Weapons" break this curse? The film follows a mysterious incident where children vanish from a town, placing suspicion on a teacher.

On a brighter note, "Life of Chuck" brings Tom Hiddleston to screens in a reverse-told Stephen King adaptation that captured the People's Choice Award at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival. Hiddleston's dance scene alone is "worth the price of admission," according to our insider sources. Meanwhile, family-friendly options include the 60-minute animated "A New Friend for Tummy Tom" for preschoolers, alongside the French mystery "When Fall Is Coming." Looking ahead, "Avatar: Fire and Ashes" just dropped its first poster and trailer, positioning itself as "summer's big ticket movie," while "Downton Abbey: The Final Chapter" aims to capture the senior audience in September.

The theatrical experience still shows signs of life with continued strong performances from "Superman," "Jurassic World," and Brad Pitt's "F1," proving audiences will still come out for the right content. As we navigate this evolving landscape, remember that supporting your local cinema isn't just about seeing a movie—it's about preserving a cultural institution that brings communities together. Check your local listings and treat yourself to the magic only the big screen can deliver.

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

The dinosaurs have roared back to life at the box office, and Hollywood might finally be catching its breath. This week we're celebrating Jurassic World Rebirth's spectacular performance - a whopping $2.3 million in New Zealand alone and $335 million globally. After months of underwhelming theatrical releases, this prehistoric powerhouse signals what could be a turning point for cinema attendance.

Our prediction battle continues with Brendan extending his winning streak to three consecutive weeks, correctly anticipating the dinosaur phenomenon while Ross played it too safe. But the real story here is how desperately the industry needed this win. We're witnessing what could be the beginning of a theatrical comeback, with James Gunn's Superman following suit by defying toxic pre-release online criticism to earn both critical acclaim and impressive box office numbers. The Man of Steel's successful flight path (83% critics, 93% audience on Rotten Tomatoes) proves quality filmmaking can still overcome social media negativity.

Looking ahead, we explore the nostalgic horror reboot/sequel "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which brings back Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. alongside a new generation of hook-fleeing teenagers. For those with more specialized cinematic tastes, we highlight "The Divine Sarah Bernhardt," Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," and the limited-run concert film "Roger Waters: This Is Not A Drill." We close with cautious optimism about upcoming releases like Fantastic Four and Tron: Aries, hoping the current momentum continues. What films are you most excited to see on the big screen? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your movie night photos!

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Movie theaters find themselves at a fascinating crossroads where critical acclaim doesn't necessarily translate to box office success. Disney Pixar's Elio has become their worst opening film worldwide despite positive reviews, while horror sequel Megan 2.0 and the new Karate Kid reboot similarly struggle to find their audiences. This troubling trend reveals how quickly major cinema chains reduce screenings after just one disappointing week, creating a downward spiral where films become increasingly difficult for audiences to discover.

The New Zealand film industry faces similar challenges. Coca, a powerful Māori story that took its director 20 years to bring to screen, significantly underperformed with just $111,000 in its opening week despite its cultural significance during Matariki. Yet there's hope on the horizon—Tina continues its remarkable run, sitting just $60,000 shy of becoming the fifth highest-grossing New Zealand film ever, compelling theaters to bring it back by popular demand months after initial release.

Looking ahead, Jurassic World Rebirth promises dinosaur thrills for families during school holidays, while October will bring the powerful Pike River mining disaster film that's expected to become this year's second-highest-grossing Kiwi production. For movie lovers seeking variety beyond blockbusters, theaters now offer ballet performances and Broadway-inspired shows. The podcast concludes with a lighthearted crisis—the beloved orange chocolate Jaffas candy is being discontinued, prompting cinema-goers to wonder what sweet treat could possibly replace this iconic movie-watching tradition. Want to support the films you love? Remember that your opening weekend attendance might determine whether a movie survives on screens long enough for others to discover it!

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

Why do critically acclaimed female-led action films struggle at the box office? This question takes center stage as we dig into the surprising commercial failure of "Ballerina," the Ana de Armas-starring John Wick spin-off that opened to a mere $363,730 despite strong reviews. The film's underwhelming performance highlights a troubling pattern for female action heroes on the big screen.

From "Atomic Blonde" to the Alicia Vikander "Tomb Raider" reboot and recent "Mad Max: Furiosa," we examine how these films consistently receive positive critical reception but fail to translate that into ticket sales. What does this mean for upcoming female-led blockbusters like "Jurassic World Rebirth" starring Scarlett Johansson? The disconnect between critical praise and audience support raises fascinating questions about viewer preferences and Hollywood's future direction.

We transition to celebrating Matariki weekend with the release of "Koka," a significant New Zealand film featuring the first feature use of the East Cape iwi Ngati Porou dialect. This road trip drama follows an elder Māori woman and a troubled young delinquent as they journey through the East Cape, confronting personal demons and reconnecting with cultural roots. Horror fans can look forward to Danny Boyle's "28 Years Later," continuing the zombie apocalypse saga three decades after the original outbreak, while families have Pixar's "Elio" to anticipate for the upcoming school holidays.

Join us as we wrap up with box office predictions for "Koka" and reflect on the exciting state of New Zealand filmmaking. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a dedicated cinephile, there's something for everyone hitting theaters this weekend. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts for weekly updates on all things cinema!

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The theatrical landscape continues its fascinating evolution as major studio releases compete with festival fare and streaming exclusives. We kick off with our regular box office predictions segment, where Mission Impossible's latest installment has performed admirably with a $1.44 million haul. While not reaching the heights some predicted, it demonstrates the franchise's enduring appeal and the emerging pattern of films finding their audience through word-of-mouth rather than opening weekend rushes.

From the world of John Wick comes "Ballerina," starring Ana de Armas as a revenge-seeking assassin trained at the mysterious Ruska Roma ballet academy. Set between John Wick 3 and 4, this spinoff maintains the stylish action choreography fans expect while introducing fresh perspectives through its female protagonist. We debate whether this expansion of the John Wick universe will connect with audiences or if franchise fatigue might be setting in. The film's recent title change to more explicitly connect it to John Wick speaks volumes about studio marketing strategies in 2025.

The French Film Festival 2025 has launched to enthusiastic audiences nationwide, with several screenings already selling out. Highlights include "The Scammers," drawing favorable comparisons to classic comedies like "Waking Ned Devine," and showcasing the distinctive storytelling that French cinema excels at delivering. For those looking beyond Hollywood fare, this festival presents perfect opportunities to discover films that balance entertainment with thought-provoking themes.

Perhaps most surprising is the phenomenal success of "Ocean," the David Attenborough documentary that continues selling out theaters. At 99 years old, Attenborough's potentially final major documentary has struck a profound emotional chord with audiences. Meanwhile, Adam Sandler's "Happy Gilmore 2" heads directly to Netflix despite significant interest in theatrical screenings, highlighting the complex relationship between streaming and traditional cinema in today's market.

Discover what's happening in your local theaters, from international festivals to community screenings of never-before-seen documentaries. Have you checked out any foreign films lately? Tell us your favorites!

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The latest "Eat Sleep Movie Repeat" conversation takes us on an exciting journey through cinema's present and future as Brent and Ross dive into box office predictions, upcoming releases, and the remarkable success story of New Zealand film.

The friendly competition between our hosts continues with Brent edging ahead 5-4 in their box office prediction battle after correctly anticipating Thunderbolts' New Zealand performance. Though falling slightly short of the million-dollar mark with $935,000, this Marvel entry delivered respectable numbers for Disney during a challenging period for the studio.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning takes center stage as we explore what might be Tom Cruise's final adventure as Ethan Hunt. At 60+ years old, Cruise continues to astonish with death-defying stunts, including remarkable skydiving sequences where he simultaneously acts, films himself, and manages his parachute. The Saturday release strategy gives this eighth franchise installment room to breathe before Disney's Lilo and Stitch arrives to potentially dominate the family audience.

We explore the tender drama of The Salt Path, following a couple who lose everything and find renewal during a 630-mile coastal walk, alongside horror prequel Final Destination: Bloodlines and anime favorite Demon Slayer. Most heartwarming is our celebration of Kiwi film Tina reaching the $6 million milestone domestically while expanding into Australia with impressive $2 million results. Could it reach $10 million or even inspire a stage musical adaptation?

Whether you're tracking box office trends or seeking your next cinematic adventure, join us for insights, predictions, and passionate discussions about films spanning action blockbusters to heartfelt dramas. Subscribe now and never miss our fortnightly cinema conversations!

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When rain falls, cinema seats fill—regardless of what's showing. This simple truth provided a much-needed boost to theaters during recent school holidays, as film industry insiders Brent Harbour and Ross Churchhouse discuss in their latest conversation. The duo unpacks how weather patterns directly impact box office results, creating unexpected winners and unfortunate timing casualties among current releases.

"The Penguin Lessons," featuring Steve Coogan, became one such victim of circumstance. Despite glowing audience reviews, the film struggled to find its audience amid the holiday chaos with children flocking to more family-oriented offerings. Several major New Zealand cinema chains opted not to screen it at all, further hampering its potential. Yet both hosts remain optimistic about its future prospects as the senior audience returns post-holiday.

Marvel's "Thunderbolts" takes center stage as the podcast's featured upcoming release. This assembly of antiheroes—including Black Widow's sister Elena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, and others—represents a potential turning point for Marvel after recent stumbles. The asterisk in the title cleverly indicates the team's search for an official name, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings deadpan brutality as their reluctant leader. Disney appears to have learned valuable marketing lessons, implementing innovative promotional strategies beyond traditional trailers.

May promises an extraordinary lineup of theatrical experiences. "Warfare," co-directed by an Iraq War veteran and Alex Garland, delivers an immersive real-time military mission garnering five-star reviews. "Mission Impossible" has moved its release date forward to May 17th, capitalizing on impressive stunt work that's already generating buzz. The live-action "Lilo and Stitch" remake connects with both nostalgic parents and their excited children. Nature enthusiasts can anticipate "Ocean with David Attenborough," potentially his final documentary, while the Intrepid French Film Festival rounds out a diverse cinematic month.

Ready for your next movie night? Whether you're seeking shelter from the rain or simply craving great storytelling on the big screen, join us for regular insights, reviews and predictions that will enhance your cinematic experience.

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

The Minecraft movie has delivered a seismic shock to the cinema industry, crushing all box office predictions with an astounding $2.99 million opening weekend in New Zealand alone. After months of challenging theatrical returns, this blockbuster adaptation of the beloved game has breathed new life into theaters nationwide, with global earnings exceeding $300 million in its first frame. The film is rapidly closing in on Tina's position as the highest-grossing film of the year in New Zealand, with the local production having recently crossed the impressive $5 million threshold.

School holidays have arrived just in time to capitalize on Minecraft's momentum, with rainy weather forecast to drive even more families into theaters. For those seeking alternatives to animated adventures, several compelling new releases are hitting screens this week. Steve Coogan stars in "The Penguin Lessons," a heartwarming true story about a British teacher in 1970s Argentina who adopts an oil-covered penguin, leading to personal and political awakening during tumultuous times. The film has generated significant pre-release buzz, particularly among mature audiences.

For thriller and horror enthusiasts, "Imaginary" offers R16-rated scares from Blumhouse Studios, while "Sinners" reunites Michael B. Jordan with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler in a stylish 1930s-set drama. Perhaps most compelling is "The Correspondent," which tells the true story of journalist Peter Greste's 400+ days in Egyptian prison after being falsely accused of terrorism while covering political unrest. Shot entirely in Australia despite its international setting, early viewers praise its gripping storytelling and authentic portrayal of Greste's harrowing experience.

While the surge in audiences brings welcome revenue, cinema operators face the eternal challenge of maintaining clean theaters between sessions, particularly with enthusiastic young Minecraft viewers. Have you experienced the Minecraft phenomenon yet? Head to your local theater this school holiday period and discover why this adaptation has become such a massive hit!

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

Snow White's troubled journey to theaters reveals the growing chasm between online discourse and actual audience experiences. After enduring an 18-month hate campaign before release, Disney's remake scored a brutal 1.6 on IMDB while simultaneously earning a respectable 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. We discuss what this means for the studio and the film industry at large as Disney conducts "serious soul-searching" to recover from underwhelming box office numbers.

Looking ahead to brighter prospects, we preview the Minecraft movie starring Jack Black as Steve alongside Jason Momoa (who was spotted around Ponsonby during filming in New Zealand) and our own Jemaine Clement. This digital LEGO-like phenomenon has captivated children worldwide, and the film is poised to dominate the upcoming school holidays with early strong pre-sales indicating significant interest from families.

For adult moviegoers seeking substantive cinema after the slow start to 2024 (blame the 2023 actors' strike), several promising titles are on the horizon. Rami Malek stars in "The Amateur" as a CIA decoder seeking vengeance, while Cillian Murphy follows his Oppenheimer success with "Small Things Like These," a hard-hitting drama about Ireland's troubled church history. Meanwhile, New Zealand's homegrown hit "Tina" continues its remarkable five-week run at #1, approaching $5 million and drawing emotional responses from audiences of all ages.

Whether you're looking for family entertainment, thought-provoking drama, or pulse-quickening thrills, cinema's comeback is gaining momentum. Head to your local independent theater, grab some Jaffas, and support the magic of the big screen experience!

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!