All hail Avatar! How event movies are trying to bring back the box office blockbuster

The Big Screen's Last Stand: Can Event Movies Save Cinemas from Streaming Dominance?

In an era dominated by streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the box office has become increasingly elusive. Movie studios are frantically searching for ways to reinvigorate the theatrical experience, while the very fabric of cinema itself is being tested.

At the heart of this struggle lies the concept of "theatricality," a term that has been bandied about by industry execs in recent years. It refers to the unique qualities that make a movie an event – be it its visuals, performances, or storyline – and are meant to draw audiences into the cinema.

James Cameron, director of Avatar: Fire and Ash, is often cited as the poster child for this approach. His films have consistently broken box office records, and his latest offering is no exception. The challenge, however, lies in replicating this success without relying on gimmicks or pre-existing franchises.

One strategy gaining traction is redefining event movies as experiences that make a novelity of the cinema trip itself. This can be achieved through carefully curated pairings of films, such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, which have proven to be successful releases in recent months.

Another tactic is tapping into live-entertainment participatory vibes by leveraging Broadway adaptations and sing-along theatre energy. The success of Disney's Wicked films demonstrates that audiences are willing to pay top dollar for this type of experience.

A more nuanced approach involves experimenting with lower-budgeted, high-concept releases that can turn a profit in theatres rather than being relegated to streaming as loss leaders. Paramount has shown remarkable commitment to this strategy, with horror film Smile proving to be an exception to the rule after racking up impressive box office numbers despite its budget.

The goal, then, is to create a more varied and diverse slate of releases that not only attracts large crowds but also fosters community within cinemas. By doing so, movie studios can reclaim their place as cultural institutions rather than mere entertainment hubs.

omg u guys i'm literally obsessed with this topic!!! cinemas are dying and it's like, we need to save them!!! i mean james cameron is def the poster child for making a film an event but idk how he does it like what makes avatar so special? is it just the visuals tho?

anywayz i think what's most interesting is when they start pairing films together like barbie & oppenheimer lol that's some genius marketing right there!!! and those disney musicals are fire who wouldn't wanna sing along to wicked?!

but for real though, we need more diversity in cinemas u know? not just the usual franchise stuff. what if studios start experimenting with smaller films too? like ones that can actually turn a profit without relying on streaming and that's when i think cinemas can really make a comeback!

I feel u, man... Cinemas have been struggling for ages now . It's like, we love going to the movies, but the experience just isn't the same when we're stuck at home binge-watching on our phones . But, I think there's hope for them yet! If they can figure out how to make those event movies feel more special and immersive, I reckon people will start coming back to the big screen again . And, let's be real, who doesn't love a good sing-along or live performance? But, it's all about creating that unique experience for us, you know? Not just some generic blockbuster with a bunch of fancy effects .

I'm thinking we need cinemas to be more like concert venues, you know? We go out, we're surrounded by other people who are all there for the same thing – to experience something new and exciting together It's not just about watching a movie on the big screen anymore; it's about creating this communal atmosphere where people can share in the magic of the film

I also love how Paramount is pushing out these indie horror flicks, like Smile. That's the kinda stuff that gets me hyped for the cinema experience And let's be real, who doesn't love singing along to their favorite tunes on screen? Sing-along theatre vibes are where it's at

But I think we need to take this theatricality thing a step further. What if cinemas started hosting these interactive events where you could engage with the film in different ways? Like, imagine watching Avatar: Fire and Ash and then getting to go behind-the-scenes and learn more about the making of the movie That's the kinda experience that'll get people talking and coming back for more

Ugh I'm literally so done with streaming services taking over the world it's like we're losing something special here cinema is supposed to be an event a big deal but instead it feels like just another excuse for people to binge watch their fave shows or whatever I mean don't get me wrong i love watching movies as much as the next person but there's something about sitting in a darkened theater with strangers that can't be replicated at home the atmosphere is different, its more immersive and thats what makes it special so yeah bring on the event movies and let's see if we can make cinema great again

Cinema needs to step up its game, you know? Like, I love streaming too, but when it comes to a big screen experience, there's just something special about seeing a film with hundreds of other people who are all invested in the same story . These new event movies are onto something, pairing films together that complement each other perfectly, like Barbie and Oppenheimer – genius! And live-entertainment vibes? Forget about it! Sing-along shows are the future . But, seriously, movie studios need to take a risk and experiment with different types of releases, not just churn out the same old franchise films. We want to feel like we're part of something bigger than ourselves when we watch a movie .

I'm loving the new wave of event movies ! I mean, who doesn't want to experience a blockbuster film with friends on the big screen? And let's be real, having a sing-along theatre energy vibe like Disney's Wicked is pure magic . It's all about making cinema trips an experience again . By pairing up films that are just chill enough to enjoy without spoilers , it's genius! The key now is for studios to keep innovating and experimenting – lower-budget horror flicks like Smile prove you can make bank at the box office even with a shoestring budget

I think event movies are the way forward for cinemas . I mean we've all been to a cinema and had that experience where you leave feeling like you've just done something special with your mates, right? It's not just about the film itself but the whole shebang – the build-up, the anticipation, the communal energy. We need more of those kinds of events in cinemas.

I'm loving the idea of pairing films together to create a night out . I went to see Oppenheimer and Barbie with friends recently and it was just the best experience – we were all talking about it for days afterwards . And sing-along theatre? Genius! I've been to Disney's Wicked and it was like nothing I've ever seen before .

The key is to make cinemas feel special again, you know? Not just a place to grab a bucket of popcorn and watch something on the telly . We need to bring back that sense of wonder and excitement that we had as kids when we first went to see a film in the cinema .

think the problem lies not just with streaming giants, but how we've become too reliant on blockbuster spectacles to fill cinema seats. it's like we're trying to recreate a sense of grandeur in a world that's already got its own version of 'epic' in our living rooms . maybe instead of focusing on event movies, we should be exploring more intimate, character-driven stories that let audiences connect with the space around them - you know, the cinema itself is an experience, not just the film on screen . and hey, if that means smaller budgets and lower box office expectations, then so be it . at least that way, we can focus on creating a sense of community in our cinemas, rather than just trying to outdo each other with the latest blockbuster