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Horror's Decline and Hollywood's Hope: A Deep Dive into Today's Cinema Landscape

• Brent Harbour and Ross Churchouse

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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!