Talk of movie slump dominates Hollywood's summer

Reuters ^ | 8/11/05 | Bob Tourtellotte

[kb2614]

I rented the British version of "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" a while ago. It has "Dr. Who" production values, but was true to the book. If the story is funny enough (and it is), you can overlook the $25 special effects.

[sionnsar]

I'm just amazed that the studios think we want to watch that anti-American propaganda.

They'll learn. Am thinking about going to see The Great Raid on opening day (today) -- something I NEVER do normally...

[GraniteStateConservative]

I did a search and saw that you are a Jay and Silent Bob fan. I just learned that they will be on the tube tonight.

Degrassi: The Next Generation
08:00 PM ET -Noggin-

Director/actor Kevin Smith ("Jersey Girl," "Dogma") is a huge fan of the Canadian teen drama "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (airing Stateside on Noggin's nighttime incarnation, The N). As such, he's decided to appear in the show's three-part season finale, the first installment of which airs tonight. Smith (appearing as both himself and Silent Bob) scouts Degrassi High School as the perfect location to shoot his next film. Meanwhile, Paige (Lauren Collins) and Manny (Cassie Steele) -- who share an ex-boyfriend, competing cheerleading ambitions and a shared desire for the Prom Queen title -- cannot stand each other, and the growing conflict between the girls borders on going a bit too far. Naturally, Jason "Jay" Mewes also guest stars; look for Canuck songstress Alanis Morissette next week.

-- Man, there are a million fine girls in the world, but not all of them bring you lasagna at work. Most of them just cheat on you.

[Cecily]

I laughed my head off too, and I liked the fact that they didn't take any political cheap shots when the action moved to the home of the Secretary of the Treasury.

[marmar]

Thanks, Hill, for the info on the holliweirds next move to put out anti American trash.......

[pissant]

Yippee. Another slate of flops!!!

[marmar]

Hey, Mr. P..........from your mouth to God's Ear.....How the heck are ya?????????

[pissant]

Just dandy, thank ye! How long are you going to be in Germany this time?

[OKIEDOC]

the box office is expected to be down 7 to 12 percent after films such like "The Island" and "Stealth" failed to connect with audiences.

Who other than a small minority want to see politically correct movies.

[ctdonath2]

It's not as bad as you make it out.

A surprising number of major (as in Star Wars 2 & 3) movies are now shot using HDTV cameras - and a decent Sony HD videocamera runs about $3000. Edit the video & audio on your desktop PC. Sets, costumes, props, etc. can be done cheaply.
Director Robert Rodriguez of Troublemaker Studios does all the editing in his garage this way - and turns out such major hits as "Once Upon a Time in Mexico", "Spy Kids 3D", "Sin City", and "Adventures of Lava Girl and Shark Boy"; it all started for him with making "El Mariachi" for a mere $7000.

The point is that if you have a good story and a good crew making something people actually want to see, success can be had relatively cheaply - and can fund big-budget productions later.

The problem isn't production costs.
The problem is making something people want to see.

[ctdonath2]

Just the name is enough to put people off.

[marmar]

4 months.......I am getting stuff ready and packing. I am glad my plane trip is not at 0-dark thirty...then to Dallas then we hop over the pond.

[IronJack]

Interesting developments in the production process if what you say is true. However, I suspect the costs would add up quickly, regardless of the startup investment required.

And if I recall, El Mariachi was shot what, 10 ... 15 years ago? I'm sure those costs have gone up considerably.

Still, the outlook is somewhat more encouraging than I first thought. It would be interesting to see if conservatives would be willing to contribute to a pool that conservative filmakers could draw from.

[subterfuge]

The last movie I saw besides the Passion of the Christ was a movie I took my preteen daughter to.

Scary Movie II, which was rated R. I figured I'd be there to explain away the cursing and maybe some boobs. She was dying to see it. As a dad, I take every moment with her as precious. Anyway...

Twice...TWICE, they showed male genetalia. That was it for me and I won't be back. I gave the little Theater "manager" a piece of my mind when we walked out on that piece of garbage. Should've been rated X.

[subterfuge]

"I've about stopped buying DVDs,"

At the risk of dating myself (that sounds kinda perverted) I learned a long time ago, after having a $500 collection of 8 track tapes rendered useless, that there is no good reason for collecting artistic recordings other than books. The 8 tracks were made obsolete by 'cassettes'. they were made obsolete by CDs and so on. Never have bought a DVD, though I have a DVD player, fwiw.

[pissant]

It will go by fast! Plus, I bet you really enjoy doing this task!!

[subterfuge]

"Seems Ron Howard makes a good movie"

True. But I'm very disappointed that he is directing "The DaVinci Code."

[marmar]

I love what I do.......it is my privilege, they deserve nothing but the best.....because they have given their best in serving our great nation.

[pissant]

Well said. Are you married? I'm thinking you might get a few proposals! LOL

[Little Ray]

Go see the The Great Raid. If Hollyweird made more movies like that, they'd be rollin' in dough.