Stars, Action and Money Don’t Win at the Box Office

By Alexandra Harmening, Contributing Writer

Last weekend, Harrison Ford and Liam Hemsworth got in line behind Matt Damon, Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, and other mega stars whose big budget flicks have failed at the box office this year. 

It has been a somewhat disappointing summer for theaters. High expectations and even higher budgets, with 20 movies boasting budgets over $100 million in just one summer, have not attracted an audience. Businessweek said that Hollywood’s strategy was imploding as it faced the innovator’s dilemma—simply improving a popular product rather than branching out in new directions. This lines up with Steven Spielberg’s prophecy that Hollywood’s heavy reliance on action, violence and special effects would eventually send these movies “crashing to the ground.” 

Many also conjecture that the popularity of streaming sights such as Netflix and Hulu have broadened the moviegoers tastes by providing increased access to different movie genres and lower budget indie projects. 

Still others suspect that there is another factor at work in the failure of anticipated movies starring Hollywood veterans and backed by major money. They are being termed “Left-wing Flops.” This is because politically correct messages don’t always make for gripping storylines. 

Tyler Perry, who usually attracts a church going audience, departed form his usual themes including a lesbian couple in TYLER PERRY PRESENTS PEEPLES. Matt Damon’s new thriller ELYSIUM is yet another movie dealing in a politically correct manner with the purported problem of income inequality. 

The New York Post commented on the prevalence of liberal themes claiming that “they pretty much lack any hint of political argument.” The lack of backbone and thought-provoking message in summer flicks has driven away audiences who apparently want more than gunfights and CGI when they purchase tickets. 

It was a bleak summer for the movie studios.  By this time next summer, it will be apparent as to whether they have learned from the mistakes of this year or whether more red ink will fill their balance sheets. 

This Summer’s Box Office Belly Flops

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

• $25
• $10
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