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!

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