It’s been a fine celluloid summer at the box office with ticket sales soaring toward $4.4 billion. Those oh-so-crazy rich Asians caused a big stir with all sorts of hilarity and hijinks. The numbers did so well that a sequel is already in the works. Speaking of sequels, those ferocious dinos from Jurassic were back in business making our hair stand on end.
Reboots and follow-ups were all the rage with Malibu’s Cher raising eyebrows as a sassy blonde gran in “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again.” The fun-filled flick had everyone trying to get those catchy ABBA songs out of their heads.
And let’s not forget the “Mission Impossible” man Tom Cruise with his white knuckler “Fallout.”
After years in the doldrums, thinks seem to be perking up at the box office. Hurray for Hollywood!
FALLING LEAVES FALL FILMS
So, the summer of action and ABBA is behind us. Film buffs are asking what can we look forward to now the weather turns cold and a cozy seat in a movie theater is the perfect refuge.
Another reboot is in the works and this one could be a monster. Remember Malibu’s Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in a “Star is Born”? Well, there will be a remake (of course) starring who else but Malibu diva Lady Gaga.
Making a divine arrival and debut at the Venice Film Festival, the outgoing and often-outrageous songbird arrived with Bradley Cooper and the pair received an eight-minute standing ovation.
For something a little more historical, there is “The House With a Clock in its Walls.” It’s a gothic horror story starring Cate Blanchett, Jack Black and Kyle McLachlan. It is filled with intrigue and an effort to destroy the world.
And there is a host of other good-looking flicks in the make for late 2018. So, pass the popcorn and enjoy!
VIVA VENEZIA
The Netflix film “Roma” made a splash at the Venice Film Festival. The film comes from Alfonso Cuarón, director of “Gravity” and “Children of Men.” In addition to raves in the Lagoon City with its coveted Golden Lion, the black and white Spanish language family drama also won praise at Telluride and New York. Bravo!
INDY AT 80
The thrill-seeking franchise that made movie history keeps on rolling. “Indiana Jones 5,” the fifth release of the tale of a rough-and-tumble daredevil adventurer is said to be in the works. Unfortunately, this new installment will keep fans waiting till the 2021 movie season. With Harrison Ford entering his eighth decade, we will wait and see if the famed actor still has what it takes. So, whip it good, Indy. Snakes, anyone?