A recent report highlights that in the last three months, 25 comedies and dramas have made their way to theaters, and they’ve all performed exceptionally well. But…
the reasons for this success remain unaddressed.
“While many were heavily promoted and received acclaim from critics, it appears that none truly succeeded in the way Hollywood expects,” noted the report. “Among the 25 films released in theaters across North America, not a single one reached the levels of success typically anticipated.”
What’s the blame from the report? They seem to avoid pinning it on the real issues: the pandemic’s lingering effects, the rise of streaming services, shorter windows between theatrical and home video releases, and the convenience of home theaters.
During the pandemic, Hollywood moved away from the traditional 90-day exclusivity window for theaters. Movies can now often be rented or bought digitally after just 17 days.
This shift has lessened my motivation to see films in theaters, particularly comedies and dramas that work well on my living room screen.
First, I’ll address these flimsy justifications one by one, then I’ll dive into the true reasons behind the failures of these films.
“The pandemic” – come on, that was ages ago.
“After just 17 days, films are available for digital rental.” But this is a symptom, not the cause. The reason people are staying home isn’t solely because of early releases; it’s that fewer people are going to theaters, which, in turn, leads to those early home video releases. It’s why box office hits take longer to hit pay-per-view—it’s all connected.
And as for the notion that comedies and dramas are only enjoyable in theaters—let’s be honest. They’ve always been suitable for home viewing. It’s like acting as if quality home entertainment became a thing yesterday when it’s been around for ages.
Then there’s this ongoing chatter about how streaming is supposedly a threat to theater attendance…
But why? What makes streaming so harmful to the movie business? It’s puzzling.
For decades, we’ve had access to numerous channels and home video collections. That never stopped us from heading to the cinema. So why the sudden obsession with declaring streaming the villain? It just doesn’t make sense.
So, here’s why these 25 films didn’t succeed.
- Lack of Appeal
These films simply didn’t resonate with audiences. They relied too heavily on political correctness, gimmicky humor, and uninspiring stars like Will Ferrell and Seth Rogen. This kind of comedy hasn’t been funny for years.
The drama tends to miss the mark, too. Instead of reflecting relatable human experiences, many dramas veer into preachiness, focusing on divisive issues while downplaying traditional values. They’re becoming more self-absorbed than universally relatable.
Take Sidney Sweeney’s boxing film about Christy Martin—it flopped despite decent reviews. Who wants to watch a lengthy tale about a little-known ’90s boxer discovering her sexuality? I mean, really, who is the target audience?
- General Quality of Movies
Let’s face it, many films just aren’t that good anymore. It used to be the norm to leave a theater feeling uplifted or introspective. Now, it often feels like people leave feeling let down or needing to convince themselves otherwise.
If I weren’t paid to review movies, I doubt I’d even bother with them that much. The only recent film that truly left an impression on me was Anora. It was genuinely enjoyable—funny, fresh, and had something meaningful to convey about humanity.
- Unlikable Stars
Why would viewers pay to see films featuring actors who express disdain toward them?
Consider the situation: if a celebrity were to publicly insult a significant part of the population, it could backfire on their career. Movie stars are the face of the industry, yet many don’t seem to grasp how to maintain a relationship with their audience.
- Absence of Sensuality
Sex has always sold. We don’t need explicit content, but a bit of allure can make a film memorable. We often remember a movie based on the feelings it evokes—and a little chemistry helps. When was the last time anyone craved to see Sidney Sweeney as a two-dimensional character?
This leads to the ridiculous state of movies today…
Consider a film that’s intended for young men yet strips away any appeal for them. Take the action star in a recent movie—he often appears without a shirt, but that feels just one-sided. If you’re a man, it’s devoid of any excitement or sensuality, which is honestly baffling.
Do you want to engage audiences again? Start by giving them stories that resonate with normal people.
