We all try to distract ourselves by discussing the long-game value of Christmas movies and the coming triple-whammy of Gladiator II, Wicked Part One, and Moana II, which will help bring the overall year-end closer to 2023 than any of us dared hope back in January. You can also enjoy our wildly off-topic discussions about what Hollywood tried to make in the 2010s. Free tip: If it was a bad idea 15 years ago, it’s almost certainly a bad idea in 2024 and beyond. Plot twist - Four of the top five grossing A24 films are *not* specifically horror films, and the “cool kids” indie studio has quite a few comparatively expensive movies coming up. From here on out, Timothée Chalamet shall be known (in a superlative, complimentary sense) as “The Dune Twink.”
In terms of the written word…
Jeremy Fuster offered an analysis/report on Lionsgate’s horrible, terrible, no-good, very bad quarter. He also discussed Dr. Paul Heinzelmann’s documentary Safe Sets, which discusses the fight in Hollywood for stricter production safety measures.
No “Tales from the Box Office” this week, but Ryan Scott offered up a fun rundown on various very low-budget films that had many, many moneys at the box office. And no, they aren’t just horror flicks.
I’m again sharing Lisa Laman’s review of Anora as it’s very good, as well as her first piece for ComicBook.com on whether 2024 is the worst year “ever” for superhero movies. Spoiler: She comes up with a few bemusingly plausible contenders for that title.
If you like what you hear, leave a review at your favorite podcast site while also liking, sharing, commenting and smashing (using a cartoon mallet) that subscribe button with every justified ounce of strength and passion. If you want to bother us and offer good cheer, request in-show discussions, or offer ideas for bonus episodes, ping us at Asktheboxofficepod@gmail.com.
As previously noted, Ryan has an in-print story in volume 2, issue 25 of Fangoria.
Jeremy Fuster - TheWrap
Lisa Laman - Looper, Cultress and Autostraddle
Ryan C. Scott - SlashFilm and Fangoria
God, The Devil And Santa Claus