These last few weeks have been a whirlwind, and the COVID-19 pandemic escalated much quicker than I ever imagined. Unless you've been living under a rock, you're probably aware of the substantial impact this virus has had worldwide. Countries are closing their borders. Schools, theme parks, sporting events, concerts, major movie and television productions, film festivals, and the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo were shut down, canceled, or postponed indefinitely as a result. All of my extra-curricular activities are canceled until further notice. Everyone's life has suddenly been put on hold as "social distancing" has now become our primary social responsibility.
In light of this, I've felt discouraged from writing reviews. Not that theaters will remain open much longer, but how could I possibly encourage someone to visit one and put the health and safety of themselves or others at risk? Therefore, I'd like to specifically discuss COVID-19's impact on the entertainment industry and how Film Assessment will be affected. Hollywood has suffered a critical blow. This weekend's domestic box office receipts of $55.3 Million were the worst in 22 years. With no significant releases currently slated till May 1, this predicament is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Due to health concerns, New York and Los Angeles theaters were ordered to close by their cities' respective mayors. Today, Regal Cinemas also made the decision to close all 543 of its locations. Other chains will likely follow suit, but for now, they are implementing social distancing policies by limiting attendance. Studios are also beginning to take advantage of the dilemma by offloading high profile, recent releases early onto video-on-demand and streaming services. Disney already added Frozen II to Disney+ three months early and made Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker available digitally a few days early as well. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal announced that they would be offering The Invisible Man, The Hunt, and Emma as on-demand rentals for $19.99 this Friday with Trolls World Tour available on April 10, its scheduled theatrical release date. I'm very curious to see how other studios respond.
While this early access is undoubtedly convenient, I'm afraid it could accelerate the death of movie theaters. Theaters nationwide will be forced to temporarily close their doors soon, whether they're ordered to or not. Who knows if it will be due to the lack of new releases or health-conscious moviegoers. Whatever the case, cinema attendance is on a downward trajectory regardless. Unless it has superheroes, is part of an existing franchise, marketed as an event, or involves A-list talent, movies hardly make a dent in the box office these days. There are bonafide exceptions, of course, but I'm speaking in general terms. Streaming services are more affordable, accessible, and convenient. Studios now have the means to capitalize on that. With their own streaming services, they can cut out the middle man altogether.
Now, I'm doubtful that we'll see the likes of A Quiet Place: Part II, Mulan, Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984, or Tenet will be dumped online with complete disregard. But the low-to-mid-budgeted productions or those destined to flop will likely be given this treatment. Once audiences grow accustomed to this, they'll be hard-pressed to leave their couch. Only time can tell what will happen, but I hope this pandemic doesn't signal the end of the multiplex. They offer a unique communal experience and an escape from our bleak reality. At a time when we need movies more than ever, the hands of theater chains and studio executives are tied. Here's hoping a sense of normalcy is soon restored.
As for my Film Assessment plans, I'll catch up on sharing the reviews I currently have drafted. This includes Onward and Reel Recaps for February and, eventually, March. I don't know what I'll call it yet, but I'd like to begin making weekly streaming recommendations while everyone's cooped up at home with nothing to do. These recommendations will be shared in place of new reviews because it will be a while before I see anything new. Just remember to practice social distancing and wash your hands for goodness sake! Let's flatten the curve!
