NEW YORK — In the most seismic shift by a Hollywood studio yet during the pandemic, Warner Bros. Pictures on Thursday announced that all of its 2021 film slate — including a new “Matrix” movie, “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the Lin-Manuel Miranda adaptation “In the Heights” — will stream on...
The Pandemic Is Changing Hollywood, Maybe Forever
NEW YORK — “No New ‘Movies’ Till Influenza Ends” blared a New York Times headline on Oct. 10, 1918, while the deadly second wave of the Spanish Flu was unfolding. A century later, during another pandemic, movies — quotes no longer necessary — are again facing a critical juncture. But it’s not...
Big Screen Movies are Back in the Valley. Here’s Where to See Them.
Movies will return to the big screen on Friday in Madera with the reopening of the only remaining local drive-in theater. Madera 2 Drive-In announced on Facebook it will open its gates once again this weekend with new rules in place to ensure social distancing to address COVID-19 concerns. Double...
Universal Will Release Controversial 'Hunt' Film in March
LOS ANGELES — Universal Pictures said Tuesday that it will release the social satire “The Hunt,” a film it canceled in the wake of criticism about its premise of “elites” hunting people for sport in red states. A trailer announcing the film’s March 13 release date presents the “elites” hunting regular...
Stephen King Criticized for Comments on Diversity
NEW YORK — Stephen King says he cares only about “quality," not “diversity” when deciding on awards. Some are asking why he thinks the two must be different. “I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality,” King tweeted this week. “It seems to me that to do...
Freebies Are the Key Hook in New 'Streaming Wars'
If you make it free, will they come? Apple, Disney and AT&T's WarnerMedia want to jump-start their challenges to Netflix by offering freebies and deep discounts on emerging streaming plans. That includes a free year of Apple TV Plus for customers of new Apple devices and a free year of...
'Joker' Laughs Its Way to October Box Office Record
LOS ANGELES — The filmmakers and studio behind "Joker" have reason to put on a happy face. Despite concerns over its violent themes and ramped up theater security, audiences flocked to the multiplex to check out the R-rated film this weekend resulting in a record October opening. Warner Bros. said...
Latinos 18% of US Population But Nearly Invisible in Movies
NEW YORK — Latinos make up 18% of the U.S. population and 24% of its frequent moviegoers, yet they rarely see themselves on movie screens. A new study by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative finds that Latino representation in film lags significantly behind the U.S. population and that, over the...
4DX Tech Turns Movies into Aromatic Thrill Ride — for a Price
A Fresno movie theater is offering more than the sights and sounds of a feature film. Now you can feel and smell it — if you're willing to pay the price. One of the theaters at Edwards Fresno 22 has been rigged up with what's called 4DX. The seats shift...
Apple Announces Its Long-Awaited Streaming TV Service
CUPERTINO — Apple announced a new streaming service, Apple TV Plus, which will house its original shows and movies and could compete with Netflix, Amazon and cable TV itself. Apple is making the announcements at its Cupertino, California, headquarters, in a Monday event studded with celebrities including Steven Spielberg, Jennifer...