Movie theaters find themselves at a fascinating crossroads where critical acclaim doesn't necessarily translate to box office success. Disney Pixar's Elio has become their worst opening film worldwide despite positive reviews, while horror sequel Megan 2.0 and the new Karate Kid reboot similarly struggle to find their audiences. This troubling trend reveals how quickly major cinema chains reduce screenings after just one disappointing week, creating a downward spiral where films become increasingly difficult for audiences to discover.

The New Zealand film industry faces similar challenges. Coca, a powerful Māori story that took its director 20 years to bring to screen, significantly underperformed with just $111,000 in its opening week despite its cultural significance during Matariki. Yet there's hope on the horizon—Tina continues its remarkable run, sitting just $60,000 shy of becoming the fifth highest-grossing New Zealand film ever, compelling theaters to bring it back by popular demand months after initial release.

Looking ahead, Jurassic World Rebirth promises dinosaur thrills for families during school holidays, while October will bring the powerful Pike River mining disaster film that's expected to become this year's second-highest-grossing Kiwi production. For movie lovers seeking variety beyond blockbusters, theaters now offer ballet performances and Broadway-inspired shows. The podcast concludes with a lighthearted crisis—the beloved orange chocolate Jaffas candy is being discontinued, prompting cinema-goers to wonder what sweet treat could possibly replace this iconic movie-watching tradition. Want to support the films you love? Remember that your opening weekend attendance might determine whether a movie survives on screens long enough for others to discover it!

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

Why do critically acclaimed female-led action films struggle at the box office? This question takes center stage as we dig into the surprising commercial failure of "Ballerina," the Ana de Armas-starring John Wick spin-off that opened to a mere $363,730 despite strong reviews. The film's underwhelming performance highlights a troubling pattern for female action heroes on the big screen.

From "Atomic Blonde" to the Alicia Vikander "Tomb Raider" reboot and recent "Mad Max: Furiosa," we examine how these films consistently receive positive critical reception but fail to translate that into ticket sales. What does this mean for upcoming female-led blockbusters like "Jurassic World Rebirth" starring Scarlett Johansson? The disconnect between critical praise and audience support raises fascinating questions about viewer preferences and Hollywood's future direction.

We transition to celebrating Matariki weekend with the release of "Koka," a significant New Zealand film featuring the first feature use of the East Cape iwi Ngati Porou dialect. This road trip drama follows an elder Māori woman and a troubled young delinquent as they journey through the East Cape, confronting personal demons and reconnecting with cultural roots. Horror fans can look forward to Danny Boyle's "28 Years Later," continuing the zombie apocalypse saga three decades after the original outbreak, while families have Pixar's "Elio" to anticipate for the upcoming school holidays.

Join us as we wrap up with box office predictions for "Koka" and reflect on the exciting state of New Zealand filmmaking. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a dedicated cinephile, there's something for everyone hitting theaters this weekend. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts for weekly updates on all things cinema!

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!

The theatrical landscape continues its fascinating evolution as major studio releases compete with festival fare and streaming exclusives. We kick off with our regular box office predictions segment, where Mission Impossible's latest installment has performed admirably with a $1.44 million haul. While not reaching the heights some predicted, it demonstrates the franchise's enduring appeal and the emerging pattern of films finding their audience through word-of-mouth rather than opening weekend rushes.

From the world of John Wick comes "Ballerina," starring Ana de Armas as a revenge-seeking assassin trained at the mysterious Ruska Roma ballet academy. Set between John Wick 3 and 4, this spinoff maintains the stylish action choreography fans expect while introducing fresh perspectives through its female protagonist. We debate whether this expansion of the John Wick universe will connect with audiences or if franchise fatigue might be setting in. The film's recent title change to more explicitly connect it to John Wick speaks volumes about studio marketing strategies in 2025.

The French Film Festival 2025 has launched to enthusiastic audiences nationwide, with several screenings already selling out. Highlights include "The Scammers," drawing favorable comparisons to classic comedies like "Waking Ned Devine," and showcasing the distinctive storytelling that French cinema excels at delivering. For those looking beyond Hollywood fare, this festival presents perfect opportunities to discover films that balance entertainment with thought-provoking themes.

Perhaps most surprising is the phenomenal success of "Ocean," the David Attenborough documentary that continues selling out theaters. At 99 years old, Attenborough's potentially final major documentary has struck a profound emotional chord with audiences. Meanwhile, Adam Sandler's "Happy Gilmore 2" heads directly to Netflix despite significant interest in theatrical screenings, highlighting the complex relationship between streaming and traditional cinema in today's market.

Discover what's happening in your local theaters, from international festivals to community screenings of never-before-seen documentaries. Have you checked out any foreign films lately? Tell us your favorites!

Book your tickets to the movies at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri here - or at Lido Cinema Hamilton here!