Sunburns, cricket, and school holidays are stealing attention, but the big screen is about to fight back. We open the door on a quieter week in Cinema Land and dig into what actually pulls people off the couch: clear promises, smart timing, and the thrill of a cool, dark room with M&Ms in hand. Our box office game gets real as we reconcile a surprising data point—Taylor Swift’s latest cinema event underdelivered versus the Eras juggernaut, despite topping the global weekend. We unpack why audience expectations matter, how format confusion can sting, and what that means for the next wave of event releases.

From there, we jump into the freshest titles and festival plays. Colin Farrell leads Ballad of a Small Player, a tense Macau-set character piece that rides a limited theatrical window before Netflix. For Diwali, we spotlight a Hindi horror-comedy with vampire flair and musical energy—exactly the kind of communal, high-spirited counterprogramming that can catch fire when the festival calendar and the crowd line up. We also celebrate the rise of stage-to-screen: a 2019 concert staging of Les Misérables delivers arena-size emotion to theaters, while National Theatre Live’s Inter Alia, starring Rosamund Pike, explores the high-wire act of career, family, and identity.

Then we scan the runway to the holidays. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is building buzz with Jeremy Allen White channeling the raw Nebraska era. Predator Badlands hints at a slick android-versus-hunter dynamic, Now You See Me, Now You Don’t promises nimble spectacle, and a classic 70mm titan returns with Lawrence of Arabia. Add Wicked Part 2, Knives Out, Zootopia 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash, and you’ve got a season stacked with franchises, nostalgia, and family anchors. We cap it with fresh predictions for the Diwali release—measured, hopeful, and ready to be proven wrong.

Enjoy the ride, then tell us what you’re betting on. If you’re into smart box office talk, festival finds, and sharp previews with no fluff, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating. Your picks might shape our next prediction.

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

A small victory can change the mood of a whole week. We open by settling our Bad Guys 2 bet, then swing straight into the real work of programming after the school holidays: choosing films that spark curiosity, fill seats, and feel worth the trip. That means championing a few special titles, passing on others (for now), and crafting a lineup that plays to our audience’s taste without playing it safe.

First up: The Ballad of Wallace Island, a heartfelt British comedy with festival praise and a glowing nod from Richard Curtis. One man, one remote island, one wildly ambitious concert—charming, funny, and just different enough to cut through. We pair that with Holy Cow, a crowd‑pleaser from the French Film Festival about a teen who finds purpose and craft in cheesemaking as he steps up for his sister. When people ask for something by name, we listen.

Then we examine a surprise drop from pop’s shrewdest strategist: Taylor Swift’s 92‑minute album film anchored by behind‑the‑scenes footage, lyric videos, and The Fate of Ophelia. Is it an irresistible big‑screen event or premium pre‑release marketing fans will wait to stream? We debate the ceiling, compare it to the Eras Tour phenomenon, and place our bets on a tight weekend window. To balance the slate with spectacle, we’re also bringing back Avatar: The Way of Water in full 3D for a limited run—Pandora as it’s meant to be seen—just as anticipation builds for December’s next chapter.

We close with the British & Irish Film Festival, a highlight on our calendar and a perfect fit for local tastes. Expect a lovingly restored Twiggy documentary brimming with 60s electricity and Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues—original members, fresh chaos, and volume set to eleven. Along the way, we talk risk vs reward, niche vs broad appeal, and how to make every showtime count.

If this mix of smart picks, big swings, and festival flavor sounds like your jam, follow the show, share it with a film‑loving friend, and leave a review telling us which title you’ll see first. Your picks help shape our slate.

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

Economic headwinds continue battering the cinema landscape as we head into the school holiday season. Even star-studded films like "The Roses" featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman are struggling to meet box office expectations, despite strong word-of-mouth driving second-week attendance. What's behind this trend? Is it the R-rating limiting audience size, broader economic factors, or perhaps shifting viewer preferences?

Relief may be coming with the wave of family-friendly releases hitting theaters for the school holidays. "Gabby's Dollhouse" targets the youngest moviegoers (ages 3-8) with its magical story about a girl who transforms into a cartoon character in a world of feline friends. Theater representatives report children being spellbound during screenings and immediately asking to return – a promising sign for exhibitors. Meanwhile, "The Bad Guys 2" brings back the popular animated crew now struggling with economic challenges themselves as they're forced back into action by a new squad called "The Bad Girls."

For those seeking heartfelt storytelling, "Kangaroo" delivers a beautiful Australian tale about an ex-TV personality who accidentally kills a kangaroo and adopts its joey, establishing a rehabilitation center with a young indigenous girl. With Rachel House among the talented cast and the stunning Australian outback as a backdrop, this film promises to connect with viewers of all ages. Other options include the fantasy "A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey" starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, the cheese-making drama "Holy Cow," and the upcoming "Tron: Aries." Whether these diverse offerings can overcome current economic challenges and bring audiences back to theaters remains the big question facing the industry. Will families make movies part of their holiday plans? The answer might determine the future health of cinema exhibition.

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

Movie theaters across New Zealand are facing a puzzling paradox. Quality films with strong reviews aren't drawing audiences like they used to, and Liam Neeson's recent comedy "The Naked Gun" perfectly illustrates this challenge. Despite excellent marketing, positive word-of-mouth, and an impressive 88% approval rating, the film struggled to break $336,000 at the New Zealand box office while performing significantly better worldwide.

What's happening to our cinema attendance? It's not that movies are worse – it's that economic realities have shifted dramatically. As everyday expenses climb relentlessly, entertainment becomes a luxury many households simply can't justify. This economic pressure creates a particularly difficult environment for smaller theaters trying to showcase the overwhelming number of new releases competing for limited screen space.

There are bright spots on the horizon, however. "The Roses," starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, brings fresh life to the classic "War of the Roses" concept with advance screenings already generating enthusiastic responses. For Father's Day, several options await including the heartwarming Australian film "Kangaroo" about a TV personality unexpectedly caring for an orphaned joey, and two compelling New Zealand documentaries: "Kaikoui Blood and Fire" following MMA fighters from the Far North, and "Life in One Chord" exploring the iconic Dunedin music scene through Shane Carter's career with Straitjacket Fits and Dimmer.

This diversity of upcoming releases highlights why the movie business remains so captivating despite its challenges – there's always something new to discover, discuss, and experience together. Whether you're drawn to adult comedies, family films, local documentaries, or horror franchises like the latest Conjuring installment, your local theaters are working harder than ever to bring these stories to life. Join us at Cathay Cinemas Kerikeri or Lido Cinemas Hamilton to support the magical experience that only the big screen can provide.

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

Movie theaters are battling their toughest economic climate since the pandemic. Box office numbers are startlingly low – Stephen King's "The Life of Chuck" brought in just $71,000 on opening weekend, a fraction of what would normally be expected. For every cinema opening globally, five are closing as audiences tighten their belts and reconsider entertainment spending.

What makes us choose the big screen experience in 2024? We break down the five critical factors: timing (theaters aren't selling movies, they're selling experiences worth your precious time), convenience (location, parking, session availability), pre-film experience (cleanliness, staff engagement, those dreaded 30-minute pre-shows), viewing environment (sound levels, disruptive patrons), and crucially – price. With economic pressures mounting, value perception matters more than ever.

Despite these challenges, signs of resilience emerge. IMAX is investing in 60 new screens globally, demonstrating faith in cinema's future. Local theaters are finding success through community engagement – showcasing local filmmakers, hosting special events, and creating unique cultural experiences that streaming simply can't replicate.

The theatrical slate still offers promising titles, from the corporate whistleblower thriller "Relay" starring Lily James and Riz Ahmed to "The Naked Gun" reboot that delivers non-stop laughs in a time when we desperately need them. This comedic assault could be exactly what audiences have been waiting for – a guaranteed good time that justifies venturing out.

If you value the theatrical experience, now's the time to support your local cinema. Provide feedback when services fall short, celebrate what they do well, and most importantly – show up. We're predicting "The Naked Gun" will hit $1.1-1.2 million at the box office. Could this be the shot in the arm our collective funny bones need?

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

Are movie theaters dying or just evolving? That's the question at the heart of our latest deep dive into cinema's current landscape. While studios continue to release films at a breakneck pace, getting audiences through the doors remains the industry's biggest challenge.

Horror films are particularly struggling in New Zealand, with the latest "I Know What You Did Last Summer" installment earning a disappointing $112,000 despite the return of original stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt. This continues a troubling pattern following underperformances from "Megan 2" and "28 Years Later." Could the upcoming R16 horror "Weapons" break this curse? The film follows a mysterious incident where children vanish from a town, placing suspicion on a teacher.

On a brighter note, "Life of Chuck" brings Tom Hiddleston to screens in a reverse-told Stephen King adaptation that captured the People's Choice Award at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival. Hiddleston's dance scene alone is "worth the price of admission," according to our insider sources. Meanwhile, family-friendly options include the 60-minute animated "A New Friend for Tummy Tom" for preschoolers, alongside the French mystery "When Fall Is Coming." Looking ahead, "Avatar: Fire and Ashes" just dropped its first poster and trailer, positioning itself as "summer's big ticket movie," while "Downton Abbey: The Final Chapter" aims to capture the senior audience in September.

The theatrical experience still shows signs of life with continued strong performances from "Superman," "Jurassic World," and Brad Pitt's "F1," proving audiences will still come out for the right content. As we navigate this evolving landscape, remember that supporting your local cinema isn't just about seeing a movie—it's about preserving a cultural institution that brings communities together. Check your local listings and treat yourself to the magic only the big screen can deliver.

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

The dinosaurs have roared back to life at the box office, and Hollywood might finally be catching its breath. This week we're celebrating Jurassic World Rebirth's spectacular performance - a whopping $2.3 million in New Zealand alone and $335 million globally. After months of underwhelming theatrical releases, this prehistoric powerhouse signals what could be a turning point for cinema attendance.

Our prediction battle continues with Brendan extending his winning streak to three consecutive weeks, correctly anticipating the dinosaur phenomenon while Ross played it too safe. But the real story here is how desperately the industry needed this win. We're witnessing what could be the beginning of a theatrical comeback, with James Gunn's Superman following suit by defying toxic pre-release online criticism to earn both critical acclaim and impressive box office numbers. The Man of Steel's successful flight path (83% critics, 93% audience on Rotten Tomatoes) proves quality filmmaking can still overcome social media negativity.

Looking ahead, we explore the nostalgic horror reboot/sequel "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which brings back Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. alongside a new generation of hook-fleeing teenagers. For those with more specialized cinematic tastes, we highlight "The Divine Sarah Bernhardt," Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," and the limited-run concert film "Roger Waters: This Is Not A Drill." We close with cautious optimism about upcoming releases like Fantastic Four and Tron: Aries, hoping the current momentum continues. What films are you most excited to see on the big screen? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your movie night photos!

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

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!