CinemaCon 2024 Brings Four Days of Excellence

Returning to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is NATO, the National Association of Theater Owners, who come to see what is going to excite movie goers. The studios bring their upcoming and slated films for theater owners (and welcomed press), as well as what is coming in technology and in concessions of the trade show floor. 

The stage brings Walter Hickey, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author who takes on the subject of the "science of exactly what goes on when people go to the cinema, and how movies have a significant and measurable effect on people who watch them". I'm sure all movie-goers, at one time or another, have had significant effects by a movie they have seen. To this day I can admit I have watched NOW VOYAGER, IMITATION OF LIFE, up to and including ARRIVAL AND interstellar OVER 100 TIMES. Why? Because the stories move and have continually moved me.  

Michael O'Leary, President & CEO of NATO, is the moderator of a panel with rock Bagby, President of B&B Theaters, Lisa Bunnell, President, Distribution, Focus Features, Elissa Federoff, President, Distribution, NEON and Rebecca Stein, VP, National Amusements. The discussion is the success of such films as ANATOMY OF A FALL, GODZILLA MINUS ONE and THE HOLDOVERS that are considered mid-budget films. The interest is allowing such films to have theater screenings as well and work together  to make that happen.

Starting of the week with a bang, Universal Pictures screens THE FALL GUY. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a stuntman who is brought back into it all after an accident because the ex, Emily Blunt, is missing! The film is inspired by The Fall Guy, a 1980's television series that starred Lee Majors, Heather Thomas and Douglas Barr. 

Other important happenings is the Big Screen Achievement Awards to be held on Thursday night at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. Lupita Nyong'o is to receive the CinemaCon Star of the Year Award. Mitch Neuhauser says of the actress, "In just over ten years, Lupita Nyong'o has established herself as one of the most talented and respected actors of our tie. From her Oscar winning role in 12 YEARS A SLAVE to her most chilling and determined performance in US, she never fails to surprise, captivate, and engrossing us with each new role she undertakes. Lupita Nyong'o is recognized around the world for being a star of the highest magnitude, and CinemaCon and the global exhibition community are honored to recognize her as its 2024 Star of the year". Nyong'o will next be seen this summer in A QUIET PLACE: Day One.

Director of the Year Award will be going to filmmaker Shawn Levy. Again, Neuhauser says of the filmmaker, "Throughout his impressive career, Shawn Levy never fails to give audiences what they want, the most entertaining, enjoyable and crowd pleasing films imaginable. As one of our most talented and leading filmmakers working today, we can't wait to see what he brings to our theaters this summer with the eagerly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE." This is definitely one I am lookin forward to seeing myself as Deadpool happens to be my hero - in a weird, twisted and a bit psychotic way. George Miller will be receiving the CinemaCon International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award. His film FURIOSA: A Mad Max Saga will be hitting theaters soon but Miller made his directorial debut co-writing MAD MAX where we all got our first look at Mel Gibson. Neuhauser says of Miller, "He is an archetype storyteller, transforming the imaginations of moviegoers worldwide for, forever altering the cinematic landscape. His Filmmaking serves as a testament to his enduring impact and inspiration." CinemaCon will also honor Jon M. Chu for "Representing voices ad perspectives" in his filmmaking. He is the director of Universal Pictures upcoming film WICKED.  

It should come as no surprise that the CinemaCon Vanguard Award would go to one of the most critically acclaimed funny ladies of our time. "Amy Poehler, in a most distinguished career, has been entertaining people on the big screen for over 20 years. She is one of the most versatile, recognizable, and talented performers of our generation who simply brings joy, happiness, and a smile to our faces in each new role". Of course Joy brought us joy in 2015 with the film INSIDE OUT which I saw at CinemaCon so you can imagine me and m families excitement at Poehler's return with more Joy in INSIDE OUT 2.

Receiving the CinemaCon Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award will be goin to Joseph Quinn who will be seen on the screen soon with his roles in A QUIET PLACE: Day One and the highly anticipated GLADIATOR 2. "With two major tentpoles on the horizon in 2024, " says Neuhauser, "Joseph Quinn's star is more on the rise than anyone could have anticipated and is set to become one of THE FANTASTIC FOUR. The 2024 breakthrough Performer of the Year award is a most timely and well deserved accolade". Ariana Greenblatt is to receive CinemaCon's Rising Star of 2024 Award. "To say that her star is on the rise is a true understatement. Next up is the eagerly anticipated BORDERLANDS that will undoubtedly continue this young star's trajectory towards stardom", says Neuhauser.

This next award goes to an actor who I certainly adored in his role as Matthew in the hit series Downton Abbey, but he has moved on to bigger things, literally. Dan Stevens is to receive the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting,. This year alone his upcoming films GODZILLA x KONG: The New Empire, and the horror films ABIGAIL and CUCKOO (Which I am down for!). Neuhauser says, "Each will showcase Dan's talents to a wide range of moviegoers, further enhancing his status as one of our most talented actors working today. We are honored to recognize his achievements with the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting." Is it okay to say I still adore him as Matthew?

Actor Dennis Quaid would receive the Cinema Icon Award at CinemaCon this year. "From compelling dramas to exhilarating thrillers, Denis Quaid's remarkable career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. His ability to embody diverse characters has captivated audiences for decades with his dedication to crating authentic portrayals. He is truly a Hollywood icon," says Neuhauser and you will get no argument from me. He truly is an amazing actor that has made us laugh, cry, think and jaw drop at some of his performances. One of my all-time favorites is the 2000 film FREQUENCY which also stars Jim Caviezel. If that film doesn't thrill, try the 1987 film SUSPECT which is where I first experienced Quaid. 

Actress Geena Davis is no stranger to CinemaCon and this year she will receive the VIOLA DAVIS TRAILLAZER AWARD. "Geena Davis exemplified the true essence of a trailblazer in Hollywood for not only her remarkable film career, but also in her tireless advocacy championing underrepresented voices in film and other forms of media." Davis is the Founder and Chair for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

As always, CinemaCon brings it all and holds nothing back in the way of entertainment information and there is nothing wrong with it being just so much fun as well. Tomorrow begins with the State of the Industry address, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures and all of it to kick off a celebration of summer in 2024~

CINEMACON 2022 Brings Out the Red Carpet for Studios and Theatre Owners

 

Jeri Jacquin

This past week, Las Vegas hosted the annual NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners) CINEMACON gathering together to experience what the studios have to offer theatres with their coming slates for 2022-2023 and beyond.

Caesar’s Palace was the place to be as each studio called us into the Colosseum to talk about the return of the theatrical experience and thanking the theatre owners for hanging on during the Covid shutdown. Reopening to movie-lovers, theatre owners were thanked by studio executives and stars for recognizing that everyone wants to get back into theatres!

Starting on Monday, Sony studios began the convention with director David Leitch giving the audience a look at the new film starring Brad Pitt with BULLETTRAIN. The lovely Reese Witherspoon joins the fun via the big screen to talk about the highly anticipated summer film WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

One of my favorite actresses, Viola Davis is introduced by the director of her latest film THE WOMAN KING, Gina Price-Bythewood and receives the CinemaCon Trailblazer of the Year award. Marvel’s film EL MUERTO brings Bad Bunny to star in its Latinx character driven film that will hit theatres in January of 2024.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse gives us a look at what’s to come and introduced by Phil Betancourt and Chris Miller. This installment has over two hundred and forty characters in six universes and that’s going to test my attention span for sure. Other films coming from Sony include 65 MOVIE, DEVOTION, MADAME WEB, KRAVEN, THE EQUALIZER, GHOSTBUSTERS AND VEMON.

Sony’s Chairman/CEO Tom Rothman talks about the upcoming film about George Foreman to close out the studio’s presentation.

Tuesday morning brought the studio Neon and right out of the gate is Matt Reeves, the director of the successful recent release of BATMAN. He announces that he will be heading up the next BATMAN film much to the excitement of the audience. My shock of the morning is watching the iconic David Cronenberg arrive on stage to introduce the trailer for the Viggo Mortensen-Kristen Stewart film CRIMES OF THE FUTURE. He says, “Seems an appropriate place to launch our attack on the world.”

Cronenberg also admits that writing CRIMES OF THE FUTURE took about 20 years and adding another confession that he has never been to Las Vegas. Welcome sir!

The film FIRE OF LOVE explores the relationship of love between a couple who also happens to love volcanos. An odd but interesting top for this Sundance award winner and I cannot wait to see it.

To finish the Neon presentation is MOONAGE DAYDREAM which is a film about the amazing David Bowie. We were treated to a performance of Hallo Spaceboy as director Brett Morgen says, “Bowie cannot be defined, he can be experienced”. If that were not enough, another performance of Heroes. Everyone in the audience was engrossed and emotional.

Warner Bros. presentation begins with Chairman Toby Emmerich talking about Reeves return for the next installment of BATMAN, followed by Denis Villenueve talking about his own excitement bringing DUNE 2 to the big screen in theatres. That is when the presentation is taken over by none other than Aisha Tyler.

Baz Luhrmann takes the stage to talk about the power of seeing a film in theatres and also talks about his next film ELVIS starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. He says, “it is not really a biopic but more about America in the 50s, 60s and 70s with Elvis Presley at the center of culture.”

Next, a look at the film WONKA starring Timothy Chalamet and THE FLASH starring Ezra Miller. Olivia Wilde takes the stage to talk about her directed film DON’T WORRY DARLING with Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. She says her film is a “love letter to the movies that push the boundaries of our imagination”. I don’t know Ms. Wilde, I can imagine quite a lot!

I absolutely loved seeing Helen Mirren enter the stage along with Zachy Levi and Asher Angel to talk about their new film SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods. Mirren says of her character, “She’s convinced of her righteousness.” James Wan offers up a trailer for AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM and director Gary Dauberman gives us a take on the new Stephen King film SALEM’S LOT.

The roof always comes down when The Rock enters a large room, and the Colosseum is no exception. Coming in to do double duty introducing two of his films DC SUPER PETS and BLACK ADAM, he couldn’t waste the chance to talk about the bromance with Kevin Hart “who continues to be like my third child”.

Talking about BLACK ADAM, Johnson says it is “truly a dream of mine” and shares the stage with Quintessa Swindell and Noah Cent and a peek at the film. Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Toby Emmerich is on hand to give Johnson the Entertainment Icon of the Decade Award. Well deserved!

Jason Blum refers to his new film THE BLACK PHONE as ‘scary as hell’ and the audience will have a chance to see it for themselves later in the evening. Ethan Hawke gives a startling and stunning performance in this eerie film that is going to keep me up nights for a while.

Wednesday morning starts out with a smile on my face particularly because Disney is bringing it all it has to offer. Starting out the morning with a peek at the upcoming slate, it is exciting to see more. Starting with Chris Evans, as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, screening to the audience a thirty-minute preview of the highly anticipated family film LIGHTYEAR coming this summer.

The film AMSTERDAM stars Christian Bale and Robert DeNiro is coming in November and BOB’S BURGER coming in May. Jon Landau announced the re-release of AVATAR this September as James Cameron gives the audience a peek at AVATAR: The Way of Water. And that is exactly how you end a presentation, with a big blue bang!

Universal Pictures and Focus Features bring their presentations starting out with writer/director Jordan Peele talking about his next film NOPE. Waiting for its release, he says, “I’m going to personally thrive on the amount of times I hear the word nope”, and I hope he has a counter on hand because from the looks of it – the number of times is going to be infinite!

Jamie Lee Curtis is always a joy and a laugh to see as I did a few years ago when she was promoting the HALLOWEEN film. She is back to talk about the next film HALLOWEEN ENDS saying that playing Laurie Strode has “been the ride of my life”. Her final warning about the new film is “trust me it’s gonna f**k you up!” and I trust her!

Allison Williams brings a trailer for the film M3GAN and the film BEAST OF NO NATION with Idris Elba. Ko Joy decides to have a little fun with the audience to get them ready for a look at his new film EASTER SUNDAY. I am so looking forward to the dark film THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER since I am a wicked period piece fan, this is going to be good.

If lots of laugh is what anyone is looking for, Steve Carell promises that we will get just that with the new installment from Illumination of MINIONS: The Rise of Gru. Along with that, Carell does not mind offering up Gru-voice lessons that are equally as hilarious.

The first entire LGBTQ cast is brought about by Billy Eichner and the film BROS, George Clooney and Julia Roberts come together again with a TICKET TO PARADISE, Carey Mulligan brings SHE SAID to the screen in November and MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS is coming this July. Other films include VENGEANCE, SPOILER ALERT, CHAMPIONS, Anthony Hopkins film ARMAGEDDON TIME, and the Kate Blanchett starring in TAR.

Like a kid weeks before Christmas, I am excited to see any sneak peek or just the name mentioned of DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era. On stage a special message is brought from the cast that just gets me giddy all over again.

Speaking of Christmas, what is the holiday season without a good horror film as David Harbour gives the audience a look at VIOLENT NIGHT. Our favorite swash-buckling cat is back with PUSS IN BOOTS: The Last Wish but a certain perro in the film thinks he has what it takes to declaw our hero with new charm.

Finally, and what a way to end the evening, Jeff Goldblum and Bryce Dallas Howard give a never-before-seen footage peek at JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion. Bigger, badder and madder dinosaurs are hitting the screen in weeks!

On Thursday, the final day of CinemaCon, the Paramount presentation begins with a supersonic performance that reminds us that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is still ringing at the box office. Chris Aronson, President of Domestic Distribution for Paramount, dressed like Eggman with the warning “papa has a brand new stache’!” He also introduces a reel to show what is coming with such films as TOP GUN MAVERICK, PAWS OF FURY, BABYLON, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, IF, TIGERS APPRENTICE, PAWS and A QUIET PLACE: Day One. Brian Robbins talks films of 2023 with TRANSFORMERS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and BOB MARLEY.

That all leads up to a message from Tom Cruise who could not attend CinemaCon because he was filming his newest MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Dead Reckoning Part One. On the wings of a biplane, he apologizes for not being able to attend and hopes we all understand before hanging on as the plane makes a daring dive! All of this leads up to a first screening of TOP GUN MAVERICK.

The final presentation on the final day of CinemaCon comes from Lionsgate with host Sebastian Mariscalco. Starting off with an introduction by 50 Cent, a preview of EXPENDABLES 4 hits the screen followed by a look at the horror offering THE DEVIL’S LIGHT. Rachel McAdams and Abby Fortson have the chance to talk about their newest film ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME MARGARET.

Helen Mirren makes another appearance on stage to present WHITE BIRD: A Wonder Story. Director Mark Forster says it “is a film of magical realism that is both beautiful and emotional”. That is an amazing description of the film.

Robert DeNiro and Kim Cattrall talk the film ABOUT MY FATHER from Sebastian Mariscalco. DeNiro says, “Your father was a guy I sort of understand” which is probably the most amazing compliment ever.

Director Chad Stahciski and Keanu Reeves talk JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4. Keanu cracked me up saying, “and to think, this all started because of a puppy.” Dang it Keanu, can you be any cuter? Just a personal observation.

To wrap up the Lionsgate presentation, more films coming include Eli Roth’s BORDERLANDS, BALLERINA, DIRTY DANCING 2 and HUNGER GAMES: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

The final show at CinemaCon is the BIG SCREEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS that go the following actors, congratulations to them all and well deserved.

 

Cinema Verite Award – Robert DeNiro

Comedy Star of the Year – Billy Eichner

Rising Star of 2022 – Abby Ryder Fortson

CinemaCon Vanguard Award – Rachel McAdams

Star of Tomorrow – Glen Powell

CinemaCon Star of the Year – Zoe Saldana

 

There you have it, the four days of presentations, stars, studios and theatre owners all gathered in one place to celebrate what we love the most – MOVIES! As 2022 begins to reopen, so do our favorite theatres that are popping the popcorn, keeping the soda’s cold, and stocking up on our favorite movie candy’s. As the theatrical experience brings us all back together to see everything as it was meant to be seen, you can be sure I will review it all.

Our thanks to Sony, Neon, Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Paramount, and Lionsgate for bringing us such exciting previews. Thanks to Cesar’s Palace for our yearly home away from home with your thoughtful staff.

See you next year CinemaCon and thank you!