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Holiday movies bring cinema magic to box office
by Robyn Campbell
Each holiday season the movie industry releases several blockbusters-to-be designed to lure
moviegoers into theaters.
This season is no exception, and this year's movies are bound to break box office records.
The film industry markets the holiday season because, "students are out of school and families
want
to be entertained," said Margaret Stratton, a spokeswoman for Universal Pictures.
Traditionally, the biggest day for box-office revenue is the day after Thanksgiving. Other than
shopping, people want to see movies.
The next largest day for box office draw is Christmas. For moviegoers, these dates offer holiday
alternatives and family entertainment outside the home.
These dates also mark the deadline for Oscar nomination consideration. By garnering Oscar
nominations, a movie can extend its marketability and generate additional profits.
"By releasing films at this time of year, it makes it easier for Academy Award consideration,"
Stratton said.
"Monsters, Inc." broke box office records in its opening weekend Nov. 2. It was the largest
opening not on a holiday. The final "Monsters, Inc." tally for box office revenue opening weekend
was $63 million.
In addition to "Monsters, Inc.," the films most likely to attract crowds over the next two months
are definitely going to be "Harry Potter," "Ocean's 11," "Ali," and "The Lord of the Rings."
"Harry Potter," opening Nov. 16, is the most anticipated film of this holiday season for children
and their parents. Record sales of the book series, which is the basis for the film, only fuels the
popularity of the little wizard soon to hit the big screen.
Adult audiences will flock to "Ocean's 11" opening Dec. 7, is a remake of the classic Rat Pack film
of the same title. "Ocean's 11" contains an all-star cast, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt
Damon, Julia Roberts and Andy Garcia. The movie also stars up-and-coming actor Casey Affleck, Ben
Affleck's younger brother.
"Ocean's 11" is a comedic crime caper about a convict (Clooney) recently released from prison who
organizes the largest casino robbery in history with the best thugs around.
"Ali," opening Christmas Day, takes moviegoers on a biographical journey takes Muhammad Ali from
his days as Cassius Clay to the legend that he is today. The film, which stars Will Smith in the lead
and Jada Pinkett-Smith, packs a husband-and-wife team punch.
Will Smith, who underwent extensive training for the role, looks more like the incredible hulk than
the Fresh Prince, and has movie critics already talking Oscar.
"The Fellowship of the Ring" is the first installment of the highly anticipated "Lord of the Rings"
triology. The two sequels are being filmed back to back in time for their releases in Dec. 2002 and
2003. The triology is adapted from the best-selling books.
As violence, terrorism and war continue to dominate the headlines, several movies originally slated
for holiday releases have been put on hold.
According to industry officials, Jennifer Lopez's project "Tick Tock" set to start filming in
Dec. 2001 has been pushed back to June 2002.
The plot behind "Tick Tock" centers around the frantic search for hidden bombs in L.A. before more
lives are taken.
"People can look forward to movies related to family issues," Stratton said.
Hollywood is hoping that this year's holiday movies will shatter previous box office records
as moviegoers take a break from reality and head to their local theaters.
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