2011: Not the Best Year for the Movies

We working class citizens are all painfully aware of the failing economy.  But this year, Hollywood is feeling the effects as well.  “With only days to go before final numbers are in, the silver screen is sparkling a little less brightly this year.  Movie sales are down an overall 4.5 percent from 2010 and the North American box office is set to record an annual take of just over $10 billion when all the dust settles, according to sites such as boxofficemojo.com and Hollywood.com.”

Part of the reason for such low numbers has been dull responses to what were considered major December releases like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and New Year’s Eve.  Both of these movies were predicted to generate far more money than they actually did, according to CBS News:  “Even with blockbuster end-of-year releases, including “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” which is having a tremendous run both in the U.S. and globally, it looks like 2011 is going to give studios and movie executives something to reflect and scratch their heads about – what are they going to have to do to move the dial and make 2012 a ‘greener’ year?”

2011 saw a huge spike in the number of 3D releases, which averaged to about 40.  The 3D movies upped the average ticket price by about $3 to $5, causing a backlash among moviegoers.  Most people were disappointed that they would have to pay more for films they did not care to see with the added dimension.

Despite the low numbers, audiences certainly did show their love for sequels, which made up the top 7 highest-grossing films for 2011.  “The Hangover II” was the seventh largest grosser of the year.  The vampire nuptials in Part 1 of the “Twilight” saga’s “Breaking Dawn,” brought in$650 million globally.

Showing that “kid” movies really aren’t just for kids, “Kung Fu Panda 2” pulled in more than $660 million.  The year’s second biggest grosser, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” brought in $1.1 billion worldwide.  The biggest money maker of the year, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” brought in $1.3 billion.

We can only wait and see what the silver screen will bring us in 2012.  Hopefully they will listen to feedback from the consumer, and cater to their needs so that movie-going will once again be an enjoyable and affordable experience.