The first Avatar film is back in theaters for a limited run ahead of its much-delayed sequel. This is just the start of the hype train for Avatar 2, which is coming 13 years after the first film became the highest-grossing movie of all time. No one I know has watched Avatar since it was originally in theaters—as perhaps the only good 3D movie, the movie loses its sparkle in the home theater (though I did once see someone watching it on a plane, the way James Cameron intended).
It’s a bit surprising that national theater chains and distribution companies haven’t made more of an effort to bring back older films for limited runs in-between the big hits. It’s an easy sell for people who love going to the theater: hey, come check out this movie you know you like and get an experience you can’t get at home. Win-win!
So, as we gather around the water cooler tonight, let’s discuss: what older movie would you rush out to see in theaters if it came back for a limited run?
Titanic — I've only ever watched it the whole way through once, when I was about 10 and out sick from school. In our household we often put it on when it's on TV and watch 30 minutes of it, but I would happily sink 3 hours and 15 minutes of my life into seeing it in the theater.
Definitely Lord of the Rings, not very picky on which particular movie, but it’s the 20th anniversary of The Two Towers so I’ll go with that one. I just saw the LOTR trilogy for the first time and was surprised that there’s been no effort to bring it back into theaters. Like Avatar, those movies just seem made for the big screen.
I'm still suffering COVID aversion (like, not worth the risk, honestly) But I might be drawn out by the Wizard of Oz. Can't beat seeing that on a big screen, in kick-ass Technicolor.
Night Water Cooler: What movie would you bring back to theaters?
Monty Python, either the Holy Grail or the Life of Brian. Both Xmas/Easter classics in the Montague household. I would love to see them in a theater.
Jurassic Park
Kill Bill Vol 1.
The Hunted (1995; starring Christopher Lambert)
TMNT (1990)
Drive.
Fright Night (the original version).
Near Dark.
The Hidden.
Nomads (1986).
Tremors.
Matinee.
Hocus Pocus.
Fanny and Alexander.
Nacho Libre. Or 300 but just so your dad could take us to see it.
Titanic — I've only ever watched it the whole way through once, when I was about 10 and out sick from school. In our household we often put it on when it's on TV and watch 30 minutes of it, but I would happily sink 3 hours and 15 minutes of my life into seeing it in the theater.
Definitely Lord of the Rings, not very picky on which particular movie, but it’s the 20th anniversary of The Two Towers so I’ll go with that one. I just saw the LOTR trilogy for the first time and was surprised that there’s been no effort to bring it back into theaters. Like Avatar, those movies just seem made for the big screen.
I'm still suffering COVID aversion (like, not worth the risk, honestly) But I might be drawn out by the Wizard of Oz. Can't beat seeing that on a big screen, in kick-ass Technicolor.