Why Are Movies Getting Longer?

 The length of an average theatrical movie has gotten longer and longer. Why?

Many films have what I call 'filler', unnecessary scenes or scenes that can be greatly shortened. You want the film to end, but it keeps going.

The average run rate for a film in the 1990s was 106 minutes, in the 2000s, 114 minutes - a bit under two hours. Now, adding pre-show ads and trailers (which run about 20-30 minutes), the moviegoing experience averages 180 to 240 minutes (3 - 4 hours). Action films average the least amount of time, 128 minutes, but many films exceed even the 180-minute mark.

Lengthy films, some with intermissions, included 'The Godfather', 'Lawrence of Arabia',
'Schindler's List', and 'Gone with The Wind'.

IMO, the studios want the moviegoer to feel they are experiencing a major entertainment event. A good example is the 'Lord of the Rings: Return of the King', which ran 210 minutes. 

It may also be a trend with younger viewers, who think nothing of spending hours in front of a PC or iPad screen. Additionally, people may feel that if they pay for entertainment, they want to see something substantial for their investment in time and money. 

Still, these may just be excuses. Many classic films were two hours or less in length. 'Back to the Future', 'Jaws', 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back', ' Jurassic Park', 'Spiderman'. 

Jim Lavorato

Head of C3-PO is Auctioned Off

 

The head of 'Star Wars' Droid C3-PO fetched $1 million at the annual Propstore auction. 

A relic of the past, but one that represents the technological disruption we are currently witnessing.

Other items generating top dollar were memorabilia from 'Jaws', 'Lord of the Rings', Pirates of the Caribbean', 'Top Gun', and the 'Batman' films.

Depp Launches 'Three Hearts' Rum

 

Johnny Depp and Steven Tyler at 'Three Hearts' launch

Celebs have been introducing branded merch for years, from movie stars to sports figures to online influencers. So, it is no surprise that Johnny Depp joined the party.

At a post-Oscars soiree, hosted by Aerosmith rocker, Steven Tyler, Johnny Depp made a very rare public appearance to launch his new rum, 'Three Hearts'.

Entertainment for the bash was Matteo Bocelli, son of acclaimed opera singer Andrea Bocelli.

Andrea and Matteo Bocelli

According to Depp, 'Three Hearts' was inspired by his "tattoos, and personal philosophy, with the brand's motto being - No Fear. No Malice, No Envy."

Aerial shot of Little Hall's Pond Cay, in the Bahamas

The rum is a premium Caribbean-inspired liquor that Depp founded with his long-time friend Bobby DeLeon. Depp owns a private island in the Bahamas, called Little Hall's Pond Cay. He has lived in the Caribbean area for decades. The island, about 45 acres in size, was purchased by Depp in 2004 for $3.6 million.

All the best, Johnny