As always with a blockbuster, there's a small army of individuals and immense resources that must be marshalled to produce it.
That is why I never want to see a big budget film become a flop. So I sincerely hope this film discloses some solid entertainment.
Sorry, rant ensuing:
I don't know, as I've gotten older, more cynical and I guess more grumpy, I don't mind seeing some of these overblown, self-important bits of "art" flop hard.
It's an industry based on image and make-believe run by ego-maniacs. Name another industry with not 1, but multiple awards shows. The Academy awards, Golden Globes awards, SAG awards, BAFTA, The Critics Choice awards, the now defunked MTV Movie Awards and the entertainment adjacent, Tony awards, Emmy awards and Grammy awards. How many awards do these people need?! Are their egos that fragile?
These award shows are designed to have the industry big shots walk the red carpet as they flaunt their wealth and success for the sorry plebs back home, on their way into a 2+ hour self congratulatory session of blowing smoke up each other's arses. And spouting speeches about whatever political or non-entertainment topic currently has their panties wrinkled up. "I'm a major F'ing star, now you dip-shits at home listen to me pontificate as I preach to the choir with my well deserved award in my hand."
After an evening of self important back slapping, some nominees are off to collect their Swag Bag of "little goodies" often valued at way more than many high earners make in a year (bold by me):
External Quote:
The six‑figure swag bag, independently produced by Distinctive Assets and not affiliated with the Academy or the Oscars, has become a pop‑culture spectacle of its own. For 2026, the company is once again delivering an over‑the‑top collection of luxury travel, wellness experiences, beauty products, gourmet treats and high‑end gadgets valued at around
$350,000, according to
Reuters.
But hey, one can relax about the ostentatiousness of it all, as the swag is properly sourced and important in a time when we all need a "little more fun and frivolity in life". Assuming you got one of these bags that is (bold by me):
External Quote:
"Our extraordinary nominee gifts are in no way based on need," Distinctive Assets co-founder
Lash Fary said. "We are acknowledging these amazing nominees while elevating and showcasing small businesses, minority‑owned brands, female entrepreneurs and companies that give back
at a time when everyone can use a little more fun and frivolity."
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/enter...ne-wins-gift-bag-2026-oscar-nominees/3860577/
It's also an industry that is completely morally bankrupt, despite people like Mark Ruffalo and others running their self-righteous mouths all the time. In 2009 over 100 of these Hollywood elites signed a sternly worded letter calling for convicted sex offender Roman Polanski to be released from Swiss custody. After pleading guilty to "unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor", Polanski continued partying it up with young girls in Germany and eventually fled to Europe rather than face prison time in the US. A bad apple, sure, except upon his arrest, Hollywood rallied around the genius:
External Quote:
More than 100 people in the film industry, including
Woody Allen,
Monica Bellucci,
Martin Scorsese,
Darren Aronofsky,
David Lynch,
Wes Anderson,
Harrison Ford,
Harmony Korine,
Michael Mann, and
Jonathan Demme, among many others signed a petition in 2009 calling for Polanski's release.
[68][75][76][77]
Harvey Weinstein also defended Polanski, arguing: "Hollywood has the best moral compass, because it has compassion."
[83][84]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Polanski_sexual_abuse_case
I guess what's a little hanky-panky with a drunk and drugged up 13 year old at Jack Nicholson's house with Angelica Huston in the other room when you've got the likes of Woody (I had sex with my adopted daughter) Allen and Harvey (Hollywood's moral compass) Weinstein defending you.
It's also creatively bankrupt. The all powerful Mouse now owns much of the IPs of the last 50 years and just keeps flogging them for every nickel, which has resulted in big budget flop after flop after flop. Spielberg's last few efforts have been attempts at rehashing existing IPs like
The Adventures of Tintin (2011), and
Westside Story (2021). Tintin did ok, while Westside flopped. And the semi-autobiographical
The Fabelmans, which did just ok.
I loved CE3K and still do. But the trailers so far for this new one look like a lot of UFO tropes. If so, then it deserves to flop.
Sorry, rant over. Carry on.
