Tag: movie

Box Office History!

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The 2025 Memorial Day weekend marked a historic box office, driven by Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch and Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning starring Tom Cruise.

Lilo & Stitch grossed an estimated $183 million domestically over the holiday, setting a new record for the biggest Memorial Day weekend opener, surpassing Top Gun: Maverick’s $160 million in 2022. The film, with a $100 million budget, also earned $341.7 million globally, fueled by strong appeal among families, Gen Z, and younger Millennials, particularly teenage girls and women, with 41% Latino and Hispanic audiences. It scored a 72% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an “A” CinemaScore.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opened with $78 million domestically over four days, a franchise-best, beating Fallout’s $61.2 million. It grossed $190 million worldwide, with a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore. The film’s success was boosted by Cruise’s star power and a strong social media presence, though some criticized its fan-service-heavy approach.

Together, the films propelled the weekend to a record $325 million in U.S. and Canada ticket sales, topping 2013’s $314 million. The diverse audience appeal (Lilo & Stitch for families and younger viewers, Mission: Impossible for adults over 25) drove this success, signaling a robust recovery for theaters post pandemic.

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A Little Too Real?

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On May 19th, 2025, a ceiling panel collapsed at Cinema Ocho in La Plata, Argentina, during a screening of Final Destination: Bloodlines, injuring 29-year-old Fiamma Villaverde.

She sustained bruises on her knee, shoulder, back, and ankle and was hospitalized. Villaverde reported that the debris narrowly missed her head because she was leaning slightly over the armrest.

The incident, which occurred during a film known for its themes of cheating death and catastrophic accidents, led some to note the ironic coincidence.

No fatalities were reported, and the theater was temporarily closed for investigation.

STORY IS HERE

Daily Throwback @ The Pie!

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On May 24th, 1989, moviegoers were treated to the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the third chapter in Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ beloved adventure saga. This film brought back Harrison Ford as the whip-cracking archaeologist Indiana Jones, joined by Sean Connery as his scholarly yet stubborn father, Henry Jones Sr. Their quest for the Holy Grail, pursued against the backdrop of Nazi schemes, delivered a perfect blend of high-stakes action, witty banter and emotional depth.

With a budget of $48 million, The Last Crusade grossed over $474 million globally, cementing its status as a box-office juggernaut. Its release was a cultural event, drawing fans to theaters for Indy’s latest globe-trotting escapade. The film’s breathtaking set pieces (like the tank chase in the desert (filmed in Almería, Spain) and the perilous Grail temple trials) kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Critics lauded the film for its fast-paced storytelling and the electric chemistry between Ford and Connery. With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s often cited as one of the strongest entries in the franchise. Reviewers praised its balance of humor, heart, and adventure, with Connery’s performance as the bookish but brave Henry Jones Sr. stealing many scenes.

The Last Crusade remains a fan favorite for its mix of swashbuckling heroism and personal stakes, exploring Indy’s relationship with his father. Iconic moments, like Indy’s leap of faith or the “No ticket!” train scene, are etched in pop culture history. The film’s themes of family, faith and perseverance resonate as strongly today as they did in 1989.

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The Life Of Honey Boo Boo!

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The new Lifetime movie I Was Honey Boo Boo, premiering today, at 8 p.m. ET, tells the life story of Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, narrated by Thompson herself.

Now a 19-year-old college student studying nursing, Thompson reflects on her rise to fame as a child pageant contestant on Toddlers & Tiaras at age five and her family’s reality show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012–2014).

The biopic explores the darker side of her child stardom, including her tumultuous relationship with her mother, June “Mama June” Shannon, marked by constant criticism, financial exploitation and Shannon’s struggles with addiction and legal issues.

Thompson aims to shed light on the challenges of child stardom and generational trauma while showing her journey to independence, living with her boyfriend Dralin Carswell and pursuing a new path.

The film has garnered attention for its raw portrayal of her story, with Thompson emphasizing honesty about her experiences, even if it risks straining ties with her mother, though she notes they are currently in a “good spot.”

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Daily Throwback @ The Pie!

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On May 16, 1986, Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise, roared into theaters, igniting a cultural phenomenon that would define a generation. The film, a high-octane blend of aerial action, romance, and raw charisma, introduced audiences to Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a cocky Navy fighter pilot whose journey through love, loss and redemption captured hearts worldwide.

Top Gun was a gamble that paid off spectacularly. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, the film combined cutting-edge aerial cinematography with a pulsating soundtrack featuring hits like Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.” Its premiere at the height of the 1980s (a decade obsessed with bold aesthetics and unapologetic bravado) couldn’t have been better timed. The film’s sleek F-14 Tomcats, choreographed dogfights and Cruise’s megawatt smile became instant icons.

Tony Scott’s kinetic direction brought the U.S. Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School to life, showcasing real pilots and aircraft in sequences that left audiences breathless. The premiere marked a moment when Hollywood embraced spectacle with a purpose, blending technical prowess with emotional storytelling. Top Gun grossed over $356 million worldwide on a $15 million budget, cementing its status as a juggernaut.

For Tom Cruise, Top Gun was a career-defining role. At 23, he was already a rising star, but Maverick catapulted him to global superstardom. His portrayal of the brash yet vulnerable pilot resonated with audiences, blending charm with depth. The chemistry between Cruise and co-stars Kelly McGillis (as instructor Charlie Blackwood) and Val Kilmer (as rival pilot Iceman) added layers to the film, making it more than just an action flick.

The premiere on May 16, 1986, wasn’t just a movie launch; it was a cultural event. Theaters buzzed with excitement, and Cruise’s leather jacket, aviator sunglasses, and Kawasaki motorcycle became instant fashion staples. The film’s influence extended beyond cinema, boosting Navy recruitment as young men and women dreamed of becoming real-life Mavericks.

Nearly four decades later, Top Gun remains a touchstone. Its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, proved the franchise’s enduring appeal, with Cruise reprising his role to critical and commercial acclaim. The original film’s premiere in 1986 marked the birth of a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers, pilots and fans alike.

On that spring day in 1986, Top Gun didn’t just premiere—it took flight, soaring into the zeitgeist and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether you’re revisiting Maverick’s dogfights or hearing “Danger Zone” for the first time, the spirit of Top Gun still feels as thrilling as it did on May 16, 1986.

The Beef Case?

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John Travolta recently enjoyed a $1,000 “Pulp Fiction”-inspired steak at Papi Steak in Miami.

The dish, called the “Beef Case,” is a 55 oz. Australian Wagyu tomahawk steak presented in a rhinestone encrusted briefcase. This was a playful nod to the mysterious briefcase from the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction where Travolta played Vincent Vega.

In the movie, the briefcase’s contents are never revealed, but at Papi Steak, it’s clear: a luxurious cut of beef. Travolta reportedly reenacted the iconic scene, opening the case with an approving nod, alongside friends like restaurant co-owners Dave Grutman and David “Papi” Einhorn, rapper Quavo, and film producer Randall Emmett, who was celebrating his birthday.

Photos of the moment have been widely shared, capturing the extravagant experience.

See the photos and read more at the link below!

LINK IS HERE