Popcorn Movies / Doing The Fandango

Popcorn Movies - A New Genre

Can't Wait To See Summer's Popcorn Flicks

Coined by Betsy Sharkey of the LA Times, popcorn movies are those films "whose primary mission is to entertain. That's it. No thinking, tear-jerking, reflecting required.  They must have a popcorn soul."

What than are the requirements that make an unforgettable popcorn film and not just another run-on-the-mill popper.  The perfect popcorn movie must first be a big box office bruiser.  It must have the muscle to meet our high-impact expectations. It must also have:

- Bigger than life characters, be they superheros, sci-fi monsters, or horror makers.  One way or another, good or bad, the characters must arose emotions.  The heroes, to be super, must have foes that are as complex and compelling as they are.  Baddies that stay with you days after you view them. Think swimming shortly after viewing 'Jaws'.

- Special effects must be off-the-chain. The big screen demands big visuals and big sound.  The effects should Wow!  They should visually take you there and experience what you could never in real life.

- A great Popcorn movie should make you want more.  Make you demand a sequel or more. You can't get enough.  A film that is touted to be a Popcorn flick better not disappoint.  If advertised as a bruiser it better deliver.

So, happy Popcorn movie viewing.  This summer's roster will hopefully provide a number of 'popcorn poppers' - look for them and enjoy the fantasy and mindlessness of this 'must see' genre.

Movieclips Does The Fandango

Doing the Fandango

Fandango - a lively, over-the-top Spanish duo dance in triple time or, the name of the largest cinema online ticketing service in the U.S. Fandango, which is owned by NBC/Universal, inked a deal last week to acquire Movieclips, the operator of movie-oriented YouTube channels.  The importance of this transaction is that Fandango sees its future, at least a big part of it, in offering more diverse web-based services.

Operated by Zefr Inc., Movieclips manages 25 YouTube channels which offer film clips, trailers, and original video productions.  It has more than 7 million subscribers and averages 200 million viewers per month! Started in 2009, Movieclips partnered with the Hollywood studios to pay them for distribution of short clips and trailers from popular movies. "This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone in building the ultimate destination for moviegoers and fans alike",  Rich Radden of Zefr told CMG. To which Paul Yanover, President of Fandango added, "Movieclips will further our service to fans, enhancing the Fandango experience with new video content.  This deal will provide consumers an even better way to explore and share their passion for movies."

The is a good strategic move for Fandango as it expands on their movie ticket selling business which serves over 23,000 cinema screens.  Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.