MikeQ

Looks fantastic and beautifully produced. The idea to shift the sequel into a musical is a potentially brilliant move - in a way that feels in keeping with the potential themes of the film (from my best intuition from the trailer) and that certainly distinguishes it from the first film. It just feels like they've taken this in an interesting and compelling direction, antithetical to most superhero films that try to be relatively familiar and mundane. Peace, Mike

This is the kind of teaser that's meant to be more of an announcement video - like "hey folks, a Beetlejuice sequel is coming - and it is going to be an actual sequel, not a reboot, with all of the characters you know and love plus Jenna Ortega" (cue closeups of all the characters). Personally, I'm psyched. I have time to adjust my expectations downwards if reactions/reviews/full trailers are terrible. Peace, Mike

A great watch from Villeneuve. There's a critical change from the book that he mentions making that - as someone who hasn't read the book - strikes me as an excellent change in adapting this story for the screen and telling the story of Paul Atreides. Without knowing the original story, it gives me a strong feeling that Villeneuve made a series of smart changes in adapting this supposedly unadaptable story. It's also interesting listening to decisions regarding use of natural lighting and shooting as much as possible in order to aid VFX creation. I watch both Dune movies and wonder how the visual effects are so exceptional compared to most big blockbuster films - and the way he describes shooting scenes makes me believe that a significant factor in good visual effects is having a director that shoots the scenes and knows how to do so in the most natural/realistic way. Peace, Mike

I can't stop listening to the soundtrack, notably 'A Time of Quiet...'. I'm thrilled Zimmer won his second Oscar for Part One, and would love to see him win again for Part Two. This is a nice watch if you're a Zimmer fan: Peace, Mike

$7.6 million for Dune: Part 2 would be a 37.7% drop from last Friday - very strong and on par with Oppenheimer's 2nd-to-3rd Friday drop (-37.9%). Dune's weekly drop of 41.3% (from week 1 to week 2) is even better than Oppenheimer's (-43.7%). That's not to say that it will have legs on par with Oppenheimer (which had exceptional legs and is STILL in theatres), but makes it clear that this is no doubt a great start to its run. Peace, Mike

Excellent second weekend drop for Dune. If we look at all 60M+ openers without a holiday second weekend, it's in the top 20 best second weekend drops. It's one of only 4 sequels in the top 20. It's also worth noting that most of the films on the list below are animated family films and/or of an earlier era of box office when Thursday previews were not as dominant or did not exist (and therefore second weekend drops naturally weren’t as hefty). A 44% drop for a sequel in this day and age is exceptionally rare. Looking forward to seeing how its legs continue! Peace, Mike Best Second Weekend Drops for 60M+ Friday Openers without Holiday Second Weekend: Monsters Inc (2001): -27.2% American Sniper (2014): -27.6% The Incredibles (2004): - 28.7% Top Gun: Maverick (2022): -28.9% Zootopia (2016): -31.6% Inception (2010): -32.0% Finding Nemo (2003): -33.7% Up (2009): -35.2% The Passion of the Christ (2004): -36.5% Spider-Man (2002): -37.8% The Jungle Book (2016): -40.4% Inside Out (2015) -42.1% Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018): -42.3% Barbie (2023): -42.6% The Grinch (2018): -42.9% Wonder Woman (2017): -43.3% Oppenheimer (2023): -43.4% Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012): -43.5% Cars (2006): -43.9% Dune: Part Two (2024): -44.0% Kung Fu Panda (2008): -44.2% Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008): -44.5% Black Panther (2018): -44.7% The Lorax (2012): -44.7% Monsters University (2013): -44.7%

What Was I Made For absolutely blew up this year, all over the radio and social media, and won Song of the Year at the Grammy's, the first song from a movie to do so since Titanic's My Heart Will Go On. Moreover, the song proved to encapsulate what Greta Gerwig was looking for thematically in Barbie's heart song - so much so that she and Mark Ronson decided to weave pieces of that song into the score of the film at key moments that represent changes in Barbie in her journey of self discovery. It's a very deserving winner, in my opinion. Peace, Mike

I don't think it will be particularly controversial - Lily didn't sweep the precursors and so the win for Emma Stone isn't that surprising (and a win for Gladstone was not considered "inevitable" by any means). While most predicted Gladstone to win after the SAG awards, Emma Stone had won Actress at BAFTA, Critics Choice and Globe, which ensured she was still very much in the conversation. Many still considered it up in the air come Oscar night. Peace, Mike

So incredibly thrilled for Nolan being an Oscar winner! Peace, Mike

I'm not surprised that Dune Part Two appears to be developing some strong legs (though it's early). What a genuine cinematic achievement. Together with Part One, a fantastical story of morality, culture, greed and power. Visually stunning, no doubt, but also it flows exceptionally well. And what a cast. It is gratifying seeing films like Oppenheimer, Barbie and Dune - from singular artists with their own points of view - killing it at the box office. More of this, please! Peace, Mike

Let’s go, Pedro! Somehow he broke through to win a Succession-dominated category. Peace, Mike

Jo Koy was a pretty terrible host - no offence to him as a comedian when he's in his own element. The jokes were lacklustre, at best, and super cringe at worst - and not delivered in a confident or incisive manner. It is possible to be a good host. When Tina Fey & Amy Poehler hosted from 2013-2015, these were the best hosted awards shows I've ever seen. I'll legitimately go back and watch the opening monologues from those years - sharp, well executed, topical jokes that hit their targets but were delivered in a way that felt good natured and fun. Peace, Mike

Beautiful speech from Lily Gladstone. Great winners, all around! The increased size and diversity of the new Golden Globes journalists organization this year is clearly demonstrated in both the nominees and winners. They don't feel like the usual Golden Globes at all - pretty cool! It remains to be seen what this means for the awards season moving forward, as the Globes are still a non-industry awards body - and we've seen before how things can look like they're moving in one direction and then they go in another. That said, I've believed since the summer when Oppenheimer dominated both critically and commercially, with an acclaimed director that is overdue, that Oppenheimer would dominate this awards season. I expect it to win Best Picture and Director at the Oscars, too, and a slew of other awards. Peace, Mike

I totally understand your confusion. If you click on the tweet thread, the person says: Did not think this was going to gain traction, but for context I vote as a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. Just so it’s known what I mean by saying “I would’ve voted for it in xyz” I'll add that that the Academy has very strict campaigning rules (especially after the last Oscars); Academy members are not allowed to share their voting intentions or preferences in any public forum (or lobby/encourage other members to vote for a particular film, etc). Peace, Mike

I'm not sure from where you heard this, but Oscar nominations voting takes place from January 11th to 16th, with nominees being announced a week later on Jan 23rd. Peace, Mike

I made for a double feature today in seeing both The Color Purple and Wonka. Both seem like absolute crowdpleasers that should do very well over the coming holiday week and into January. Wonka was a surprise in how well it worked - and Chalamet is successful in making a young Wonka his own. He is truly delightful in the role. Happy Holidays all Peace, Mike

For those curious, where Barbie and Oppy sit as of estimated Sundays. Both are incredible feats for their respective genre - in terms of their oversized openings and remarkable legs, to end up so highly on this list. Best Multipliers Ever for $70+ Million Opening Films (Friday Openers): Avatar (2009) — 77.0 million (9.73) Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — 126.7 million (5.67) Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) — 134.1 million (5.10) Finding Nemo (2003) — 70.3 million (4.84) Zootopia (2016) — 75.1 million (4.55) Wonder Woman (2017) — 103.3 million (4.00) Inside Out (2015) — 90.4 million (3.94) American Sniper (2015) — 89.3 million (3.92) Aladdin (2019) — 91.5 million (3.89) Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) — 248.0 million (3.78) Barbie (2023) — 162.0 million (3.76)^ Toy Story 3 (2010) — 110.3 million (3.76) Oppenheimer (2023) — 82.5 million (3.74)^ The Incredibles (2004) — 70.5 million (3.71) Frozen II (2019) — 130.3 million (3.66) Despicable Me 3 (2017) — 72.4 million (3.65) Finding Dory (2016) — 135.1 million (3.60) Toy Story 4 (2019) — 120.9 million (3.59) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) — 84.6 million (3.58) The Secret Life of Pets (2016) — 104.4 million (3.53) The Jungle Book (2016) — 103.3 million (3.53) Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 94.3 million (3.53) Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone (2001) — 90.3 million (3.52) Spider-Man (2002) — 114.8 million (3.52) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) — 73.6 million (3.51) Joker (2019) — 96.2 million (3.49) Black Panther (2018) — 202.0 million (3.47) Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) — 107.0 million (3.45) Skyfall (2012) — 88.4 million (3.44) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 155.1 million (3.43) Peace, Mike

They are still very close, but this isn't quite true. I think where your mixup is coming from is that Oppenheimer has a studio reported Monday estimate, whereas Barbie does not. Their totals into Sunday give the following multipliers: Barbie: 3.76 Oppenheimer: 3.74 This doesn't preclude Oppy having stronger legs moving forward - but up until now, their legs have been remarkably in sync with each other through their runs. I'd love to see them both hit a 4x multiplier to cap off their incredible duo of a run, but I'm still uncertain if either will achieve this... let's see! Peace, Mike

I think it has a very strong chance of becoming the leggiest 150M+ opener; it needs to end with ~614M+ to do so. Peace, Mike

Only four weekends in for Barbie and Oppenheimer, and both are already among the leggiest films with $70M+ openings. With a pretty clear landscape for them moving forward, and Labour Day weekend to come, I'm excited to see where they will land. Best Multipliers Ever for $70+ Million Opening Films (Friday Openers): Avatar (2009) — 77.0 million (9.73) Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — 126.7 million (5.67) Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) — 134.1 million (5.10) Finding Nemo (2003) — 70.3 million (4.84) Zootopia (2016) — 75.1 million (4.55) Wonder Woman (2017) — 103.3 million (4.00) Inside Out (2015) — 90.4 million (3.94) American Sniper (2015) — 89.3 million (3.92) Aladdin (2019) — 91.5 million (3.89) Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) — 248.0 million (3.78) Toy Story 3 (2010) — 110.3 million (3.76) The Incredibles (2004) — 70.5 million (3.71) Frozen II (2019) — 130.3 million (3.66) Despicable Me 3 (2017) — 72.4 million (3.65) Finding Dory (2016) — 135.1 million (3.60) Toy Story 4 (2019) — 120.9 million (3.59) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) — 84.6 million (3.58) The Secret Life of Pets (2016) — 104.4 million (3.53) The Jungle Book (2016) — 103.3 million (3.53) Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 94.3 million (3.53) Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone (2001) — 90.3 million (3.52) Spider-Man (2002) — 114.8 million (3.52) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) — 73.6 million (3.51) Joker (2019) — 96.2 million (3.49) Black Panther (2018) — 202.0 million (3.47) Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) — 107.0 million (3.45) Skyfall (2012) — 88.4 million (3.44) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 155.1 million (3.43) Star Trek (2009) — 75.2 million (3.43) The Dark Knight (2008) — 158.4 million (3.38) Shrek Forever After (2010) — 70.8 million (3.37) Incredibles 2 (2018) — 182.7 million (3.33) I Am Legend (2007) — 77.2 million (3.32) Monsters University (2013) — 82.4 million (3.26) Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) — 70.2 million (3.26) Barbie (2023) — 162.0 million (3.25)^ Iron Man (2008) — 98.6 million (3.23) Oppenheimer (2023) — 82.5 million (3.21)^ ^ Run not yet complete Peace, Mike

After Tuesday's grosses, Barbie is at a 2.95x multiplier and Oppenheimer at 2.88x. Barbie will smash past a 3x multiplier either today or tomorrow, and Oppenheimer will sail past on the weekend. What a joy this has been following their runs. Hoping for some really strong late legs from both. Peace, Mike

Couldn't disagree more with this response. Ken spends most of the time seeking Barbie's attention and approval, and defines his existence and self-worth via his relationship to her. And then at the climax of the film, Ken literally (spoilers): And THEN Barbie: Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but I just don't see this person's assertion that this is not the film that was written, at all. It is threaded within the narrative and humour of the film. Peace, Mike

For me, your latter point is how I feel about both films. Finally saw Oppenheimer, and the emotional and moral landscape of it is sitting with me in some beautiful ways other recent Nolan films have not. Really would be thrilled to see Nolan win his directing Oscar for this (at this point, given the critical and box office success of Oppenheimer and discourse around this being Nolan’s best, I think he has it in the bag). Barbie also sits with me with its existentialist layers of what it means to be a man and to be a woman, and the complexities and contradictions that entails. What is so lovely about this film is that pretty much every person I’ve discussed it with has offered a different takeaway from the film or new vantage point to reflect on. Many people see themselves reflected in the film in different ways. Having seen both of them now, it’s clear to me why these films not only opened in an explosive manner, re: “Barbenheimer”, but have endured and will both fly by 3x multipliers in remarkable fashion for their size and genre. Peace, Mike

First live performance of What Was I Made For at Lollapalooza. The impact of this song is great to see. Only 3 weeks old and folks are singing along. Peace, Mike

First Wed-to-Wed Drops for Biggest July Openers (80m+) The Secret Life of Pets: -43.3% Barbie: -45% (est.) Oppenheimer: -46% (est.) The Dark Knight Rises: -46.7% The Lion King: -48.3% Black Widow: -48.4% Thor: Love & Thunder: -49.2% Spider-Man: Homecoming: -49.8% The Dark Knight: -52.4% POTC: Dead Man’s Chest: -54.4% Minions: -55.0% Minions: The Rise of Guru: -55.6% Harry Potter 7 (Part 2): -57.9% Spider-Man: Far From Home: -66.5% (opened on a Tue) Despicable Me 2: -72.4% (opened on a Wed) Spider-Man 2: -75.2% (opened on a Wed) Transformers: Dark of the Moon: -76.6% (opened on a Wed) Peace, Mike