In 2003, U.S. and Canadian box office revenues fell for the first time since 1991. Attendance slid by 4.5 percent causing some concern in Hollywood.
Is it that there are too many alternatives these days with DVD, video games and the Internet? Is it that tickets now cost well over $10? No and no, because 2002 was a blockbuster year for the movie industry and other entertainment options and high-priced tickets were in existence then. There is only one reason 2003 was such a disappointing year at the box office. The movies stunk.
If Hollywood would spend just a little more time creating a good script and ensuring the movies they release are quality, I'll bet they see a jump at the box office. Marketing will only buy you a good opening weekend. It's positive buzz and word of mouth that keeps the money flowing past week one. 2003 gave us such dogs as "Gigli", "Daredevil", "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life", "Kangaroo Jack", "Mona Lisa Smile", "Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat", "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle", "Bad Boys 2", "From Justin to Kelly", "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde", "Uptown Girls", "Beyond Borders" and "Daddy Day Care". Even movies I wanted to be good received poor reviews, like "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions". I myself only got to the theatre twice in 2003, once for a great movie and once for a terrible movie. I don't think I've been to the theatre less since I was 3. It was a terrible year for flicks.
I would like to see more good movies. That's all. I'm tired of all the crappy movies being made.
