35 years of Summer Blockbusters - May 16th

May 16, 2008 - two years ago Disney released The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This was the second book to be adapted as part of The Chronicles Of Narnia Film Series. The film is a sequel to The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe released in 2005. It received mostly positive reviews but it's box office fell short of expectations and did not surpass the original film. With a production budget of $225 million and a U.S. box office of only $194 million Disney found the film series too expensive and will not co-produce the third installment. It will be released by 20th century Fox.

At the Movie House rating **1/2 stars

May 16, 2002 - Eight years ago Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones was released to withering reviews and massive box office. Most of the criticism was directed at the script and the wooden acting of Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman in their romantic scenes. Attack Of The Clones is the only Star Wars film to not be the top grossing film the year it was released, it ranked fourth. It was beaten by The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets and Spider-Man. Adjusted for inflation it is the lowest performing Star wars episode.
At The Movie House rating ** stars

May 16, 1986 - Twenty Four years ago Top Gun opened and blasted Tom Cruise to the ranks of superstar. The film was a massive hit increasing sales in bomber jackets and Ray-ban sunglasses along the way. Air Force and Navy recruitment also increased after the films release. The film had two hit songs Take My Breathe Away and Danger Zone and the popular oft quoted line "I feel the need - the need for speed".

At the Movie House rating *** stars (The audio rocks on a good home video sound system)

May 16, 1980 - The real high school musical, Fame opened. The film was a hit and won Oscars for best score and best song. It spawned a TV series, a TV spin-off, a Broadway musical and a remake in 2009.

At the Movie House rating *** stars

May 16, 1980 - Also opening was the excellent western The Long Riders. The film was notable for the portrayal of four sets of outlaw brothers being played by real life brothers Carradine, Keach, Quaid and Guest. The film was a modest success, but at the time of it's release westerns were not in fashion anymore. Look for this one on DVD it's worth watching.

At the Movie House rating *** 1/2 stars

May 16, 1975 - Thirty Five years ago Peter Sellers returned to the role of Inspector Clouseau after an eleven year absence, in the film The Return Of The Pink Panther. This was the fourth film to feature the Clouseau character but only the third featuring Peter Sellers. The success of this film firmly placed the Pink panther series as summer blockbusters and spawned seven more sequels or remakes in the past 35 years.
At The Movie House rating **1/2 stars