The Box Office Revival + Bring Her Back Fails to Impress

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May 2025 marked a historic turning point for theatrical exhibition with box office numbers approaching $1 billion on just 128 releases – half the number required to hit that mark pre-pandemic. This stunning 75% year-over-year growth signals what could be the full recovery of theatrical moviegoing after years of uncertainty.
Behind this remarkable surge were five films crossing the $100 million domestic threshold, led by Disney's surprisingly dominant "Lilo and Stitch" ($260M domestic) and Marvel's "Thunderbolts" ($180M). Perhaps most unexpected was "Final Destination: Bloodlines," the sixth entry in a long-dormant franchise that managed to earn over $200M worldwide – proving audiences still hunger for inventive horror when executed properly.
The hosts dissect several recent releases, finding much to be desired in "Bring Her Back," the sophomore effort from the directors behind A24's "Talk to Me." Despite strong performances and effective sound design, the film's telegraphed storytelling undermines its potential for genuine suspense. Similarly disappointing is Guy Ritchie's "Fountain of Youth," described as a "dollar store version of Indiana Jones and National Treasure" despite its star-studded cast. Netflix's "Fear Street: Prom Queen" fares better as a fun but lesser entry in the franchise, while HBO's tech billionaire satire "Mountainhead" delivers mixed results.
Looking forward, excitement builds for Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," the Ana de Armas-led "Ballerina," and Ty West's vampire film premiering at Tribeca. The hosts also share news of Luca Guadagnino directing an AI business comedy and James Cameron tackling a dark fantasy project called "The Devils." These developments, alongside the emergence of AI-themed narratives as a distinct subgenre, reflect how cinema continues to process our collective anxieties and fascinations.
Catch Alex and Max each week as they explore theatrical releases, streaming debuts, and industry developments with insight and enthusiasm that reminds us why movies still matter.

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Chapters

1. Box Office Records: May 2025 Analysis (00:00:00)

2. Recent Theatrical Releases Discussion (00:11:58)

3. Bring Her Back: Horror Film Review (00:19:53)

4. Streaming Releases: Fountain of Youth (00:36:30)

5. Fear Street Franchise Discussion (00:41:38)

6. Mountainhead and AI in Cinema (00:56:00)

7. Industry News and Announcements (01:08:45)

8. Show Update: Erica's Departure (01:14:51)