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New York Post
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Jaws' did what no movie could do today — it made the entire world terrified to swim
Shark! Shark! 'Jaws,' which hit theaters 50 years ago next Friday, is known for making many splashes. It was the first hit for a 27-year-old Steven Spielberg, the man who'd go on to become one of Hollywood's all-time greatest directors. Advertisement And the innovative 1975 horror film is considered one of the earliest blockbusters. An estimated one third of Americans went to see it. Those are Super Bowl numbers. 5 'Jaws' caused an entire generation to develop an irrational fear of sharks. Courtesy Everett Collection There's composer John Williams' 'duh-dun' score that everyone can hum, and the classic ad-libbed line 'We're gonna need a bigger boat' that everyone can recite. Advertisement But my favorite feat of 'Jaws' is that the monster movie had such a powerful bite when it was released that it made the masses terrified to so much as dip a toe in salty water for months. Years! No major films come anywhere close to that kind of impact today. Sure, 'Barbie' got groups of friends to get dolled up in pink frocks, and 'Minecraft' pushed a few idiots to trash theaters for kicks on TikTok. But 'Jaws' actually changed how people lived their lives. During the summer of 1975, The Post wrote a lot of stories about the 'shark scare' along the southern coast of Long Island, from East Quogue to Fire Island, that was 'touched off by the movie version of Peter Benchley's 'Jaws'.' Advertisement 'Jaws' was set in the fictional Long Island town of Amity. Suddenly, the real place was Sharksville, USA. 5 Beaches from Long Island to North Carolina and more reported visitors being hesitant to go in the water. Courtesy Everett Collection This one's a real doozy. In August of that year, we reported that two police officers on a boat off Jones Beach encountered a 10-to-14-foot-long shark and started to open fire into the ocean — 15 rounds! — killing the fish. Imagine watching that unfold from your folding chair. Advertisement 'Everybody clapped. But when we left they were still standing on the shoreline,' one cop said of the Jaws-struck crowd. 'You know,' the wannabe Roy Scheider added, 'if it weren't for the movie, this wouldn't be such a big deal.' 5 One third of Americans are said to have seen 'Jaws' in 1975. Courtesy Everett Collection But, boy, was it. Scientists believe 'Jaws' caused an entire generation to develop an irrational fear of sharks. They dubbed it 'the Jaws Effect.' And the fin-phobia extended far away from New York state. That same month in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, a tourism chief bemoaned, 'We feel this movie is adversely affecting our coastal economy.' Films can still hurt local economies today, of course. 'Snow White' did because nobody went to see it. The reverberations of 1970s smashes such as 'Jaws,' 'The Exorcist' and 'Star Wars' were enormous beyond what we can imagine now. 5 'The Exorcist' had a major affect on the 'satanic panic' of the 1980s. ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement Take the ingenious demonic possession picture. One shaken man who saw 'The Exorcist' in 1973 broke three ribs during a screening. He's not sure how it happened. Ticket-buyers were vomiting at their seats. A theater in Boston kept 'a stockpile of smelling salts' to wake up patrons who fainted. William Friedkin's landmark film went on to become a huge factor in the 'satanic panic' of the 1980s, which saw thousands of unsubstantiated claims of satanic ritual abuse ripple across America. Back then, blockbusters also rocked the Oval Office. Advertisement 5 Even 'Star Wars' made its way to the White House. When President Reagan announced his 1983 Strategic Defense Initiative, a plan to use futuristic technology to prevent a nuclear attack, the press jokingly nicknamed it 'Star Wars.' The moniker stuck. I'm pretty sure we won't be reading about 'the Lilo & Stitch law' anytime soon. Obviously, the world is different. 'Monoculture,' entertainment that's experienced by everybody, no longer exists. We're inundated by niche fare and Saltine retreads. Maybe a movie just can't pack the social punch that one could 50 years ago. Advertisement Then again, no one expected 'Jaws' to explode the way it did. Implode, more likely. Production went 100 days over schedule and nearly $6 million over budget. Some thought its director would never work again. But the next time you sprint out of the water screaming because that fin you saw turned out to be a cute little dolphin, blame Spielberg.
New York Post
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Boring, sex-hating Gen Z has killed the teen movie
A college professor recently told me that every time he shows a movie in class, the kids rip it to shreds. They declare all sex scenes gratuitous. With the surgical coldness of an audit, they scrutinize the characters' power dynamics (say, a boss hooking up with an employee) and deem them wildly inappropriate. 4 Gen Z could never stomach a teen classic like 'The Breakfast Club.' ©Universal/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection These little Debbie Downers are offended by absolutely everything. So, it's no wonder that the teen movie is dead — Generation Buzzkill has murdered it. From the 1960s until just a few years ago, a ton of films were made specifically for the high school and college age cohort — from 'Gidget' to 'The Breakfast Club' to 'American Pie' to 'Superbad.' They were so common, they got their own spoof in 2001: 'Not Another Teen Movie.' The components were summer, sex, hormones, underdogs, drugs, cafeteria stereotypes, cars, fights, comedy and coming of age in various combos. Some wound up classics, some are garbage. But the genre was a frivolous and occasionally naughty escape for all us non-pearl-clutchers. Those films have abruptly ceased to exist. This summer, what used to be a staple is almost entirely absent from the release calendar. The closest, 'Karate Kid: Legends,' which hit theaters this weekend, is a throwback to a more innocent one of them. But the terrible 2025-set reboot also brings to mind the old Hollywood Production Code, which once policed cinematic morality. 4 'Karate Kid: Legends' is no 'Karate Kid.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Next to 1984's 'Karate Kid,' which had edge, the cherubic sequel is a sanitized episode of 'Leave It To Beaver.' And, since its selling point is the nostalgic return of Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, 'Legends' is barely even aimed at young people. It's for their parents. Real teen movies have been banished to the streaming morgue. We arrive, click 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' and tearily say, 'Yeah, that's him.' What happened? Can a person no longer belligerently don a toga or shout the dirty lyrics of 'Scotty Doesn't Know'? Apparently not. Now that Gen Z (those aged 13 to 28) have money to spend, their well-known nun-like traits are finally being reflected onscreen. A chill just went up my spine. 4 Movies like 'American Pie' with Jason Biggs were so common they got a spoof called 'Not Another Teen Movie.' Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection Some of the prudes' biggest dislikes are sex and booze. 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' would send 'em into therapy. A 2023 UCLA study found that 40% of participants ranging from 13 to 24 want less hanky panky and more platonic relationships at the movies. And surveys consistently show that Gen Z drinks far less than their elders. Sex, drugs and rock & roll? More like hugs, mocktails and Billie Eilish. Even friendships without benefits in retro teen flicks will be totally unrecognizable to Gen Z, who enjoy cult-like androgynous outfits and giving admonishing lectures. Hanging out in parking lots? Backyard keggers while the parents are away? Deader than Latin. These homebodies, on average, stare at their phones for more than seven hours a day. 4 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' would send Gen Z into therapy. Courtesy Everett Collection Perhaps the greatest death knell — a Gallup poll discovered that 93% of teens enjoy spending time with their parents. Characters in John Hughes' movies barely even had parents. Obviously teen tales are still around in some form. They have mostly made the leap to TV, meeting their audience where they live. They are not, however, 'American Graffiti.' The shows tend to either be tearjerker explorations of identity ('Heartstopper,' 'Love, Victor') or frightening peeks into their problems ('Adolescence' and 'Euphoria'). Lighthearted rebellion and some filthy, un-PC jokes are no longer an acceptable option. Another survey said Gen Z wants superheroes, violence and sweet friends. 'Minecraft,' I guess. Well, what I want is another offensive, objectionable, no-holds-barred teen movie. Too bad. Hollywood is singin' bye, bye 'American Pie.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
These One-Of-A-Kind Photos Of Jackie Chan Playing With Puppies Will Blow Your Mind
It's time for the legendary return to The Karate Kid franchise! To celebrate Karate Kid: Legends, we had real-life legendary martial artist and actor Jackie Chan crane kick his way into BuzzFeed for our Puppy Interview — and every second was worth it. Jackie discussed reprising his role as Mr. Han from The Karate Kid (2010) in the new movie that connects the entire universe, including Cobra Kai. The movie also features Ralph Macchio returning as Daniel LaRusso and newcomer Ben Wang (American Born Chinese, Chang Can Dunk). Other stars include Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen. Jackie was a special treat because before any questions were asked, he shared memorable photos of his adorable dogs, and brought two adorable Build-A-Bear pandas that were made in honor of his real-life pandas, Cheng Cheng and Long Long. Related: "It Was Not Right": Shailene Woodley Broke Her Silence About The Aaron Rodgers Breakup In the interview, Jackie revealed the most unexpected way he injured himself, revisited his iconic roles, shared how he likes to spend his day, and told us whether or not he wants to keep making movies. ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection We also learned that Jackie's not only a stuntmaster, he's a puppy master! Related: Sophie Turner Opened Up About Her "Incredibly Sad" Split From Joe Jonas But, the prize was a series of exclusive photos Jackie took with BuzzFeed that I believe can singlehandedly heal the coldest, darkest heart in the world. Are you ready to be roundhouse kicked in the face with the most adorable photoshoot in the known universe?! Stop. I can't. Help! This is too much. That's it! I'm crying. Hannah So / BuzzFeed Want more? Watch Jackie talk about his career while low-key being a doggie whisperer in his Puppy Interview below: Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round. Also in Celebrity: If You Think You're Smarter Than The Average Celebrity, Prove It By Correctly Answering These Questions They Got Wrong On "Jeopardy" Also in Celebrity: 12 Celebs Who Came Out At A Young Age, And 13 Who Came Out Way Later In Life Also in Celebrity: 17 Celebs Who Said "I Do" So Young, It Kinda Made People Uncomfy, And 14 Who Waited Until Wayyy Later In Life
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Lilo & Stitch' remake on its way to having biggest Memorial Day weekend opening ever
It's saying 'Aloha' to A-lot of money. The 'Lilo & Stitch' live-action remake is on its way to becoming the biggest Memorial Day weekend opening for a movie ever. The Disney film raked in $55 million on its opener, Friday, alone, according to The Numbers. Advertisement It's also the second-highest grossing opening weekend in 2025, after 'A Minecraft Movie,' according to Variety. The Post, however, was not impressed, and thought Disney 'turned the story into a soulless downer, made its color palette practically sepia and tacked on an extra half hour of dead air.' 3 The 'Lilo & Stitch' live-action remake stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo in her film debut. ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement In second place was 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' the eighth and final installment of the Tom Cruise-led series, with sales of $24.8 million. The action spy flick, which also opened on Friday 'is overblown, inanely plotted, clotted with expository dialogue and boundlessly self-congratulatory … but … it's also fun to watch,' NPR said in its review. Contrary to its title, it does not mark the 62-year-old action king's final film — by any means. 3 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' star Tom Cruise has no intention of retiring. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement 'I actually said I'm going to make movies into my 80s. Actually, I'm going to make them into my 100s,' Cruise said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the film's New York premiere. The movie, which cost $400 million to make, is also one of the most expensive ever made since it was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, two Hollywood strikes and increases in inflation. 3 'Final Destination Bloodlines' is the sixth installment of the franchise. ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection The supernatural horror thriller 'Final Destination Bloodlines,' which was landed in the No. 1 spot last Friday, upon its release, fell two notches to third with a $5.5 million take. Advertisement Tying for fourth with $2.4 million each was 'Sinners,' on its sixth Friday in theaters, and 'Thunderbolts*' on its fourth. The bull-riding drama 'The Last Rodeo,' which was released on Friday, took the fifth spot with sales of close to $2.1 million.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
10 hot movies to see this summer: ‘Karate Kid,' ‘Jurassic Park: Rebirth,' ‘Superman' and more
After last summer, which was sadly slim on major blockbusters, the sweaty months of 2025 are refreshingly stacked with big-budget, recognizable franchises and titles. Pass-the-popcorn stuff. I also threw in some smaller and original films just to help me sleep at night. Here are 10 movies to catch in theaters this summer. 10 Ben Wong stars in the latest entry in the 'Karate Kid' franchise. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Karate Kid: Legends (May 30) Since the 1980s martial arts classic, there have been a lot of bad 'Karate Kid' movies. You know, 'Part II,' 'Part III' and 'The Next Karate Kid' with Hillary Swank. But Netflix's 'Cobra Kai,' which brought back Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, was the perfect nostalgia trip. Here's hoping the New York-set 'Legends,' with Macchio and Jackie Chan, recaptures that magic. 10 Ana de Armas takes up the mantle from Keanu Reeves' John Wick in 'Ballerina.' ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection Ballerina (June 6) Marketed as 'From the World of John Wick,' 'Ballerina,' starring Ana de Armas, is this brutal-and-beautiful action franchise's go at a more expansive cinematic universe. De Armas plays the dancer-assassin first introduced in 'Parabellum.' I'm excited because there has never been a lousy 'John Wick' film. I'm scared because the last four were directed by Chad Stahelski, while 'Ballerina' belongs to Len Wiseman. 10 Dakote plays a New York matchmaker in 'Materialists.' Materialists (June 13) This romantic comedy is writer-director Celine Song's followup to Best Picture-nominated 'Past Lives,' one of the loveliest surprises of 2023. It stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Johnson plays a very successful NYC matchmaker who falls for a client. Song's movie could be 2025's answer to 'Hello, Dolly!' 10 Pixar's 'Elio' brings the studio back into outer space. ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection Pixar's Elio (June 20) Once the King of All Animation, Pixar has hit a rough patch with original movies lately. Nobody would put 'Elemental,' 'Lightyear' or 'Turning Red' on the list of the studio's top 10. 'Elio' has a jolly set-up, though. A young outer space enthusiast gets beamed up, and aliens think he's Earth's leader. Sounds a bit like 'Galaxy Quest' for the under-12 set. 10 Our latest dinosaur-obsessed humans are Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection Jurassic World: Rebirth (July 2) Dinosaurs are my cinematic 'I don't know how to quit you!' This 32-year-old series' last entry, 'Jurassic World Dominion,' was dumb as a bucket of bones. Oh, how I hated it. But I've been missing our friends the T. Rex and brachiosaurus. I'm hoping that director Garreth Edwards, who worked wonders with 'Rogue One,' will make magic with Scarlett Johansson and 'Wicked''s Jonathan Bailey. 10 David Corenswet dons the cape as Clark Kent in 'Superman.' ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Superman (July 11) It's a bird… It's a plane… It's Warner Bros.' attempt to reboot the DC Universe! James Gunn's 'Superman,' starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, looks brighter and lighter than the turgid Zack Snyder movies with Henry Cavill. That's the right tack to take with Clark Kent these days. We'll see if audiences welcome with open arms or are steely toward the Man of Steel. 10 'Fantastic Four: The First Steps' puts the team in a 1960s paralell earth. ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25) Look, I'd like the Marvel Cinematic Universe to call it quits. But it won't, so I have to find the silver lining — or in this case, the Silver Surfer. The first 'Fantastic Four' film under Disney resembles an episode of 'The Jetsons.' It takes place in the 1960s, on a parallel earth, and features a pretty prestigious cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. 10 Liam Neeson gets jokey in 'The Naked Gun.' ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection The Naked Gun (August 1) Here comes that master of hilarity… Liam Neeson? What's quite weird is that Neeson's name is really close to the series' original star Leslie Nielsen's. But the similarities don't end there. Nielsen also got his start in dramas before segueing into crazy comedies (remember 'Dracula's Dead and Loving It'?). Perhaps this detective noir sendup will be the start of a new chapter for the 'Taken' star who I've never once seen smile. 10 'Weapons' has a frightening premise: 17 kids mysteriously disappear overnight. ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Weapons (August 8) The horror followup from the director of 'Barbarian' has an enticing plot: 17 kids from the same school class in a small town mysteriously disappear overnight. Only one remains. It has a great cast, too. Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich and Julia Garner, who was sensational on 'Ozark' and 'Inventing Anna.' 10 Denzel Washington stars in Spike Lee's latest, 'Highest 2 Lowest.' Courtesy Everett Collection Highest 2 Lowest (August 22) Spike Lee's crime thriller starring Denzel Washington got great reviews out of the Cannes Film Festival this month. Washington plays a music mogul caught up in a ransom plot, and he's joined by ASAP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright. It's Lee's first film since 2020's surprising Vietnam flick 'Da 5 Bloods.'
