People who keep looking at TLM as being THE bomb of the year are being disingenuous. Yeah, there have been a few huge hits since the pandemic, but not many. Most movies lately have faltered and have performed lower than expectations. TLM is just one of the many struggling to adapt to the post-pandemic "it will be on streaming soon" mindset afflicting all studios. These are dark times for movie theaters. But the irony is that one of the biggest reasons for that (depending on how the writers strike turns out) could be a bright time for new material on streaming.
Speaking specifically for myself... the only movie theatre I will usually go to these days is the VIP Cineplex, because it has recliners, food/alcohol, and no children. But it's very expensive, so I will only go on Tuesdays where it becomes a normal movie ticket price.
At the same time, even at that theatre the audience is hit or miss, and we can get stuck beside some annoying person who sniffles, coughs, or makes other copious noises the entire movie.
I am one of those audience members these days, that unless it REALLY needs to be seen on the big screen, I'd rather watch in the comfort of my own home, and streaming has made that SO MUCH easier than it used to be. I don't need to buy endless DVDs that take up space, it just appears, on a platform, and I am ready to go. The flicks are usually out within 6 months, and I can generally have a far better experience at home than is usually had with the public.
Some films still do benefit from the audience experience, but seeing as I usually avoid opening weekends these days, you don't really get the same excited or fun audiences after that first weekend or two anyway...
All of this to say, I know my behaviour has changed, and I am certain so many others have as well.
Movie tickets add up, and the experience generally isn't so wonderful.
