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4 Opening-Scene Types That Reveal What Kind of Blockbuster You’re Watching

4 Opening-Scene Types That Reveal What Kind of Blockbuster You’re Watching

Summer blockbusters often signal their entire DNA in the first five minutes. Here’s the one type of opening scene that tells you what to expect.
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Why A Huge Summer Movie Budget Does Not Guarantee A Huge Profit

Why A Huge Summer Movie Budget Does Not Guarantee A Huge Profit

A massive production budget and a billion-dollar box office don't always equal success; we explain the hidden costs that can turn a blockbuster into a bomb.
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Standalone Summer Adventure vs. Shared-Universe Entry: Which Ages Better?

Standalone Summer Adventure vs. Shared-Universe Entry: Which Ages Better?

Does a self-contained summer blockbuster have more staying power than the latest chapter in a massive cinematic universe? We break it down.
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5 Durable Blockbuster Character Archetypes That Keep Returning

5 Durable Blockbuster Character Archetypes That Keep Returning

From the lone wolf to the chosen one, we rank the most enduring character types that have defined summer blockbuster movie franchises for decades.
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20 Blockbuster Villain Types, From Corporate Sharks To Actual Sharks

20 Blockbuster Villain Types, From Corporate Sharks To Actual Sharks

From unstoppable monsters to scheming humans, we break down the 20 villain archetypes that define the biggest summer blockbusters.
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How Background World-Building Can Hint At A Movie’s Sequel Plans

How Background World-Building Can Hint At A Movie’s Sequel Plans

Discover the subtle world-building clues and narrative seeds in films that signal a studio's franchise ambitions, beyond the post-credit scene.
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How Video Stores Became The Second Act Of The Summer Movie Experience

How Video Stores Became The Second Act Of The Summer Movie Experience

A look back at the golden age of cinema when a summer blockbuster's final credits were the beginning of a family ritual: the video store run.
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Titanic Filmed A Very Different Ending—Here’s Why James Cameron Cut It

Titanic Filmed A Very Different Ending—Here’s Why James Cameron Cut It

Discover the story behind the alternate ending to James Cameron's Titanic and why the version we know was ultimately the perfect choice for the film's legacy.
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How Movie Heroes Changed From Boomers To Gen Z

How Movie Heroes Changed From Boomers To Gen Z

From cynical anti-heroes to multiverse-hopping teens, a look at how the cinematic heroes of summer reflect the values of each generation.
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How Franchise Bibles and Story Teams Help Sequels Stay Consistent

How Franchise Bibles and Story Teams Help Sequels Stay Consistent

Ever wonder how massive movie franchises keep their stories straight? The answer lies in a crucial document known as a franchise bible.
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Why “Save the World” Stakes Can Make A Summer Franchise Movie Feel Smaller

Why “Save the World” Stakes Can Make A Summer Franchise Movie Feel Smaller

Ever wondered why a blockbuster movie about saving the planet can feel less exciting than a smaller, more personal story? Here’s the answer.
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Scarlett Johansson Stars in 'The Nanny Diaries' as a College Student Turned Nanny

Scarlett Johansson Stars in 'The Nanny Diaries' as a College Student Turned Nanny

Scarlett Johansson Stars in 'The Nanny Diaries' as a College Student Turned Nanny