I hate to sound all Movie Grandpa, but remember the good ol' days when a James Cameron flick was something to look forward to? For some of you, that's too long ago.

Nevertheless, Jimmy C. (as nobody calls him) was the mastermind behind the pulse-pounding Terminator franchise and gave us 'Vietnam in Space' with Alien$. During these times we were treated to iconic characters and gripping stories that left us gagging for more.

But after raising the Titanic, Cameron had no interest in sequels. He boldly refused to let those beloved franchises become cash cows. He craved something new, something revolutionary. His deep-sea explorations extended his obsession with pushing technological boundaries. Enter Avatar – a Cameron creation boasting a humanitarian narrative, awe-inspiring effects, and groundbreaking technology. Like T2, then? No! Absolutely not.

And this is where we say goodbye. Because if we ignore Cosplay, Avatar's connection with moviegoers falls short of its box-office success. Why? Because spectacle without soul means nothing. Scorsese knows it. Lucas knows it. Spielberg (mostly) knows it. Terminator had it, Aliens had it, and even The Abyss snagged our hearts. But the way of Avatar’s water is shallow. Want proof? Look at what's missing. Where's the memes, the buzz, the passionate dissections, and repeat viewings? Box office records mean nothing if people don't remember your movie. Too harsh? Ok, get this: The Lion King (2019) is the most financially successful remake by far, making well over $1.6 billion. It holds 9th position on the all-time box office chart. And nobody cares. Avatar is going the same way.

JC has lined up not one, not two, but three more Avatars (minimum)! We've lost our maestro to a sterile franchise. He can't see the forest for the virtual trees.

While technology wows and visuals stun, it’s characters and stories that stay with us. Unfortunately, Jim is running with this until 2031. By then he’ll be 77 years old. I wish him well, but I doubt he'll produce anything worthwhile for the rest of the decade. So this is goodbye.

Now, to the news >>>

• Jamie Lee Curtis expresses support for the SAG-AFTRA strike after her previous comments were criticized. Earlier, Curtis mentioned wanting to be neutral. The actress has now clarified her remarks stating she fully supports the strike, has volunteered and donated to the relief fund.

• The Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has upgraded the 1978 animated film Watership Down from a U rating to a PG. The BBFC's decision may not prevent access to the film, but it prompts a discussion about film history and may bring fresh viewers to this old tale.

• Gene Fallaize, the director of the recent film Control, stands by his decision to cast Kevin Spacey when the actor was on trial for sexual assault. Spacey was eventually cleared of all charges. The director believes that casting Spacey was a risk worth taking, given the potential career benefits if he was found not guilty.

• Background actors on the Disney+ series WandaVision had their faces and bodies scanned to create digital replicas of themselves. There's concern that AI could replace background actors, impacting their job prospects. Body scanning is becoming more common; many were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. Background actors fear they'll be the first to become obsolete due to AI, and they're advocating for rules and compensation regarding AI usage

▶ Box to Box Films and Dutch firm Lusus are teaming up to create a documentary about Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff. The documentary is the first to be made in collaboration with the Cruyff family and will shed light on his complex life and influential career. Production starts later this year for a planned release in 2025. Cruyff and other football icons who he impacted will discuss his influence on the game.

💥 Despite his talent, Chevy Chase's reputation for being difficult hindered his career. Chase turned down big roles in National Lampoon's Animal House and even the title character of Forrest Gump! Read more …

💥 Twenty years after its release, Freaky Friday director, producer, and stars reflect on the film's creation, including last-minute casting changes. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan's chemistry saved the movie, leading to its cult classic status. Read more …

• Don Cheadle's liking of a tweet criticizing the MCU's popularity decline sparked debate. Cheadle's enigmatic post represents the complex fan-universe relationship amid mounting MCU criticism.

• As evident from ratings, Blumhouse continues to thrill fans with diverse horror. Notable hits, including Insidious, The Invisible Man, and the acclaimed Get Out, top this IMDB list.

• Criterion's long-awaited 4K release of Scorsese's After Hours delivers sharper visuals and a deeper look at this cinematic treasure.

▶ Blue Beetle (2023)

▶ The Nun II (2023)

▶ Dune: Part Two (2023)

▶ The Hill (2023)

Apple Studios is bringing Ridley Scott's Napoleon to the big screen, starring Joaquin Phoenix. The film delves into the brilliant strategist's rise and fall, but a quirky historical detail won't make it – Napoleon's severe case of ‘Farmer Giles.'

And don't miss:

10 Friedkin Good Movies

William Friedkin emerged from New Hollywood. Blending documentary realism with blockbusters, he crafted thought-provoking films. Here's a rundown of ten of his best.

Top 20 Heist Movies

Another great list from Taste of Cinema. Heist films have an enduring fascination, which captures the thrill of high stakes, meticulous planning, rule-breaking, and reinvention. See if your favorite Heist picture makes this top 20.

Oh, just one more thing…

The iconic Pee-wee Herman brought joy and acceptance. Paul Reubens' journey from oddball childhood to mega-fame showcased radical kindness and inclusivity. Millions will miss him.

📅 Back soon…

That'll do, pig. That’ll do.

– Lee