Trash or Treasure?

Did you ever stumble across a movie and think, “Why the hell do they bother!?” I have. It’s usually during those endless streaming scrolls when your brain has already gone to bed. So I decided to look for some answers. I’m happy I did. I’m still picking up shards of my jaw from the floor.

Welcome to the wacky world of “Mockbusters” - the cheap, knock-off movies shamelessly “inspired” by big-budget blockbusters. You know the ones: Transmorphers, Atlantic Rim, and The Terminators (yes, plural). I mean, it’s obvious these companies are looking to profit from the success of a major Hollywood release. But what’s the story behind Mocktail movies? And how does this affect the film industry? And who the shit is watching this stuff!?

Mockbusters have existed since the 50s, but began spawning in the early 2000s. As Hollywood increased its output of big-budget films, smaller production companies saw an opportunity to hoover up some cash. But how’s it done?

It’s simple. You devise a similar title and narrative, recruit a tiny crew of soulless artists, bash something out, and hurry it into stores. Preferably squarely on the arse of the release you’re trying to imitate. Sorry, “inspired” by. A process known as “drafting.” Think race cars. For example, in 2009, when Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen hit theatres, The Asylum (mockbuster specialists) released Transmorphers: Fall of Man. No shame whatsoever.

So how do they get away with it? Well, sometimes they don’t. Many of these films have been accused of copyright infringement, and some have led to lawsuits. In 2012, Universal Studios sued The Asylum for making American Battleship, which Universal claimed infringed on their own Battleship movie. The direct-to-DVD chancers eventually conceded, agreeing to alter maketing materials and change the name to American Warships. However, it seems Hollywood is a victim of its own (California) copyright rules. In other words, similar isn’t the same. If you fancy releasing your own clone, there’s another cunning workaround - launch it outside of your competitor’s market. Dump it abroad.

It’s worth noting that mockbusters are different from parodies. A parody is a satirical imitation of a work that pokes fun at its themes or conventions. A mockbuster, on the other hand, is a direct imitation of a popular film designed to capitalize on its success. So what’s their impact?

The effect of mockbusters on the film business is debatable. Some say they dilute cinema quality by making dollar-store replicas of big-budget pictures. Others claim they provide unique entertainment. Something you and your pals can howl at with a few drinks.

So, what does the future hold for Mockbusters? With the rise of streaming services, these bargain bin bastardizations are becoming more prevalent. In fact, the Streisand effect - where attempting to suppress something makes it more popular - could come into play. If the big studios try to shut down a mockbuster, it’ll generate more interest in the film. Plus, with the ability to make these fast and cheap while avoiding most legal pitfalls, there’s no reason to stop.

Sure, there’s likely a toxic part to making these films: exploiting writers, butchering scripts, and encouraging artists to make shite. But Hollywood has no moral high ground here. So despite the controversy, mockbusters are here to stay. As long as there are big-budget films, there will be cheapo rip-offs. Because viewers equal cash. Love ’em or hate ’em, mockbusters are a unique part of the film industry that continue to captivate and confound audiences.

Speaking of audiences, you’re here for the last two weeks of movie news. Here you go …

• Amazon Prime Video has a new feature called 'Dialogue Boost' to help viewers understand dialogue better without turning on subtitles. The AI-powered option allows users to adjust the dialogue volume without affecting the sound effects or background music. Currently, only a few films like Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and The Big Sick have the option, but more titles will be added throughout the year.

• Legendary Entertainment has secured an $800 million credit facility from J.P. Morgan. The fund updates a preexisting line of credit and will last five years, enabling Legendary to grow its global film and TV pipeline and monetize IPs across multiple platforms.

⚖️ Actor Jonathan Majors is set to appear in court on May 8 to face domestic violence charges. It seems that more trouble may also be on the horizon. According to sources, several alleged abuse victims of Majors have come forward. This development could exacerbate the popular actor's ongoing public relations woes, which began with his arrest in March.

⚖️ The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has overwhelmingly voted to favour a potential strike, with 97.8% of its members supporting the measure. The WGA is seeking better compensation for writers in the film and TV business, with the rise of streaming drastically changing the industry since the last round of contract negotiations.

▶ Netflix has dropped a new trailer for their upcoming documentary, Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me. This film, directed by Ursula Macfarlane, dives into the life of Vickie Lynn Hogan, aka. Anna Nicole Smith, and sheds light on her untimely death.

▶ In Close to Vermeer, curators, collectors, conservators, and experts work together to give a fresh perspective on the Dutch Master. The film delves into the meticulous process of scanning the paintings layer by layer to gain new technical knowledge but also uncovers the shocking revelation!

This ‘Nightmare’ Cut was Deemed Too Scary

In 1984, A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced audiences to Freddy Krueger, the razor-gloved killer with razor-sharp wit. The third entry in the series aimed to tap into the more fun aspects of the franchise, placing Freddy upfront. However, the production struggled with story direction, and some special effects were deemed too dark for the screen. Read more…

Movies Inspired by Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979)

Alien is over 40 years old, yet its influence on film, television, and video games is ubiquitous. Here are some of the greatest projects inspired by the Ridley Scott classic. Before Ridley Scott's Alien, spaceship designs were influenced by naval ships, wagon trains, and VW camper vans. However, Nostromo introduced the spaceship as a long-distance oil rig, which became the new norm. Here are some of the best movies that unashamedly nicked Alien’s design aesthetic. Read more…

He Still Reigns

Rain Man proved Tom Cruise was the world's biggest movie star and a legitimate actor. Take another look at Barry Levinson’s 1988 box-office smash. more…

Speilberg Got It Wrong This Time

During Time's 100 Summit, Steven Spielberg admitted to making a mistake when he edited guns out of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. He explained he was initially sensitive to the fact that the federal agents were approaching children with firearms and decided to change the guns into walkie-talkies. However, years later, he realizes he shouldn’t have revised the film. Spielberg acknowledges that E.T. is a product of its era and that no film should be revised to fit a modern lens.

• Outdated language, problematic themes, and other contentious elements all contribute to a shift in cultural perspective. Get the rundown on a bunch of movies that didn’t age well.

• The past decade was filled with memorable films that defied the odds and made their cinematic mark, including the breakout hit Parasite. However, many others deserved more attention. See highlights from 10 critically panned, box-office weaklings that remain obscure despite their quality.

▶ The Mother

▶ Book Club: The Next Chapter

▶ Fool’s Paradise

▶ Hypnotic

Worldwide (cumulative) Box Office April 2023 📈

♻️ Reboots and Sequels

Old Guns?

Actor Lou Diamond Phillips reveals in a recent interview that a third instalment of the Young Guns franchise is possible. He's read a "wonderful" script written by Emilio Estevez, who also plans to direct the film. Phillips also hints that his character, Chavez y Chavez, may return, as his death in the previous film was ambiguous.

Why Aren’t We Digging 3D Movies?

As streaming services threaten the sustainability of theatres, one approach for attracting viewers is to offer unique technical flourishes that require a trip to the cinema. However, a new video essay contends that 3D technology often falls short.

That Scream again

Have you ever heard of the "Wilhelm Scream"? It's a sound effect used in countless movies over the years. This iconic yelp is easily recognizable and has become a favourite of action filmmakers. Despite its popularity, few know its history and significance. Take a closer look at this beloved sound effect and its place in movie history.

Bloody Movies for May

Bloody Disgusting brings you a collection of horror movies perfect for the month of May. These films each tie into a special event or day, and while they may not be well-known, they are definitely worth a watch. Don't miss out on these overlooked gems!

Anya Shares Her Jack Black Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy recently met her co-star Jack Black for the first time during the press tour for Super Mario Bros. As a huge fan of JB’s School of Rock, ATJ admitted to being "super starstruck," sharing that School played a role in helping her learn English when she moved to London as a child.

Oh, just one more thing…

📅 Back soon…

That’s all for this edition. I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to message me with any feedback or suggestions for future content. Thanks for reading.

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– Lee