Uncharted Territory and What Happens Next?

As I write this post, it is in the mix of a ton of wild and, unfortunately, scary times due to this virus. A lot of people don't have answers, the public is essentially losing themselves, and my goodness the toilet paper. I hope if anyone comes to this site and ever reads my material, they are enjoying what I have to say about films that are released to the public. Studios make huge efforts to create entertainment for us, which by now, most have seen that studios are delaying releases and some are releasing their newer films on VOD to make some sort of a profit or get it out to an audience instead of letting it sit. Especially New Mutants, that film is seriously cursed, but I will support it when it does come out.

As many already see the economy going down the drain, it creates much of confusion and thought-provoking questions about what the future has in store. Not just for entertainment or film sake, but for everything. This crisis will change everything. Does not matter where you are in the world, it will change the way we all do things. I don't think anyone could have imagine anything like this before. Especially in films and how they may portray an outbreak. The film Contagion (2011) has made the news due to its depiction of an outbreak. Which, no I have not seen the film, but am aware how its narrative takes its form. A film that was made nine years ago still holds up as a warning sign to audiences about what a pandemic could potentially be like. And quite discreetly, our situation is in many ways is like it. Maybe not as dramatic as the film, but it is extremely scary and gloom.

And it is repetitive for myself to come on here and just talk about whats going on. But I am a person who loves cinema and television. It is an escape for people, which is why right now is the time to watch entertainment and films during this crisis. Paying attention and staying alert on the current climate of whats going on is incredibly vital, however, it is important to separate yourself from the chaos that is happening. We all can get caught up in the news, and as someone who reads and watches the news daily, it is super important to give yourself a mental break from all of this. Its just like anything else, if you don't give your brain a break from obtaining all of this, than its going to go places you never intended for.

For myself, over the past few days my work has continued since it is mandatory, but I will be there to make sure the job gets done. Just like anyone who knows they have to be there at their jobs during this all. I know many places are closing and people will be out of a job, and many will be stranded at home. But take this time to be with your family if possible. This time is crucial for everyone to be with one another and to enjoy this time, even though it can be hard to enjoy when it seems like the world is on fire.

But this is the time to do so. It is a frightening, uncertain, world-changing in the current mindset, but we have to be able to relax for one second and enjoy the time we have right now with loved ones as long as we can. I am writing this because I want people I know to see it and read that it will clear up eventually. The world is going to change. Everything will, but we have to be able to adapt like we always have. And we have to be able to seek happiness in the worst of times and be grateful when our normalcy comes back. It can serve as a wake up call for all of us to be appreciative of what we have everyday when were healthy, can go and enjoy numerous aspects of life.

I do not normally get preachy, and if one does read this, I hope it can be calming and somewhat easing to read. What I want to stress here is how significant this change will be for movie theaters. Theaters are, to many, a way of complete escape from the public. Watching a film in the theater is incomparable to what its like watching a film at home. However, with the announcement of releasing newer films on VOD, many experts ask the question, is this the death of movie theaters?

My answer: hopefully not. But I cannot predict the future. When this is all over, theater chains will take a major hit. I would guess many theaters will close, but many will reopen in populated areas. Theater chains and films struggled before any of this started. Many have already resorted to watching films at home for years now. I know many friends that do not care to go to the theater. And to be fair, going to the theater is expensive. But that is how these movies make their money back. Releasing them on VOD is a gamble of sorts because most people have so many options to begin with that they could just watch the content they are already paying for instead of paying for a film as a rental.

I don't know though. I think it is an extraordinary decision for this to go into effect. It is seen as an experiment to see what they can generate. But it is up to us how this plays out. If people buy in and enjoy it, then maybe this offers a chance for films and great content to be generated for at home experience, potentially giving indie films a chance to get out into the world. However, it may turn ugly for theater chains around the world. My hope is that theaters won't go out of business or go away. They offer people that chance to get away from the world's problems to enjoy whatever they wanted to see.

This is where I leave the discussion to be open. I will be back reviewing movies because I love doing so. I already have plans to review a couple of movies during this isolated time, and maybe getting to some other projects. As many have put it, we have to put our differences away for a second and stay strong as a collective group. We have to find a way to get through all of this and it starts by giving yourself a breather: watch your favorite film or tv show, watch something different? Escape the world we live in for just a few hours and then return to helping and figuring out what to do next. As many have been affected by this virus, if not all at this point, we have to remember what is good when we return to our normal lives. Its about finding the silver linings in these times. I for one am trying my best to keep positive, but it can be hard knowing what has already been put into place for my school and for the future. Again, take a mental breather. You need it. Otherwise, like I stated, your mind will go places you never intended it to go.

I will be back with some reviews. Potentially another update in time.

Until then, stay safe, stay clean, be strong and help each other out before it gets way worse.