Megan Neff

4/13/2019
COMM 1500
Module 7 Prompt
5 - Step Analysis

1. Description: By going to Box Office Mojo, I was able to see the all-time highest-grossing
movies in the U.S. Their records show over time the highest ranked movies that are still,
to this day one of the highest-grossing movies.

2. Analysis: Reviewing the top-grossing films, it’s hard not to see the patterns that immerge of
what makes a film popular with its audience. In the Domestic category, the highest grossing film
is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Following that are films of the same make. Such as Black
Panther, The Avengers series, Jurassic World, and more. All these movies have a nostalgic
factor in them as well as action and somewhat family friendly dialogue. These movies have all
once been done or made from comic books. This gives their target audience a reason to go see
these films. To bring their kids to and show them what they liked as a child/teenager. There are
a lot of films under this category that are sequels, which means that the first was such a success
that it brought more fans in to watch the second or even third movie of a series.

3. Interpretation: The patterns I mentioned above are a clear indicator that those are what
resonates with the audiences more. One film that stuck out at me on the charts was the movie
Sing. It was labeled under the category Movies That Never Hit #1. Sing, being a movie that
targets young children and their parents didn’t make it onto the charts. But it still made a gross of
$270,395,425, which is still astronomical. But even with the high rated record, it didn’t make #1
like its neighboring films. It could be that it is lacking the want from the audiences to go see it.
We know that this film is not a sequel to anything nor a previous book or comic book. Films like
these have a harder time getting on audiences’ radar. I feel that since it is also a child’s movie, it
is harder to get more to go see it. They are losing the percent who do not have kids or other
reasons to go see these types of films.

4. Evaluation:

Hollywood producers and directors adapt to what is trending with their main audiences. Right
now, it is the Marvel superheroes. Kids, adults and teens all have a common interest in these
 types of films. So, it is no surprise that they will use all their energy and resources to produce a
worthy action film. Although, it seems that these types of films are the only genre to get
publicity. It is very uncommon for me to see any trailers for drama or historical films when
browsing Facebook or YouTube. Which causes a surprise when I hear a new movie coming to
the theatre in which I’ve never heard of. I don’t think that it is a good thing that different kind of
movies do not get the same motivation from their makers. But I do see the necessity of making
big budget films that are franchises.

5. Engagement:

I’ve never been the one to go see a mainstream film right when it comes out. I usually like to
wait until it becomes cheaper to rent or find on a streaming device. I am enrolled in the
Screenwriting class at SLCC and our instructor shows a lot of independent and foreign films to
the class to give us better perspectives of different types of writings. Before this, I would have a
hard time finding a movie that I felt would offer new angles and just chose to go watch the
newest Avengers film. Now, I follow independent movie directors and love to see new trailers
coming out for these types of films. Also, watching foreign films has been a great way to learn
about how other countries produce their movies. Sometimes I think it takes a little push to get
out of your comfort zone and open your mind to an unpopular genre that doesn’t get much press.
With that you can share with your family and friends of why you like these films and offer more
insight of the film industry.