CINEMACON 2021 DAZZLES WITH AMAZING STUDIO PRESENTATIONS IN SIN CITY!
– By Adam Mast –
After canceling the 2020 event due to that pesky Coronavirus, CinemaCon made a much-needed return to Las Vegas, NV in 2021. For those unfamiliar, CinemaCon is an annual shindig thrown for the movie theater/exhibition industry. It’s essentially a showcase for all the latest and greatest in movie theater hardware and snack bar goodness. More importantly, though, each and every year, all the major movie studios play a big part in the festivities, and obviously, that’s the big draw for yours truly. Getting a glimpse at all the big film releases all the major studios have to offer in the coming months always whips this film fanatic into a big-time frenzy. What’s more, CinemaCon is all about showmanship. The majority of the film presentations are held in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and each and every time I attend, it’s the purest of reminders of why the theatrical experience will never die. That colossal screen, that stellar sound, and that magical energy that can only be conjured up by a massive group of strangers sharing an unforgettable experience in a big dark room. Listen, I love to watch movies at home but nothing will ever beat going to the movies. And while we’re on the topic of cinema, there was no shortage of amazing clips to be shared by the likes of Universal Pictures (“Jurassic World: Dominion,” “Halloween Kills”), Walt Disney Pictures (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), MGM/UA (“No Time To Die,” “Thirteen Lives”), Lionsgate (“John Wick 4,” “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”), Neon (“Titane,” “Spencer”), and Warner Brothers (“Matrix: Resurrections,” “The Batman”). True, that asshole that is Covid saw to it that this was an uncharacteristically talent-light year at CinemaCon, but the incredible footage of upcoming films on display more than made up for that.
What studios impressed the most at CinemaCon 2021? Well, that’s what this article is really about. Therefore, without further ado, here are the two biggest studio highlights from a truly epic 4-day cinematic affair.
SONY PICTURES
Sony wasted no time dropping an outstanding sizzle reel that included the first ever look at the currently-filming Brad Pitt-headlined, “Bullet Train” as well as an all too brief look at “Into the Spider-Verse 2.” The reel also included some new footage from “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” and “Morbius.”
Sony then premiered the trailer for “Spider-Man: No Way Home” which would make its online debut shortly thereafter. It was supremely awesome getting to experience this trailer in these particular surroundings. The sound and visual setup were incredible and it certainly got the spidey senses tingling.
The highlight of the Sony presentation, however, would come in the form of the introduction of Ivan Reitman and his son Jason, both of whom actually showed up to the convention. Aside from “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins, they were the only filmmaking talent to make the trip to Sin City. The Reitmans, of course, was on hand to talk about the history of a little film called “Ghostbusters” and to chat about all the anticipation revolving around the upcoming sequel, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which has been delayed a couple of times for obvious reasons.
Additionally, Ivan shared a heartfelt and personal story of immigrating to America as a young boy and falling in love with the movies after seeing Errol Flynn in “Robin Hood” in an old school movie palace back in the day. Out of 500 patrons at that screening, he was one of 5 lucky attendees to receive a commemorative silver dollar. That entire experience stuck with him and led to a healthy (and lengthy) career in the movie business. That love would certainly be passed down to his talented son, Jason.
Jason would follow his father’s heartfelt remarks by sharing the fact that he was the first legitimate “Ghostbusters” superfan as he practically grew up on the set of the original film in the early 80s. Of course, Jason Reitman would go on to have his own successful career in the business directing noteworthy titles like “Thank You For Smoking,” “Juno,” and “Up in the Air,” but through the years, he would often be asked if he’d ever considered making a “Ghostbusters” movie. After all this time, he finally took the plunge. Why now? Well, as he so eloquently put it, he really wanted to make a film for both his father and his young daughter.
Following Jason Reitman’s affectionate insight, the energy in the room instantly became electric as we were all well aware that we were about to see new footage from “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” Only… That’s not what we got.
Instead, with a mischievous grin, Jason Reitman revealed to a more than enthusiastic crowd that we were all about to be treated to…
A screening of the entire film more than 3 months early! Talk about a monumentally awesome surprise!
Not surprisingly, we were sworn to secrecy in terms of plot points in an effort to preserve the experience for moviegoers when they go to see the film this November. Therefore, I will tread lightly here;
In short; It totally got me in the feels! The trailer is a near-perfect representation of the film and it truly captures its spirit. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” isn’t only a joyful tribute to the universe Reitman and his team created nearly 40 years ago, but it’s also a lovely homage to legendary filmmakers like Steven Spielberg. “Afterlife” really does play like a fusion of “Ghostbusters” and those wonderful Amblin films of the 80s. In the end, I suspect fans are going to walk away from this film more than pleased, and quite frankly, I can’t wait to take my kids to see it on opening weekend.
PARAMOUNT PICTURES
The Paramount Pictures presentation can pretty much be summed up in two words;
TOM CRUISE!!
The entire 2-hour panel wasn’t exclusively dedicated to the famed superstar, of course. We were also treated to a fun little video intro from Johnny Knoxville designed to promote this fall’s “Jackass Forever” release. Paramount also gave us a surprise screening of the new family film, “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” based on the beloved children’s book of the same name as well as a brief tease of “Lost City of D,” an upcoming comedy starring Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock.
The real showstopper of the Paramount Pictures presentation, however, came in the form of an epic, pulse-pounding, and undeniably breathtaking behind-the-scenes look at “Mission: Impossible 7.”
Unfortunately, Cruise wasn’t in attendance but he did appear via an entertaining pre-recorded behind-the-wheel intro alongside co-star Hayley Atwell and director Christopher McQuarrie.
The behind-the-scenes reel focused on a big stunt sequence in the film and it’s sure to be an absolute jaw-dropper.
Cruise would prepare for this motorcycle-centric stunt for months. He’d start with rudimentary jumps and landings on a motorcycle dirt track before moving on to a more elaborate ramp jump set up. Attached to a wire, Cruise would continuously jump off the massive ramp and push from the motorcycle while airborne. The bike would land in the crash boxes below while Cruise would glide through the air attached to said wires. After performing many a test jump, it was on to the real thing in front of cameras. What exactly do I mean by “the real thing?” How about a massive ramp constructed on a cliffside in breathtaking Norway…With no wires!!
This insane stunt would find Cruise barreling up the ramp on his motorcycle, skyrocketing in the air, kicking the bike free while airborne, and then transitioning into a death-defying base jump! Always the perfectionist, Cruise would go on to perform this nerve-wracking stunt 6 times with an always-on-edge McQuarrie looking on from monitors in a control room. The goal? To do all he can to exhilarate and entertain the fans. Mission accomplished, Mr. Cruise! Mission accomplished!
Following the behind-the-scenes reel, attendees were dazzled by a montage of high-octane clips from the film that feature the return of all your favorite “MI” characters including, but not limited to, an appearance by Kittridge who hasn’t been seen in the franchise since the original movie in 1996! It’s a real shame we have to wait until next year to see this movie because the suspense is killing me!
And Cruise wasn’t done with attendees just yet.
As an added bonus, he and the generous folks at Paramount shared the first 13 minutes of “Top Gun: Maverick” with an eager crowd.
Talk about a nostalgic hit to the system! The opening of the film, which was presented in incredible Dolby Atmos sound, features a virtual redo of the opening credit sequence from Tony Scott’s original “Top Gun” from 1986, complete with that memorable Harold Faltermeyer score and a rousing “Highway to the Dangerzone” by Kenny Loggins.
Those credits are followed by a spectacular sequence in which Maverick (played by Cruise) attempts to push a jet to Mach 10 to avoid having his flying program shut down by a superior officer played by the always stellar Ed Harris. No spoilers, only to say the best compliment I can pay the first reel from this highly anticipated movie, is that I absolutely didn’t want it to end!
The footage was followed by a new “Top Gun: Maverick” trailer which clues audiences in on a couple of plot points that fans have been more than curious about;
1. Clearly there is contention between Maverick and the son of Goose (played by Miles Teller.)
2. It looks like Val Kilmer’s Iceman will be along the lines of the character Tom Skerrit played in the original!
In the end, Paramount really brought the goods! No live talent but the spectacular footage and unparalleled presentation more than made up for that.
Another CinemaCon is in the books! A big shout out to the legendary Mitch Neuhauser for running an incredibly smooth convention and further props to the press team led by the always-accommodating Heather Lewandoski.
See you next year!
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