From Freddy’s Killer Robots to Zootopia’s Return: Box Office Episode 12 with Hamed
In the Box Office Episode 12 with Hamed from Alara Entertainment, we dive into the hottest events of the past two weeks in world and Iranian cinema. From the terrifying return of the animatronics at “Fazbear’s” pizzeria to the beloved “Zootopia 2” and Golshifteh Farahani’s latest performance, this is a complete guide for those who want to keep their finger on the pulse of the entertainment world.
1. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: When Fans Defeat Critics
Video game worlds have always had high potential to become cinematic hits, but “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (FNAF) is a different story. Despite critics giving low scores to both the first and second installments, the power of the “fandom” has turned this film into a box office giant.
What is the story?
In the sequel, a year has passed since the horrific events of the first part. We rejoin Mike Schmidt (played by Josh Hutcherson). This time, Mike’s sister, Abby, decides to enter a dangerous game with the robots, leading to the revelation of many dark secrets.
Gaming Note: This movie is rooted in the famous FNAF game, where you must survive five nights in an abandoned pizzeria while animatronic puppets possessed by the souls of murdered children hunt you down.
2. Zootopia 2: A Return After 9 Years of Anticipation
If you are an animation fan, it’s impossible not to know “Zootopia.” After 9 years, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back with an even more complex criminal case.
Exciting details of the second part
In this installment, our favorite detectives face a character named Gary (a mysterious snake) who intends to disrupt the order of Zootopia. Notably, the first film was a massive success with $1 billion in sales, and the sequel has already grossed $284 million in its first two weeks in the US alone.
Fun Facts about Zootopia’s Production:
- News Localization: The creators changed the news anchor character in each country based on local animals (e.g., a Panda in China).
- Rigging Technology: The precision of animal muscle movements was based on extensive scientific research on real animals.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen: Battle of Curses on the Silver Screen
The world of anime is currently dominating US theaters. The new cinematic release of “Jujutsu Kaisen” is a combination of the “Shibuya Incident” events and a preview of the upcoming Season 3. The story of Yuji Itadori, a young man who swallows a cursed finger to save his friends, has become so popular that it earned $11 million in just one week in the US.
4. Nostalgic and New Series: From Spartacus to 1001 Nights
The Return of Gladiators with “House of Ashur”
The series Spartacus: House of Ashur tries to revive teenage memories for many of us. This series maintains its signature raw violence and adult themes, though critics haven’t given it a positive reception yet.
1001 Nights: Mostafa Kiaei’s Ambitious Project
In Iran’s home entertainment network, the series “1001 Nights” (Hezar o Yek Shab) featuring a star-studded cast (Hedieh Tehrani, Parviz Parastui, Bahram Radan, etc.) has created a huge buzz. This series attempts to blend modern Tehran and Istanbul with ancient myths like Scheherazade in a fantasy narrative.
5. Art Cinema: From Golshifteh’s Body Horror to Petzold’s Drama
The film “Alpha,” directed by Julia Ducournau, marks Golshifteh Farahani’s serious entry into the “Body Horror” genre. Additionally, the new film by Christian Petzold, the renowned German director, narrates a poetic and deep story of a “spiritual accident” that is highly recommended to every cinephile.
6. Special Recommendation: “Thelma”
If you are looking for a film that combines religious themes, supernatural powers, and intellectual maturity, don’t miss “Thelma” by Joachim Trier. Trier proved with this film that he is one of the most distinctive “auteur” directors of modern cinema.
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