BEIJING — Hollywood movies regularly showcase iconic American brands such as Ford, Coca-Cola or Apple. But a wave of recent U.S. films and TV programs have begun enjoying product-placement deals from half a world away: China.
Dozens of major studio releases have been struggling, creating a widening chasm between filmic haves and have-nots. Studio executives are beginning to rethink budget and creative choices. Is Hollywood having a blowout year or a dismal one
Richard Zanuckwas the kind of producer who comes along once in a lifetime — and, given the corporate nature of contemporary Hollywood, may never come along again.
“On Movies” by Steven Rea does not appear this week. Read his blog at www.philly.com/onmovies
The Darkest Hour (PG-13) Four young people are stranded in Moscow after an alien attack. War Horse (PG-13) Steven Spielberg adapts the novel and play about a horse that has a profound effect on a series of owners during World War I.
“The Adventures of Tintin”: Steven Spielberg directs a performance-capture 3D adaptation of three 1940s comic books by Belgian artist Hergé. With Daniel Craig and Jamie Bell.