Part 2/12:
The recent conversations surrounding blockbuster movies and streaming services reveal a sobering truth: the golden age of cinema—marked by grand experiences, communal excitement, and memorable rituals—has all but faded. Gone are the days of standing in line on a Thursday night for a highly anticipated film, holding a tangible ticket, sharing anticipatory conversations with strangers, and experiencing theatric magic that can't be replicated at home. Now, the cultural landscape is dominated by the convenience of streaming, with audiences increasingly disinterested in theaters due to rising costs, declining quality, and the industry's own missteps.