16
Sep
Denis Villeneuve will soon premiere his take on Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel, Dune, in the U.S. This is not only the most important film of his career, but arguably the biggest cinematic spectacle to arrive in a generation. Yet, in a now-familiar fate for would-be blockbusters, its designed awe-inspiring theatrical presentation will likely be stultified by a day-and-date streaming arrival on HBO Max. While this phenomenon has left the exhibitor industry in an existential malaise, a Marvel movie, Shang-Chi, recently bucked the downward trend by grossing an impressive $85 million in a traditionally tough four-day Labor Day weekend. However,…