I was reading an article in Variety Magazine called “Graying Auds Help Seed the Specialty Biz.” It talks about how movie distributors has been actively promoting films for those of us over 50.
There’s been an increase in films targeted to the over 50 crowd in recent years including “Woman in Gold,” “Rickie and the Flash,” “Mr. Holmes” and “Grandma.” The number of ticket sales at movie theaters has decreased for younger audiences because they’re now watching films, TV shows and other entertainment on their phones. However, the over 50 crowd is still stepping out to watch films at movie theaters.
“These people are in the habit of going to the movies,” says Jack Foley, who is the distribution chief at Bleeker Street. Foley’s company released the film “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” starring Blythe Danner as a widow who rebels against the constraints of being a senior citizen. It was a niche hit.
Independent films like “Dope” and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” that cater to younger audiences, and were thought to have blockbuster potential, are bombing out. With titles like that, it’s no wonder. The number of younger audience members attending movie theaters has decreased while ticket sales for those of us over 50 have increased.
Movie distributors are targeting a significant amount of their advertising dollars toward retirees. Rather than target urban areas like Los Angeles or New York, they’re making their presence known in communities with affluent over 50 populations like Orange County, CA or Baca Raton, FL.
Have you noticed the number of “action” films that have been released lately starring “old codger” heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone, and Bruce Willis? If a real cyborg looked any of those guys straight in the eyes they’d probably have a heart attack on the spot. I recently went to the premiere of Terminator Genisys at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. Both Arnold and Sly were there. Afterward, we attended the premiere party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
This new “specialty biz,” as they call it, is a boon for Baby Boomers. We tend to enjoy films that are of higher quality with actual stories and fully realized characters. Many of us can afford to pay a little extra for an exclusive movie going experience. I love the new movie theaters that feature cushy adjustable lazy boy chairs, bar and gourmet food service, and stadium seating. If you’re a retiree on a budget, you can always use your good old “senior discount.”
Action movies make me snooze
Maybe it’s my menopausal equilibrium, but endless car chases and shoot ‘um ups make me zone out. Or, they stress me out.
I went to a screening of “Mission Impossible” starring Tom Cruise and I swear my blood pressure went up when I watched him hang onto the side of a plane taking off. My inner mother was calling out. “Tom! You idiot! Are you trying to give your mother a coronary?” Thank God I didn’t watch it in 3D or they’d have taken me out on a stretcher.
It’s always easier to see movies at home but it’s not as much fun to watch them on a small screen. We only have basic cable and our Internet sucks, so streaming isn’t an option. Plus, I’m remote control impaired.
Going out for the evening and being around other people brings more pleasure to my movie going experience. Although we mostly go to screenings, and I’m totally spoiled, it’s fun to sit in a regular movie theater once in a while with a big bag of popcorn. (no butter of course) I may not be sucking on JuJuBees or Jordan Almonds anymore, but I can sip a Pellegrino and enjoy watching trailers before the film starts with no one trying to fast forward with the remote.
Do you still go out to the movies? How do you like to enjoy films these days?
I just saw Mr. Holmes on opening day, and loved it. The theater was packed with people 50 plus. We almost didn’t get a seat, and we got there 15 minutes before the show time. My experience echoes your observation here. Hooray for movies with mature protagonists!
Hi Karen,
I love it. I’m with you. It’s better for us. I haven’t seen Holmes yet but after your comment, I really want to. Thanks so much!
Rebecca
Although my dad took me to see Jurassic world last month, I’m not big on modern movies. I’ve never seen any james bond, mission impossible or fast and furious films. I never saw the live action transformers films(but loved the 80s animated one) and haven’t really seen any of the marvel movies (but loved the 00s Sam Raimi spiderman films). I often find myself watching TCM and seeing 20s-70s films (which I kinda think are better than modern films ascetically and story wise) . Most modern films now are PG 13 reboots or sequels to R rated films from the 80s/90s. Plus most films now overuse CG to save cash despite 80s and 90s special effects looking vastly superior (like Jon Carpenters “The Thing” compared to its recent remake) But I love seeing movies. especially ones set in the 1800s-early 1900s and ones based on books.. When I saw the title of this article it reminded me of Lillian Gish’s last film “The Whales of August”. It was a really nice film that showed that Gish still had it and a good meaningful movie. I caught it a few months ago on TCM and enjoyed it quite well. Another film with older actresses I recently saw was “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?” Grand performances by both leads and good (kinda creepy for its time) horror. Oh and last week I saw “Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte” and was quite impressed.
Hi Chris,
I love older movies too. When I was taking care of my parents I became hooked on the Turner Movie Channel. You can’t beat those classics.
I just saw Ricki and the Flash–light, frothy and cute, not Downton Abbey worthy, but still, at least aimed at our age group.
I still haven’t seen Ricki and the Flash. Sounds like fun. Thanks for the quick review. I’m a big Downton fan myself.
I noticed this article was posted in 2015.
So, can anyone offer any movies aimed at the “Boomer” crowd that are a bit more current — 2019 & 2020– than those listed in this comment section? Of course, any suggested will likely need to be available for streaming online due to Covid-19. On that note, ANY movies or series regardless of the release date that can currently be found via various online streaming services –Hulu, Netflix, Prime, etc. — would be INCREDIBLY APPRECIATED!! Thanking you in advance for your comments/submission(s) !!
Hi Bea, Yes, you are right. This is an older article. I wrote a more recent one in 2019 here https://www.babyboomster.com/emmys-2019/ But thanks for pointing this out as this post needs to be updated.
I’d like to offer one of my current favorites: “Barkskins” which is available on Hulu. I don’t generally power or marathon-watch entire seasons;. However, I finished watching “Barkskins” in less that 36 hours as it was just THAT fantastic! It’s historical fiction set in the late 1600s to early 1700s when the French and the Canadians were both equally trying to claim land of the new world aka what would become the US. I was incredibly interesting and also very entertaining. While I was not necessarily a lover of history, esp in school, from 1st grade through university. However, as I was so enthralled with “Barkskins”, a National Geographic series that I found myself researching via Google to learn and to verify much of the information provided, as well as, to find more about several various, historical-based tidbits from each episode that I had no idea happened!
Barkskins sounds like a great series. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds right up my alley.