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Show A&E WSUSIGNPOST.COM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 7 Will audiences turn out in force for ‘Star Wars’? By DANIEL MILLER AND RYAN FAUGHNDER Los Angeles Times How far will “Star Wars” go? The betting has begun on just how big Walt Disney Co.’s new space opera, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” will be when it hits theaters in mid-December. The film is expected to gross $175 million to more than $200 million in the U.S. and Canada in its opening weekend, according to people who have seen prerelease audience surveys. Many analysts say it could break the record for the biggest domestic opening ever, which was set in June by “Jurassic World.” That Universal Pictures sequel grossed nearly $209 million in its initial weekend. “I would be very, very surprised if it came in below $175 million,” said Bruce Nash, president of film industry research firm Nash Information Services. The five largest North American debuts of all-time have occurred during the summer months. The record for the biggest December opening of all time is held by “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” which debuted at $84.6 million in 2012. There are distractions competing for consumers’ attention in December, to be sure. Many people are likely to be wrapping up their holiday shopping during the weekend the “Star Wars” film opens. Others could be contending with inclement weather or traveling. And, fewer than 20 percent of schools are out for holiday break on the day the film premieres, said Dave Hollis, Burbank-based Disney’s head of distribution. “We will measure success by the total run, when we are months and months from December, looking back on what we expect to be a fantastic film experience ... and something that has hopefully delivered on and exceeded the expectations of not only ‘Star Wars’ fans but moviegoers everywhere,” he said. The hoped-for blockbuster has already racked up more than $50 million in advance domestic ticket sales, a record for the industry, according to people familiar with the movie’s performance. “The Force Awakens” should be a capstone for what is widely anticipated to be a record year for the North American cinema industry, which is expected to end 2015 with more than $11 billion in box office receipts. The “Star Wars” sequel officially launches in the U.S. on Dec. 18, but it will begin its run the night before. It is not yet clear how many movie theater screens will be showing “The Force Awakens,” but the film is expected to play in more than 4,000 theater locations. One positive sign for the space saga are the details that have emerged from the prerelease audience surveys. They show that “The Force Awakens” is generating high levels of interest among males and females, under and above age 25. That makes for a prime example of what the movie industry calls a “four-quadrant” film. Interest is slightly higher among men than women. The movie, which stars franchise newcomers John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Daisy Ridley alongside veterans including Harrison Ford, is the first in the series made by Disney. The entertainment juggernaut bought “Star Wars” producer Lucasfilm for $4.06 billion in 2012. It is also the first movie in the franchise in more than a decade, following “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” which was released in May 2005. The new film, directed by J.J. Abrams, is key to Disney’s overall movie strategy because it is the first of multiple planned “Star Wars” pictures, including sequels and spinoffs. Hollis said he expects “The Force Awakens” to have a strong “multiple,” meaning it could deliver big box-office returns for many weeks after its opening. “The onus falls on [us] making a great film and we know we have something that is extraordinary,” the Disney executive said. “From what we’ve seen so far with the very limited audiences who have seen it, the suggestion is there that there is going be great repeatability.” SOURCE: MTC Will the force be with audiences for the upcoming release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ or will it be a box office flop in gross total sales? Analysts agree. “I think it is going to have a lot of legs—I think you are going to see a very strong December and into January,” JPMorgan analyst Alexia Quadrani said. “I think people will see it several times.” That sort of repeat viewing enabled “Titanic” and “Avatar” to become the two highest-grossing films of alltime. The latter picture from director James Cameron set the global box-office record —taking in $2.8 billion —but debuted to just $77 million domestically. That record could be in sight for the new “Star Wars” picture. The international box office will be important to the Giving gifts that show you care without breaking the bank JESS WRIGHT columnist It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves looking for gifts that will fit both our budgets as well as the personalities of our loved ones. Being in college makes buying expensive or elaborate gifts difficult, but there are many budget-friendly options for gift-giving this holiday season. Here are some simple, cheap and time-efficient options for students. Winters in Utah are cold; if you have the skills, crocheting or knitting a hat or scarf for your friends is a great, simple gift idea. Yarn is affordable and can be found at Wal-Mart for around $2.88 a skein or at most craft/ quilting stores. Although making a hat or scarf may take more time than the other ideas on this list, it can also show those you care about that you were willing to put in the time to make sure they were warm and comfortable. If you don’t have the ability to use knitting or crocheting needles, there are kits also available in the yarn sections of stores that can make creating hats much easier and less time-consuming. Another cheap idea that also requires minimal effort is buying patterned socks or gloves. These are fun, cute presents to wear when it gets cold and you have various options. From holiday-themed to warm and fuzzy, you are sure to find the best patterns for your friends and family while staying within your budget. A fun gift for neighbors or roommates is to make holiday treats, whether from scratch—if you have culinary talent—or from a box mix. Cookies with flavors like gingerbread, eggnog, peppermint or even regular old chocolate chip can heighten the spirits of those around you. Delivering a homemade card to let them know that you appreciate them is another great gift. Cheap, holiday-inspired glasses or mugs can be bought at dollar stores (or grocery stores at a more expensive price) along with chocolate or candy to make a festive and easy gift for your roommates and friends. If you want to make a gift like this more elaborate, adding a cheap hot chocolate mix and a candy cane can elevate the gift from just a mug with chocolate, to a drink mix that is tasty as well as inexpensive to make. If you have more money than time, you can buy a soft blanket or throw, a green or red pillow, some white ribbon to tie it all together and a scented candle to bundle together the perfect cozy gift. If your friend is more into watching movies on a cold night than reading under a blanket, add some microwave popcorn and a 2-liter of their favorite soda or candy to create a movie night gift that they’ll enjoy. These are just a few possible gifts that you could put together for your loved ones this holiday season. Of course, there are numerous others, like putting together a CD of your favorite music, or getting them flowers or a miniature Christmas tree. However, if your budget and schedule won’t allow time to put together numerous gifts, spending time with the people you care for this holiday season is the simplest and most meaningful gift you can give. Follow Jess on Twitter @JessWright1318 film’s overall performance. It opens worldwide virtually everywhere in December, except for China. Two movies are daring to open alongside “Star Wars.” Universal’s R-rated Tina Fey-Amy Poehler comedy “Sisters” could collect roughly $13 million over the weekend, while “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip” from Fox is tracking at around $17 million. A&E BR IE F Fall BFA Thesis Exhibition Students in the Department of Visual Art and Design will present their capstone work in a thesis exhibition. These exhibitions occur each semester for both fall and spring graduates. Students pursuing their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees showcase their best art and design work in this exhibition. Find out what masterpieces are coming from our soon to be WSU graduates. A reception will be held Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. You can also visit the gallery Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturdays from noon - 5 p.m. Entrance is free. Weber State Orchestra and Choirs Holiday Concerts In a performing arts tradition, the WSU orchestra and choirs put on a special holiday concert in the gorgeous St. Joseph Cathedral. Every year, the orchestra and choir perform a different Mass. This year, Vivaldi’s Gloria will be featured among other holiday songs. And in the spirit of tradition, audiences can expect to hear “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night” sung in German) accompanied by acoustic guitar. Lyrics to the third verse are provided for the audience to sing along. This concert will be performed twice in one night, once at 5:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Traditionally the more crowded performance is the earlier one, so get your tickets early if you plan on that one. Tickets are $6 to $7 and can be purchased at weberstatetickets.com, 801-6268500 or at the door. The recommended age for this event is 8 and above. OSBA’s Here Comes Santa Claus Enjoy holiday fun for the whole family with the Ogden Symphony and Ballet Association’s production of Here Comes Santa Claus. Conducted by Rei Hotoda, the symphony will perform holiday favorites. Santa himself is scheduled to make a guest appearance. Tickets can be purchased online at www. symphonyballet.org or at the Ticket Office located at 638 E. 26th St. in Ogden. Their office hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 for children and $10 for adults. Cookie Plate and Decorating PHOTO BY EMILY FERGUSON | THE SIGNPOST Being in college makes buying expensive or elaborate gifts difficult, but there are many budget-friendly options for gift-giving this holiday season. The Eccles Community Art Center is holding a family-oriented workshop Cookie Plates and Decorating. This event is geared toward families with children ages 3 and up. Children 5 and under must attend the event with an adult. Pre-registration for the event is recommended and supplies are provided. Call 801-392-6925 to register. The price is $12 plate for families with extra plates for $5 each. For more information visit www.ogden4arts.org. Lauren Porter |