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Avengers Assemble After Endgame: Box Office Needs Boost

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Avengers endgame
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Almost a year after the April 26, 2019 premiere of “Avengers Assemble: Endgame,” a viral film circulated on social media, documenting the wild audience reaction to Captain America clutching Thor’s hammer and the blipped-away heroes returning during the “Portals” sequence. For many, it seemed like a comforting balm, emphasizing the kind of community experience that had been missing since the still-new coronavirus pandemic closed theaters.

Avengers Assemble: the age of Ultron

Avengers Assemble

In the film, it has been five years since Thanos won the war in “Infinity War.” In actuality, five years had gone since “Endgame” shattered box-office records, symbolizing the culmination of everything Marvel Studios had worked toward for more than a decade.

While the film industry has recovered slightly, studios in general, Marvel in particular, and the moviegoing audience have yet to fully recover, and there are no guarantees that they will.

Indeed, the “Endgame” anniversary finds Marvel at a bit of a crossroads, victimized by a series of factors that include the pandemic, the advent of streaming, the departure of beloved signature characters, and its own greed (a common sin at the height of Hollywood success) in saturating the market with movies and TV shows that likely diluted their overall clout and impact.

Even allowing for that, the operatic heights achieved by “Endgame,” which grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide, would have been difficult to replicate. Still, Marvel’s recent commercial misfires, punctuated by “The Marvels,” and similar disappointments from rival DC have brought the question of “superhero fatigue” front and center for Hollywood.

Such a concept would have sounded particularly foreign in the run-up to “Endgame,” when Marvel and its leader, Kevin Feige, appeared to possess a Midas touch. During the early throes of Covid, even someone unmoved by that spandex-clad brigade could appreciate the collective enthusiasm created by the Marvel and “Star Wars” fanbases, in much the way it’s easy to be moved by a city of strangers rallying around a championship sports team.

Simply put, some of our pastimes still benefit from being shared, as opposed to retreating to individual electronic devices and the solitary confines of our homes. While it’s hard to quantify the value of such things, it feels like society would be considerably poorer without them.

Actors Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Robert Downey Jr, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Cobie Smulders, Chris Hemsworth and Clark Gregg attend the European Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Marvel's Avengers Assemble"

Back in 2020, brothers Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed the last two “Avengers” movies after a pair of “Captain America” sequels, hosted an online program titled “Russo Bros. Pizza Film School,” encouraging fans to watch and analyze classic films “while movie lovers are stuck at home,” supporting their local pizzerias in the process.

In an interview, Joe Russo noted that seeing the viral “Avengers” clip was “very emotional for us,” providing a reminder, as it did for fans, of how audiences had responded.

The emotional aspect of that resonated differently during the height of the pandemic, but even with the world reopening – and the occasional theatrical hit emerging, like “Barbie” or “Avatar: The Way of Water” – the infectious nature of shared cultural experiences has taken a profound hit.

Much of that has to do with changes that have fueled the shift toward at-home consumption, from larger TV screens to the rapid availability of content to devices that personalize viewing, making even the notion of the family gathering to watch together seem quaintly old fashioned.

assembling the avengers, endgame movie scene

Unlike “Endgame,” the challenges that face the movie business can’t be undone with a snap of the fingers. But for those who clearly recall the whoops and hollers in theaters when Captain America caught that hammer, the Black Panther stepped out of that portal and assembling the avengers, one needn’t be nostalgic, unduly sentimental or a stockholder in Marvel parent Disney to miss such moments or wish that they could.

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Tito Jackson, Brother of Michael and Janet Jackson, Passes Away at 70

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Tito Jackson, Member of Jackson 5, Dies at 70

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Tito Jackson, a key member of the iconic Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70. Reports suggest that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on September 15, 2024. His death was confirmed by Steve Manning, a longtime family friend and former manager, although the official cause of death remains undetermined.

As the third oldest sibling in the legendary Jackson family, Tito played a pivotal role in the success of The Jackson 5, the Motown R&B group that gained international fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside his younger brother Michael and his siblings Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, Tito helped propel the group to the top of the charts with hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.” The Jackson 5 became a global sensation, with Tito’s rhythm guitar playing complementing the group’s dynamic sound.

Although Tito was often in the background of the Jackson 5’s fame, he later emerged as a solo artist, pursuing a career in blues music starting in 2003. He released two solo albums—Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021—that showcased his versatility as a musician. His transition to blues allowed him to explore a different side of his musical identity, gaining respect in the industry for his soulful performances.

Tito’s career wasn’t limited to just his own work; he often honored the legacy of his younger brother, Michael Jackson, after the King of Pop’s death in 2009. In a recent interview, Tito spoke candidly about the pain of losing Michael and the toll the world’s judgment had taken on his brother. “The world was not kind to Michael,” Tito reflected. “He wasn’t just a musician or an artist—he was a loving person.”

Tito Jackson’s contributions to music, both as a member of The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, are celebrated by fans around the world. His ability to shift between genres and remain connected to his family’s musical legacy speaks to his enduring impact.

Tito is survived by his three children—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—and nine grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to resonate within the world of music.

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Danielle Fishel Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Emphasizes the Importance of Early Detection

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Danielle Fishel

Reading Time: 3 minutesDanielle Fishel, widely known for her iconic role as Topanga Lawrence on the popular 90s sitcom “Boy Meets World,” recently shared a deeply personal health update with her fans. On her podcast, Pod Meets World, Fishel revealed that she has been diagnosed with a form of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Fortunately, the cancer was caught at a very early stage, which has given her a positive outlook on her treatment and recovery.

Fishel, 43, opened up about how her diagnosis came to light. She explained that it was during a routine mammogram that doctors discovered the DCIS, which is often referred to as stage zero breast cancer. This form of cancer affects the cells within the milk ducts of the breast, and while it hasn’t spread into the surrounding breast tissue, it has the potential to develop into invasive cancer if left untreated.

Danielle Fishel

Danielle Fishel

In her podcast, Fishel expressed her gratitude for catching the cancer so early, attributing it entirely to her decision not to delay her annual mammogram. She emphasized the importance of routine screenings, urging her listeners to prioritize their health and schedule regular check-ups. “The only reason I caught this cancer at stage zero is because I made the appointment,” Fishel shared. She stressed how easy it would have been to put off the screening, especially when life gets busy, but underscored that early detection is key to managing and treating such diagnoses.

Fishel’s message was clear: don’t wait. “If you have to find out you have cancer, find out when it’s at stage zero if possible,” she advised. Her story is a powerful reminder that regular health screenings can save lives, as early detection offers the best chance for a positive outcome.

Paul Archuleta

Paul Archuleta

The actress also reflected on her initial reaction to the diagnosis, admitting that her first instinct was to keep the news private. She considered telling only a small group of close friends and family, choosing to “suffer in silence” until after her treatment was complete. However, Fishel was inspired by author Glennon Doyle, who often speaks about the importance of sharing one’s experiences while still in the midst of them, rather than waiting until after the fact. Fishel realized that by sharing her journey publicly, she could help others who might be facing similar challenges.

Tim Nwachukwu

Tim Nwachukwu

Throughout her announcement, Fishel’s longtime friends and podcast cohosts, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, offered their full support. They assured her that they would be flexible with the podcast schedule, allowing her to focus on her health and recovery. Friedle also took the opportunity to remind listeners about the importance of men’s health screenings, such as prostate exams and colonoscopies, emphasizing that these are equally crucial for early detection of cancer.

Gregg Deguire

Gregg Deguire

As Fishel navigates her treatment and the decisions ahead, she remains optimistic and grateful for the early detection. Her willingness to share her story is a powerful call to action for others to take their health seriously, stay on top of regular screenings, and seek medical advice promptly if something doesn’t feel right.

In closing, Fishel’s message resonates strongly: life is precious, and taking proactive steps for your health can make all the difference. By choosing to speak out about her experience, she hopes to encourage others to prioritize their well-being and potentially save lives through early detection.

 

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Skai Jackson Arrested After Public Altercation with Boyfriend: Pregnant Disney Star Faces Legal Trouble

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Skai Jackson

Reading Time: < 1 minuteFormer Disney Channel star Skai Jackson, known for her role in “Jessie,” found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons last week. The actress was arrested on August 9, 2024, after a public altercation with her boyfriend at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood, California.

The incident unfolded when security personnel at Universal CityWalk observed Jackson and her boyfriend engaging in a heated argument. According to witnesses and footage reviewed by authorities, Jackson allegedly pushed her boyfriend multiple times. Security intervened and detained the couple until the police arrived on the scene.

Jackson was arrested on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery and was cited before being released a few hours later. The case is now under review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to determine if further legal action will be taken.

Despite the charges and the apparent evidence, both Jackson and her boyfriend have denied any physical altercation. The couple claims they are happily engaged and expecting a child together. This unexpected turn of events has left many of Jackson’s fans shocked and concerned.

Skai Jackson, who gained viral fame as a meme in 2016, has largely kept her personal life out of the public eye. This incident marks a rare glimpse into her private world, which has now become the subject of widespread media attention.

While Jackson’s legal troubles are under scrutiny, this situation has also sparked comparisons to other former Disney Channel stars who have faced legal issues, such as Orlando Brown and Mitchel Musso.

As the story continues to develop, fans and followers are eagerly waiting for more updates on Jackson’s situation and her future in the entertainment industry.

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