The Academy Museum’s Big Summer Blockbuster … Comes Out This Fall?

The Academy Museum’s Big Summer Blockbuster … Comes Out This Fall

You may have noticed the large, imitation shark suspended from the ceiling at the Academy Museum. Upon closer inspection, it appears as though the shark is subtly blinking or moving its eyes.

The museum has just revealed that they will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the release of “Jaws” with a spectacular exhibition. This exhibit will showcase original sketches, technical drawings of sharks, a recreated Amity Island beach cabana, and approximately 200 other items from the 1975 movie, such as the police chief’s uniform worn by Roy Scheider. An engaging feature allows visitors to perform John Williams’ memorable two-note shark melody.

The only problem is that the exhibition doesn’t open until September 14, which is almost three months after the movie’s real anniversary date.

According to someone familiar with Steven Spielberg’s situation, they mentioned that this issue was brought up multiple times. However, it’s important to note that the delay wasn’t due to any scheduling or personal choices made by Spielberg himself. In fact, he’s still providing the museum with his personal Super 8 footage from the Martha’s Vineyard set, as well as the original fiberglass shark model from Jaws, which has been hanging in the museum since its opening in 2021.

The source states that only the Academy plans to hold a display in the autumn, featuring the most renowned summer film ever made. It’s important to note that this has no connection to Steven, but rather the Academy recognizing they missed an opportunity.

Since the iconic film “Jaws” essentially kick-started the summer blockbuster phenomenon, one might expect that debuting the anniversary exhibit closer to June 20, the movie’s actual release date and also the busiest tourist season in L.A., would be a logical choice. However, it appears that the museum’s scheduling rhythm made a summer “Jaws” exhibit impractical. The museum had previously allocated time and space for other summer events – a tribute to Barbie‘s design, a revisit of “Anna Karenina”, a retrospective on South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, and in its large fourth-floor gallery, where the “Jaws” show will eventually be displayed, an event called “Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema“.

Indeed, it’s competent programming, but it doesn’t quite capture the attention of a broad audience like blockbusters at the cinemas on Wilshire and Fairfax do, attracting families in lines.

George Costanza: A Bobblehead About Nothing

While officially, there is no mascot for the New York Yankees, it appears they might have found their ideal representation – George Costanza.

On August 21st – “Seinfeld” Night at Yankee Stadium – the initial 18,000 fans entering for a game against the Red Sox will be gifted a bobblehead modeled after Jerry’s consistently disgruntled best friend. This is no ordinary bobblehead, but rather a recreation of the iconic eighth season episode “The Nap,” where George finds that his temporary job with the Yankees offers him a perfect napping spot hidden under his desk.

Fans of the Yankees, as well as enthusiasts of Seinfeld, will recognize that this isn’t the initial bobblehead distribution at the stadium featuring the Costanza character. Previously, prior to a match against the Astros last summer, they distributed 18,000 bobbling figurines depicting George swinging a baseball bat, reminiscent of “The Wink,” an episode from season seven where he feigns being a Yankees batting prodigy to impress a sick child. The first bobblehead quickly became a sought-after collector’s item, with prices on eBay reaching as high as $250. The newly introduced sleeping version is already commanding higher prices; before its release, presale listings are asking up to $300 (with guarantees like, “Will ship the day after the game”).

It appears that Jason Alexander finds it amusing and appreciative that his character has been turned into a Yankee Stadium giveaway as a bobblehead. He humorously suggests, “It seems there’s something about me that calls for bobbleheads.” Nonetheless, he is deeply touched by the fact that George still brings joy to people.

Pride and Prejudice: Target’s Closet-Friendly Collection

Back in the day, Target was often faced with criticism for being overly inclusive. They offered swimsuits designed for trans women that helped them feel more comfortable, which some people criticized. Additionally, they sold “Gay All Day” rainbow boiler suits for men, a move that also drew criticism. Those times seem quaint now.

Over the past few years, the retail giant has made significant efforts to appease shoppers connected to the White House, abandoning diversity and inclusion programs, withdrawing from Pride event sponsorships, and significantly reducing the vibrant Pride Month merchandise that was once a hallmark of the brand. This year’s LGBTQ+ clothing line, which included an understated ivory V-neck sweater with barely discernible rainbow detailing, an oatmeal-colored hoodie featuring subtle rainbow drawstrings, and beige men’s shorts bearing a small “PROUD” emblem on the pocket, was met with harsh criticism. Noted queer cartoonist Molly Knox labeled it as “Cowardcore” in a social media post, while others referred to it as the “most aggressively ashamed Pride collection ever.

A representative from Target maintains that the company is “completely committed to promoting inclusivity for all.” However, this dedication hasn’t benefited Target financially. Due to progressive protests against the company since January, customer visits have decreased by almost 10%, and Target’s share price has fallen by as much as $27 per share, resulting in a loss of approximately $12 billion in market value. It appears that the plain beige shorts, which Target had hoped would be a merchandising success, may not have been as popular as anticipated.

You can find this story in the July 9 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Consider subscribing by clicking here.

2025-07-09 21:25