After talking to moviegoers about what films they were most excited about watching, journalist Joe Harvey looked back to CinemaCon in April and which stars of the screen were promoting their upcoming projects on Harkness screens ahead of release this year.
At the heart of the Caesars Palace Colosseum stood a Clarus XC 170 screen from one of the world’s oldest screenmakers, Harkness Screens. Starting life nearly 90 years ago in Scotland before moving to London. Harkness today has its headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. The screen for 2019’s CinemaCon was manufactured at the Harkness facility in Roanoke, Virginia.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw - Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (Universal Studios)- 2nd August 2019
One of the most recognisable faces in cinema right now, The Rock was in Vegas to promote his latest action blockbuster, Hobbs and Shaw. Starring alongside Jason Statham (The Meg), the film is a spin-off from the Fast & Furious franchise and also stars Idris Elba (The Mountain Between Us) as the villain.
Knives Out - Ana De Armas (Lionsgate)- 29th November 2019
Due for release in late November, some of the stars of Rian Johnson’s Knives out were in attendance at CinemaCon in April. One of which was Ana De Armas. The Spanish-Cuban actress stars alongside the likes of Chris Evans (Avengers Endgame), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) and the legendary Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music). Also in this mystery drama is 007 himself, Daniel Craig, who De Armas will also work with in the upcoming 25th James Bond film.
Rocketman - Taron Egerton (Paramount Pictures) - 22nd May 2019
Aberyswyth-born Egerton was at Caesars Palace to promote the biographical picture of popstar Elton John’s life. Alongside fellow Brits Richard Madden (The Bodyguard) and Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot), the Welshman has received rave reviews for his performance as John.
IT Chapter 2 - Jessica Chastain (Warner Bros) - 6th September 2019
After the huge success of IT in 2017, a sequel felt inevitable. Chastain stars alongside James McAvoy (Split), Bill Hader (Inside Out), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and Bill Skarsgard reprises his role as the terrifying clown. Written by Gary Dauberman, the mind behind the Conjuring Universe, the writer has said that this film is ‘pushing it to the brink’ with the gore.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 - Kevin Hart & Tiffany Haddish (Universal Pictures) - 24th May 2019
Comedians Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish (both Night School) made their appearance on stage all the more interesting by going on stage with rabbits, the characters they play in this animated movie. Hart returns as Snowball, a white rabbit, whereas Haddish is a new addition to the cast. In cinemas now, The Secret Life of Pets 2 also sees Harrison Ford join the cast for what has been a well-received film.
Terminator Dark Fate - Arnold Schwarzenegger (Paramount Pictures) - 1st November 2019
The latest instalment in the sci-fi franchise series sees the original cast including Linda Hamilton as the iconic Sarah Connor and Arnold Schwarzenegger reunite for an epic adventure set 27 years after Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Late Night - Emma Thompson (Amazon Studios)- 7th June 2019
Released at the start of June, Late Night follows the story of a late night talk show whose world is turned upside down after hiring a female writer. Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, the film has had good reviews from critics, with Emma Thompson (Love Actually) and John Lithgow gaining praise for their performances.
Blinded By The Light - Nell Williams (Warner Bros) - 14th August 2019
Released on the 14th of August, blinded by the light focuses on the life of British-Pakistani teenager Javed and the challenges he faces growing up. Directed by Gurinder Chadha (Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging), this film is set to be another great example of British cinema.
Long Shot - Seth Rogen & Charlize Theron (Lionsgate)- 3rd May 2019
Released one month after CinemaCon, Rogen and Theron are the protagonists in this comedy romance. Directed by Jonathan Levine (50/50), this picture has already had good reviews and would be well worth going to see in cinemas.
Yesterday - Himesh Patel (Universal Pictures) - 4th May 2019
Imagining a world where the Beatles never existed seems implausible to a struggling musician who finds himself with an entire back catalogue of incredible songs at his disposal after a global blackout eradicates any memory of the Fab 4.
Gemini Man - Will Smith (Paramount Pictures) - 20th December 2019
The latest sci-fi masterpiece from innovator Ang Lee sees a movie two decades in the planning come to life as Will Smith plays both an ageing assassin and through the help of CGI, a cloned version of himself twenty years younger.
Chapin Cutler of Boston Light and Sound who manage the entire show during Cinemacon told Harkness his thoughts on Clarus :-
“Harkness screens are always fabulous. This screen at CinemaCon is no exception. Of all the things we have to worry about in the Colosseum for CinemaCon, Harkness screens are one thing that we don't worry about. We are grateful for your support and for your continued search for the perfect surface.”
The stars of the premieres love being at Cinemacon and so do Harkness. Since 2014, Clarus has been the screen of choice at the Caesars Palace Colosseum for both 2D and 3D presentations. Clarus technology was approved by all major studios prior to 2014 with the first Clarus screen in the world installed at AMC Burbank 16.
Screens for Cinemacon 2018 and 2019 have been produced from Harkness’ Roanoke facility in Virginia. The screen was used for all 2D and 3D slate and screening presentation premieres.