Are people coming back to theaters? The signs look good.

After a few choppy years, moviegoing is finding its rhythm again. Surveys and industry reports point to a clear rebound. Roughly seven in ten Americans went to a movie in 2023 and 2024, a big jump from the early post-pandemic period. The share of frequent moviegoers has about doubled since 2021, and most people say they plan to go as often or more this year. Premium formats are booming, with IMAX reporting record box office this summer and strong year-over-year growth. Forecasts for 2025 call for another step up in global box office, with the U.S. tracking higher than last year. Canada is seeing the same energy, with about six in ten people saying they saw at least one film in theaters in 2024 and the strongest turnout among under-35s. Theater subscriptions are growing, too. AMC’s A-List is approaching the one million member mark, a good signal that regular moviegoing is back in the routine.

Bottom line. People are putting the big screen back into their week and they are choosing higher quality screens, better sound, and reserved seats when they do. That makes late summer a great time to pick an End of Summer Movie (or two) and make a night of it.

End of Summer Movies to put on your list:

Splitsville (Comedy)
A friendship between two couples gets messy when a newly separated friend tests the boundaries of his pals’ open marriage. Starring Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, and Michael Angelo Covino, Splitsville  opened in limited release in late August and expands wider in early September.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (Horror)
The mainline Conjuring saga reaches its finale. If you want a packed house and jump-out-of-your-seat energy, opening-weekend horror delivers. U.S. release is early September.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (Drama)
The Crawleys return for a final big-screen chapter set in the early 1930s. Expect elegant scandal, shifting fortunes, and a graceful goodbye for a beloved ensemble. In theaters mid-September.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (Comedy and Music)
The loudest band returns for one last concert documentary that promises familiar mayhem, new riffs, and plenty of deadpan. Theatrical release is mid-September.

The Long Walk (Thriller and Horror)
Francis Lawrence adapts Stephen King’s dystopian gauntlet about a deadly endurance contest. Lean, tense, and tailor made for post-summer chills. In theaters mid-September.

Him (Sports Horror)
From Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw, a young football phenom trains with a legendary quarterback and finds something much darker under the surface. U.S. release is late September.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (Romance and Fantasy)
Kogonada pairs Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell in a tender, high-concept story about second chances and the paths we do not take. In theaters late September.

Holdovers worth catching
If you missed the late August openers, Darren Aronofsky’s New York crime caper Caught Stealing and Jay Roach’s marital melee The Roses are still playing and make a sharp double-feature.

Every year brings a wave of books worth talking about. Stories that grip, inspire, or spark big ideas. Whether you’re looking for a page-turning thriller, a deeply human novel, or a guide to level up your mindset, this season’s new releases offer something for everyone. Here are five standout titles to add to your reading list now.

1. Desert Storm by Michael Falkow

Political Thriller
Falkow’s Desert Storm is more than a novel. It is a dive into a shadow world where power, loyalty, and survival collide. This high-stakes political thriller blends covert operations with raw human tension, taking readers from Washington’s corridors of power to the chaos of the Middle East. The story unravels through intersecting timelines, revealing secrets that could change the course of global events. If you love books that keep you guessing until the last page, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list. Available on Amazon and Audible.

2. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Speculative Fiction
This buzzworthy debut bends genres with a mix of time-travel adventure and romantic drama while remaining entirely original. Set in a near-future Britain, the novel explores what happens when people from the past are recruited to work for a government agency. It is witty, smart, and layered with themes about history, identity, and belonging.

3. My Life, My Way by Usher

Memoir
Fresh off the heels of his headline-making Super Bowl performance, Usher delivers an unfiltered look at his life and career. From childhood dreams to global stardom, his memoir dives deep into personal victories, struggles, and lessons learned along the way. For music fans and anyone fascinated by the art of reinvention, this is a must-read.

4. The Code: The Power of “I Will” by Shaun Tomson

Self-Development and Inspiration
Surfing legend and leadership expert Shaun Tomson shares a simple yet powerful framework for living with purpose. The Code distills life lessons into twelve promises you make to yourself. Each one is a call to action for resilience, integrity, and courage. Part memoir and part guidebook, it is the kind of book you will want to keep close for a quick dose of inspiration whenever life throws a wave your way.

5. The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

Psychological Thriller
For fans of twisty domestic suspense, McFadden’s follow-up to The Housemaid delivers another dark and addictive read. Secrets lurk behind every door, and nothing is as it seems in this fast-paced psychological thriller. It is the perfect guilty-pleasure page-turner for a long weekend.

Why These Books Matter

From adrenaline-fueled fiction to thought-provoking insights, these releases reflect what many of us crave in 2025: escapism, truth, and practical wisdom to live better. Whether you are drawn to geopolitics, personal growth, or mind-bending suspense, this list has your next great read.

Surf culture is making waves on the East Coast this summer as the legendary documentary Bustin’ Down the Door returns for a special 50th-anniversary tour. This isn’t just a film. It’s a celebration of the era that changed surfing forever, and the best part is, admission is free.

How It All Began

The story takes us back to the winter of 1975 on Oʻahu’s North Shore. A small group of Australian and South African surfers decided to risk everything to follow their dreams. They weren’t satisfied with the way things were. They wanted to push the limits, to take surfing to the next level. With a bold style that challenged local traditions, they sparked a cultural shift that helped create the professional surfing world we know today.

Narrated by Edward Norton, the documentary combines powerful storytelling with an unforgettable soundtrack featuring David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Leonard Cohen. It’s an honest, gritty look at ambition and passion that still resonates decades later.

When and Where

The anniversary tour will stop at three iconic surf towns in North Carolina and Virginia. Fans can watch the film on the big screen and hear firsthand from one of the sport’s most influential figures.

• August 1 | 7–9 PM at First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, NC

• August 2 | 7–9 PM at The Shack, Virginia Beach, VA

• August 3 | 6–8 PM at Marsh’s Surf Shop, Atlantic Beach, NC

After each screening, there will be a live Q&A with Shaun Tomson, the former world champion surfer who helped lead the revolution. Shaun will share stories and insights about the movement that forever changed surfing.

These screenings are brought to you by Instinct, the heritage surf brand that started during surfing’s golden era and is now making its return. Learn more at instinctsurf.com.

Why People Love It

Critics and surf legends have praised the film for its honesty and energy. Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater called it “a breakout film that shows what happens when ego and historical problems clash during the most critical period in our sport’s history.” Variety described it as “sizzling from start to finish,” while Surfline called it “a powerhouse spellbinder.”

Why It Still Matters

Bustin’ Down the Door isn’t just about surfing. It’s about courage, vision, and what it takes to follow a dream when the odds are stacked against you. Whether you live for the waves or just love a good story about breaking barriers, this is a film worth seeing.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. For more information, visit www.bustindownthedoorfilm.com or www.shauntomson.com.