Launched amidst much fanfare, MoviePass promised a revolutionary approach to moviegoing. The service allowed users to see unlimited movies for a low monthly fee, but its decline was just as spectacular. Now, HBO’s documentary MoviePass, MovieCrash delves deeply into the story. Here’s how you can watch it and what to expect from this intriguing expose.
Where and When to Watch
MoviePass, MovieCrash, premieres on HBO and Max on May 29 at 9:00 P.M. ET. Make sure your streaming subscriptions are active so you won’t miss this compelling documentary.
Ted Farnsworth’s Perspective
The documentary offers rare insights into the minds behind MoviePass. Ted Farnsworth, the former CEO, is a focal point. He is described, at times harshly, as conducting MoviePass like a Broadway play rather than a sustainable business.
In one memorable moment, Farnsworth recounts: I would never hit somebody
. Even in dealing with criticism and lawsuits, he remains a contentious figure. As his lawyer William McGovern has stated, We disagree with the SEC’s characterization of Mitch’s conduct…
The Rise and Fall of Stacy Spikes and Hamet Watt
Stacy Spikes, one of the actual co-founders of MoviePass along with Hamet Watt, gets significant screen time. Played by Keegan-Michael Key in dramatized segments within the documentary, Spikes’ initial vision for MoviePass was quickly overshadowed once Mitch Lowe took over.
Sterling K. Brown portrays Hamet Watt. In the film This Is Us, Brown’s character quit his job with an emotionally charged monologue, mirroring Watt’s own quiet resignation from MoviePass without such fanfare but plenty of underlying tension.
Investors and Legal Challenges
The wayward journey of MoviePass is highlighted through discussions about fraudulent tactics and mismanagement. Former employees echo these sentiments about what went wrong.
A former customer service rep is played by Sydney Sweeney. She recalls her disbelief as executives like Ted Farnsworth seemed oblivious to daily operational fiascos while splurging at high-profile events like Coachella.
Tied to Hollywood Glitz
A much-talked-about embarrassment for MoviePass was its inexplicable role in financing John Travolta’s scene in Gotti. This ill-advised venture epitomized the company’s downfall fueled by imprudent decisions.
A Cautionary Tale
The documentary balances between recounting the innovative spirit that birthed MoviePass and dissecting the reckless ambitions that toppled it. Highlighting voices both inside and outside the organization, including skeptical investors, the film paints a vivid picture of an idea corrupted.
The demise of MoviePass… shows what happens when an innovative concept is sabotaged by poor planning…
An Engrossing Watch
This engaging film not only documents MoviePass’s rise and fall but also serves as a cautionary tale for future tech ventures aiming too high too fast.
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