Laurence Olivier said in an interview once that when he plays a tragedy he always aims for the funny parts and the other way around. Because in a comedy you look for what's serious. I think that's true. Sometimes things are really funny if you're absolutely earnest. If you're really serious it's hilarious.
People are patronizing the theatres with renewed enthusiasm - there is an entire picnic-like attitude when families go out to see movies which is a very good sign. They want to see larger-than-life characters on the big screen and not just watch movies on television or on DVDs.