Hollywood eyes records as blockbuster season begins

LOS ANGELES: Movie-goers hungry for escapism could fuel a record year at the box-office as Hollywood's summer blockbuster season gets underway today, analysts said.

Wearied by a relentless tide of gloomy headlines about the recession-hit economy, Americans have flocked to the movies in early 2009, driving takings up by nearly 15 percent compared to the same period last year.

That augurs well for North America's summer season, which is bristling with sequels or reboots to franchises such as Star Trek and Terminator - reliable money-spinners in past incarnations on the silver screen.