List of most expensive films Puns

Recently, a new law came into effect that requires all hospitals to post their list prices. Given that this information has long been a carefully guarded secret, I was very intrigued at what I might find. So, I downloaded the Charge Description Master from every hospitals website and looked up the price of a Level 4 ER Visit (CPT code 99284). This is basically what you get charged for setting foot in the ER and does not include any additional fees for doctors or medical supplies. Note that if your insurance has the ER in its network, they will have a different (and secret) negotiated rate. But if you are out of network, uninsured, or underinsured, these are the actual prices you'll pay.

Without further ado, here are the prices!

A few notes and observations:

1. Prices are missing for some Memorial Hermann facilities, including the main one in the Med Center. This is because Memorial Hermann has apparently decided the law doesn't apply to them and will not disclose their prices no matter what. This was the helpful non-response I got when I asked.

2. Hospitals owned by HCA Healthcare are a rip off, particularly HCA West, which charges $2,732.00. Additionally, even if you have insurance and are in-network, Google reviews indicate that all HCA locations have out-of-network contractor doctors who can send you a surprise bill for much as they feel like charging. Unless it is a life or death emergency and the HCA hospital is the closest, I would avoid them.

3. Houston Methodist has some of the highest list prices, but self-pay patients get a 50% discount, which puts them in the middle of the pack

4. Harris Health has a well known reputation for very long wait times, but their prices are very reasonable. $355 for an ER visit is way less than everyone else and is only about 2x what an urgent care visit would cost

5. MD Anderson has a national reputation as a top hospital, but their ER prices are the lowest of everyone except Harris Health. EDIT: Per a commenter, this ER is not open to the public. I will note that CHI St Lukes has comparable prices.

Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great day!

Hot off of Arrival, the next highly anticipated film from Denis Villeneuve is a continuation of the original we all know and love.

Hold up, it didn't start out like that.

The original did not even make it's mark of universal acclaim until long after it's original theatrical run. Upon release, it polarized critics and audiences alike, and ended up making $27M during said theatrical run. Years later it gained more attention through updated cuts that enhanced the film. As of now, Blade Runner stands at a $32M domestic total. Worldwide total stands also at $32M. That's right, it did not have a theatrical run in theaters in any other country. With a budget of $28M, even after multiple re-releases, Blade Runner is still considered a flop.

Don't get me wrong, Blade Runner is in my top 5 favorite films, I'm encapsulated by the cyberpunk world Ridley Scott has created. Villeneuve is an up-and-coming super star director, I loved Arrival, Sicario, and Prisoners, but I don't see Blade Runner 2049 other than a loss from a financial perspective.

I do not doubt that 2049 will be a critical success thanks to the talent behind it. I hope Villenueve tops Arrival in terms of crafting an amazing story. To prove successful though, 2049 must make $400M worldwide to break even, double its budget, due to a similar promotional budget (marketing) films tend to follow.

I predict 2049 will underperform overseas and do decent over here in the states. I hope I'm wrong, I want my expectations to be blown away and this film to absolutely crush at the box office. The problem in my eyes is that the original gained such a cult following that there's not a whole lot of wide appeal for this film except for the fans of the original.

Edit: I used Box Office Mojo, but that said "n/a" under Foreign gross, I should've done more research. Also, Blade Runner did make its money back through home media sales/rereleases. Thought I'd correct myself on that front.

1. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) - (gross max) - $495.2 million

2. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - (max) $400 million

3. Avengers: Endgame (2019) - $356 million

4. Thor: The Dark World (2013) - (gross) $272 million

5. Captain America: Civil War (2016) - $250 million

6. Doctor Strange (2016) - (max) $236.6 million

7. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) - (gross) $232.3 million

8. The Avengers (2012) - $220 million

9. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - (max) $216.7 million

10. Iron Man 2 (2010) - $200 million

11. Iron Man 3 (2013) - $200 million

12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) - $200 million

13. Black Panther (2018) - $200 million

14. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) - (max) $195 million

15. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) - $180 million

16. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) - (max) $177 million

17. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) - $175 million

18. Captain Marvel (2019) - (max) $175 million

19. Ant-Man (2015) - (max) $169.3 million

20. The Incredible Hulk (2008) - $150 million

21. Thor (2011) - $150 million

22. Iron Man (2008) - $140 million