Something is wrong with America. Who am I kidding, a lot is wrong with America. But when the No. 1 movie at the box office last week was one called "Baby Mama," something must be said.
I have decided to break from my long-standing fancy of writing about politics to talk about the American film industry, an economic behemoth that has, as of recent years, almost completely lost my confidence.
Last year, as one might recall, there was that hilarious point during the summer when moviegoers realized they had a choice between shelling out almost $10 a pop to see either "Pirates of the Caribbean 3," "Spider-Man 3," "Shrek the Third" or "Ocean's Thirteen."
It would appear the studio heads are going the way of the American politician in that risk is simply something to be left to the deep-sea fishermen.
There is one example I can think of where a sequel or modern remake has met my expectations. In fact, it exceeded them. The film I am talking about is "Batman Begins," which was not only a remake, but a superhero flick, the likes of which we have been bombarded with ever since "Spider-Man" gobbled up $100 million in just three days, faster than any film had prior to 2002. I'll also admit that its upcoming sequel to be released in July is one I will gladly abandon my boycott of first-run theater-going for. Hell, I'll even wait in line opening night in a cape.
Interestingly enough, the motivation behind the remaking of the Batman franchise stemmed in part from a brilliant up-and-coming Hollywood director by the name of Christopher Nolan who felt exactly as I do, that great characters (such as Batman) were getting completely spoiled and tarnished for the sake of Happy Meal and action figure success.
"If the people who make the film aren't taking it seriously, why should we?" Nolan told The New York Times of the 1997 major flop "Batman & Robin," which featured George Clooney stuffed into a rubber suit with nipples.
When it was released in 2003, "Pirates of the Caribbean" was arguably the most original idea Hollywood has had for a big studio production in a long while. It was a smash hit and deservedly so. It raked in roughly $46.6 million its opening weekend. Its sequel, out in 2006, made $135.6 million (topping Spidey's record by breaking the $100 million mark in only two days) and the third of the trilogy, released last summer, even slightly surpassed that with $139.8 million its opening weekend.
2008 Woodie Awards
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Emmett Hoveh
posted 5/05/08 @ 2:24 PM EST
Well, as long as you've figured out that the objective is not to [continue to] tell you a meaningful story in an interesting way but to reach deep into your pockets and excise $8, you seem to be right on track. (Continued…)
Nick
posted 5/06/08 @ 11:20 AM EST
Funny how these movies keep making money.
Apparently people (myself included)enjoy the sequels and the prequels.Albeit I may be considered a nerd though havent been a virgin for some time. (Continued…)
Emmett Hoveh
posted 5/06/08 @ 2:13 PM EST
Nick, were your comments directed at me?
I haven't seen "The English Patient" and if by "The Piano" you meant Roman Polanski's "The Pianist", I'll say that the second half is much more interesting than the first. (Continued…)
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