In Reply to: Get Smart posted by DavidLD on June 23, 2008 at 05:54:08:
I don't want to throw cold water on your optimism or leave the impression that I'm running down this film since I've yet to see it (Get Smart could be great for all I know, and I'll try to catch it in it's initial run), but timing is everything. I'm doubtful that GS will reach a much broader audience because it's coming out in the most hotly contested period of the summer film season.There's just too little time for word of mouth consensus to override the competition for dollars. For instance, next weekend Get Smart will just be a film with a lackluster opening up against WALL-E; with Pixar's track record this will very likely KILL all the competition, not just Get Smart, soaking up most of the film revenue for at least a couple weeks.
Those in the Get Smart demographic (baby boomers) who can't get past the throngs of kids, parents and legions of Pixar animation fans to see WALL-E (a guaranteed box office hit) may turn first to the action flick Wanted, which has gotten high marks in early reviews.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that some folks will go to Get Smart, specifically those who grew up with the original series, but I suspect most will opt for the high-octane action flick Wanted if they can't get in to see WALL-E. It's not that I want to confer upon GS a pessimistic outcome, but we should keep in mind that television fare hasn't had a great track record when redone as big-budget movies (especially comedies).
OTOH, I hope the film does well since it seems to have fan appeal (even if the critics aren't impressed); that's because we're in a demographic that isn't catered to much these days. ;O)
Cheers,
AuPh
Edits: 06/23/08 06/23/08 06/23/08
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- "My hunch is that once word gets around this movie will do pretty well in the next few weeks." - I doubt it. - Audiophilander 12:02:32 06/23/08 (18)
- Have you seen what passes for comedy lately? It'll do well. - DWPC 14:08:33 06/24/08 (2)
- Maybe as a rental. - Audiophilander 22:52:27 06/25/08 (1)
- I'd categorize $100 Mill as a lot more than "doing well" * - DWPC 14:39:56 06/27/08 (0)
- gotta disagree. - Analog Scott 13:01:21 06/24/08 (13)
- No offense, but $40,000,000 isn't a big box-office opening for a summer release. - Audiophilander 22:25:50 06/25/08 (12)
- By this reasoning WALL-E didn't do very well. - sjb 17:32:32 06/29/08 (4)
- $63 million to $38 million? That $25 million dollar difference is substantial. - Audiophilander 11:07:09 07/01/08 (3)
- But it cost $40+ million more to make. So by your formula it didn't do well. - sjb 18:03:02 07/01/08 (2)
- The question still remains: how much better will WALL-E perform over all than Get Smart? It's just too early to tell. - Audiophilander 00:55:16 07/02/08 (1)
- I'm really just ribbing you... BUT... - sjb 10:41:49 07/02/08 (0)
- RE: No offense, but $40,000,000 isn't a big box-office opening for a summer release. - Analog Scott 19:45:49 06/26/08 (6)
- Thru Thursday it's up to $57 million - sjb 17:51:41 06/27/08 (0)
- "This movie did half it's prodction cost on the first weekend." - Including advertising expenses? - Audiophilander 22:25:40 06/26/08 (4)
- RE: "This movie did half it's prodction cost on the first weekend." - Including advertising expenses? - Analog Scott 09:57:24 06/28/08 (3)
- "My estimates did include all costs and revenue sharing." - Then I think your estimates may be a bit shy, ... - Audiophilander 02:00:51 06/29/08 (2)
- It would appear the Get Smart is exceeding my predictions - Analog Scott 11:48:54 07/01/08 (1)
- Good! Come back in a couple of weeks and we'll compare notes. (nt) - Audiophilander 00:56:21 07/02/08 (0)
- You are correct... - mkuller 14:25:49 06/23/08 (0)