Nikki Finn and the Blockbuster

So, I am still trying to figure out how to approach writing my review of Madonna’s performance as Nikki Finn in “Who’s That Girl”. It is tough going knowing that everyone out there thinks she is a terrible actress and the movie is HORRIBLE.
It will come soon, I promise!!!

Until then please read this article over at The Hollywood Reporter about how studios are looking for the next big franchise.

They mention how MGM is involved with “The Hobbit” without Peter Jackson. Studios are awful, awful things. They only think of the money. Sure “The Hobbit” will make money, but at what cost? If it is terrible then it tarnishes the legacy of the first three films. That is a huge risk to take for the sake of a few dollars.
They are even talking about a “Pirates” sequel as well as more “Spiderman” movies.
Will this insanity never end?

With this mad rush to make money, they are forgetting very important things like scripts and talent. Sure droves of idiots (myself included) will go and see the newest loudest blockbuster, but if it is terrible, we will not be shelling out money to see it’s sequel. I shelled out to see “Shrek 2” and hated it, so no, I will not see “Shrek the 3rd”

If the big blockbusters were any good, they wouldn’t have a 60+% drop in the second weekend like "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” did. That film has yet to make back it’s production budget in domestic grosses.

The fact that opening weekends are so important is another ridiculous marketing ploy, especially since they do not last a-top the box office come the following weekend, and in fact drop in money earned. Wouldn’t the studios rather have slow burners? Look at “ Little Miss Sunshine ”. Small indie family comedy made for $8 million, which took a worldwide gross of $99 million. That movie stuck around all summer long, opening in seven theaters, then six hundred and ninety one, then to over one thousand six hundred.

Films like “Waitress”, “Once”, “La Vie En Rose”, “Sicko”, “Away From Her” and “The Namesake” have all been released in this crazy blockbuster filled summer, and managed to turn a profit as well as garner immense critical praise. They have also managed stay in the top 20 for a while despite their limited release.
And which films will be remembered when it comes to the year ends round up of the best films? The ones with the Limited release. That leaves the blockbusters to enjoy being included on lists with titles such as “Most disappointing films” or even worst “Worst Films of the year”.

Studios…WAKE UP AND SMELL THE TALENT.