Does anyone else religiously follow box office returns for Hollywood films? I've been doing it since I was a kid (when we looked at the news on something called "paper"). As many of you know, I've been particularly interested in the performance of the new Star Trek movie, being a fan of the franchise and of JJ Abrams.Star Trek has been faring well, posting the lowest declines from week to week of any film this year. While I would imagine the quality of the story, production values, and marketing probably influence a film's box office performance the most, some reviews have attributed Star Trek's success to another factor: optimism.
Star Trek as a franchise has always reflected a rosy view of the future, honoring the wishes of its creator, Gene Roddenberry. This did not change for the latest installment. However, the most successful "reboots" of franchises in the last few years were Casino Royale and Batman Begins, both dark and brooding films. So when I saw Terminator Salvation last week, I wondered why it was performing much worse than anticipated.
Both Terminator and Star Trek have questionable stories, well-known characters, lots of explosions, slick special effects, and young, talented casts. There are many differences, for sure. But the most obvious difference is the setting. Why do more people in 2009 prefer the utopian sheen of Star Trek over the post-apocalyptic gloom of Terminator? Where would you want to spend your two hours?
And hey, The Sobriquets are doing things again! We're playing shows, finalizing EP artwork, and practicing in our new space. We're all very happy about that.
- Nick
I saw the star trek film a couple weeks ago an had a couple remarks: First the score was totally uninspired. I was a bit miffed about the storyline and how they ever thought it could carry the movie. Given all the available back story on Kirk et al throwing together an alternative reality setting, while not totally off the wall as far as star trek plots are concerned, certainly didnt hold my interest. Thirdly, at times I felt like I was watching muppet babies and was waiting for a larger crew to take the helm. I dont know if it was casting, makeup/wardrobe, or the framing of the shots, but the crew seemed diminutive.
ReplyDeleteThat being said I agree, I think your right in the optimistic tone, and stronger tone of hope in the human condition ultimately prevailing if one that will always resonant with audiences over darker tone flicks, all other explosions being equal. Thanks guys!
Tom