Last weekend, the North American film market welcomed the large-scale release of three new films, but the opening performance was not very ideal. At the top of the box office chart was still the previous week's champion "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle - Chapter 1: Akaza Returns."
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Ichijo took in $17.3 million in its second weekend, a 75% year-over-year decline, demonstrating that its most die-hard fans flocked to the theaters right from the start. The film has already grossed $104 million in North America, well on its way to surpassing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's $128 million to become the highest-grossing non-English-language film in North American history. Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Ichijo has amassed a global box office of $555 million, making it the highest-grossing Japanese animated film in history.
"Him" is produced by famous horror film director Jordan Peele.
Coming in second place was Universal Pictures' X-rated sports-themed horror film "Him." Produced by renowned horror director Jordan Peele ("Get Out," "No"), the film opened in North America with a mere $13.5 million in 3,168 theaters. Fortunately, the film's production budget was relatively low, at just $27 million.
"Him," about a young football player who experiences a series of disruptive events after being mentored by his idol, satirized the American sports industry, celebrity worship, and other social issues. However, the film failed to gain acclaim from critics, receiving a Rotten Tomatoes rating of just 27%.
This also made the lead actor, Marlon Wayans, quite depressed. To this end, he posted on his personal social media: "It should be clear that I respect film critics. Their job is to criticize. I respect their work, but their opinions don't always represent everyone's. Some films are indeed at the forefront of their time. Innovation is not always accepted. Art needs to be interpreted, and this is inherently subjective. I have made some films in the past that, although not well received by critics, ultimately became classics. So, don't trust anyone's opinions, go see it for yourself. Love you all. 'Him' is playing in theaters now." Along with the text, he also posted posters of films he starred in, such as 'Girl' and 'Scary Movies,' implying that 'Him' will become a "classic movie" like them.
Poster of "Dream Journey"
Another new film is the time-travel romance "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey," directed by Korean-American director Kogonada and starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. The film marks another major role for Margot Robbie following her role in "Barbie," and her look in the film is stunning.
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell in "The Journey."
However, after its release in 3,330 theaters in North America, "Dream Journey" only earned $3.5 million at the box office. Compared with Guo Gongda's previous works "After Yang" and "In Columbus", which achieved an 89% freshness rating and a 96% freshness rating, the rating of this new film can be said to have plummeted.
Rotten Tomatoes ratings for director Guo Gongda's three most recent films.
Guo Gongda, who has always been loved by the media, suffered a disastrous defeat this time. Perhaps the most direct reason is that his first two works were written by himself, and they were stories he wanted to present from the bottom of his heart, but this time "Dream Journey" came from someone else's script.
Guo Gongda (left) and Colin Farrell on the set.
Furthermore, for unknown reasons, Sony Pictures heavily inserted Burger King ads throughout the film, and the placement wasn't particularly smooth. Consequently, numerous media reviews highlighted this point, mocking and ridiculing it, which directly lowered the film's overall impression.
Another point is that romantic comedies, as a genre, have long since become obsolete in the North American film market. Even in overseas markets, the genre is still a niche genre. The film's global opening weekend grossed only $4.5 million in 45 countries and territories. With a production budget of $45 million and $20 million spent on global marketing, Sony Pictures is unlikely to recoup its investment, even factoring in future streaming revenue. The film will also be released in mainland China on October 18th, but the Chinese market likely won't be its savior.
"The Freshman" is adapted from a true story.
The final new film is "The Senior," produced by Angel Pictures. It follows the studio's signature inspirational, faith-based, and positive themes. The film is based on the true story of Mike Flint, a player from Ross State University in Texas (named after Sullivan Ross, the Texas governor during the Civil War), a Division III college football team.
In the 1970s, Mike Flint was a promising middle linebacker for the school's football team. However, due to his fiery temper and subsequent brawls with teammates, he was kicked off the team. Decades later, determined to rediscover his ideals, he returned to the Ross State University football team and, at the age of 59, made history by playing college football again.
"The Freshman" grossed $2.77 million in 2,405 theaters across North America, placing it seventh at the box office. Compared to "Him," also about football, "The Freshman" had less marketing investment and fewer star-studded cast, yet received positive reviews from both the media and the audience.
Angel Pictures, founded just four years ago, has won the hearts of conservative Americans with films like "The Voice of Liberty" and the TV series "The Chosen," making it something of an anomaly in Hollywood. Just this month, Angel Pictures successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange through a backdoor listing.
