Comments on: Where Did Universal’s Summer Line-Up Go Wrong?

By: Racine

Racine — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:45:53 +0000

I loved a Perfect Getaway, the ending had everyone in theater on the edge of our seats.

By: Baychuk

Baychuk — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:49:35 +0000

Either it is an overinflated figure or those actors cost a lot of money.

By: Swarez

Swarez — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:58:24 +0000

How can a film like Funny People cost 75 million dollars?

By: Rus

Rus — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:07:58 +0000

Look at the list, they bought hype over story! Bruno is a character and a follow-up star v
project. Land of The Lost no story. They signed up for Aptow’s next film,problem, it’s a comedy about death! Mann only cared about his action setpieces – no story there either. Everything starts with the script fellows. See you in the bread line!

By: Marc

Marc — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:54:59 +0000

Land of the lost was promoted to the wrong demographic not to mention that it was in a weird spot theme wise. It looked like a kids film but the humor was geared more towards adults. That said films like Terminator Salvation came and went like the wind. that Movie cost 250 million to make and hasn’t made it’s money back yet.

Funny people was a good movie that was released at the wrong time of the year. During the summer people want dick and fart jokes. Just look at the top grossing R rated comedies of the last 5 years and you’ll see what I mean. Funny people should have been released in October or November.

District 9 was a revelation and I hope it makes Hollywood executives rethink how they market and budget films.

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:44:44 +0000

Reed, I’m right there with you on District 9.

The amount of praise it’s getting is pretty frustrating when there are such glaring story problems, insultingly on-the-nose symbolism, and lackluster performances.

I didn’t necessarily dislike it, but I think you hit the nail on the head on the podcast. Ordinary. District 9 is forgettably average as far as I’m concerned.

By: Reed Farrington

Reed Farrington — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:57:15 +0000

I’m looking forward to picking up the bargain bin DVDs of Drag Me to Hell, Land of the Lost, and Funny People.

Bluelouboyle, I do enjoy movies. I think people may have gotten the wrong impression because I didn’t overly praise Star Trek and District 9. If you take a look at my Bargain Bin or Killer Imports reviews, then you’ll find a lot of movies I like, even movies most people might find “bad.” I generally prefer movies with interesting dialogue. I hate that it seems like I’m a troll (even though if I gained a little weight, I’d probably look like one).

By: Leeny

Leeny — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:41:44 +0000

Drag me to Hell may have not made alot of money at the box office, but I think in the long run it have a lot of value in DVD’s sales and such.

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:04:49 +0000

Honestly, four of those films are among my favorites of the summer, it’s unfortunate they didn’t get more attention than they did.

“Drag Me to Hell” was absolutely awesome, “Land of the Lost” was a unique and underrated film, “Funny People” was a step up for Apatow (I thought), and “Bruno” was worth a few good belly-laughs.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:57:09 +0000

Yes, Reed is definitely an oddball… that’s probably an understatement.

By: Bluelouboyle

Bluelouboyle — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:50:22 +0000

Yeah, Funny People and Lost don’t make up for Bruno, that’s for sure. By the way, just started listening to the podcast. Great stuff! Although Reed is an oddball. He seems to find it difficult to enjoy a movie.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:44:03 +0000

Domestic seems to be their main concern, and the focus of the L.A. Times article. But you’re right some of these movies will make a bit more money in the worldwide market. I didn’t realize Bruno actually made more worldwide than it did in North America… that’s an interesting stat. Land of the Lost would still be way in the hole even with the foreign B.O. though.