R-rated comedies like "wedding crashers" are familiar to Universal, as Universal Pictures has a tradition of distributing low-budget comedies and horror films.
"wedding crashers" opened in 2,900 theaters and grossed $32 million in North America on its opening weekend, ranking second at the box office.
Also opening on the same day was Warner Bros.' fantasy blockbuster "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, which opened in 3,750 theaters and took in $56 million on its opening weekend, ranking first at the box office.
A week later, "the island" opened in a total of 3,120 theaters in North America, with an opening gross of only $12.4 million.
The film received terrible reviews in all the newspapers, a bad movie that used the gimmick of discussing the ethical issues of human cloning but relied on special effects, explosion shots, and fast editing.
In Capet Manor, Beverly Hills, Char lay half-reclining on the sofa, embracing the sexy Scarlett Johansson, and sighed, "I said long ago that Michael Bay's method of creating atmosphere by relying on exaggerated audio-visual effects and dazzling editing no longer works."
"Audiences are tired of this repetitive genre; the plot is chaotic and illogical!"
Scarlett Johansson was also at a loss. Her first attempt at a commercial blockbuster yielded such results that she felt she wasn't suited for commercial films and could only stick to art-house movies.
"the island" was a dismal failure; DreamWorks will lose a lot of money," Scarlett Johansson had already decided to return to art-house films.
Char turned his head and kissed the Lady, then held her, dressed only in a white shirt, in his arms and laughed, "What's wrong? Isn't 'wedding crashers' a dark horse? It has already grossed over $80 million in North America in ten days, and you're the female lead!"
Although it was just an R-rated comedy, the high box office brought genuine fame to the lead actress. Barring any surprises, "wedding crashers" would undoubtedly be Scarlett Johansson's highest-grossing film for a long time.
Scarlett Johansson still said with some lack of confidence, "But I think commercial films might really not be suitable for me. I received a role invitation for 'mission: impossible iii,' but I declined it."
"Instead, I accepted two art-house films, 'the black dahlia' and 'scoop.'"
"the black dahlia" is based on the true story of the Elizabeth Short case in Los Angeles in the 1940s.
It was a sensational murder case in American history. In the late 1980s, the crime novelist James Ellroy wrote a novel based on it, "the black dahlia Avenger: A True Story," which quickly became a best-selling noir mystery novel after its release.
"I heard that 'the black dahlia' was originally going to be directed by David Fincher, but now it seems to be another director, right?" Char asked.
David Fincher's ability to direct mystery films is beyond doubt.
Scarlett Johansson explained, "David Fincher wanted to make the film a three-hour black-and-white movie, but the producer refused!"
"However, 'scoop' is another film directed by Woody Allen. He is also an actor himself, and the male lead is Hugh Jackman, who just worked with him on 'the prestige,' and now they are going to collaborate on another one."
Char smiled. It seemed Woody Allen truly loved Scarlett Johansson. She had rejected "match point" because she was filming "wedding crashers," and now another film, "scoop," was offered to her.
"How should I put it, Woody Allen's directing ability is quite good. He is very good at filming beautiful women. Pretty actresses in his movies can always show their most seductive side," Char acknowledged the professional qualities expected of a great director in the independent film world.
Scarlett Johansson nodded, wrapped her arms around Char's neck, and gave him a passionate kiss, actively initiating a kiss with Char.
The loose shirt could not withstand the man's pulling and tugging. Soon, the sexy Lady was pressed onto the sofa by Char!
By the end of July, "the island" only grossed $5.8 million in its second weekend, and the film's disastrous failure needed no further indication.
Meanwhile, "wedding crashers" North American box office reached $100 million; similarly, "mr. & mrs. smith," developed by Capet Pictures and distributed by Universal, also exceeded $100 million in North America.
Char seized the excellent opportunity and once again flew to Hasbro headquarters in Rhode Island to discuss the live-action film adaptation of "transformers."
Brian Goldner, the current chief operating officer of Hasbro, was expected to become Hasbro's ceo very soon, as long as the live-action "transformers" movie was released.
"Brian, what have you decided? Do you have any doubts about Capet Pictures' film development capabilities? I just acquired Marvel Company and am also preparing to develop superhero movies," Char was simply chatting casually with Brian Goldner.
Brian Goldner smiled, "Actually, we don't have much experience in developing a live-action 'transformers.' Mr. Spielberg did recommend Michael Bay as the director."
"Unfortunately, 'the island' cast a shadow over your collaboration, didn't it? With a production cost of nearly $120 million!" Char said with a smile, his meaning clear. "the island" only grossed a little over $30 million in North America.
"Brian, Capet Pictures will offer a budget of approximately $150 million for the live-action 'transformers,' and the release date is estimated to be around Christmas 2007!"
"$150 million," Brian Goldner was definitely moved when he heard that.
Char nodded, "Because this movie is somewhat like a semi-animated film, many of the robot transformation animation effects need to start production in advance. To film large-scale scenes and high-tech weapons, we also need to negotiate with the Department of Defense's entertainment liaison office to get the script approved and receive strong weapon support from the Department of Defense..."
The first U.S. office established to use Hollywood films and television to enhance its image was the FBI, followed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the CIA, which also set up media assistance departments.
Now, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service all have film and television offices, or hire official media assistants. Even central departments of the U.S. government are cooperating with Hollywood, all to enhance their image and promote their absurd sense of justice.
The achievements of American cultural and ideological output through Hollywood have been enormous. Currently, a significant portion of the script for Marvel Studios' "iron man" also requires assistance from the Department of Defense, and the script must meet the image requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Otherwise, why would the Department of Defense provide fighter jets and other equipment at extremely low prices or for free, or even deploy troops to assist in filming.