SUMMER MOVIES START WITH A HOWL: ‘Wolverine’ Opens Big To $87M Weekend; ‘Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past’ Only $15.3M

COMMENTS (73)

• I have never read the X-Men comics, but I was a big fan of the first two films in the series, which carried a remarkable storytelling sophistocation and emotional weight which most comic book films up to that time lacked for me. I was very excited for the third film and rushed out to see it despite Bryan Singer’s absence from the proceedings. I was disappointed to find that it sucked. There were some good ideas in there, but it was overstuffed and was unable to service either major story point (Dark Phoenix and the mutant cure) as throughly as it should have because each of them seemed significant enough to need its own film. The same problem happened with Spider-Man 3 a year later; because they originally signed the talent to three-picture deals, the studios get nervous when they reach the third installment and try unsuccessfully to cram so much in there “for the fans” that it results in a poorer film.

  They need to just go ahead and shell out the cash for the stars to return for a fourth film. It will be expensive, but the way these films tend to gross, I’m sure it will end up profitable. Now Sony has ponied up the money to get McGuire (and probably Dunst) back for Spider-Man 4 anyway, which was inevitable. Had they done that before or during the production of the third, it would have freed the filmmakers up to do what they want without having to worry about giving us everything in the “last” salvo.

  The fact that the ending of X3 essentially reverted everything that happened in it and rendered all that acrafice meaningless did not help matters either.

  Because X3 was so bad, I approached Wolverine with more caution. The trailers look rather generic and do not give off the impression of the intelligence which was inherant in the storytelling of Bryan Singer’s two films, and the reviews confirm its absence. I did not download the workprint, and I’m still not sure if I care to go see the film. But it’s not about the workprint leak – it’s about the fact that the film sucks.

  I imagine I will catch it eventually by means of rental, TV or some way where I don’t have to pay $9.50 for it…but I really do not care to miss it, and I think it is a terrible shame that the studio has deep-sixed such a quality franchise with such a bad film, which seems to be even more universally panned than X3.

  I think that, as a result of X3′s bad rap, Wolverine will have a significantly lower opening than most people expect. Unadjusted, It wil probably equal or be slightly better than X2′s $85 milion (perhaps $90), but not as high as either X3 or Iron Man. Once more people have seen it and the bad buzz starts to grow, it will drop off quickly and end up with the lowest gross of the X-Men franchise by far, topping out at maybe $150m unadjusted if it is lucky. The buzz is just so extrodinarily negative, and there are much stronger films which will cater to the same audience coming up soon (first and foremost Star Trek, which begins its invasion Thursday night and will probably make enough from the 7pm night shows to be the #1 grosser Thursday.) So Wolverine is going to have a short day at the top.

  If it were better, I think there could be room for the market to expand for both it and Star Trek (with it absorbing people who can’t get into Star Trek’s sold-out shows.) But now, it will just die.

  The question is if Fox can ressucitate the franchise with a great next installment, or if they have killed it entirely.

  They need to let do that rumored Magneto-going-after-Nazis prequel David Goyer was rumored to be developing, and also go beg Bryan Singer to come back and fix their mess with a proper X4. Grovel at his feet and get him back and maybe they will have a chance.

  Maybe.

  Comment by Jake — Friday May 1, 2009 @ 10:30pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Thanks for the insight Kev,

  I did see the movie this afternoon. It, for what it was, wasn’t bad at all.

  I go see everything and go into each movie with different expectations. I don’t hold a romantic comedy like Ghosts to the same standard as something like Slumdog Millionaire which is something that, since we’re judging, based on your film-snobbish remarks, you probably do.

  I like to be entertained and Ghosts achieved that for me.

  Idiot.

  Comment by Leland — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 1:01am PDT  Reply to this post

• I’m predicting a huge Saturday and Sunday drop off when pissed off people realize they spent money on a finished film that is virtually identical to the leaked workprint that is readily available on the street.

  The movie is just so messy. I don’t understand how this got fucked up. It’s Wolverine. The movie is just so ridiculous. They make him indestructible only to chase him the rest of the film trying to kill him. Gimme a break. Also why so many other X-Men Characters forced into this? Most of it doesn’t follow comic book cannon. But whatever, I know movie adaptations are different, but this movie is a fucking diabolical mess.

  Jackman is great, but this movie is beneath him. And I wonder who thought it would be a good idea to get Gavin Hood to direct a huge action movie? They would have probably been better off with Len Wiseman. He may be considered a huge time Hack to the geek community, but his Live Free of Die Hard had way better action sequences than Wolverine.

  Comment by B- — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 4:52am PDT  Reply to this post

• Hit the multiplex last night where too many loud teenagers were lining up for WOLVERINE.

  I saw GIRLFRIENDS OF GHOSTS PAST, which just wasn’t that good, sorry to say. Great concept, and maybe even a solid script, but the film itself was…meh. A few good moments, Michael Douglas was fun. Should’ve had more of him. Just not sharp enough. Note the lameness involving the bridesmaids and their counterparts. Ugh.

  On the other hand, also caught up this week with STATE OF PLAY, which was first-rate. Maybe people are sick of politics, but, except for the ending, which pushed it a bit too far, I thought it was terrific. Check it out.

  Also OBSESSED, which was trashy fun. Like cinematic junk food, not good for you, but tasty nonetheless.

  Comment by Dixon Steele — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 6:48am PDT  Reply to this post

• I really have to say that as awful to some of you as it may look — GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST IS A REALLY GOOD MOVIE. Surprisingly well written and heartfelt. There were more sold out screens for this movie than Wolverine but then wolverine was playing every half hour.

  It is a great funny romantic comedy that many of you should check out.

  Comment by Jake — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 7:06am PDT  Reply to this post

• Leland,

  I was so wrong about Ghosts of Girlfriends Past! You mean it’s like a Christmas Carol with a romantic twist?! Where have I seen that before…? Was it an episode of Yes, Dear? Nah, it was just my rotting asshole.

  The fact that you went out and enjoyed Ghosts of Girlfriends Past not only proves my point but now you just made it hilarious as well.

  Thanks!

  P.S. The Ugly Truth (starring America’s sweetheart Katherine Heigl!) is coming out in July! It’s about a male chauvinist pig who tries to help this uptight chick find love! Hmmm…I wonder how it all turns out? Make sure you get your tickets on Fandango (avoid those lines, Leland) and let us all know how the movie wasn’t actually that bad and it entertained you! Can’t wait!

  Comment by Kevin — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 7:08am PDT  Reply to this post

• Even with glowing reviews for Star Trek — I just don’t see it making past a 50 million opening — but probably with strong legs. This franchise has never seen anything higher has it? I don’t think anyone should expect 100 million because it will just be considered a disappointment and people shouldn’t since I hear that this movie is like the best movie to come along since butter.

  Comment by Sam — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 7:11am PDT  Reply to this post

• I liked it in a dumb fun kind of way. It did exactly what it says on the package. But where does the franchise go from here? I don’t think a Magneto movie could notch the same kind of opening, and an XMen: First Class movie without Wolverine in it is equally dubious.

  Comment by INterested Observer — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 8:09am PDT  Reply to this post

• Ha! That guy in the Wolverine costume is the owner of the Vista Theater in Los Feliz. He dresses up for every blockbuster that screens at his theater.

  What’s the point of this post? Oh yeah, support your single-screen theaters. They are fast becoming a relic.

  Comment by Josh — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 8:31am PDT  Reply to this post

• I attended “Wolverine” last night to a packed out theater. Hadn’t been to an opening night movie in a LONG time. The audience enjoyed the movie as did I. But as an X-Men fan, it reminded me of the first one; rushed and hollow. Regardless, not surprised its heading for a $90 million opening.

  Still wondering/cautiously optimistic about “Star Trek” because of its limited appeal. Casual movie fans call me a Trekkie for wanting to see the movie even though I have brief knowledge on the franchise.

  Comment by mileshigh — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 9:20am PDT  Reply to this post

• Once again I agree with B Hennessay. Kir, Spock et al will kick some superhero ass next week.

  And can somebody please tell me how the hell does Matthew McConaughey keep getting work? By my estimates, he should be a E! True Hollywood story on a “Whatever Happened to…” segment.

  Comment by JD — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 10:09am PDT  Reply to this post

• it’s a really bad movie. even worse than the universally reviled X-Men 3 if you can fathom it. i heard some of the comments from people on their way out and everybody was trashing it. i say bare minimum of a 70% drop next week. it will probably be totally gone from theatres by the time UP opens. i blame the inexperienced director because it was one of the most poorly construted tentpole releases i’ve seen in a while. this is never a good sign for the overall quality of the upcoming season when the movie that kicks it off stinks this bad.

  Comment by Ethan — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 10:19am PDT  Reply to this post

• Pretty impressive opening, especially when you consider what the film was up against: The core demographic having access to the film for an entire month, swine flu, and poor reviews. If nothing else, it shows that there is still an audience for Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine.

  Hopefully this places Logan’s Japan-based sequel on the frontburner, before the planned string of prequels really does put the nail in the franchise’s coffin.

  Comment by Kevin — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 11:24am PDT  Reply to this post

• I saw Wolverine twice yesterday in two different theaters … and the easter egg ending after the credits were done was DIFFERENT IN EACH THEATER!

  Comment by Paul — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 11:27am PDT  Reply to this post

• The Vista! What a pleasant surprise to see my theater! Los Feliz represent!

  Comment by Smithers — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 11:45am PDT  Reply to this post

• It still sucks big time. 20 people in the first showing 5209. Rottentomatoes was right.

  I hope Star Trek isn’t out for the money too.

  Comment by 8movies5plays — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 11:47am PDT  Reply to this post

• If you liked this movie, you are an idiot.

  Comment by Dwight K Schrute — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 12:34pm PDT  Reply to this post

• “I liked it in a dumb fun kind of way. It did exactly what it says on the package.”

  Comment by INterested Observer

  ENOUGH WITH THE RATIONALES FOR FUCKS SAKE! By succumbing to the ‘dumb fun’ argument you’re just validating Rothman and his Fox brigade’s disdain for general audiences. Like most studios they think we’re stupid and will take whatever’s given to us, even if its shit on a stick. Transformers is dumb fun. Wolverine is just pathetic. Lazy plot contrivances up the wazoo.

  Wolverine is so much more than dumb fun. His very makeup is inherently dramatic. Unknowingly killing his father. His brother being a psycho wildcat. Innocents who fall into his life somehow always perish. Feeiling ashamed of his rage filled tendencies. Amnesia. He is essentially living an existential conundrum. By far he’s more fucked up than any comic book character, even more so than Rorschach from Watchmen. To just reduce his story into action beat clips that make no sense whatsoever is just simply doing a disservice to his mythology and a giant wasted opportunity to tell an emotionally involving story.

  Comment by Alboone — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 1:05pm PDT  Reply to this post

• As long as their are people like Leland around, studios will continue to make movies like Fool’s Gold, Ultraviolet, and Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past. Leland, you are truly pathetic

  Comment by Natalia — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 2:56pm PDT  Reply to this post

• My wife and I sat in the theater, watched the “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” trailer, then had our first ever discussion about suicide.

  The formula is so transparent – stupid movies for stupid people.

  Comment by Funky Fresh — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 3:14pm PDT  Reply to this post

• The “LEAK” makes me laugh. Memories from 2007 when Lionsgate, wait, back up…summer 2006 when Lionsgate threatened to not finance Hostel Part Two based on how bad the script was (the film was slightly better, not much) but Eli flexed his muscles owned by Tarantino and they went into production. An April release was planned, even all the posters said spring 2007 and then the ‘workprint’ leaked and they slotted Grindhouse in April and pushed Hostel to June.

  The studio knew they had a stinker and Eli ranted and cried about how his film was being buried. Their recourse was with the leaked version so that people would maybe go to COMPARE & CONTRAST the two versions. Brilliant. Kudos to Tim Palen for that move.

  The film blew chunks and one wonders where Mr. Press himself has been aka ‘the self-proclaimed king of horror’. Still love the deep seeded reasoning as to why Roth didn’t direct 1408. Creative differences? Puhlease…it’s a frickin’ Stephen King novella. How can anyone screw it up. Eli pissed where he drank and lost a gig.

  But Wolverine has got to be better than the debacle of Ratner’s abortion of an X-Men film.

  Comment by Tyler Perry is the Anti-Christ — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 6:03pm PDT  Reply to this post

• WONDERFUL MOVIE! Two easter eggs in the version I saw.

  I found this movie better than 1 & 3 but maybe close or tie to 2.

  any negative comments on this thread or by picayune fanboys does nt add up.

  Nothing wrong with the portrayal of any of the characters in my opinion.

  cheers & enjoy!!!

  Comment by lu-ee — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 9:14pm PDT  Reply to this post

• @ Tyler Perry is the Anti-Christ:

  “Wolverine” is much worse than “X-Men 3″, believe me. The plot has a bit more depth, but the execution of the story blew chunks and felt like a shallow Michael Bay movie with Hugh Jackman in it. It’s a big step down from Bryan Singer and Ratner, believe me.

  For all of its behind-the-scenes troubles, I think “X-Men 3″ is a lot more entertaining than “Wolverine,” even though that had plenty of studio interference too. At least Ratner did his best with a hurried, hodge-podge script and a rushed production schedule and made a competent action film from it. (I was fine with Ratner’s involvement, it was the script and Halle Berry’s demands that killed any potential for a good non-Singer X-Men sequel.)

  “Wolverine” doesn’t even have good action sequences to make up for the plot defiences (well, aside from the brawl in Bourbon Street with Gambit).

  Comment by Matt C — Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 9:35pm PDT  Reply to this post

• Thought there is no doubt Wolverine will have a steep drop it’s second weekend I don’t think it’s going to be as steep as people think (hope) it will.

  I can see the kids just lapping Wolverine up for the next few weeks the same way they did with rubbish like Fast&Furious.

  But I’m glad to see that Bad Robot and their small army of viral marketeers are alive and well. Working their little socks off in these comments tirelessly
  talking up Trek’s potential opening numbers.

  Viva la Abrams!

  Comment by Warner Borg — Sunday May 3, 2009 @ 4:36am PDT  Reply to this post

• The real question is how much money is the studio wasting paying idiots to post how Star Trek is going to blow everything away! They make the Watchmen fanboys seem sane by comparison.

  Comment by Larry — Sunday May 3, 2009 @ 6:35am PDT  Reply to this post