Looks like not even the presence of leading man/stoner-bongo playin’ Matthew McConaughey, or the scintillating Penelope Cruz could take down our beloved genre this weekend. That’s right kids, the remake of reigned supreme to the tune of 23.3 million dollars. And oh by the way, it was rated R Mr. Studio Beancounter.
So let’s see, if an R-rated genre flick with mediocre critical response can open at number one and beat the first star-driven action/adventure pic released in seems like forever, gosh maybe bankrolling some hardcore horror would be profitable too! What a concept! What an idea! I’m a genius!
Yes I understand the argument will be made that it was name recognition that got folks into the theater, to which I say bollocks. It was an appealing, talented cast that looked like they were in for some creepy ass hijinx based on the trailer. Marketing genre is about selling fear, not a title.
I’ll keep ya’ll updated on the Head of Production offers I expect most of the studios will send my way now.