How do I know that Watchmen, its release problems now settled, is going to print mad money when it opens March 6? Because I saw it last night and its screenings — and when various industry players get to see the film — have become referendums on reputation, power and pull. It’s achieved hot-shit status to folks who wouldn’t know the graphic novel source material from Batman. Director Zack Snyder killed it with 300, to the tune of more than $450 million worldwide, and that accrued cred plus the Internet geek factor give Watchmen some Dark Knight-type momentum; even at two hours and 42 minutes, it should be the biggest R-rated grosser of 2009, easy. And no, none of the above is directed at any of my pals screening the film this evening; just more of a general realization-type thing, after overhearing various studio suits and chest-puffed-out below-the-liners. More soon…
Count me among the geeked out masses awaiting this one to open. I’ve inferred from the pre-release buzz that Watchmen may present another packed theater moment where a remarkable film is shared among eager viewers. I’m still more enthused about Public Enemies, but I’m a Michael Mann obsessive. Watchmen however is running a close second. I’m curious to see which of the two (as Public Enemies will no doubt warrant a hard R) will be higher grossing. March is generally theatrical wasteland, and Public Enemies has the standard summer far to compete with it. Advantage Watchmen. However the Depp factor cannot be understated.
As I haven’t even been notified of any screenings yet, I guess my power and pull is close to zero.
Hot-shit 70 percent tumble is more like it!!! Cry, fanboys, cry!