'Transformers' rakes it in.The official box office numbers
July 5th 2007 04:32
Maybe it’s because I’m a girl who’s really not into toys becoming animated and potentially trying to take over the world, but I’m still surprised by the SMH news headline that Transformers, earned US$27.5 million ($32 million) during its first full day of release (if they are talking about the Fox Studios showing, I was there).
According to Paramount Pictures’ distributor, it is looking as though it will continue to dominate the weekend box offices judging by their Wednesday estimates.
The figures are impressive I have to say, I really didn’t think it would be that successful. But I think I was forgetting the loyalty and memories that fans had for the toys and series. As you probably already know, Transformers is based on the 80s series Hasbro toys that turn into alien robots. A Transformer is a machine that is able to "transform," or reconstruct itself, into a common and innocuous form, such as a car, an aircraft, a device, or an animal. I won’t go into any more details as Cibby already did it justice in his review.
I thought the special effects were the film's strongest point, watching the transformation of robots to everyday electronics and back again was captivating. I was surprised at how smooth and natural it looked on the big screen.
But back to numbers, the film earned US$8.8 million from its Monday night screenings across the US and Canada, and US$27.5 million the next day – an amount declared by Paramount as the biggest Tuesday haul for a movie.
Yes, that is most impressive, even to me and I wasn’t its biggest fan. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it, rather it just wasn’t my thing. But it was an experience and that’s what films are about, taking a risk and seeing what evolves.
Whenever I tell people I saw the film, I define it by singing the title theme. It might cause discomfort to those who asked but it tells the story instantly. You know the one,’Transformers more than meets the eye’ I've just had a moment of doubt that I might be singing the wrong lyrics. I'll have to look that up and come back to you.
Unfortunately though, it did not supersede Spiderman’s success of the one-day record of US$59.8 million set two months ago, on a Friday. The previous record for a Tuesday was set last month, when Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest earned US$15.7 million, according to Paramount.
Last weekend, Walt Disney's Ratatouille, earned US$7.9 million on Tuesday, according to data supplied by a competing studio. The only other new Tuesday release was License To Wed. Warner Bros say the data for this film’s debut will be issued on Sunday.
So it seems that opening days may make a difference to the success of a film? There could be a study in that hypothesis. That would be someone’s study, not mine, I’m not that great with statistics and all that stuff. I just enjoy thinking of the films and their meanings. (Info taken from SMH 5th July 2007).
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Im a sucker for action especially when its fantasy larger than life action. I think this has gotta be a 'big screen' movie, so you can see those giants just chucking those suckers across the screen! Its gonna be exciting!
Personally? Im not quite over the moment when Kman and I both realized we were into transformers....Except I mean Voltron and the 5 lions, he meant Optimus Prime. So its ok for them to just rip off the title from Voltron, who was the ORIGINAL transformer?
Gimme back the 5 lions!Id pay to see that, those guys were COOL!
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I am looking forward to seeing it. My son loved Transformers and we had the castle of Grey Skull and all the action figures. I am also surprised that it did well with all of the negative hype surrounding it. Thanks for the update!
Mis
Love your humming comment btw
Comment by Miss Nomer
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I'll be off to see the film. Partly for nostalgic reasons.....I did love the Transformers. Also, I do like a good special effects/sci fi type film.....if it's done well
Kylie
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Orble ...the movie????????
katyzzz...see you on the set.
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
I saw this film last week and really enjoyed it - full screen close up of Josh Duhamel swwwoooonnn! Like you say the graphics were great although a few times it was just a blur and I struggled a bit to actually see what was going on. We did have crappy seats though so maybe that had something to with it.
Ratatouille... I`m there - bring on the animated movies... I love 'em!
ash
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It'll be interesting to see what you think when you see it with KMan. It sounds like it will be quite a nostalgic time for you to see it together. I hope you enjoy it hugely, looking forward to hearing what you think. Yes, I think the large screen is definitely the place for these types of films. Normal telly is just too normal.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
You've reminded me that I must do my homework and check those lyrics. Maybe I can find something on YouTube so that would be visual as well as aural. I really hope I have it right after all the dodgy singing I've done.
Hope you and your son enjoy it immensely,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Wow, it was that packed?! Gosh.....
I know that if I hadn't had a free pass I wouldn't be in a big rush to see it as I do the opposite to media hype...I don't see things to prove a point. The point is probably pointless as only I know about it.
I'm amazed it's so hard to see it. Maybe you could see it at an unusual time like through the day, you might have more luck?
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I wasn't into them so I went for purely nosey reasons...to experience the carpet walking and to see the film with a few celebs scattered around the place. As I said, it's really not my kind of film and I wouldn't say it was the best film of the year, but it was exciting to be at a premiere and to sample a film that I wouldn't normally see. I believe in trying as much as possible. Some bits were a bit corny and over the top, but ah well, it's always worth a look. At the worst all you will discover is that you don't like it!!
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Like I said to Kylie, I can't say I loved the film and that it was the best film since sliced butter....but I think the novelty of being at a premier made me more interested in it (and sometimes more tolerant!)...but it's all an experience. And I could appreciate the special effects especially after seeing the rotten Snakes on a PlaneThere were no redeeming features to that film...
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Oh yes, there were some dodgy elements to the film but I was in the spirit for a new experience. Josh Duhamel certainly helped that experience along. There were some blurry/dodgy bits but I expected that (being a bit of a cynic when it comes to highly-hyoped films). I think because I wasn't expecting it to be completely amazing, I was surprised...I like that.
I hadn't heard of Ratatouille so I looked it up and here's a synopsis for other people:
Remy is a rat, constantly risking life in an expensive French restaurant because of his love of good food, as well as a desire to become a chef. Yet, obviously, this is a rather tough dream for a rat. But opportunity knocks when a young boy, who desperately needs to keep his job at the restaurant, despite his lack of cooking abilities, discovers and partners the young Remy. Its up to the two of them to avoid the insane head chef, bring the rest of Remy's family up to his standards, win his partner a girl, and, of course, produce the finest Ratatouille in all of France.
It sounds unusual, I like the sound of it. I wonder what it will be like?
Byeee
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I think I would've done the same if my husband was with me, but I didn't know the person next to me so I didn't think it was fair to frown at him in the bits I didn't like.
I've noticed that when it comes to Blockbuster films, my husband and I don't tend to agree on what to see. For some reason our film choices become more gender-based which I'm not keen on admitting (strange how certain cinemas can do that to a couple- as you can tell I blame the cinema, not us), so we keep a mental tally of whose turn it is to choose. But sometimes we disagree and stand in the cinema queue for too long trying to work it out. We really should do that at home, not in public. Come to think of it, we saw Spiderman and that was his choice, so he owes me one. I must remind him of that (thanks for reminding me). Luckily when it comes to independent films that doesn't happen, we tend to agree quite happily and no negotiations need to happen(now it sounds like we skip up the road to that cinema doesn't it?).Phew, having said that there are times that we've gone to the cinema together but seen different films. Ah well, why not?
I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for a Votron film for you. I don't see why that wouldn't be next on the film list.
Thanks for your comments,
Comment by David
I'd go and see it on the big screen but that means leaving the house.
David ...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Tracy
Comment by David
I've never been into Cinema popcorn, but I don't mind a few nibblies during a film.
David ...
Comment by David
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
And yes, a pause button would be good, not for everyone as that would be annoying. Just for us.....as a reward for coming up with the idea.
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
As you know, I didn't get to it, becuase I opted for Terebithia instead. My disabled kids group saw it though and they said it was FABULOUS!!! But they are such a bunch of sillies they say that about everything *lol* /seriously/ some have seen this twice? I'm thinking it's all the semi-technical mechanical parts, it inspires them to thinking of a future of autonomy perhaps?
I'm digressing again, sorry .. still pretty bombed out...
*lol* Ratatouiile is next first though, as I loved the shorts and will take my little one.
Cheeriooo
Lilla
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by JuliaC
Thank you so much!!!
I can't wait till tomorrow~~~
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Sorry for this belated response. That's great you saw Terebithia, I bet the kids loved it. I was just about to ask you if you've seen Ratatouiile yet, but are you still on bed rest? I'll be watching that film you posted tomorrow
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm really looking forward to hearing what you think, I hope it doesn't disappoint you in any way. Have fun,
Tracy