BS Story of the day...Producers blame stars for "The Island's" BO failure

[MSkeezer]

From IMDB:

The Island's producers have blamed the movie's stars Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor for the critical-mauling its received. Producer Walter Parkes and his wife Laurie have used their website to stage a vicious attack on Johansson and McGregor, claiming their half-hearted efforts have resulted in a poor reception for the high-budget sci-fi epic. And Johansson's talents take the biggest beatings, with the husband and wife team claiming a television actress could have done a more professional job. They write, "Listen those are superstars of the future, not superstars of the present. Even lesser television actresses, quite honestly would have more connection to that audience."

Wow...just wow...

I haven't seen the movie so I'm not going to comment on the performances, but to blame the stars for the movie's failure is complete bull**** IMO. Hell, there could be a number of reasons for its poor performance at the BO, but I doubt McGregor or Johansson had anything to do with it. Could it be that most people are simply tired of Michael Bay films? If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all, I say. I don't hate his films, I find them quite enjoyable, but some people get tired of the same CRASH, BOOM, CRASH plotlines and music video editing. Also, the film wasn't very well marketed, IMO. That could be another reason why it didn't so well. Don't get me wrong. I hate overhyped films where the film is on every billboard and the commericals run 24/7. But I think they could have done a better job at getting the word out so the awareness is there. Another possibility could be the fact that the movie seems to be a complete ripoff of another clone themed movie, "The Clonus Horror". Knowing Hollywood, I don't doubt this for a second. I'm sure the producers knew full well they ripping off another movie, and then they have the balls to blame the actors. Idiots. Or, could it be possible that the film is just not very good? Again, I haven't seen the film, so no comment there.

[nadams]

I've never even heard of the damn movie....

They suck at the marketing.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

isn't this another Michael Bay flick?

He gets alot of flack, but I actually like most of his stuff...

[MSkeezer]

Yeah, Michael Bay really gets too much flack. His movies are supposed to be fun, and I think he's succeeded on that front for the most part. Armageddon and Bad Boys 2 have got to be 2 of the worst reviewed movies of his career, but I enjoyed the hell out of em. Yeah, the love story in Armageddon was sappy, but wasn't that one of reasons everyone loved Titanic? If MB had directed that movie, I guarantee you if would have gotten rotten reviews.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Yeah, I don't know every movie he's ever done, and he's not my all time favorite director, but I can't think of a movie of his that I have not REALLY enjoyed.

Didn't he do The Rock also? That's an awesome flick.

His style is a bit over the top and excessive, but I like that and thinks it's a core reason why movies like Bad Boys turn out as good as they do - that car chase scene in Bad Boys 2 with those guys throwing cars off the truck is awesome!!

People are like, 'man that could never happen'. Well I don't think we're ever going to be looking at the extinction of life unless some little kid can make a trek across the world and throw his little ring in a bit pit of fire either, but it's still entertainment (for most people anyway)

[PolkThug]

I thought Ewan did a great job. I thought Johansson's role was minor, her pouty upper lip did her speaking for her. If you're into sci-fi, I don't see how you couldn't have fun with this one.

side note: BBII makes for some nice demo material.

[jdhdiggs]

Interesting that the producers are blaming the actors WHO THEY HIRED AND KEPT... Morons...

[lomic]

Yes, the marketing on this sucked. I recall seeing 2 trailers for this movie, and each gave me a totally different impression of what the movie was about. I figured if they couldn't even make coherent trailers the movie was probably a mess too.

[ND13]

I didn't know anything about this movie until I saw a thread, here, a few weeks ago. That's the main reason for the flop, imo. Ewan is one of the best actors of his generation, period. You'll see him walking away with a few Oscars before his career ends, I'll bet you.

Scarlett doesn't have to do or say anything to keep my attention :D .

[punk-roc]

I saw the movie and thought it was a complete rip off of that Clonus Horror movie, in addition to several other movies, typical Hollywood. The only reason i decided to see the movie was because Johansson and McGregor were in it and it was Sci-Fi. It would have been better if i'd been 30min shorter...but i still enjoyed it. Bay needs to do better however...

Jason

[Shizelbs]

Way to take responsibilty. How can the actors be faulted for poor performances? Shouldn't the director take the blame their for not bringing the best out of them? Its not as though they only get one chance to get a scene correct.

The marketing was BS. The only marketing I was ever exposed to were stupid internet banners.

Lame.

[Pablo]

Blaming the actors is the stupids thing I've ever heard. Isn't that what the word "CUT!" is for. If they acting was crappy, re-shoot the scene or hire new actors.

I think another reason for the flop was the title. "The Island"?!? From the clips it didn't make much sense to me. When I heard it is was think "Lost" or "Survivor".

I haven't seen it, but from what people are saying in this thread, I think I will (I'll watch almost anything sci-fi).