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Chapter 105: Peripheral Launch
🕑 Added 2024-11-06 19:32:51 +0000 UTCOriginally, there was a lot of back-and-forth regarding the animal protection organization, and the combination of Gilbert and Bruce Willis also seemed very appealing. There were no strong competitors in this release window, making "Real Steel" the most anticipated film at the beginning of May.
Gilbert still felt a bit regretful; if Michael Ovitz and Martin Bober had chosen this moment to challenge the animal protection organization, it would have had a better promotional effect for the film.
Now it can only be said that there was some effect, but after more than half a year, the impact has diminished significantly.
However, every situation has its pros and cons. If it weren't for the victory in the debate against the animal protection organization last year, convincing CAA to persuade Universal Pictures to change the release date, "Real Steel" might have faced off against "Interview with the Vampire" at this time.
Tom Cruise's box office appeal in the late '80s and '90s was unmatched; even ordinary dramas could earn over a hundred million dollars at the box office.
Take "Far and Away," a film with little merit, and combined with box office poison Nicole Kidman, somehow still turned a profit.
One must say, Tom Cruise's ability to handle bad press is quite strong, almost abnormal.
Plus, with the now rising Brad Pitt and a wide fanbase for the original work, "Real Steel" might not have been able to compete.
However, with "Interview with the Vampire" changing its release date, it seemed that all factors had aligned in favor of "Real Steel."
A relatively clear and complete release window was entirely left for "Real Steel."
After the premiere, media from Disney and Warner invited critics to report on and evaluate "Real Steel."
"The film successfully integrates a wealth of CGI technology with a father-son storyline, creating an enchanting entertainment effect—sometimes tender, sometimes deafeningly metallic!" — Variety magazine
"'Real Steel' follows the classic narrative arc of a fall from grace, a turning point, setbacks, renewal, and the creation of miracles. However, by emphasizing the father-son relationship, the film's 'watchability' increases. It not only enhances the tear-jerking and comedic moments but also integrates all elements into a cohesive whole." — Hollywood Reporter
"Gilbert has made another warm-hearted, passionate family film after 'Speed,' showcasing his multifaceted abilities. We look forward to his future works." — Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert
"Isn't this Roger Ebert related to me? Why is he always praising my films?" Seeing Ebert's signature thumbs-up again, Gilbert was a bit puzzled.
"Isn't it good to have a well-known critic praise you? He praised my performance as well!" Naomi Watts said, laughing as she pressed on Gilbert's shoulder.
"I'm just expressing confusion; this guy doesn't do anything without a benefit, right? Could it be that Disney and Warner's PR is just too effective?"
Maybe it was because of a good golf game or because eighteen models were pleased, causing Roger Ebert to give Gilbert a good review.
Gilbert shook his head and decided not to think about other things.
In fact, the film wasn't entirely praised. For example, the Los Angeles Times commented, "The film is entirely a product of the mainstream movie market, reflecting other Hollywood films. Has Gilbert's talent begun to diminish after 'Speed'? This would be a significant loss for Hollywood."
Oh well, the Los Angeles Times is saying Gilbert is washed up? Gilbert received the same treatment as Jay Chou.
Indeed, from a creative standpoint, apart from the robot boxing, "Real Steel" follows the popular film model prevalent in the mainstream movie market, a product of industrialized production.
It lacks the shock of "The Shallows," the horror of "Final Destination," and the tension of "Speed."
However, the final result still depends on the film's performance in theaters.
After the premiere, on the night of May 5th, the midnight screening of "Real Steel" officially commenced.
After last year's battle with the animal protection organization, Sergio Vico, who worked in Boston, had been paying attention to this film.
He had been following the film's progress, watching trailers and promotional programs.
The aesthetic of the robots, filled with industrial power, had already captivated Sergio Vico, who was also fantasizing about whether he could own a mech robot from the film.
At a cinema under the Boston AMG chain, a massive robot model was displayed at the entrance, and the staff even kindly put up a notice.
One robot was the Twin City Warrior, and the other was the Panda Master.
Next to it, a notice board seriously outlined the backgrounds of the two robots, including their performance and design ideas.
For instance, regarding the Panda Master, it was designed by China's XCMG Group, classified as a fourth-generation mech, with design inspiration from the giant panda.
Additionally, it wrote about its power supply, components, central processing unit performance, and even the pre-set Chinese kung fu programs.
While waiting for the film to start, reading these interesting introductions and taking photos with the mech models was simply romantic.
In fact, Sergio Vico came with his friend Victor Reid. Upon seeing the imposing mech at the cinema entrance, he felt his blood begin to boil.
Victor Reid wanted to touch it but was stopped by the cinema staff.
"Sorry, sir, this mech is private property; you can take photos but cannot touch it."
Victor Reid withdrew his hand and asked, "Was it bought by someone?"
The cinema staff nodded and replied, "Yes, sir, it was sold this morning, and after this week's exhibition ends, it will be taken away."
"How much for one?" Sergio Vico was very tempted, wanting to get one to display at home.
However, the price quoted by the cinema staff was a bit high, making it hard for Sergio Vico to bear: "Thirty thousand dollars, sir."
Sergio Vico and Victor Reid exchanged glances, then shook their heads together. A few hundred dollars was bearable, but thirty thousand?
In reality, displaying mech models at the cinema entrance was originally not for sale; the ones actually for sale were at the surrounding merchandise store.
But after a wealthy mech enthusiast offered thirty thousand dollars, the cinema manager had no reason to refuse.
After all, no one would turn down money.
Although they couldn't touch it, Sergio Vico and Victor Reid still took pictures with the two imposing mech models to satisfy their itching desire.
As they awaited the film's start, they bought popcorn and soda and walked into the cinema.
Not only this luxurious cinema in Boston's commercial district, but also theaters across major cities in the U.S. showcased different robots at their entrances.
Although Adam was the mech protagonist in the film, it was clear that other better-designed mechs like the Twin City Warrior, Panda Master, and Noisy Boy were more popular.
There were also wealthy buyers who did what that unknown wealthy man in Boston did, directly shelling out money to take home a towering mech.
The midnight screening had yet to begin, but the peripheral products had already started generating profits.
However, the peripheral products weren't limited to these mech models; the merchandise store had more substantial revenue from peripheral products.
Inside the theater, Sergio Vico and Victor Reid enjoyed an auditory and visual feast.
Leaving aside the plot, just a few mech boxing matches were spectacular, making people want to cheer.
Sergio Vico couldn't help but say to Victor Reid, "Buddy, this is so cool; I want to have a mech like this."
"But, Sergio, to be honest, this is actually a robot," Victor Reid corrected.
"It doesn't matter what it is; it's cool enough. Did you see that iron fist? Could Tyson beat it?"
"Buddy, I have to say, if Tyson boxed it, he would be knocked out with one punch."
That's true; after all, humans are flesh and blood, still have pain sensations, and can't compete with steel directly.
However, robots also lack human advantages, such as experience and boxing skills.
In the end, the protagonist Charlie used his skills and experience to narrowly defeat the powerful robot Zeus, and both couldn't help but feel regret.
"Why only five rounds? If we had one more round, Adam would have beaten Zeus."
"Maybe that's the imperfection, just like life; it's always imperfect."
Victor Reid looked at the father-son duo of Charlie Max and Adam, who were receiving applause from the audience, and suddenly smiled, "But for them, this day is a perfect day."
Sergio Vico was taken aback and then agreed, "Yeah, for them, this day is wonderful enough."
As the film came to an end, with the final passionate music from the band AC/DC ringing out, the midnight audience slowly exited the theater.
Sergio Vico and Victor Reid followed the crowd out of the cinema and then saw a brightly lit store across the street.
It was already past two in the morning, and many shops had already closed.
The one that remained open across from the cinema was undoubtedly the peripheral merchandise store.
Sergio tugged on Victor's sleeve and pointed to the specialty store, "Victor, let's go check it out!"
The excitement after watching the movie had not yet faded, and Victor immediately agreed, "Sure, let's take a look."
At this moment, the specialty store was bustling with people, all fans from the midnight screening of "Real Steel" rushing in to make impulse purchases.
"How much is this?"
"$120, sir."
"Wrap it up for me
I can't afford the big one, but I can still buy a small one.
Most of the people who visit the shops selling peripheral products are men.
The film was mainly watched by female audiences, and not many of them were interested in the robots in it.
The cost of making a model is no more than ten dollars, but it can be sold for dozens or even hundreds of dollars in nearby specialty stores.
This is the added value brought by the movie and the appreciation of peripheral products, which is actually the embodiment of the value of a commercial movie.
Segil and Victor also spent money enthusiastically, each of them buying robot models such as the Noisy Boy, the Twins, and Zeus.
Victor was trying to be cool late at night and bought the same sunglasses as the male protagonist, Charlie, and then couldn't wait to put them on.
"Sergeir, what do you see there?" Victor pointed at a life-size Adam robot model in the center of the store.
"Wow, Adam, but it looks a size smaller," Segil exclaimed.
Victor was very interested. He asked the store clerk, "How much is this model?"
"Five thousand dollars, sir..."
It was a bit expensive, but Victor gritted his teeth and decided, "Can you deliver it to my door? If you can, I can just pay by credit card."
Segil was surprised and asked, "Victor, you're buying it even though it's so expensive?"
"I bought it. Tom's birthday is coming, and I'm going to give him a big surprise," said Victor.
Tom is Victor's younger brother. He has always been interested in robots and mechas and likes Transformers very much.
The only pity is that Gilbert didn't make a Transformers movie; otherwise, it would have been even better.
I mean, toys can be made into movies, right? I wonder what it would be like.
