You release a new Owen Wilson comedy a year and a half ago and you’re guaranteed at least a $20 million opening weekend. As a matter of fact, the dreadful “You, Me and Dupree” came out less than 2 years ago and pulled in over $21 million on its opening weekend.
But as we all know, we don’t live 18 months ago. We live right now. And “right now” is a world where Owen Wilson tried to kill himself not long ago. Thankfully he failed, and even better he’s healthy enough to return back to work (he’s back on set doing what he does best), but I’ve been wondering for some time now if the movie going audience just isn’t read to laugh with Wilson yet. After all, it’s hard to laugh with a clown if you are aware that clown tried to off himself not long ago.
Again, the question isn’t “SHOULD” it effect people’s enjoyment or desire to see Wilson do comedy right now… the question is “DOES” it have an effect? The answer to that is very clearly YES.
Yes, Drillbit Taylor was an ass awful movie that ranks just above Meet The Spartans for worst movie of 2008 so far, but when looking for reasons Drillbit bombed so badly, making less than half of what Dupree made just over a year and a half ago, one has to keep a few things in mind:
1) Yeah the movie was bad, but that doesn’t have too much of an impact on opening weekend (since no one had seen it yet).
2) Paramount did indeed market the crap out of this movie. Billboards all over LA, commercials on every channel and trailers before just about every movie.
3) It wasn’t opening against ANYTHING high profile or particularly strong.
There aren’t any excuses left for the movie coming in 4th place on it’s opening weekend just barely clearing $10 million (less than half of what Dupree made on its opening). There is only one thing left. People (in general) are not ready to laugh with Owen Wilson yet (not that they would have laughed in Drillbit Taylor anyway). I have no doubt people WILL BE ready soon enough, but I don’t expect that time is now. Opening BELOW that pathetic looking “Shutter” movie just kind of proves that point.
I really like Wilson and I look forward to him getting back to full speed, but right now it appears most people just aren’t ready to go there.
