CNN: "Star Trek" could rival "Dark Knight"

[Admiral Buzzkill]

There was extra interest in TDK due to the death of Heath Ledger. I'm sure that fact was partly responsible for the large opening-week numbers.

That much is true.

Less obvious, given the interest in his death, was that Ledger alive was an additional draw for the "Batman Begins" sequel. His star was very much on the rise in the business, and this is another point that the HitFix writer mentions as regards actors like Saldana, Pine and Quinto: when a big successful film stars relative unknowns who then go on in the next few years to become big names that boosts the likely box office of any sequels that those actors participate in. Another reason that Paramount is feeling pretty positive about the Franchise; they believe they've got a couple of career winners in this movie.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Maybe he merged Rachel Nichols and Diora Baird into one

I'd pay good money to see that...

 

[The Wormhole]

I'd rather keep hearing positive reviews and hyperboles than crying, whining and mockery by the media.

I prefer the crying, whining and mockery. It is what reminds us of the realities of life.

 

[Devon]

There was extra interest in TDK due to the death of Heath Ledger. I'm sure that fact was partly responsible for the large opening-week numbers.

Exactly. While I mean absolutely no disrespect to Heath Ledger, and I'm sure the film is a fine film, I have no doubt that it would have not been this "massive phenomenon" had Heath had not passed. When Heath passed, the media started turning to Dark Knight and I have to admit to the "living under the rock syndrome" since I wasn't really following what Dark Knight was, and at that point, I'm not sure I was aware it was even a Batman film (I'm not a Batman fan and generally don't keep up with movie production news.) While really morbid to say and I HATE saying it without coming off disrespect to the deceased, it was possibly some of the "best publicity" - for a lack of better term - that movie could have gotten.

Again, I'm sure Heath Ledger is fine in the film (and by all counts he was even before his passing) and I did thoroughly enjoy him as an actor, but unfortunately I am in the camp that believes that TDK was fluffed up and reached a status that maybe wouldn't have otherwise. And personally, I'd rather Heath be alive and the movie just being a simple big hit rather than it becoming this massive hit on the count of what I feel was many people's morbid curiosity.

Note, I'm not saying everyone that had gone did so just because of Heath's passing. I'm sure it was going to be a huge success anyway, but undoubtedly got a lot of help and if people walked away thinking it was a great film on its own merit then fine.

Back on topic.

 

[miraclefan]

I think all this is overblown! No film coming out this year will be able to rival TDK as far as money is concerned. I would like to think STAR TREK could rival TDK in box office gross (That may get the suits at paramount to think about new direct to DVD enterprise eps) But it's just not going to happen.

 

[Aragorn]

Morbid post-death curiosity sure helped John Candy's and Chris Farley's final movies blow through theaters without anyone noticing.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Regardless of whether they are right or not, such an article can only be good for the mvoie.

 

[Cyke101]

I think all this is overblown! No film coming out this year will be able to rival TDK as far as money is concerned. I would like to think STAR TREK could rival TDK in box office gross (That may get the suits at paramount to think about new direct to DVD enterprise eps) But it's just not going to happen.

While I agree that it's overblown, if Star Trek fails to reach TDK's $1 billion mark by $500 million or so, no one will complain.

That or people will *really* be reaching for the definition of a flop.

 

[Aragorn]

Well now the haters can say since it didn't make $1 billion like The Dark Knight, it's a disaster.

 

[miraclefan]

Well now the haters can say since it didn't make $1 billion like The Dark Knight, it's a disaster.

I'm afraid your right! Dang blasted haters!

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

"Star Trek movie falls short of media expectations!"

 

[Bishbot]

unfortunately I am in the camp that believes that TDK was fluffed up and reached a status that maybe wouldn't have otherwise.
Back on topic.

Staying off-topic for a moment your other statements suggest you haven't seen the movie, so how can you believe it was "fluffed up." (well, you can believe it, but your opinion isn't worth anything). See it, even if you aren't a Batman fan, I don't think you'll be disappointed - and then you'll have an informed opinion about whether it deserved all the praise.

 

[miraclefan]

Double post

 

[miraclefan]

"Star Trek movie falls short of media expectations!"

Wouldn't be the first time!

 

[archeryguy1701]

While I have serious, serious doubts that Trek will ever reach TDK levels of popularity and income, it is awesome that the movie is being so well regarded that the media can even think of making that comparission...
"I like this thought, it's exciting!"

 

[Akiraprise]

I can't believe there is virtually no negativity from any of the critics who have seen the film. Pretty amazing.

 

[Cyrus]

I am disappointed. If Star Trek's popularity will be at the TDK levels then it's not going to break the box office records of Titanic.

 

[Aragorn]

^ Don't worry. In the sequel, Leo DiCaprio is going to draw a picture of a topless Zoe Saldana.

 

[cooleddie74]

DARK KNIGHT box office?

No.

T2: JUDGMENT DAY or HOME ALONE? Very possible.

 

[Devon]

I can't believe there is virtually no negativity from any of the critics who have seen the film. Pretty amazing.

Well, there was that one guy in France.