Warner Bros. Facing An Early Summer Box Office Disaster with “King Arthur” Misfire

Showbiz 411 ^ | May 10, 2017 | Roger Friedman

[C19fan]

This week we don’t have Friday the 13th, but Friday the 12th will suffice. “King Arthur” is looming as a huge box office disaster for Warner Bros. The $150 million Guy Ritchie-directed adventure is getting scathing reviews. It’s only registering a 21/100 on Rotten Tomatoes.

[xzins]

My favorite take on the Arthurian legend is that by Stephen Lawhead, his entire Pendragon Cycle series.

[mewzilla]

Audience I was with that saw KA trailer was not amused. Audience I was with for Dunkirk trailer kept their opinions to themselves. FWIW, I don't think the historical event was familiar to many. And it was a lousy trailer. If you're curious, as far as GOTGV2 is concerned: Adore the first movie. Thought the script, editing, and direction for the sequel sucked. And at the cinema I was at, I was not alone in disliking the sequel. FWIW. :-)

[montag813]

They stupidly removed Christianity entirely from this film, so it is left with no soul. “Excalibur” (1981) left the story’s Christian roots intact, and remains an impressive and memorable film.

[wbill]

I was thinking about seeing GOTGV2 this weekend. WBill Jr. wants to see it, he's a fan of most things Marvel.

So.... it's pretty Blah? Maybe see in at an IMAX and enjoy the spectacle? Or is it even worth a couple of hours of my time?

Also - FWIW if you like Space Operas - The Fifth Element is being re-released this weekend for its 20th (??) anniversary. I'll likely need to go see it in a theater again.

[mewzilla]

FWIW, I have the same test for movies that I do for fiction: If I forget I'm reading a book or watching a movie, then the book/movie works for me. I did that with GOTG. In the sequel, the acting and CGI was terrific. But I kept being annoyed while I watched V2, big time with the script, which I continually rewrote in my head. The editing, I kept thinking of all the bits that should have been whacked. And the direction. Grrrr.... Let's put it this way, while I'm glad I went, I won't buy the movie to watch again. FWIW :-)

[Ciaphas Cain]

Excalibur is remarkable if for no other reason than Nicol Williamson.

Best. Merlin. Ever.

[outofsalt]

"The reason it’s not doing well is obvious now: not enough transsexuals..."

That's the story of Cumalot. Hollywood should change it's name to peckerwood.

[LS]

I am only tangentially a “filmmaker,” having produced 3 docs & written a half dozen feature scripts. I’ve been working with some Hollywood people (including another Freeper) to get more GOOD and wholesome stuff made because we think there are millions like you.

It’s been a tremendous battle.

[corkoman]

Nicol Williamson. Best. Merlin. Ever.

After the first siege is quelled Arthur hands over Excalibur to the vanquished Lord to be knighted, Merlin looks over, pulls on his beard and mutters: "What's this? I never saw this!"

Very good scene.

Ok - found it.

Arthur gets knighted

[dangerdoc]

If all the critics hate it, it is either a very bad or a very good movie.

With the Hollywood batting average, my money is on bad.

[mewzilla]

I hope you win it. Your Patriot's History is a keeper.

[mewzilla]

Mu favorite Arthurs: Clive Owen, Graham Chapman.

[T-Bone Texan]

I thought The 5th Element was underrated.

It’s sorta odd.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

So many ARTHUR movies the last few years. Denigrating Christianity, uplifting Paganism.

EXCALIBUR was still one of the best. The critics at that time compared it favorably to STAR WARS. And the music (Wagner’s operas) was great!

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***“King Arthur” is looming as a huge box office disaster for Warner Bros.***

They never learned from their disaster of THE 47 RONIN. Mixing magic with real history and adding Keanu Reeves to try and bring in an American audience.

The real story of the 47 Loyal Retainers is great without Hollywoods crap.

[apocalypto]

Although the (long ago) movie “Gods and Generals” received several bad reviews, some hysterically denouncing it (Egbert?), I thought it was great. My whole family enjoyed it. Thus, I tend to be skeptical about reviews.

[xzins]

Wasn’t Gods & Generals the Gettysburg battle by Shaara?

Great set of books and those of his son, too.

[A Navy Vet]

Ditto on Excaliber. True to the legend with its mystical overtones.

[apocalypto]

Yes, “Gods and Generals” was based on book Jeff Shaara, dealt with Stonewall Jackson and the Fredricksburg battle.

[xzins]

My favorite was Shaara’s book “A Blaze of Glory” on Shiloh and Grant’s western campaign. That 4 book series absolutely consumed me. But that first of the series about Shiloh was the best he’s ever written. My opinion, of course.