‘American Sniper’ zeroes in on Clint Eastwood record with $29.1M Friday haul

The Washington Times ^ | January 17, 2015 | Kellan Howell

[jazusamo]

Clint Eastwood’s latest film “American Sniper,” based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, is set to rake in more money in one day that any Eastwood-directed film.

Late night industry estimates show the film bringing down $29.1 million in its first expanded release day on Friday, Deadline Hollywood reported Saturday.

[ExNewsExSpook]

Here’s the great irony of “Selma,” and aside from John Fund at National Review, it’s receiving no attention from the press.

One of weaknesses of “Selma” is that the screen writers could not use Dr. King’s exact oratory in the film. Reason? The King family has claimed a copyright over virtually everything he ever said, and if you want to use MLK’s likeness or words in a movie, commercial, or for any other media project, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee, up front. In fact, Fund’s recent article quoted a King family member who expressed concern about protecting the “brand.”

The Hollywood rights to King’s written words and speeches were snapped up by Steven Spielberg. Since he wasn’t involved with Selma, the screen writers had to create “King-like” speeches.

Guess it’s too late for descendants of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln to transform their ancestor into a “brand.”

[TianaHighrider]

I saw it last night with my daughter and another young person. They at first ‘wasn't into dramas or war movies’. But let me say they were highly moved and really into it the whole way.

We all took to the internet after to research the end. The way it ended left us with many questions. I wonder if that was part of Eastwood's plan? Because we were all shocked to what we found.

Ok, not shocked (anymore). But thought it is very strange of the ‘really horrible luck’, ‘coincidences’, strange settings, being ‘on the radar’ of certain folks, and such of all of these Navy Seals untimely tragedies that have happened these last few years.

But, without giving away spoilers more, I think the movie played out the scenes exactly like it should have.

[surrey]

Saw it yesterday at a matinee. It’s a small theatre in a tiny town and normally the matinee is empty. Not yesterday, it was packed. Today I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and it’s quite close to a very large theatre complex. I couldn’t find a parking spot. Some elderly woman came in an asked what was going on with not a parking space to be found. I told her that i thought it was no doubt the movie complex and I’ll bet the majority of those people went to see Sniper.

[Vermont Lt]

I thought it ended perfectly. Showing the action would serve no purpose than to shock. The way they did it was much more effective.

Cooper did not even look like himself. I am so used to him being a little weasel that seeing him all buff was almost disorienting. In a good way.

[CrazyIvan]

Great movie. I went with a bud who was a tanker in Iraq. Theater was packed. When it emptied all I heard was some hushed voices and some sniffling. Some of it was ours.

[A_Former_Democrat]

We need more Kyles, less Kennedys and Kerrys