Posted on 08/21/2016 11:09:05 AM PDT by EveningStar
During a weekend with three major new releases, holdovers “Suicide Squad,” from Warner Bros., and “Sausage Party,” from Sony, maintained their top spots at the box office. This means the big-budget reimagining of “Ben-Hur,” from Paramount Pictures and MGM, is one of the biggest flops of the summer.
The third version of Lew Wallace’s 19th century novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ” took in an estimated $11.4 million in the U.S and Canada, which was only good enough for fifth place. It met analyst projections of $10 million to $15 million, though the studio was aiming for an opening of $20 million in ticket sales. Such a performance is an unequivocal poor result for a movie that cost about $100 million to make (after rebates). The film brought in $10.7 million internationally.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
ping
Charlton Heston is not mocked.
For $3 you can watch the good version online.
Not to mention the original novel is free at the public library. Put up with the first chapter or so and you’ll be rewarded later.
I have not seen it. I don’t do movies. So. Is this the New Improved PC Ben Hur?
movie that cost about $100 million to make (after rebates)
After Rebates ? what ?
Have they turned it into Been Her?
Bruce Jenner as “Been Her.” Now he wants to “Be Him” again.
Nobody can beat Charlie.
It didn’t look that good in the trailer and if you are old enough to remember the one from the 50s, it really looked weak.
I cannot imagine what they thought needed improving in the Heston version.
I suppose there are valid explanations for remaking a movie, but a classic like "Ben Hur"???
As a filmmaker (who LOVED “El Cid”), I just think certain movies never need to be remade. The originals were quality enough, and the acting cannot be replaced. “Ghostbusters” is another. “Jaws” is another. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is another. “Casablanca” is another.
Leave some things alone. I know Roma Downey wanted to bring this story to a modern audience: WRITE A NEW STORY.
You don't understand the movie business! /s
$$$$$$...or, as much as they can.
I heard someone on a conservative radio show say that if you judged it as a remake of the Heston film you would be disappointed. But if you looked at it as a retelling of the story it was actually decent.
Well, that’s what I heard...
If you can't afford to go to the movies you can still watch many for free on TV.
Why does Hollyweird have to remake great movies and turn it out as mucho basura. Leave the originals alone and try coming up with some new, creative material. Or therein lies the problem.
See his endorsement here: Hannity raves about Ben Hur (34:54)
I viewed it two nights ago. It’s not a remake of Heston’s “Ben Hur” which was about “redemption and revenge.”
Rhona Downy’s script in her Ben Hur is about “redemption and forgiveness.” That was my take.
Okay film; cinematography was excellent.
Most heartedly agree. Leave the “classics” alone.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.