Will Smith blamed for disappointing ‘7 Pounds’ movie
Actor asks for $25 million per film and it tanks at the box-office.
Will Smith is usually a man in Hollywood that can seemingly do no wrong. Although his movies are not always critically acclaimed, he’s a man who always gets it done from a box-office stand point.
Of his seventeen movies he’s appeared as a lead role, twelve have made over $100 million domestically including his last eight which is a pretty impressive feat.
Therefore the poor box office results of his latest movies “7 Pounds”, which made less about $60 million world-wide to date, has movie executives pointing the finger at Smith.
Once producer spoke rather blunt about the situation claiming “if he wants to ask for $25 million per movie then he’s gotta’ deliver and this time he didn’t deliver”.
In the world of movie making the decision to purchase tickets comes down to the perception of fans and many fans weren’t feeling this filming, “Will just seemed to be overacting to me. I like the funny Fresh Prince type of characters and this was way to serious.”
Nevertheless, producers are scrambling to reach the $100 million dollar mark as the film cost more than $90 million to create. “7 Pounds” is now showing at theatres around the country, but may go to DVD earlier than expected to help recoup costs.
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Pro's comment says
On January 6, 2009 at 2:25 amwell, he had a good run. Just like shooting craps you bound to hit 7 eventually. All it means is hes pushing the envelope trying new things and not everything is going to work out for him. Does he get the 25 million. I say yeah, if you want the will you got to pay him. Does will say “Ill take a pay cut” I say yeah, when you tank you got to look toward the future and let other producers know you willing to do what ever neccassary for everybody to make money.
chocolate kiss's comment says
On January 6, 2009 at 8:01 amWill Smith should not be blamed for that movie not doing to well the movie was too slow. The movie was badly written and no one could have helped that movie make it to the top spot. Will Smith’s acting was pretty good but it is sad when the ending of the movie is better than the movie. They really need to repoint that finger to the writter of that piece of ish movie. I am pissed that I even spent my $7.50.
Bklyn Diva's comment says
On January 6, 2009 at 9:20 amSaw it for free…thank goodness it was HORRIBLE. The story was predictable and boring…I could tell by the trailers it wasn’t something I wanted to see. Go back to action comedy…that’s your genre Will.
MARK GILBET's comment says
On January 6, 2009 at 9:32 amIT HAPPENS EVER BLUE MOON A MOVIE DON’T SELL AS WELL AS THE OTHER ACTORS MOVIES DID. IT HAPPENED TO BRAD PITT, GEORGE CLONEY, AND EVERY OTHER MAJOR ACTOR IN HOLLYWOOD SO GROW UP.
Dreamajeanie's comment says
On January 6, 2009 at 7:32 pmThe movie was a little slow- and a little predictable. But i liked it. Not half as good as the other movies he’s been in but who cares. He can’t be blamed for the movie not doing so well. I think he acted like he always does… VERY WELL! I can’t blame this on him but the writer. The movie lacked hold and intensity.
john's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 1:23 amThe movie was great will smith was excellent. the market was badly done and the title confused people must people think is about weight loss.
Mowez-B's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 2:44 amYeah, Will Smith should not be blamed for 7 Pound’s low box office sales. Even it the movie wasn’t that good, Will played his part to the T. It’s unfortunate for Will that they’ll use him as the scapegoat and not take the blame for it.
shellene's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 5:10 amI liked the movie, albiet, it did move a little slow, but the meat of the movie was gripping enough to keep my attention. But how can you blame an actor? I did think in the beginning Why did they cast Will Smith to be an axx to a blind man on the phone…. I would see the movie again. I think that maybe it was more the timing than anything, there are just to many movies to choose from and the economy is tight. Seriously look at all of the press that Brad Pitt’s movie has gotten and it has not done near as well as they thought that it would. Saw that too and I would sit through 7 pounds again, way before Benjamin Button.
T-Boogie's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 6:33 amSeven Pounds is a very good story and Will Smith’s acting is the best I’ve seen him do. The word-of-mouth and the confusing title are what killed the box office numbers. The movie is toooooo depressing and disturbing for someone to see more than once. I told a couple of friends and family members about the movie’s overall mood and they have opted NOT to see the movie. I will have to wait seven years before attempting to watch the movie again. As for blaming Smith for the box office sales drop, it is NOT his fault. He gives top performance in this movie. It is the producers’ fault for not correctly marketing this film to the public. Furthermore, Hollywood execs and the public need to allow actors to flex outside their comfort zone. This film was a stretch for Smith and I applaud him for taking on the challenge! My final words: Stop using Will Smith as a scapegoat for poor box office sales!
The One's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 6:55 amThe movie was sensational if you ask me… one of the better movies of 2008. I say that because in order to understand the title you had to have a little knowledge… and I love movies that do that to me. The title seven pounds comes from the Shakespeare play “Merchant of Venice”… it was believed that you could pay a debt with a pound a flesh… so Will gave Seven pounds in exchange of the seven lives he took… it was deep… I blame the people for this movie not being a hit. We’re so used to dumb movies and watching stuff that doesn’t require thought, that we don’t know a good script when it’s in front of us! What a shame…
DMarie's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 7:59 amTheir “They” go again, pointing the finger when the flow of money doesn’t show up! Whenever the movie flopps, it is a team effort. Just like when it is a hit, it is a team effort. The lead does not make the whole project alone, he didnot write it, produce it, direct it and edit it, did he? The writing was poor,the action and story was pathetic. Any actor would not have done a better job! You cannot make blood out of wine. Sorry producers, but Will is not Jesus!
The One's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 9:37 amI didn’t think Will was Jesus… Will Smith died, but didn’t not resurrect. The movie has changed my life. When I’m at work and people call and are rude like Will was to Ezra, I make sure to respond the way Ezra did. It’s true you never know who’s watching and you never know who God will use to bless you!!! Let’s open our eyes…
mssplendor's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 10:07 amWill held it down and carried the film as he always does. This is a love it or hate it film. I started out hating it, but truly loved it by the end. Granted, viewers do need to be patient while watching, but it is worth it. BTW, those execs who are complaining about Will’s salary should remember that Will also produced this film (and casted Michael Ealy).
EnigmaNetx's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 3:11 pmI’ll be Honest!
This was a RIDICULOUS Movie! Incredibly mundane and predictable. I watched it with the urge to run out into the street screaming!
The ice in the tub with the jelly fish was soooo stupid, I couldnt believe it…and all this took place in a two week time frame!!
Will keep yo day job!
sincerely,
EnigmaNetx
shellene's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 3:56 pmAs I said before I liked the movie, it was not an enertaining movie. By that I mean, it wasn’t one of those movies that you just watch, it was a movie that made you (well at least me) think and feel….
shellene's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 3:59 pmBTW, my husband loved the movie, my friend that went with us loved it, and my 17 year old nephew and his girlfriend loved it, so that goes to show that it appealed to all ages, from 16 – 48!!!
Organic's comment says
On January 7, 2009 at 5:17 pmThe marketing for this movie was not up to par. Will is stepping into new shoes and I can see that he is headed in the right direction. Yes, The movie was depressing, BUT that was the mood of the whole film, to get the audience completely involved as if you where experiencing the the problems as well. Will Smith reached out his hand and took you in to the movie.
WILL SMITH BLAMED FOR LACKLUSTER SEVEN POUNDS BOXOFFICE | Entertainment Blog's pingback says
On January 7, 2009 at 7:12 pm[...] Nevertheless, producers are scrambling to reach the $100 million dollar mark as the film cost more than $90 million to create. “7 Pounds” is now showing at theatres around the country, but may go to DVD earlier than expected to help recoup costs. source [...]
EboniSuite's comment says
On January 9, 2009 at 12:13 amAt first, I was very much NOT interested in seeing this movie. The marketing did not do it justice at all. But, I did see it and thought the movie was actually one of the best Will Smith has done in a while…made me look at Will in a new light(I have not been a “Will Smith” fan since the Fresh Prince years) This was a different character for Will and it was really good. This was definitely the best movie made in 2008. Predicatable or not, it stirs up feelings and emotions that make you think about what a huge impact a single person can have in several peoples’ lives, good and bad.
chocolate kiss's comment says
On January 11, 2009 at 10:32 amEnigmaNetx come on now, speak with some intelligence his day job is acting and he is darn good and for you to say that the jelly fish scene was stupid says something about you and your intelligence the jelly fish scence was about the best scene of the movie and it was a good way for his body parts to be preserved for the organ donation. Actually I shouldnt have been a little harsh but to me it just seems that you didnt think before you put those words down.
EnigmaNetx's comment says
On January 18, 2009 at 5:01 pmATTN: ChocolateKiss
You Idiot! The Toxins from the jellyfish would make the transplanted organ Null & Void.
I suggest you get your intellectual program together before you come at me, brotherman….
Gift's comment says
On April 28, 2009 at 8:24 amI loved the movie. Yes it was slow, But in my opinion Will Smiths acting was the best I have ever seen. He is truly an awesome actor. Unless the actor or actors in the movie really did a shitty job then they can’t be blamed for the movie not doing so well. Honestly I didn’t even know anything about it until it came out on redbox. And that’s why I never saw it in theaters. He shouldn’t be blamed.
Kate Doro's comment says
On July 22, 2009 at 10:42 amJust watched this movie-LOVED It!!! Will Smith was great, as was Rosario Dawson. I’m drawing a blank as to who all the 7 people were that he helped??? there was his brother, Emily, older social worker, beaten mother, sick boy, blind Ezra–was it the old lady in the nursing home?