Extracting skills from movies

Chapter 656: Contradicting yourself!

At this moment, Cheng Long was in a good mood.

He was introducing Chris Tucker and other main creative members of "Rush Hour" to Du Sheng.

It makes him proud to have so many Hollywood celebrities come to support him tonight.

As the film began, Du Sheng and Cheng Long led the group to the theater and took their seats, waiting for the feast to begin.

To be honest, Du Sheng is already familiar with this film which has become a hit in Asia.

This time, his mind was more focused on the subtle reactions of the audience in the screening room.

This movie is a foreign language film after all, so immersion is a problem.

Fortunately, the two of them have their own fans, and the fame effect that Jackie Chan has accumulated in North America over the years naturally brings a sense of anticipation to the audience.

The movie has a brisk pace, and it opens with the dashing appearance of the "burglar duo" Cheng Long and Du Sheng. The funny scenes of stealing in the hospital instantly ignite the enthusiasm of the audience.

Seeing this, Du Sheng slowly suppressed the worry in his heart.

"Du's look is so handsome!"

"Hey! Jack Chen is no longer playing a policeman, but a thief instead?"

"Haha, this character is naturally funny, and is very skilled at burglary!"

"Brother Sheng's figure is like a walking hormone. His muscles give me an overwhelming sense of security!"

The fans' screams continued one after another.

Especially some young female fans, their admiration for Du Sheng is beyond words.

It is undeniable that Du Sheng's physique is enough to make him stand out even among a crowd of Hollywood stars.

Because of their admiration for the strong, many Asians believe that European and American stars are all tall and mighty.

Little did people know that in the era when information was not well developed, the trend of worshipping foreign things was prevalent, which concealed many truths.

For example, Hollywood star Slade Cruise, who is famous for his short legs, claims to be 1.74 meters tall, but in fact he is less than 1.7 meters tall.

When acting with actresses, he often needs to "sneak peek" under his feet.

For example, Leonardo DiCaprio, who is popular all over the world, and Brad Pitt, who is known for his tough guy image, both have official heights of no less than 1.8 meters, but I'm afraid only they themselves know the truth behind their heights.

Of course, foreigners’ enthusiasm for fitness is far greater than that of Chinese people, and their muscle content is undeniable.

But in terms of muscle lines and solidity, they are no match for Du Sheng.

She was shown off several times in the movie, making the female fans salivate.

The male audiences, on the other hand, were completely focused on the thrilling gun fights, action scenes, and shocking explosions.

The fist-to-flesh fighting scenes in "Baby Project" are more fierce and realistic compared to the slow-motion fighting in Hollywood.
Although it does not have the gorgeous special effects like "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Wanted", it still makes people excited.

Jackie Chan's parkour stunts and his clever use of everything around him as a weapon made the audience gasp in amazement and applaud!

Although Du Sheng is very skilled in the film, he is at a loss in front of the cute baby. This contrasting image is deeply imprinted in the hearts of the audience.

The film market in the Beacon Country has matured, and the audience will not be biased based on whether the characters are good or evil.

On the contrary, a down-to-earth character can often win the love of more people.

The film ended, the lights came on, and there was thunderous applause in the theater.

Du Sheng and Cheng Long stood up to salute. People came to congratulate them in an endless stream, and words of praise were heard everywhere.

Du Sheng knew that these might just be polite remarks, and the praise at the premiere might not necessarily indicate a great box office performance.

Here, no matter how bad a movie is, they can praise it to the skies from a different angle. Maybe when the box office drops, some people will take advantage of the situation to take advantage of the popularity.

Therefore, everything depends on tomorrow's statistics.

Outside the Oriental Theater, several people who make a living as film critics were already waiting there.

A bald film critic turned to his fellow critic and asked:
"Hey, Smith, what do you think of this Baby Project?"

Smith pondered for a moment and praised:

“Honestly, it’s pretty good!
Especially the action scenes, which are much more exciting than the current Hollywood action movies!

In Hollywood action movies, fighting is like child’s play.”

In fact, ever since "The Matrix" set off a craze, the lag in Hollywood action movies has become like an obvious flaw that anyone can see.

Today's audiences have had their eyes spoiled by those dazzling, heart-pounding action dramas.

Looking back at those fist fights shot in slow motion, I can’t help but feel a little bored.

As a result, many action film projects that have been finalized in the past few years have pressed the pause button and are busy re-polishing the action style in the film.

Those who are quick have already gone to Hong Kong to find a master action director!
And now this "Baby Project", whether it is gunfire or close combat, it is so clean and neat, and brilliant, it is guaranteed to be a great pleasure for action movie fans!

"How much do you think this movie will earn at the box office?"

someone asked Smith.

Smith shook his head and said slowly:
“If the story happened in our beacon country, I wouldn’t be surprised if the box office exploded.

But it is a niche Chinese-language film after all.

However, with Jack Chen and Du in the film, plus such powerful action scenes and emotional lines, I estimate that 3000 million is still possible."

The bald man also nodded repeatedly and echoed:
"For a foreign language film to earn $3000 million at the North American box office is already a remarkable achievement!
I heard that the cost of "Baby Project" was only 1800 million US dollars. This deal is a sure win!"

In their eyes, if "Baby Project" could earn 3000 million at the box office, it would be a sure success.

For a movie of high quality and high probability of becoming a hit, these film critics feel at ease taking the money.

When writing a comment, of course, don't forget to say a few nice words.

……

Late at night, people were still chattering on the forum related to "Baby Plan".

"How was the movie? It should be over now. Sisters who have seen it, come and tell us about it."

"Didn't Slade say before that it's extremely difficult for a foreign language film to become popular in North America, let alone a niche Chinese language film."

Just then, a comment suddenly jumped out:
"Slade, that's a jinx, shut up!
I just finished watching The Baby Project and it was amazing!

Jack Chen and Du's performances, their various humorous and witty scenes and fighting scenes are simply superb..."

This comment was like a stone dropped into a calm lake.
All the lurkers came out one after another, and messages came pouring in like a tide.

Soon after, fans who had just returned home from watching the movie began to share their feelings on the forum.

"I think the plot is superb! Du Jian and Jack Chen are hilarious and charming as the thieves!"

"Hey, the plot is not the point. Just for the gunfights, explosions and action scenes, this movie ticket is worth the money!"

At this time, Slade, who was previously worried about "The Baby Project", also posted again.

“Finished reading, highly recommended!
Putting aside the fact that the story does not take place in the Lighthouse Country, "The Baby Project" is definitely a wonderful movie!

Especially the scenes of 'five-car pileup' and 'Ferris wheel battle', which perfectly combine thrilling actions and funny plots, including gunfights, dagger duels and martial arts, all of which are unique!
There is no doubt that "Baby Project" is an extremely successful imported movie!
Especially as a fan of Du Boxing King, don't miss it! "Slade's post was a slap in the face, but it attracted countless eyes.
It also made more boxing fans itchy and they couldn't wait to rush into the cinema to see it.

"The Baby Project" did not have any advance screenings. According to the old North American rules, the curtain of the first day of the show was opened on time at midnight on Friday the 22nd.

Therefore, we usually have to wait until the early hours of Saturday morning to reveal the mystery of the first day's box office.

However, Du Sheng is not an ordinary person.

As a shareholder of MGM, I naturally have my own way of distinguishing.

He got a statistical survey of movie viewing data from the staff there.

It is said that more than 60% of the audience generously gave a rating of A or above.

But Du Sheng has a clear mind about this data and cannot believe it completely.

Those who can come to watch the premiere are either die-hard fans of him and Jackie Chan, or action movie fans and boxing fans. It is inevitable that there will be a sentimental filter when giving ratings.

Besides, the amount is too small.

The truly important film ratings depend on what authoritative third-party organizations such as IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes say.

However, judging from the ratings, at least the fans are buying it.
This shows that the quality of the movie is fine and it suits the taste of the people in the lighthouse country.

On Friday morning, as soon as the sun came out, articles from the media and film critics who had watched the movie last night popped up like mushrooms after a rain.

Los Angeles Express:
"The action in "Baby Project" is fierce and the plot is humorous. Jack Chen and Du have jointly presented a wonderful crime action blockbuster!

It would be even more perfect if the story was set in the Lighthouse Country.”

People commented:
“It’s a standard comedy with some minor flaws in the plot.

How come the firepower of the Eastern Country police is so much weaker than that of Kuroko? This is too fake, right?
In comparison, the Lighthouse Country is much stronger in all aspects!
Although Jack Chen's comedy style has been restrained, his adventurous actions are still quite eye-catching.
Especially the long-shot adventurous car-jumping scene, which fully demonstrated his superb skills and big heart!

Du Yan's thrilling actions and funny plots are also good. Jumping off the air conditioner from a 30-story building is very exciting. His acting skills are in no way inferior to his fighting and musical talents!"

TV Guide also joined in the fun:
“A rare comedy action movie in recent times!

The plot setting is novel, and Jack Chen's fearless adventurous actions make people's blood boil!

Du Yan is a charming playboy, and the fight scene at the end is particularly exciting. Audiences who like action and crime themes should not miss it! "

Entertainment Weekly reported:

“The premiere of ‘Baby Project’ was packed with people and the response was overwhelming!

Jack Chen and Du's Kung Fu show once again proved their strong appeal! "

In the morning, Du Sheng was in a good mood as he looked through the reports collected by Cui Yayi.

In general, there are more praises than criticisms.

Although the reports were short and there was no lengthy analysis, Du Sheng was quite satisfied.

This is an oriental Chinese-language film. If it hadn't been for him and Jackie Chan supporting it, and if it hadn't brought a lot of popularity to it, these newspapers probably wouldn't even bother to mention it.

There were many compliments on him in the reports, such as his outstanding appearance, superb action scenes and acting skills, even overshadowing Cheng Long.

Du Sheng just smiled and said that what he cared about most now was his grades.

If the box office fails, everything will be in vain.

He carefully pondered the focus of these topics and found that most of them revolved around Cheng Long, Du Sheng and action scenes.

He and Jackie Chan are the biggest appeals of the film, needless to say.

But the action scenes were a little different from what he had imagined.

Cheng Long's comedy style is definitely a magic weapon to attract audiences, but now it seems that people are talking about more than just that.

Du Sheng simply went on IG and found that among the reasons why people mentioned liking this movie, in addition to personal fans and boxing fans, the most common reason was the action scenes.

Many people say that the punches hit the real objects, the fighting is very realistic, and it is very exciting to watch!
It can be seen that the audience in the Beacon Country has a strong demand for this kind of sharp movie that combines oriental action style, but the market has not been able to meet this demand.

This year's releases of "SPL" and "The Baby Project" have filled this gap!

Du Sheng pondered for a moment, called Lydia over, and said:
"The focus of the media promotion can be adjusted, for example, highlighting the action style, similar to "The Last Fighter" and "The Angry Birds"..."

When Lydia heard this, her beautiful eyes lit up. She had indeed overlooked this point before.

Without saying a word, she took action immediately.

Du Sheng put down his computer and prepared to intensify publicity and promotion.

Everyone is busy, so he can't be idle.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Miracle Pictures office was still brightly lit.

Friday’s first day box office is like the first cry of life, its importance is self-evident.

By analogy, we can get a glimpse of the outline of the first weekend box office, and then infer a rough blueprint for the box office data of the entire movie.

Cinema chains are like shrewd businessmen, adjusting the number and proportion of screenings based on the box office performance over the first weekend.

This is simply the mysterious law that determines the life and death of a movie.

Cheng Long paced back and forth in the hall, looking a little anxious.

Seeing this, Du Sheng smiled:
"Brother Long, aren't you tired from running the promotional marathon during the day? Why don't you find a soft cushion to rest on."

Although Jackie Chan once made a name for himself in Hollywood, it is precisely because he has reached the peak that he knows how to cherish and feel regret.

"Ah Sheng, 'Baby Project' is a Chinese-language movie after all. I'm afraid those foreign talents won't buy our story!"

The waters of Hollywood are deep and turbulent. Once you misstep, there is no way back.

If he loses again this time, it will undoubtedly cast a shadow on his future career.

Maybe the previously agreed-upon "Rush Hour 3" will have to have its pay or role reduced again.

Du Sheng smiled:
"Brother Long, do you have no confidence in yourself?
Since I dare to bring "Baby Project" to the North American battlefield, I naturally have some confidence.

You have also seen those online and offline promotional methods, which cost more than tens of millions of dollars.

I put so much effort into this, am I out of my mind? "

Du Sheng's words revealed confidence, and he was indeed confident in his heart.

This time, the promotion was led by former Hollywood A-lister Cheng Long, with the support of his own popularity, including the hot-selling North American records and even being featured in Time magazine, and the warm-up of "Ultimate Fighting" boxing fans.
There is the Oriental Kung Fu craze that has been going on for a while now, and there are also waves of fanatical opinions stirred up by online trolls on the Internet...

He added so much to this movie, if it still fails at the box office, he really should say goodbye to Hollywood!

Although Cheng Long was aware of Du Sheng's propaganda methods, he was not a prophet and had no idea about the effectiveness of these novel methods.

However, looking at Du Sheng's calm appearance, his heart gradually calmed down.

After all, he still has "Rush Hour" as his backing, and has already finalized the filming of the sequel with the producers.

He believes that even if the box office of "Rush Hour 3" cannot surpass the first two films, it should not be difficult to recoup the cost.

As long as he can create some waves this time, his road to Hollywood will not be over!
.........

(End of this chapter)