These box office bombs were the bomb or at least a hand grenade. Check out my list of 6!
John Carter (2012)
"John Carter" is one of, if not the biggest, box office blunder of all time. After adjusting for inflation, reports say anywhere from 130 million to over 230 million dollars were lost. That's a lot of dough. For the life of me, I don't know why, or do I? In 2012, I wanted to watch the film, but mixed reviews and a poor opening weekend kept me from the theaters. Never say critics can't affect a movie. When I finally watched it, I liked the movie! Any chances of this adaptation to see more sequels died. It's not top-tier, but it doesn't need to be. It's a good fun ride. Full review here.
The Nice Guys (2016)
While "The Nice Guys" was not, officially, a bomb, it did not make enough money for the studio to demand a sequel. However, the 2016 colorful crime comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe has plenty of fans demanding a sequel. The title characters and director, Shane Black, are still open to a sequel if it can ever be green-lit. Somehow, I've managed to watch this film five or so times, and it doesn't feel like enough. This has quickly risen up my all-time list. Full review here.
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
"Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" reportedly lost Dreamworks $125 million during its box office run. Critics gave it bad reviews. Audience scores were low too. Honestly, I don't understand the hate. I've watched many modern Disney and Pixar films with much higher ratings that aren't as enjoyable or have a better story. The animation was ahead of its time, and the title character has exceptional development of a man who wrestles with his selfishness and doing what's right. Full review here.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
You might look at "The Shawshank Redemption" and be confused. Isn't this movie famous? Isn't it considered one of the best of all time? Yes. Did it flop in theaters? Also yes. This seven-time Academy Award-nominated movie made a measly $16 million in its initial opening which was still low for the 1990s. Anyone who has seen this film doesn't need me to explain why this Morgan Freeman classic is actually the bomb.
Blade Runner: 2049 (2017)
With a budget of over $150 million for an arthouse sci-fi movie, "Blade Runner: 2049" was almost destined to not make much money but Columbia Pictures knew this would be something special. Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, and Ana De Armas star in this sequel that won at the Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects along with other nominations. Watch as he uncovers a long-dormant secret in this dystopian future. It's not too far to call this picture a masterpiece.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
Including marketing costs, "The Lone Ranger" lost over $160 million for Disney. This was the second year in a row that a live-action Disney film bombed at the box office ("John Carter"). What was the problem? Partially, production issues raised the price, and the company spent over $150 million on advertising. That compiled with terrible critic reviews doomed the movie. I'm not going to tell you this movie is amazing and life-changing, but it's a fun and enjoyable movie that I would give a solid C+. It's not a big bomb, but it is a few sticks of dynamite.
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