In 2005 Hollywood released a total of seven movies without allowing critics and others to see the film beforehand. In 2006, during the first weekend in March Ultraviolet becomes the NINTH major release to be released without a single preview screening, a gambit being used by Hollywood successfully in 2006 so far as Four of the previous eight releases have been number one movie in America and all eight have beaten sales estimates. For a slumping Hollywood you know this trend is going to continue.
When I first heard about Ultraviolet it was the storyline that really caught my attention. Hidden in the dozens of beauty, I mean publicity shots of Milla Jovoich was the interesting plot. In the not so distant future scientist create a virus that alters Human abilities, creating Super Warriors. When the general populace discovers their existence a war is fought to hunt down these Super Warriors until almost all are destroyed. Not so interesting until you discover our Heroine isn’t fighting for her life, but fighting to protect a young boy from murder by the populace. It is a little twist on the standard tale.
Unfortunately since I saw the first articles on the story until it release my interest has waned greatly.
I will acknowledge that lacking a regular review from anyone credible generally won’t stop me from seeing a movie, a couple of my personal favorites were never previewed for critics; but it takes a special person to like the 13th Warrior. However there is something about this movie that screams “It is going to suck big time man…� and the lack of a review is lowering my expectations even more.
The previews don’t reflect the previously mentioned storyline, and that makes me a little more leary.
In the end, I will see the movie on opening weekend, the question is whether it is an entertaining two hours or will I want those two hours back.
It definitely seems so. Great blog by the way!
Posted by: Julia at September 4, 2010 3:05 AM