The numbers are in and Spider-Man 3 made $135 million US and $375 worldwide in just three days pretty much destroying any previous box office records. Marvel and Sony are probably dancing as we speak as by Wednesday the film and marketing will be paid off and the rest is just profits.
So what does this have to do with Transformers? Just to highlight why studios are looking for franchises and why Transformers was "modified" from their G1 origins. The goal is simply to make a movie that sells so well its like printing money. Bay and co would love for the movie to do this well so can claim king of the Summer '07.
Now that isn't likely to happen because Spider-Man 3 could only be this successful because 1 and 2 had done so well and was well received. Spider-Man is also proof that if you treat the source material with respect, try to weave a good story with good characters consistently, the audience will reward you for it.
However, having seen Spider-Man 3, I am thinking that this boffo weekend is going to take a dramatic nosedive starting next week. At least 65% due to mixed reviews and so-so fan reaction. The reality is 3 is just not as good as 1 and 2 and the audience will react accordingly. The bread and butter of big bank - repeat business and excellent word of mouth, will not have apply here which will damage the over all take but making close to a billion dollars off a movie is a success no matter what.
Transformers is already planned to be at least a trilogy, assuming the audience is there to support it. I personally hope it succeeds. Just remember the lessons of Spider-Man. Consistent quality characters told around a consistent good story from a cast and crew that believes in the universe they are playing in. The early bits of Transformers show that things are off to a get start. The final reviews will come in 2 months.
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