As Benjamin Button"" has failed to make back its exceptionally large budget, it's yet another sign that studios can't pour hundreds of millions into a movie and expect it to make it all back. Especially for ""Button,"" big-cost CG effects won't draw audiences to a movie that is largely a love story. Had they spent half as much on the movie, it may have been just as good (or better, as some critics objected to all the effects) and also turned a profit.
""Slumdog Millionaire"" has gotten significantly better reviews and has turned a serious profit. If it wins Best Picture, it will inspire lots of small studios to take risks and reap big rewards. ""Button"" (and ""Quantum of Solace"" last summer) will serve as reminders for big studios - large budgets don't guarantee profits.
""Paul Blart: Mall Cop"" has raked in a lot of money, but it's a star vehicle for Kevin James, an actor with a successful television show and comedy career. The movie is also rated PG with little competition from other kids' films these last two weeks. Regardless of its quality, when Blart makes money, it allows studios to absorb a loss on a more quality film. Rather than criticize Blart for dumbing down modern cinema, we should be grateful it's popular. Without ""Blart,"" there could be no ""Button.""
- Michael Braun
Graduate student
Communication Arts
