Rise To Stardom - Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Screening Reviews!
No sooner had the two different premieres for [Bohemian Days] wrapped up, multiple critics and online movie reviewers hit the internet, each giving their thoughts on the movie;

–

Tinseltown Tribune – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

[Bohemian Days], a movie that intricately weaves together the lives of its diverse characters, thereby offering a poignant portrayal of urban struggle.

–

Holly-World Times – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

With compelling performances and a thought-provoking narrative, the film captures the raw essence of city life. It’s a captivating exploration of resilience and human connection amidst adversity. Director Wilde may as well have another hit under her belt.

–

Celeb Weekly – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A riveting depiction of urban survival that masterfully balances multiple character arcs. Through its authentic portrayal of struggle and sacrifice, the film is sure to resonate deeply with audiences.

–

GlamourScene Gazette – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

With stellar performances and a compelling storyline, [Bohemian Days]is a must-watch for anyone seeking a raw, heartfelt drama. The movie deserves a trial, simply for that alone.

–

As the first wave of reviews hit the internet, many netizens began to look favorably towards the movie.

Although some felt like the reviews were somewhat fishy, somehow too good to be true, the general perception still, was that the movie must’ve been really good since all these reviews were coming from top media publications in Hollywood.

Sadly, this wasn’t a surprising case of heavy PR urging, deluding and conning people into watching a movie that wasn’t as good as it was lauded to be.

Since the movie had a star-studded cast, along with BlackBox Film’s big influence in the industry, paying reviewers ‘chump change’, something that would cause the average man to strip naked and dance for joy, was quite easy for them to pull off.

As long as it meant that they could sway the public’s opinion.

As for [Epoch One], the reviews were actually quite positive too, with a lot of independent movie reviewers praising the movie for delivering on its promise of a thrilling, fun action-adventure romp;

–

Daily Burglar – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

[Epoch One] did exactly what it was meant to do. Be a thrilling rollercoaster of an action movie that baits you from the very beginning, hooks you by the mouth, grips you by the neck, and, just to make a statement, refuses to let go until you’ve watched the credits roll.

–

Critical Hit – ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Though the story may have been a bit weak at times, especially pertaining to the somewhat predictable plot, the movie’s cast had such stellar and believable acting, along with beautifully choreographed, blood-pumping and adrenaline-infused action sequences, it was easy to overlook those minor hitches. Grab your tickets gentlemen. This is a movie for the boys! No offence to the ladies though.

–

Movie Addict – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

[Epoch One] is quite possibly the best action movie I’ve watched in a really long while as it stands out, head far above others in an overcrowded slew of overdone, uninspiring and boring action-adventure films! This movie might just set a benchmark for newer, upcoming action movies and Director Clyde, may have cracked the code to what makes an action movie beautiful and visually appealing to watch.

–

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Okay. I’ll admit that action movies aren’t exactly my cup of tea. But, since I was given an invite to the screening, I thought; ‘Hey why not?’. And so, sprinkling enough twists and turns, some of which certainly caught me off-guard, [Epoch One] serves as an accolade to an almost forgotten action star and the possible birth of a new one! And yes ladies, Kyle Kestis’ abs were divine!

–

As a lot of internet dwellers and movie buffs, read the reviews for [Epoch One] and realized that it too, was seemingly just as good as [Bohemian Days], a certain turmoil was set alit in their hearts.

Now faced with two movies that were going to be releasing on the same day, they wondered over which to pick.

This was going to be quite the Box Office clash.

–

WillyMyWonka: Yep. I’mma go for [Bohemian Days]. Seems like the better rated movie amongst the two. And with that cast of A-listers, I’m pretty sure I’ll be in for a good time.

SlapMyCheeks: @WillyMyWonka; I honestly think I might too. Action movies these days are all the same anyway. Can’t even follow the action sequences due to all the multiple cuts they employ.

BustOnMyFace: I’ll give [Epoch One] a shot. Just going with my instinct here. Besides, I actually don’t trust Hollywood publications and movie critics anyway. I’ll make my own verdict when I see the movie.

SussyBaka: I will be watching both. Got enough funds for it. Might opt for [Bohemian Days] first though. Would rather go with a movie from a reputable studio first than that from a new one. Also, those string of usernames are sus as hell.

IreneYegar: I don’t know honestly. I have anxiety choosing stuff and I’m torn between the two. Should I just continue my conquest and reason this later? I have a rumbling to sort out after all. A rumbling stomach and toilet to conquer that is! Help!

WhisperInYourEar: [Epoch One] definitely. Dramas just aren’t my thing so [Bohemian Days] is out the window for me. If there was something else like a superhero movie coming out soon, I might’ve bailed out on [Epoch One] too. But hey I guess, beggars can’t be choosers.

VoicesInMyHead: @WhisperInYourEar; Wish I could just listen to the voices in my head and bail on my girlfriend to watch [Epoch One]. The trailer really hooked me and I’ve been closely following it since back then. But this lady just won’t shut up about wanting to see her favorite actor, Taylor Boon and some other guy called Austin Wilde in [Bohemian Days].

AlrightThat’sEnough: Well whatever. Good luck to you guys. As for me, I’d rather wait for public audience reviews from Mashed Potatoes and Was It Worth A Watch?.

–

As more and more comments poured into the thread, the general public favoring [Bohemian Days] more and more over [Epoch One], BlackBoxs’ Films executives, marketing team and PR Department, along with Producer John Woods and Ava Wilde, started to feel a bit more confident about the movie’s returns.

And so were the movie’s cast of actors.

Maybe their movie would turn out to be a commercial success after all.

* * *

“How’s it looking?” Hank asked the employees in their marketing room with a serious gaze.

Currently looking through the internet and pulling up statistics here and there, Dot Production’s marketing team and their small PR department were keeping tabs on the internet’s reception to the reviews of their movie.

“Well, judging by the reactions on the net, it seems like most people would be opting for [Bohemian Days] on the opening week.” a female employer gave a short breakdown as she read the statistics from her tablet.

“[Bohemian Days] will probably open on the first day with an estimate of $17 million. That’s quite a lot…” another employee, whom was a male, muttered out loud as he scanned through a recently printed copy of the statistics the female employee was reading from.

“Well what can we do. Heavy PR is definitely our worst enemy.” Hank sighed worriedly and said, all whilst massaging his temples.

Having two movies releasing on the same day, usually came with the detriment of having one movie getting less screenings in various cinemas than others.

It was also quite unfair towards Dot Productions because the cinemas they had previously rented out, suddenly had to reduce the number of tickets that were afforded to their movie.

All because they didn’t have enough funds or credibility in the movie industry to push back. This was their very first movie after all.

But more than that, this was Hollywood.

Power, wealth and connections, mostly reigned over everything else.

Compared to BlackBox Films, Dot productions were basically shrimps, if not planktons in the sea.

“I don’t even understand why those bastards suddenly decided to shift their release date to match up with ours but whatever.” Hank tried to wave off his worry, after which he then asked;

“How about our own estimates? It should at least be looking good though, right?”

“Yes. We should be seeing at least $5 to $6 million on the opening day. I think that’s quite commendable.” another employee answered this time, her hands adjusting her glasses with a light smile.

“Alright. At the very least, we can look forward to easily making back our investments.” Hank nod his head a bit whilst stroking his chin.

“Yes Producer.” another male employee agreed with his words.

One thing that had made Hank a bit relaxed despite all the sudden competition they were faced with, was the fact that [Epoch One]’s initial budget of $16 million, came from he, Mark and Bruce’s pockets, all of whom ran Dot Productions together as a joint venture.

There were literally next to no external investors in the movie, with the exception of Jeffrey who had ended up adding an additional $4 million, rounding up the total budget to $20 million.

Considering they were looking at estimates of $5 to $6 million on the first day alone, Hank was definitely sure that within a month and a half, they would’ve made back their budget and then some.