Why do you think the Seven Pounds film is underperforming for Will in North America ?

[Sammo]

For the Seven Pounds film to have taken in $US 60 mill so far in North America isn't too bad, but it probably cost at least $US 90 mill to make (if print and marketing costs are factored in - the usual cost for this is usually $US 30 mill). With Marley and Me trouncing it's competition, this has got to be a big disappointment for Will by his usual box office standards, but the film's overseas rollout starts this month and next month, plus it'll probably end up doing much better on DVD.

US reviews for SP haven't been too great and they could've used a much more interesting, more imaginative film poster. I would've released it over the Thanksgiving period instead in North America. Unlike SP, the Benjamin Buttons film will be lucky to break even, as it apparently cost $US 170 mill (hence the reason Paramount and Warner Bros went halves on it's budget. Add print and marketing costs and that goes to $US 200 mill).

[Hero1]

A number of factors:

Poor Marketing: Most people who saw the trailer had no idea what the movie was about.

Poor Reviews: Movies like Bad Boys II and Hancock are pretty much review proof but if your serious drama that's vying for an Oscar gets 27% on Rotten Tomatoes its not a good sign.

Subject Matter: People probably aren't used to Will playing this sort of character or the somber tone in the movie

Previous movies: Those who were disappointed in I Am Legend and Hancock may have thought twice about rushing out to see the latest Will Smith movie.

Nothing other than Will to grab you: Not a well known director or producer and no other big name cast members to draw people in.

[Jin]

To add one point...the weather was really bad...christmas openings were very low because of this!

Edited January 5, 2009 by Jin

[VIsqo]

We can add like a 1000 factors and still it doesnt change the fact that it was a crappy movie.. lol