Published Nov 10, 2022
Synopsis
Distributed By: Sony | Release Date: 11/23/22 | Run Time: 139 Minutes
Drama/Action. Based on a true story. Elite fighter pilots Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner become the U.S. Navy's most celebrated wingmen during the Korean War. Glen Powell, Jonathan Majors, Joe Jonas
Screening Notes
First, audiences need to set aside any notion this is an over-the-top, adrenaline driven version of Top Gun: Korea. There are some pretty intense flight sequences (Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor and Brown the Distinguished Flying Cross), but the thrust of this true story is way more complex than Top Gun, swirling around racism, patriotism, heroism, and friendship. Clocking in at 2 ½ hours, it will be really tough for operations to grind a good show schedule (100 to 120 minutes is always good), but there is so much to this story (and the film needs more depth to it as it is) I’m pressed to see what could be cut…if anything, to properly retell this true story, it should have been longer, which unfortunately would have made it totally non-commercial. Glen Powell hit stardom in Top Gun and turns in a solid performance. Jonathan Majors is one VERY INTENSE guy, and his star is definitely on the rise this year…Devotion, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Creed III.
Boxoffice Estimate
I’m a little fearful the studio marketing team may have over-positioned this film as an epic aerial combat Korean War film and moviegoers looking for that kind of adrenaline rush are going to be a bit let down. Yes, it has some great combat sequences and plenty of heroism, but this is a straightforward drama.
My thinking is this film will play more like Hacksaw Ridge and Red Tails, which points to an opening weekend totaling $14.7M, with a range between $13M and $16M. With Wakanda only 10 days in its rearview mirror and Avatar 3 weeks in its future, the 2.8x, multiple is less than other comps, pushing the total gross to between $38M and $46M. A solid Single, that could stretch to a Double Base hit.
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