Starsky & Hutch beat Jesus!

Pigman II · 19-03-2004 8:17am #1

(sorry, this post isn't nearly as interesting as that title might suggest)

I was just reading the paper and there was a rundown of the usual 'top ten films at the Irish box office' (compiled by Screen Ireland) and according to them Starky and Hutch OUT-EARNED Passion of the Christ for the weekend 12-14 March (E375k v E336k). Can anyone confirm this? Considering all the hype PotC has got over here and considering in the states PotC is wiping the floor (box-office wise) with everything it does seem strange that it couldn't even get the #1 spot in Ireland for its opening w/e.

Anybody got any opinions/insight into this strange statistical occurance?

ixoy · 19-03-2004 2:19pm

Sure - because we just don't care as much here! We've a youthful cinema going population who would rather see "Starsky and Hutch" than a depressing account of Jesus' torture.
One of the reasons for its success in the States was because Churches actively convinced their congregation to go see the movie, up to the point of block booking cinemas (and thus increasing ticket sales). We don't have the same endorsement here from religion and, even if we did, people here are much more likely to snub the Church's authority than they used to. There's that, coupled with the fact that the movie isn't getting great reviews here and that some people may found subtitles offputting.
Personally, I'm glad to see this result. I saw both movies on consecutive days and found "Starsky and Hutch" far more enjoyable than the tortorous exploits of Gibson's fanaticism.

Chad ghostal · 19-03-2004 3:30pm

yeah i read the same, apparantly the studio were really expecting a big deal to be made of it here in ireland ..
they even went so far as to release the movie two weeks earlier than the uk and make extra prints..

id say they were pretty disappointed being beaten by s&h.. obviously they still had the view of ireland as being a church nut country..

Supercell · 20-03-2004 12:31am

Definately recommend Starsky and Hutch , one of the best movies of 2004 so far imho.

0utshined · 20-03-2004 2:29am

Yeah, S&H is a real good film.

Everyone should go see it now. Do it!

Rabies · 20-03-2004 2:00pm

empireonline.co.uk
It didn't get a full nationwide release. Most cinemas got the movie a week or two ago. Here in Tipperary it was only relased last night. Looks like some of the smaller cinemas had to wait a little longer. That would have effected the movie's takings.