Box Office Episode 3; From Fantastic Four to the Disappointment of Zan o Bacheh
Box Office Episode 3 with Hamed is an exciting program from Alara Entertainment.
In this episode, we explored the latest films and TV series, took a close look at the vibrant US box office, and alongside introductions of cinematic surprises, we featured a controversial critique of the Iranian film Zan o Bacheh, which despite heavy advertising, has disappointed many.
US Box Office; From Superhero Rivalry to a Surprising Horror
The first film this week was Fantastic Four. Unlike previous unsuccessful adaptations, this time the film has captured the positive attention of both critics and audiences. Starring Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, it grossed $200 million within just two weeks. Rumors about the actors’ relationships have also fueled its box office success.
The animation The Bad Guys 2, featuring the popular character “Wolf” with voice acting by Sam Rockwell, had a successful release and earned $22 million in its opening week.
In the comedy genre, The Naked Gun, starring Liam Neeson and Famke Janssen, reminds us of beloved comedies from previous decades. Its $17 million first-week earnings prove that well-made comedies can still move the box office.
However, the main surprise was the horror film Together. This modest production by Michael Chang received outstanding critical acclaim and grossed $11 million in its first week, establishing itself as an unexpected phenomenon.
The World of Series; From America’s Untamed Nature to the Controversial End of Tasian
- Untamed: A crime series starring Eric Bana, featuring a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of the acclaimed show True Detective.
- The Glass Dome: A Scandinavian production with a cold and puzzling tone about a criminologist whose past interlocks with a new case.
- Black Snow: An Australian crime drama starring Travis Fimmel, exploring indigenous culture and complex mysteries.
- Tasian: An Iranian historical series directed by Tina Pakravan that, despite domestic popularity, due to restrictions, could not match global standards and ended in disappointment.
This Week’s Film Recommendations; From Horror Sequels to Personal Stories
28 Years Later: A smart and captivating sequel directed by Danny Boyle that surprises both narratively and technically.
The Life of Chuck: A distinct adaptation of Stephen King’s writing directed by Mike Flanagan, with a philosophical and humanistic tone.
The Kingdom: A crime drama praised by some critics as being on par with The Godfather, garnering significant acclaim at film festivals.
My Life is Wind: A short film by Anita Ghazvinizadeh about intimate immigration experiences; a shining example of Iranian presence on the global stage.
Vanya: A modern adaptation of Chekhov’s masterpiece featuring a stunning performance by Andrew Scott, bringing a classic legacy to a new form.
Special Critique: The Disappointment of “Zan o Bacheh”
The most controversial segment of this episode focused on Zan o Bacheh, directed by Saeed Roostaei. Expected to be a masterpiece at the Cannes Film Festival, the film disappointed many due to a disorganized screenplay and superficial treatment. The performances of Parinaz Izadyar and Peyman Maadi could not compensate for the film’s fundamental weaknesses. The only positive was the role played by a young actor as Aliar. This case reminds us: international festival presence is not always a sign of high quality, sometimes it’s the director’s reputation or powerful distribution channels that make the difference.
Classic Feature: Casablanca
As in every episode, we closed with a look at a timeless classic: Casablanca. A romantic story starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman that remains one of cinema’s most inspiring love tales.