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Costner’s “Horizon” A Box Office Bomb, Plays to Red States — and Badly

Roger Friedman
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Costner’s “Horizon” A Box Office Bomb, Plays to Red States — and Badly

The top grossing theater for Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” was in St. George, Utah. Number 2 was in San Antonio, Texas. Third highest was in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Not a single theater was in the northeast, or on the East Coast. There was only one in California, and no one’s ever heard of it. That was the Reading Cal Oaks in Murietta, a small town far from Los Angeles, near Temecula.

“Horizon” is a movie no one wanted or asked for, and no one is going to see in theaters. With an $11 million opening four day weekend, its theatrical release going forward is in doubt.

Costner announced the making of a 12 hour, four part series of movies while his TV hit, “Yellowstone,” was booming. He thought he could leverage the “Yellowstone” audience and even leave the show at its height.

But he was wrong. Fans of the show got the message. The show’s ending had to be re-written so there could be a sequel without him. Costner went ahead and made 6 hours of “Horizon” in the meantime. “Yellowstone” fans weren’t interested. They were just angry that the story they’d embraced had been forced to a conclusion.

Now Warner Bros. will have to make a decision to move the “Horizon” project to streaming or cable, or both. A part 2 in theaters seems unlikely at this point. If no one went to part 1, and it had bad reviews, no one will go to part 2 in the heavy August summer. They know it’s coming to MAX eventually anyway.

Costner put up $38 million of his own money to make the “Horizon” series. It was a gamble, and looks like he lost, at least for now. Usually in a situation like this, a movie star would make a lucrative TV deal to star in a series. But wait — Costner already did that. Now what?

Box Office: “Inside Out 2” $57 Million Weekend, “Quiet Place” Noisy at $53 Million, Will Smith Hangs in There

’70s Feud: Singer Songwriter Stephen Bishop Goes “On and On” About “Twilight Zone” Director John Landis, Says “Nothing But Mean Spirited”

Roger Friedman
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’70s Feud: Singer Songwriter Stephen Bishop Goes “On and On” About “Twilight Zone” Director John Landis, Says “Nothing But Mean Spirited”

70s songwriter Stephen Bishop (“On and On”) has finally had to it with “Twilight Zone” director John Landis.

Bishop posted to Twitter an unprovoked screed against Landis, saying the director turned mean after his “Twilight Zone” tragedy and became “crappy.”

Landis, who also directed “The Blues Brothers” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” experienced a tragic scandal in 1982 when actor Vic Morrow (the father of Jennifer Jason Leigh) was accidentally decapitated during the filming of “The Twilight Zone.” It’s one of the worst movie production disasters in history, and one that Landis has never been able to escape.

Bishop had a lot of hits in the mid to late 70s, continued into the 80s with movie songs, and is generally considered a nice guy.

But he suddenly writes:

“John Landis. We were the best of friends once upon a time. We met in 1971, before his fame. I had cameos in Animal House, Blues Brothers, Twilight Zone The Movie, and Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller Music Video. I probably have known and worked with him personally longer than anyone else on this Twitter thread. I’ll always be grateful to him for putting me in his films. We were great friends for many years. However, after Twilight Zone, he changed into a person I didn’t recognize. One day shortly after in the mid-1980s, I called his home phone. It had been disconnected. I called him at his office. He said, “From now on, call me at the office, Steve.” From then on when I would call him at the office, his secretary would answer and take my messages. He never returned any of my calls. I felt like I wasn’t a big enough star for
him anymore. He was getting rid of all his old friends. I have seen John at past Animal House reunions over the years, most recently a few years ago, and have remained cordial, but he has been nothing but mean-spirited to me for no reason, he’s childish. Sad, he was a great director, I miss the old John, fame got to him.

PS: I remember a time in the 1970’s when I watched John throw dog poop from his backyard over the fence of his neighbors all the time. So yeah, he’s always been crappy I guess.”

I sort of like the idea that once you’re in your 70s, all bets are off. It’s like Festivus, time to air your grievances.

By the way, totally apart from this, Landis’s director son, Max, is one of the most reviled guys in Hollywood, accused of all kinds of sexual malfeasance and misogyny. He said in a subsequent essay that he’d had a lot of therapy over “The Twilight Zone” incident. I’d post a link to it on Medium.com but he wants to pay for it.

All of this side it’s a shame about Jon Landis. He’s made some wonderful movies. He certainly didn’t intend for Morrow to die. What a mess.

Review: “Mrs. Doubtfire” Musical Takes Off on National Tour to San Fran After Hit Run in Los Angeles

Leah Sydney
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Review: “Mrs. Doubtfire” Musical Takes Off on National Tour to San Fran After Hit Run in Los Angeles

The 1993 hit movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” starring the late brilliant Robin Williams, was a beloved family film — directed by Chris Columbus and co-starring Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan — that etched its way into our collective hearts.  Now the musical comedy stage version is finishing a run at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood before its head out on national tour to San Francisco and other big cities. 

The play tells the story of a divorced dad of three, the fun-loving Dad but irresponsible husband, Daniel Hillard, and the wacky lengths he goes to be with his children.  He invents the larger than life no nonsense and mega quirky nanny,  Mrs. Doubtfire, so he can spend time with his kids.  

Rob McClure originated the role on Broadway for which he was rightly nominated for a Tony Award.  Now on national tour, the show is a must see.  McClure’s real life wife, Maggie Lakis, plays Miranda Hillard, his hardworking frustrated wife. Determined to get to see his kids, the court only gave him limited visitation, Hillard devises schemes layered upon more schemes; we all know how it ends.  Stepping into Williams shoes is no easy task, but McClure is up to it and goes beyond.

McClure’s a theatrical gift;  his performance is filled with heart, showy slapstick and spot on comedic appeal.  The cast across the board is just terrific, with a special shout out to Giselle Gutierrez as the oldest daughter Lydia.  Her voice, range and performance for someone so young; she is certainly making her theatrical mark. 

Kudos to the Nederlander Organization and the Pantages.  Their ‘Broadway In Hollywood’ has been a rousing success with packed houses.  With shows coming up that include Peter Pan, Company, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, Back To The Future: The Musical, Wicked, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. A Beautiful Noise, Some Like It Hot, Shucked” and more, Angelenos can indeed experience first rate Broadway productions in the heart of Hollywood. Thankfully “Mrs. Doubtfire” is saying her signature ‘hellooooo’  to grateful audiences on this national tour and she couldn’t be more welcome!

Michael J. Fox Skips Hamptons Biden Fundraiser to Play Guitar with Coldplay in Glastonbury

Roger Friedman
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Michael J. Fox Skips Hamptons Biden Fundraiser to Play Guitar with Coldplay in Glastonbury

Lots of celebs in the Hamptons today for a Biden-Harris fundraiser.

The hosts were Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, and Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan. Howard Stern was among the guests.

But one of the host couples was absent. That was Fox and Pollard.

It’s not like they’re not supporting Joe Biden — they are — but Fox had some pressing business overseas.

Seems that the “Back to the Future” star took the stage at the Glastonbury Music Festival to play guitar with Coldplay.

Which event would you choose?

Fox, a long time Parkinson’s advocate, has guest-starred with Coldplay in the past. This time he arrived on stage in a wheelchair. But that didn’t stop him from wailing away with Coldplay on a couple of numbers. How cool is that?

Fox showed off his guitar prowess in the 80s in “Back to the Future.” He’s played with Joan Jett and Bruce Springsteen. He’s inveterate music fan, showing up last year at Springsteen shows. The music obviously drives him.

Michael J. Fox is beyond an inspiration for anyone dealing with neuromuscular diseases. Nothing stops him, and nothing will. Rock on, Michael!

Box Office: Costner Sinks Below “Horizon” with $3.3 Mil Friday, “A Quiet Place” Makes Noise, “Bikeriders” on Kickstand

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Costner Sinks Below “Horizon” with $3.3 Mil Friday, “A Quiet Place” Makes Noise, “Bikeriders” on Kickstand

Friday: Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: American Saga” grossed $3.3 million on Friday for a $4.1 million opening. The Civil War adventure should reap about $11 or $12 million this weekend, which doesn’t bode well for the $55 million opus. A three hour movie can only be shown a few times a day, which was the same problem “Dances with Wolves” faced back in 1990. The difference is, “Wolves” was sympathetic to the Native Americans and had terrific reviews.

John Krasinski’s third “A Quiet Place” movie made a lot of noise last night at the box office.

The “Day One” prequel turned in $16 million for a total of $22.5 million opening day.

The Michael Sarnoski directed film should have an easy $50 million weekend. It’s a deft, beautiful acted and written, unexpected and scary film. Nicely done!

Meanwhile, “The Bikeriders” — which has already banked $13 million — fell 78% from last Friday. The Jeff Nichols film did have a great Tuesday this week. I guess Austin Butler’s fans timed their gathering. Check out Tom Hardy’s performance. It’s worth it.

RIP Martin Mull, 80, Comic and Musical Genius, Started on “Mary Hartman”

Roger Friedman
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RIP Martin Mull, 80, Comic and Musical Genius, Started on “Mary Hartman”

I am sorry to hear Martin Mull has passed away at age 80, too soon! He was a comic genius from a generation of humorists and musicians we will never see again.

Of course, I first saw him on “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” in 1975 as Garth Gimble. Garth was an odious domestic abuser, and the audience really wanted him killed off. That’s how snarky Martin Mull was, that Garth was impaled on a Christmas tree. It was appropriately hilarious.

Mull was so good that they brought him back as Barth Gimble host of the local talk show, “Fernwood 2Night.” The legendary Fred Willard played Jerry Hubbard, his Ed McMahon, and the pair was magic. Barth and Jerry eventually left Fernwood and had another talk show called “American 2 Night.” They were such sublime satirists they were spun off into their own talk show separate from “Mary Hartman.” If you were addicted to this stuff, as I was, there was nothing better.

Martin Mull was like Steve Martin in that he played the guitar (Steve had his banjo) and recorded wildly popular comedy albums and toured as a sit down comic. He decorated his stage with used “fabulous furniture from Goodwill. I think I listened to his album, “I’m Everyone I Ever Loved,” a thousand times. When Mull finally appeared in a movie — “FM” — it was very exciting. We felt like he made it, and deserved it. Fred Willard and I used to talk about Martin Mull all the time. He was a legend.

In later years, Martin turned up on TV shows like “Roseanne,” but I always felt like his wings were clipped. He wasn’t subversive anymore, he just doing the Hollywood thing. But the affection for his heyday never ended. Whenever he turned up in a “regular” show, I thought he was winking at his old fans like it was inside joke. When he finally was in “Veep,” where he was nominated for an Emmy Award, it felt like vindication.

“Genius, great sadness,” writes Steve Martin on Twitter. He posted the video below, “Normal,” from 1974. RIP Martin Mull.

Taylor Swift Taking 10th Week at Number 1 Shows Lack of Important Releases This Year

Roger Friedman
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Taylor Swift Taking 10th Week at Number 1 Shows Lack of Important Releases This Year

Taylor Swift’s “Tortured Poets” is number 1 today for the 10th week in a row.

“Poets” has sold around 4.5 million copies including streaming. Without streaming, the number is 2.5 million.

Since January 1st, according to Luminate, Swift has sold around 11 million albums including streaming.

New on the chart this week at number 2 is the debut album from Gracie Abrams. The singing songwriting daughter of director JJ Abrams has been Swift’s opening act for much of the last year. They’ve written songs together. Abrams is talented, but she’s also Swift-approved.

There isn’t much else going on in music and hardly anything for male artists. Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan are hanging in the top 20, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter as well. It’s all pop tarts. Maybe Jerry Seinfeld was onto something!

The Grammy Awards, based on what’s left of their eligibility year, will be all about these women and Beyonce. Remember “Cowboy Carter”?

The only male artist continually selling albums is country star Morgan Wallen, a demonstrable racist who’s obviously found a strong fanbase.

We may see a new album by Eminem, called “The Death of Slim Shady,” released before the September 30th Grammy deadline. A new single called “Tobey” is set for July 2nd, with Big Sean and Babytron.

Otherwise, the outlook is depressing. No one seems to working on a magnum opus, a visionary project, an effort even remotely worthy of comparison with anything from the 60s, 70s, or even 80s.

Is there an authentic new genuine superstar out there? We’re waiting.

Trump Media Stock Drops 4% Since Contentious Debate, Falls by Almost 8 Bucks

Roger Friedman
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Trump Media Stock Drops 4% Since Contentious Debate, Falls by Almost 8 Bucks

It’s sex, lies, and stock price.

Donald Trump’s Trump Media, which operates his Truth Social site, is not reflecting any kind of debate win last night.

Trump Media started the day around $40 and will end around $32. Keep refreshing.

You’d think that after his fans went crazy last night, Trump’s stock would be soaring. But the whole experience of watching Trump lie at least 26 times (according to CNN and the New York Times) has not worked in his favor.

Liberal media elites have only helped Trump since the debate ended. The snowflakes immediately dumped on Joe Biden, declared his campaign over, and started interviewing replacements.

But once actual voters chimed in, it seemed like Biden had more support than anyone imagined. The viewers of the debate — almost 50 million — were more horrified by Trump’s prevarications.

The Truth Media stock price tells an interesting story. Let’s keep an eye on it.

Mark Cuban Endorses Biden Despite Debate: “The Ethical Candidate Who Puts Country Over Self Interest”

Roger Friedman
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Mark Cuban Endorses Biden Despite Debate: “The Ethical Candidate Who Puts Country Over Self Interest”

Mark Cuban is endorsing Joe Biden despite his performance in the debate last night.

Cuban isn’t stupid. He’s a billionaire, and knows what he’s doing, Read his statement:

“His performance was awful. But so was Trump’s. Biden was feeble. Trump couldn’t directly answer a single question and lied with every response.

“The question is what features voters believe make a better POTUS : Feeble, Capable and Ethical vs Vigorous, Unethical and Incapable of telling the truth.

I’ll vote ethical every time.

The reality is Joe wasn’t capable last night of debating someone who only lies. He doesn’t have the energy or ability to shout him down, hold him accountable and laugh at Trump’s responses.

Joe could have held his own against a candidate that actually can discuss policy. But that wasn’t the challenge last night and Joe wasn’t prepared or capable of dealing with Donald and his style.

That aside, there is no way you could listen to Donald last night and come away feeling confident that Trump has the ability to go deeper than his practiced soundbites. He repeated himself often and never directly answered the moderator’s questions

There was nothing that would give anyone confidence he could hold his own in any complicated situation. Or that he could intellectually go toe to toe with any world leader or adversary.

In fact, his non answers about J6 and election acceptance should scare every American about his interest in upholding his oath to the constitution

That doesn’t make Biden’s performance any less awful.
But, he answered the questions he was asked, even if the presentation was underwhelming. And we have the last 3 plus years and of his being POTUS with out his getting laughed or smirked at, no tell-alls or leaks discussing his incompetence. No former advisors or cabinet members saying they won’t vote for him.

That gives me confidence that in the normal duties of the Presidency he can hold his own and do the job.

Unfortunately, This election is not about policies. It’s about soundbites, social media and who delivers them better and the algorithms that deliver them to voters.

Trump is far better than Biden at soundbites and marketing. That’s reality

For that reason , I’m also open to the discussion to replace Biden and/or Harris.

It’s not like Trump’s approval ratings are high. They aren’t. It could be an open door to find someone that immediately out performs Trump.

Beyond the loyalty of his hard core 30 % or so, I think a large number of people who currently support him would walk away to a better alternative.

But if that doesn’t happen, I’m still voting for Biden, the ethical candidate who unquestionably stands by his oath and puts country over self interest.”

UPDATE Costner’s Box Office Disaster “Horizon” $11 Million: Sequel Going to Streaming?

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE Costner’s Box Office Disaster “Horizon” $11 Million: Sequel Going to Streaming?

***SUNDAY UPDATE***

Warner Bros. may have to change its plans for the August sequel to Kevin Costner’s “Horizon.”

This weekend, the Civil War adventure made just $11 million in four days of wide release. Critically panned, “Horizon” is a financial disaster for Costner personally and for Warner’s.

A second installment would not be prudent, at least not in theaters. So the obvious move is to go day and date into theaters and on MAX with Part 2. By that time, part 1 may be streaming, and the whole six hour endeavor would return to its original premise: a mini series.

***SATURDAY UPDATE BELOW***

Kevin Costner’s three hour Civil War epic, “Horizon,” made just $800,000 last night in previews.

The labor of love for Costner was panned by critics and has a 70% audience rating.

Total box office take for the weekend will be around $5 million – far lower than even the low estimate of $10 million. Last night’s shows were in 3,000 plus theaters, so it’s not a question of a small release.

“Horizon” cost $55 million at least. It’s the first of four installments. The second one, already filmed, is scheduled for August. Warner Bros. may have to re-evaluate its plan and put it on Max very quickly after theatrical release — if there is a theatrical release.

Last night was a disaster waiting to happen. There was a lot of competition: the presidential debate began at 9pm eastern and lasted almost until 11pm.

If that wasn’t enough, a new season of “The Bear” dropped on streaming.

Advance ticket sales for “Horizon” were extremely low in the first place. It’s a three hour movie, which is a big commitment if a lot of other more important diversions are happening.

There isn’t a lot of interest in a three hour Civil War movie that doesn’t have rave reviews. Plus, the “Yellowstone” audience is sending Costner a message after screwing up their favorite TV show.

Keep refreshing for updates.

PS Warner’s knows the movie biz is cyclical. Last summer, “Barbie” broke records for them. Next summer it will be something else.

***SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE***

Box Office: Costner Sinks Below “Horizon” with $3.3 Mil Friday, “A Quiet Place” Makes Noise, “Bikeriders” on Kickstand

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