'Valkyrie' Returns to '08
Filed under: MGM, Celebrities and Controversy, Distribution, Newsstand, Tom Cruise
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UPDATE: Cinematical has been given this brand new still from the film, which shows Cruise without the eye patch.
MGM seems to be trying to reverse the effects of the doomsaying that circulated about Tom Cruise and Bryan Singer's Hitler-assassination-attempt thriller Valkyrie in the spring, culminating in the announcement that the movie was moving from December 2008 to President's Day 2009. That was received as a surrender, a sure sign that the studio had no confidence in the film and was doing damage control by moving it out of harm's way. Now, following some successful test screenings, MGM has reversed itself and is moving Valkyrie back into the heart of Oscar season: December 26, 2008. Apparently, though, the studio still doesn't think it has awards potential, and is making the move because it thinks Valkyrie will do well in the Christmastime marketplace.
I'm sure positive test screenings did have a lot to do with MGM's decision, but I think it's a smart move because it's great spin control. The press loves to read the tea leaves of studio behavior, and will see this as a major vote of confidence. I suspect the buzz on Valkyrie will seriously improve now that it is no longer the subject of what was perceived as a February dump.
For my part, I don't care about Tom Cruise or his silly eyepatch, but I have a lot of trust in Bryan Singer. The man can make a good mainstream thriller, and I don't see why Valkyrie should be any exception. I think a lot of the "bad buzz" (such as Roger Friedman randomly attacking the film) is just Cruise-bashing, which may be justified but probably shouldn't extend to his movies.
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Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. woohoo! awesome! i can't wait for this movie along with Baz Luhrman's Australia
Posted at 9:47PM on Aug 13th 2008 by erik
3. I'm excited about the push-up, not only do I think it does deserve some oscar buzz that has been generated not only from cinematical but from other sites. But the early reviews I read make this 'possibly' the best Cruise movie in a long time. I hope it lives up to it and expect me to be there Christmas Day with my family to enjoy this picture..... dont let me down Singer!
Posted at 11:01PM on Aug 13th 2008 by alex Farquharson
4. I'm happy to see this crazy nut bag and his movies fail. . .we can only hope that the era of T.cruise is over.
Posted at 6:22AM on Aug 14th 2008 by chris
5. You all should try to avoid reading up on latest the celebrity gossip and focus more on the characters they're portraying.
Believe me, it makes a film all the more enjoyable NOT knowing a heroic character onscreen is being played by an actor/actress who recenly assaulted their family members, has a history of alcohol abuse or had an affair with xyz. Just let me enjoy the _character_!
Posted at 8:48AM on Aug 14th 2008 by filmsuki
6. Chris what the hell are you talking about?! Judge him by his acting not what he believes in. I thought we in America have advanced from the days of Salem Witch Hunt.
Posted at 8:13PM on Aug 14th 2008 by ingenieur9
1. My friends, this Christmas is gonna kick ass! Between, "Valkyrie", the new Spike Lee, and "The Inglorious Bastards", life for WW2 film junkies has just gotten sweeter.
Posted at 8:33PM on Aug 13th 2008 by Mike De Luca