‘Mickey 17’ Announces Streaming Premiere Date

Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up to Parasite is coming to streaming on Max in just a few days.

In the role of Mickey 17, I find myself under the direction of the esteemed Bong Joon-ho, with Robert Pattinson portraying our protagonist in a dystopian future. My character, Mickey, is a common worker who, burdened by debt on Earth, agrees to become an “expendable” – a term that suggests I’m more disposable than valuable. This colonial mission to outer space is no picnic; it’s where they send folks for the riskiest, deadliest tasks. Each time I bite the dust, I’m cloned anew and sent back into action. Quite the adventure, wouldn’t you say?

In the realm of sci-fi lore, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic character known as Mickey, who has undergone no less than 17 transformations. However, each time it seems like he succumbs to another work-related mishap, a new version emerges among the colonists – Mickey 18, for instance. Yet, astonishingly, the original Mickey miraculously cheats death, leading us to an unusual predicament: two Mickeys coexisting in this grim future’s spacecraft, which is strictly forbidden by law.

Beyond Pattinson taking on two main characters, the movie also features Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. In this film, Ruffalo portrays Kenneth Marshall, a transformed politician who once led a cult-like group, now spearheading an expedition into space in search of a new world suitable for human survival.

Here is the film’s official synopsis:

Under the direction of the Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, creator of “Parasite,” emerges his next innovative cinematic adventure titled MICKEY 17. The unconventional protagonist, Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, finds himself in an extraordinary predicament – working for an employer who requires the utmost dedication to the position… a commitment that involves sacrificing his life on a regular basis.

Mickey 17 will debut on what was previously known as HBO Max, now changing back to HBO Max, on May 23. Then, it will air on the original HBO network on Saturday, May 24 at 7:40 PM.

The Best Box-Office Bombs in History

25. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)

Title Box Office: $80.8 million

Budget: $60 million

In 2003, the traditionally animated film that was a financial flop for DreamWorks, marking their transition to CG-only features, was this movie. Despite boasting the voices of stars like Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones, its massive box office failure is often attributed to this film. However, beneath its status as a flop lies an entertaining swords-and-sorcery adventure. If Ray Harryhausen had ventured into ink and paint animation, this is the kind of movie he might have produced. Over time, some CGI creatures and backdrops have become dated, but Sinbad (Pitt) fights with the agility of Errol Flynn in his prime. The film is surprisingly mature for a children’s cartoon, featuring an evil goddess Eris taking mystical baths in the nude and Sinbad engaging in playful banter with Lady Marina, his friend’s fiancée (Zeta-Jones).

24. The Lone Ranger (2013)

Global Box Office Earnings: $260.5 million

Production Budget: $250 million

Disney invested significantly more than $200 million in the production of a movie adaptation of an obscure TV Western series, with Johnny Depp portraying a Native American shaman. The debate over the film’s excessive budget overshadowed the fact that director Gore Verbinski created a summer blockbuster as a warning against unchecked capitalism. The colossal train featured in the movie not only serves as its central plot device, but also symbolizes how corporations and technology trample over anything in their path.

In essence, The Lone Ranger‘s storyline – about a complex plot to create discord between Native Americans and settlers in 1860s Texas to claim land for a transcontinental railroad – presents a deeply ambiguous view of corporate greed, technological advancement, and expansionism. This narrative can also be interpreted as a critique of modern blockbuster filmmaking, which stands at the nexus of big business, technology, and economic growth.

23. Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

Title Worldwide Box Office: $14.3 million
Reported Budget: $14 million

In the early 2000s, an unconventional Canadian comedian named Tom Green found himself with a major film deal at Fox following his popular MTV series. Critics and audiences were often left puzzled by his unique humor, as exemplified by Roger Ebert’s infamous remark: “This movie doesn’t even reach the bottom of the barrel. It doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with barrels.”

The film, titled Freddy Got Fingered, was Green’s audacious attempt to pull a prank on Hollywood and anyone willing to watch a movie called Freddy Got Fingered. The movie showcased humor in the most literal sense, with gags like Green’s character delivering a baby by pulling it out of a woman’s womb and then cutting the umbilical cord with his teeth.

As a typical Hollywood gross-out comedy, Freddy Got Fingered was on the brink of disaster. However, when viewed as a deliberate provocation aimed at audiences, it could be considered a hidden gem. Green’s brand of humor relied on surreal pranks played on unsuspecting victims, such as his family and neighbors. The film was created in this spirit, serving as a grand joke at the expense of Hollywood and anyone who dared to watch Freddy Got Fingered.

22. Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Title Box Office: $261.1 million

Budget Reported: $196 million

Contrary to earlier attempts, it appears that Terminator: Dark Fate is the film that has effectively ended Hollywood’s efforts to reboot The Terminator franchise with Arnold Schwarzenegger in a leading role. Estimates suggest that the movie lost more than $100 million and no new sequels have been developed since then. However, here’s an unexpected perspective: Terminator: Dark Fate is undeniably a good film, and Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers a commendable performance in it, even though his role is relatively smaller. The humor fans associate with his emotionless robot character is present, but the role also offers intriguing autobiographical elements that shed light on Schwarzenegger’s journey from movie star to politician, fitness guru, and life coach.

21. Deepwater Horizon (2016)

Title Earnings: $121.8 million
Budget: $156 million

By 2016, it seemed that audiences had become jaded with the excessive disaster movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” and “2012”, where a few characters miraculously survive the annihilation of cities or even the planet. Despite this, the film “Deepwater Horizon”, inspired by the infamous oil spill, earned significantly less. However, it offered a more authentic cinematic experience; brimming with suspense and populated with believable characters portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, Gina Rodriguez, Kurt Russell, and others.

The movie “Deepwater Horizon” made $121.8 million at the box office but cost $156 million to make. By 2016, audiences seemed uninterested in typical disaster movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” or “2012”. Yet, “Deepwater Horizon” was a better movie with realistic characters played by actors such as Mark Wahlberg, Gina Rodriguez, and Kurt Russell.

20. Heaven’s Gate (1980)

Financial Overview for “Heaven’s Gate”

Global Box Office Earnings: $3.5 million

Production Budget: $44 million

Michael Cimino, fresh from his Academy Award-winning film “The Deer Hunter,” took on an even more ambitious project – a grand Western inspired by the actual Johnson County War. Cimino’s pursuit of perfection has since become legendary lore; when a street set didn’t meet his standards (with sides being too close), it is said that he ordered the entire structure to be demolished and rebuilt, despite the option to simply adjust one side at significantly less cost. (Or perhaps, he could have made do with minor adjustments.)

“Heaven’s Gate” had a reputation as an extravagant production long before it reached theaters, where opening-night critics mercilessly criticized Cimino’s director’s cut. After one disastrous week, United Artists decided to withdraw the film and make revisions. For many years, “Heaven’s Gate” stood as a symbol of Hollywood extravagance. However, with time, newer generations of critics have found in it a beautiful, if leisurely, Western filled with captivating visuals and powerful performances by Kris Kristofferson and Christopher Walken. It is worth watching for these reasons and as a cautionary tale – more than one lesson to learn from it.

19. Gemini Man (2019)

Financial Analysis for Gemini Man

Division 1: Global Box Office Earnings
– Worldwide Box Office: Approximately $173.5 million

Division 2: Production Budget and Losses
– Reported Budget: $138 million
– Paramount is believed to have incurred losses exceeding $100 million due to the film’s increased budget for incorporating high-frame rate (HFR) technology, digital de-aging of Will Smith, and other production expenses.

Division 3: Critical Analysis and Technological Innovation
– Critics might have dismissed HFR as a mere gimmick, but director Ang Lee’s use of it in Gemini Man showcased breathtaking cinematography and incredibly realistic fight sequences between 2019 Will Smith and his digitally aged counterpart. However, some found the plot twists involving an aging soldier battling his clone to be somewhat clichéd.
– Despite mixed reviews, Gemini Man’s technical merits could make it a film that audiences revisit frequently, leading viewers in 20 years to question its initial poor reception.

18. Roar (1981)

Title-wise rephrasing:

17. Ishtar (1987)

Financial Analysis of the Film “Ishtar”

The movie “Ishtar,” released in the 1980s, is infamous for being one of the biggest box office bombs, surpassed only by “Heaven’s Gate.” Despite this, it was a comedy spoof of Crosby-Hope road pictures that suffered from unrealistic expectations due to its problematic and costly production. Director Elaine May, producer/star Warren Beatty, and star Dustin Hoffman frequently clashed during the filming process.

Journalists who covered “Ishtar’s” troubled production may have struggled to understand where all the money was spent, especially if they didn’t invest in Dustin Hoffman’s headbands. However, this information is not crucial for viewers who are not investors of the film. What truly matters is the excellent comedic chemistry between Beatty and Hoffman as they portray two bumbling songwriters who unwittingly find themselves in the midst of a regional conflict over Middle Eastern control.

16. Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Title Analysis: Beau Is Afraid

Global Box Office Earnings: $11.5 million

Reported Budget: $35 million

Reactions to the film “Beau Is Afraid” varied greatly, yet one thing is certain – director Ari Aster took a significant risk with this expansive narrative about a timid, anxious man (Joaquin Phoenix) embarking on a trip back home for his mother’s funeral. Whether or not Aster managed a homerun or struck out is subjective; however, from my point of view, he crafted one of the most impactful films ever made that captures the essence of living with anxiety, featuring another remarkable and unpolished portrayal by Phoenix. Given the film’s peculiar nature, it’s not surprising if it failed to resonate with mainstream audiences.

15. The Cotton Club (1984)

The film, The Cotton Club, marked the reunion of The Godfather‘s producer Robert Evans and director Francis Ford Coppola for another period crime saga. This was a solid reason to invest tens of millions into production, unless one knew about the complex relationship between Evans and Coppola, which was strained even in good times. Unfortunately, The Cotton Club was not a good time.

Evans enlisted Coppola at the last minute when he decided against directing the project himself. The two clashed over numerous aspects of production; Coppola accepted the job due to his need for employment after directing another critically panned film. (We’ll discuss that in detail later…) Despite the creative tensions, The Cotton Club is a visually appealing drama based on the real-life Roaring Twenties venue where Black musicians and dancers performed exclusively for white audiences. Years later, Coppola was able to release his director’s cut, The Cotton Club Encore, which restored over 10 minutes of the expensive footage that had originally been shot.

14. The Box (2009)

Analysis of the Film “The Box”

13. The Last Duel (2021)

Ridley Scott attributed the poor box office performance of ‘The Last Duel’ to indifferent “millennials” who are more focused on their mobile devices. However, it’s likely that the film’s failure was due to Disney, who bought Fox where the project initially began and showed little enthusiasm for promoting the movie. Despite its commercial flop, ‘The Last Duel’ was one of Scott’s finest works in years, offering a compelling drama based on a true medieval French feud between Matt Damon’s Jean de Carrouges and Adam Driver’s Jacques Le Gris. The rivalry over wealth and power escalates into a life-threatening conflict when de Carrouge’s wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) accuses Le Gris of rape. The script by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener presents the story in a ‘Rashomon’-style, with the core events retold from each of the three main characters’ perspectives, highlighting their varying interpretations (or more intriguingly, similarities). The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski was beautifully lit and the final duel was one of the best action sequences in recent memory.

12. Margaret (2011)

11. Fight Club (1999)

Title Box Office: $65 million

Budget Reported: $101.2 million

Temporarily disregarding its initial guidelines and the occasionally bothersome fanbase, it’s worth noting that Fight Club resonated with a period mirroring our own, predicting a masculinity crisis that could potentially rock society to its core. Surprisingly, director David Fincher crafted this critique of consumerism and toxic masculinity, not only making it an exhilarating spectacle but also one filled with energetic cinematography and editing – all within the constraining parameters of the Hollywood studio system.

10. Sorcerer (1977)

Analyzing the Success and Struggles of “Sorcerer”

In the cinematic landscape of 1977, “Sorcerer” made its entrance amidst a storm of unfavorable publicity, with whispers about its extravagant budget and director William Friedkin’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Interestingly, this film hit the screens only a few weeks after the release of another groundbreaking production, “Star Wars,” which fundamentally transformed Hollywood filmmaking for eternity.

Given these circumstances, it was widely expected that “Sorcerer” would be a box office disappointment. However, over the years, critics and fans of Friedkin have reevaluated this film, recognizing it as one of the most gripping thrillers of its time and an exceptional American remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot’s “The Wages of Fear.”

It seems that a movie can be too intense for comfort – so nerve-wracking that you almost hesitate to watch it – but “Sorcerer” certainly pushes these limits.

9. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Title Box Office: $5.6 million

Budget: $6 million

If you ever question whether a movie’s box office success reflects its quality, consider the tale of “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.” This film is often considered one of the best Batman movies by many fans, ranking second on ScreenCrush’s own Batman movie rankings. Yet, it made only a small fraction of what lesser DC films have earned. It’s said that Warner Bros. changed its release from home video to theaters at the last minute, and even then, the film was essentially a theater version of a TV series that fans could watch for free five times a week on television.

Despite being one of the best Batman movies according to many fans, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm made less money than weaker DC films. It’s rumored that Warner Bros. switched its release from home video to theaters at the last minute, and even then, it was like watching a TV series in the theater for free five days a week.)

8. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)

Global Box Office Collection: $21.5 million

Reported Production Budget: $30 million

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” despite not being a blockbuster in theaters initially, has the potential to become a defining cinematic experience for this generation, much like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “American Pie” were for mine. This impressive film adaptation of the cherished children’s literature classic is directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and boasts an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie, Kathy Bates, and Abby Ryder Fortson. Fortson, who stole the spotlight in the first two “Ant-Man” films, continues to impress as Margaret and does not disappoint in this role.

7. Grindhouse (2007)

Title-wise:
Worldwide Box Office Earnings: $67 million
Reported Production Cost: $25.4 million

Quentin Tarantino himself has criticized Death Proof as his least impressive work, but I firmly and courteously dissent. All of QT’s films are reflections of his passion for cinema; Death Proof might be the most straightforward and fervent tribute he paid to a bygone era of filmmaking, specifically celluloid film production and projection, which has largely disappeared since the movie’s debut as part of a twin-bill with Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror under the title Grindhouse. Most Hollywood productions aim for “more is more,” but deliver so little. In contrast, Death Proof offered genuine value by providing two movies for the price of one, along with fake trailers and other bonus content. Unfortunately, the movie world responded with indifference to this innovative theatrical experiment, and there hasn’t been a similar studio-backed venture since.

6. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Title Box Office: $267.7 million

Budget Reported: $185 million

Denis Villeneuve’s expansive and visually stunning continuation of Ridley Scott’s exploration of life in a devastated future managed to modernize its dystopia’s technology while preserving the aesthetic of the original film. Harrison Ford delivered a surprisingly poignant portrayal of Rick Deckard. The initial Blade Runner wasn’t a massive box office success, so it was questionable why anyone expected better results for a sequel that closely followed the first film’s narrative and enigmatic ending. However, I’m glad someone felt this project was worth investing a substantial amount of money into, as the final product was breathtaking.

5. Annihilation (2018)

Financial Analysis of Sci-Fi Movies

Here’s an overview of the financial performance of a recent science fiction film, Annihilation:

Worldwide Box Office Earnings: $43.1 million
Reported Budget: $55 million

It appears that smart and unsettling sci-fi movies have been recurring on this list, and unfortunately, they’re not usually audience favorites. This genre carries significant financial risks, but when handled by the right talent, it can lead to creative success. Alex Garland, the writer and director of Annihilation, is known for pushing viewers’ boundaries – even if they don’t always appreciate the experience financially. Based on Jeff VanderMeer’s source material, he certainly delivered a disturbing film that might not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but paid off creatively for those who were involved in its production.

4. One From the Heart (1981)

Title-wise Box Office Earnings: $636,796

Budget Reported: $26 million

Despite the turbulent production of ‘Apocalypse Now’, Francis Ford Coppola managed to escape significant damage. However, his luck faded with ‘One From the Heart’, a film so expensive it nearly bankrupted Coppola’s Zoetrope Studios. Yet, if one is going to waste a fortune and risk their company, they might as well do it on a true masterpiece. The substantial funds poured into this film were used to create intricate Las Vegas sets that beautifully frame the romantic tale of a couple (Frederic Forrest and Teri Garr) contemplating their future apart during a long, vibrant night in Sin City. The love story is straightforward, providing ample space to appreciate Tom Waits’ emotive original score, songs, and the stunning cinematography by Vittorio Storaro and Ronald Víctor García, which could very well be some of the most beautiful ever captured on film.

3. The Iron Giant (1999)

Title Year: 1999
Worldwide Box Office Earnings: $31.3 million
Reported Budget: $50 million

In the bustling year of cinema that was 1999, some exceptional films unfortunately slipped under the radar. Unfortunately, this fate befell “The Iron Giant,” a heartwarming tale directed by Brad Bird about an extraterrestrial robot who forms a bond with a solitary boy, only to face threats from the U.S. military during the tense Cold War era. Warner Bros., seemingly unconfident in the film’s potential, provided minimal promotion, and in the competitive theater landscape, it quickly appeared and disappeared without much fanfare, despite positive feedback from critics. Over time, home video releases and cable broadcasts transformed “The Iron Giant” into a widely recognized ’90s gem – albeit one that didn’t excel at the box office.

2. The King of Comedy (1982)

Worldwide Box Office Earnings and Budget Analysis for “Joker”

Here’s an intriguing fact about the movie “Joker”: Despite its massive global box office revenue of $2.5 million, it was made at a reported budget of $19 million. If you’ve appreciated the dark humor and social commentary in “Joker,” and haven’t yet watched “The King of Comedy,” then you’re missing out! Directed by Todd Phillips, this film shares striking similarities with Martin Scorsese’s 1982 satire of celebrity culture. The movie features Robert De Niro as Rupert Pupkin, a delusional wannabe comedian who will do anything for fame, whether it brings him adoration or infamy. In essence, “The King of Comedy” remains as relevant today as it was back then.

The blockbuster hit “Joker” made $2.5 million worldwide but cost only $19 million to produce. If you liked “Joker,” you should also watch “The King of Comedy.” Both films, directed by Todd Phillips and Martin Scorsese respectively, have similar themes about fame and celebrity culture. The main character in “The King of Comedy” is played by Robert De Niro as a desperate wannabe comedian, and this movie still feels very relevant today.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m always fascinated by the journey of films, especially those that eventually become timeless classics. Take “It’s a Wonderful Life,” for instance. Despite being hailed today as one of the greatest American cinema productions, it was initially met with lukewarm responses from both audiences and critics. The New York Times even went as far as to criticize its characters and settings, claiming they seemed more theatrical than reflective of everyday realities.

However, over time, the film’s message about the true nature of wealth—not monetary or material possessions, but relationships, loyalty, and kindness—has struck a chord with countless viewers across generations. It’s a poignant reminder that even films initially struggling to find their footing can go on to make a profound impact.

Unfortunately, it seems the film itself didn’t fare as well during its initial release. Later, the copyright lapsed into the public domain, which is a bittersweet outcome for a movie that has touched so many hearts. Here’s hoping that Frank Capra, the film’s director, embodied the values he portrayed on screen in his own life.

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2025-05-16 20:28