Shot In The Dark: Precursor to the 2008 DFL Convention?

October 12, 2006

Precursor to the 2008 DFL Convention?

Al Franken's movie, says Brian Maloney, is one of the biggest stiffs of the year, taking in about as much money in limited and general release after several weeks as Franken himself earns in about three weeks at his soon-to-be-late Air America gig.

Maloney:

Last week, God Spoke ranked a mere 60th overall, among films in current release. Even now, it's being shown on just ten screens nationwide, with several additions expected this weekend.

As Michael Phillips notes in his ChiTrib review:

Democrats, especially, may experience "God Spoke" with a growing sense of irritation. So much vamping and noodling and forgettable party footage, so little focus or drive. Until Franken decides to decide something and get his ducks in a winnable row, there's no movie. There's just footage.

Franken; flop comic, flop talk host, flop movie star...

...bring on the Senate campaign!

Posted by Mitch at October 12, 2006 09:42 AM | TrackBack

Comments

Nobody, including the filmmakers, expected "God Spoke" to be the "Jurassic Park" of 2006. As a rule documentaries (with the rare "Hoop Dreams"-type exceptions) don't make money in theatrical release. Any profits to be had are reaped from rentals, sales and broadcast licensing after the theatrical run is exhausted. Since GS was quite inexpensive to produce it's a safe bet the filmmakers/studio will end up in the black.

Posted by: tim at October 12, 2006 10:19 AM

If Tim is correct, Al Franken has no name recognition outside MN. You would think a movie by a "National radio personality" would draw some audience.

I'm guessing it just plain sucks, much like many Franken and Davis skits on SNL.

Posted by: Tracy at October 12, 2006 10:40 AM

Al has a movie? Who knew? I can't wait for the Big Campaign.

"Al Frankin is an Ordinary Minnesotan. Never mind he's lived in New York for 25 odd years. He's Just Like You. Really."

That reverse carpetbagger 5hit may work in the Empire State, but it don't play to well in Owatonna.

I wonder if the little POS could find Owatonna without a map.

Posted by: Kermit at October 12, 2006 10:35 PM

Al throws a great sucker punch when he gets mad. I guess that's a talent....

Posted by: RBMN at October 12, 2006 11:09 PM