Chapter 195: The Movie’s Box Office Success, and So Does the Book

"This is a stunning film, despite its absurd plot. However, thanks to the relentless effort of the screenwriters and director, the film compensates for its absurdity with a very high-quality production." (Ain Gray, Orlando Weekly).

"This mixed bag of entertainment features the main ingredients of American TV shows, seasoned with the martial arts skills of Hong Kong action stars, and we can foresee it achieving box office revenue comparable to that of a James Bond-style blockbuster." (Todd McCarthy, Variety).

"Unlike previous Hollywood female action films, this one makes extensive use of the ancient Asian martial art of kicking, which may have something to do with the removal of the tiny skirts in favor of more practical outfits. Given the emphasis on kicking, Charlie's Angels feels like a big-screen video game." (New York Times Review).

"Martin's changes to the script were very successful, and the three Angels in the film made a lasting impression. The costumes were superb, showcasing the feminine figures without being sexually explicit, and the fight scenes were exhilarating... In short, this is a solid commercial action film." (Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times).

"Drew Barrymore has finally risen from the depths of mediocrity to shine in the spotlight. Jessica and Scarlett have also impressed, while Lindsay's cuteness adds a charming touch to this otherwise steamy female-centric blockbuster. Interestingly, all four lead actresses were child stars, breaking the curse of child stars failing to continue their careers as adults." (Washington Post).

At a luxurious breakfast table, the girls were enjoying a meal prepared by Martin himself.

Drew was reading the newspaper while eating, her eyes scanning through the rave reviews, which made the girls feel thrilled.

Of course, not all of the feedback was positive—after all, nothing is universally liked.

"As the director of the film, McG brings energy but falls short in maintaining the overall coherence of the story and keeping it sharp and concise." (Stephanie Zacharek, Salon).

"The three female stars' sizzling bodies and sharp martial arts moves brought their absurd characters to life, but they couldn't hide the poor jokes and the even worse storyline." (Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter).

"Charlie's Angels feels like a teaser for a video game movie, except that neither the video game nor the film actually exists." (South Film Review).

"The content is terrible, probably Martin's worst script. Though technically, it's not truly his script since it's an adaptation, but still, it's pretty bad." (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times).

Three days later, the opening weekend box office was revealed: $45 million.

This number made it the box office champion of the week.

Ten days later, the box office reached $94 million, almost breaking $100 million.

Women displayed intense enthusiasm for the film, contributing significantly to its box office performance.

Three distinct women—who usually lived normal lives like any office worker, going to work, shopping, and dating—had a secret identity: they were Angel agents.

They served Mr. Charlie, fighting evil and promoting justice.

This clichéd "Cinderella" storyline, however, made the film wildly popular among women.

This also led Hollywood to notice the potential rise of female-led films.

As a result, several film companies began to show interest in Martin's other major work, Twilight.

"Martin, Universal, Disney, and 20th Century Fox all intend to acquire the film adaptation rights for Twilight. Of these, 20th Century Fox seems the most sincere."

Jeff excitedly reported to Martin while shaking his wine glass.

"Don't rush it. Wait a bit longer. By the way, has Warner made an offer?"

"Warner has only made preliminary contact. I think they're waiting to see how The Matrix performs."

"Heh, I understand. After all, they've invested so much in that series."

Martin chuckled, knowing that if The Matrix became a big hit, he would receive a significant share of the profits.

If Warner Brothers felt that the small share of profits wasn't worth it, they likely wouldn't offer such a "generous" contract next time.

But Martin was confident The Matrix would not disappoint anyone, and there was also the even more commercially promising The Lord of the Rings.

...

"Cheers!"

"We did it!"

The girls toasted and cheered, jumping up and down.

Paris, feeling a bit jealous, said, "I should've had a role in Charlie's Angels—I could've been one of the four Angels!"

"No, four would be too many," Drew said bluntly.

"But your House of Wax is doing well too, right? Global box office over $100 million and it even won a Teen Choice Award," Drew added.

Paris grinned, pleased with herself.

By the end of February 2001, House of Wax had already wrapped up. Its North American box office reached $88.4 million and its global total reached $164 million. Though it didn't quite meet the predicted $200 million, Paris was still overjoyed.

As her first major film, it not only brought her significant earnings but also boosted her global fame.

This girl was shrewd and, with her strategic team behind her, she was already preparing to build her own brand and maximize her newfound fame.

Meanwhile, Charlie's Angels had yet to leave theaters, but it was approaching its end.

So far, the "female film" had earned $177 million in North America and $300 million globally. The total investment for promotion was $90 million, though the actual production cost was closer to $70 million, so it was profitable.

However, the film's box office potential was nearly exhausted, and its final total would likely be around $179 million in North America and $303 million globally.

To celebrate, the girls gathered at Martin's mansion in Beverly Hills for a champagne-filled evening.

"Where is Martin?" Paris looked around, feeling like something was missing without him.

Lindsay replied, "Martin is busy with the release of his new book. He'll be here later."

"Oh, Twilight: New Moon?" Paris and Drew asked in unison, revealing their different interests.

"Both!" Jessica said.

...

In early March 2001, in the beautiful city of Pasadena, Los Angeles, on the main street, Vromans Bookstore.

This independent bookstore, with its two spacious floors, was called a "cool place" by locals.

As a surviving and thriving independent bookstore, Vromans was a perfect spot for book lovers—high-quality and well-organized literature, cute and unconventional merchandise, unique yet approachable packaging, and coffee service. It had become an ideal place for a quiet break to buy books or gifts. The weekly reader events kept the bookstore lively.

At this moment, a long line had already formed outside, stretching from the second floor to the corner of the street.

"Boss, one copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, one copy of Twilight: New Moon."

"Boss, two copies of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, one copy of Twilight: New Moon."

Most of the people in line were young men, almost all buying Harry Potter.

But some, noticeably, were also buying one or two copies of Twilight.

Clearly, they were purchasing for the female members of their families.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧