Chapter 354: Old Friends and New Movies

"How many people came in total?"

In the cinema lobby, Brian, with the help of five or six companions, was carrying two large boxes toward the entrance. Each shouldering a backpack, Daenerys responded, "One hundred sixty-seven people. We almost filled the two hundred seats."

Brian nodded, "Not bad, I prepared two hundred T-shirts, that should be enough."

They reached the ticket check for the cinema, and since it was a private screening, the staff simply peeked into the boxes before letting them through.

The group turned into Cinema 7, where a sea of people nearly filled the room.

Without hesitation, Brian called over some helpers to distribute the T-shirts. As the fans received their shirts, they promptly put them on. The T-shirts were of good quality and featured a close-up of Matthew Horner aiming a gun, a shot from the trailer of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

"Brian, these are free, right?" someone called out loudly.

"Of course!" Brian raised his voice, "The T-shirts are free!"

He explained briefly, "I know some people at the studio. They heard about our event and sponsored some of the T-shirts, but there was a condition."

As more people gathered, the crowd became noisy, "What condition?"

Brian didn't play coy, "They need a group photo of us, and it's also good for Matthew! It shows that he has strong support from all of us!"

"Great!"

"Let's take that photo!"

"Yes, hurry up!"

The hall buzzed with activity as Brian and a few acquaintances tried to maintain order. They managed to gather about thirty people for a group photo since the space in front of the hall was limited and couldn't accommodate everyone.

As the movie time approached, the auditorium quieted down. Brian sat exhausted next to Daenerys. Organizing such an event was no small feat for the young man.

But he had no intention of giving up. Contacting Bella Anderson marked the beginning of a new phase.

At the Hollywood Chinese Theater, the red carpet ceremony for "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was winding down. The main cast and crew stood in front of the sponsor's backdrop for a group photo.

After the photo, Matthew led Charlize Theron into the theater.

"What did Aziz Gosman mean by what he said to you just now?" Charlize whispered.

Before the group photo, Aziz Gosman had pulled Matthew aside to chat.

"Nothing much," Matthew replied quietly as someone passed by, "Aziz has a new project he might want me to join."

"Oh?" Charlize was curious, "What kind of project?"

Matthew shook his head, "I'm not sure, he didn't give details."

Since they were late, the cast skipped the VIP room and followed Aziz directly into the auditorium.

Entering from a side door, Matthew glanced back to see the packed Hollywood Chinese Theater, which held over a thousand seats.

"Hey, Matthew!"

A familiar voice called out from the guest seats. Matthew paused and stepped toward James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, embracing them.

"Aren't you going to introduce us?" James looked towards Charlize.

Matthew beckoned Charlize over and introduced his friends, "This is James McAvoy, the shorter one, and Michael Fassbender, the taller one. They're both actors."

Then, introducing Charlize, he said, "James, Michael, this is Charlize Theron, my... uh... fiancée."

Matthew was still not entirely comfortable with the term.

James and Michael greeted Charlize and exchanged pleasantries. Charlize, who hadn't met them before, didn't say much and soon whispered to Matthew, "I'll wait for you up front."

"Okay," Matthew nodded.

As Charlize walked away and the area around them was momentarily empty, Michael whispered, "Last time we had drinks, you were talking about your fear of marriage. Now you're engaged?"

"That's..." Matthew didn't want to lie, nor could he explain it all simply, so he was vague, "It's complicated."

James was more interested in other aspects, "Matthew, how did you manage to win an Oscar winner like her?"

Matthew didn't answer directly but mentioned, "You guys got the invitation, right?"

"Received," Michael nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be there."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, and I'm even speaking on behalf of the groom," James added.

Matthew clapped James on the arm, "Just don't badmouth me, or I'll get you back when it's your turn..."

James cut him off, "You're thinking too far ahead. I don't even know when I'll get married."

Checking his watch, Matthew suggested, "Let's catch up for drinks at my place after this busy period."

"No problem," Michael grinned like a shark, "James and I will

 make sure to drink all your best liquor."

After waving goodbye to James and Michael, Matthew turned and joined Charlize at the front row.

Charlize curiously said, "I never heard you mention them before. I thought Johnny Depp was your best friend."

"I met them when I first started out," Matthew explained briefly, "James and Michael are my close friends."

Unlike Johnny Depp, his friendships with James and Michael were forged through shared struggles.

As the movie's start time neared, more people entered the theater for the advance screening of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

In New York, near Central Park at the Emperor Entertainment Cinema, Rex Reed stood in the lobby looking at the posters. The image of a man and a woman standing with guns was striking.

The woman was Oscar-winner Charlize Theron, and the man was popular Hollywood actor Matthew Horner.

As a professional film critic for the "New York Observer," Rex naturally recognized them, especially Matthew, who had made a lasting impression on him.

Years ago, during a publicity stunt, he had ended up kissing a donkey's rear end because of Matthew.

Although they had reconciled for publicity's sake, the incident had left a deep mark on Rex.

Even the NBA had mimicked his actions for their publicity, making Charles Barkley and another newcomer famous overnight.

Reflecting on that, Rex admired the behind-the-scenes team for their promotional skills.

Rex wasn't surprised; entertainment and sports industries were intertwined. Whether entertainers or sports stars, fame often translated into numerous opportunities.

His previous spat with Matthew was a calculated move for fame.

Since then, Rex's reputation had soared. He had become a well-known figure in the critique community and was even listed among New York's top ten professional film critics by "The New Yorker" this year!

Undoubtedly, the publicity stunt had benefited him greatly, and he now considered himself a success.

Lately, every media outlet related to entertainment was buzzing about Matthew Horner, Charlize Theron, and "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." It was hard not to notice.

Rex had come specifically to see his "old friend's" new movie.

Of course, as a professional critic, he was ready to scrutinize every aspect of the film.

At the ticket checkpoint, Rex showed his New York Film Critics Circle membership card to the attendant.

"Hello, Mr. Reed." The attendant checked his ID and prepared to make a note, "Which film are you here to see?"

Rex took back his membership card, "Universal Pictures' 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith.'"

The attendant noted it down, "You can go in, Mr. Reed."

As Rex entered the screening area, the attendant made a special mark. Industry rules generally meant that the distribution company paid for the film critics' tickets.

Inside the auditorium, Rex noticed the decent turnout. Nearly half the seats were filled even though it was just before showtime.

Based on his experience, an advance screening of a summer blockbuster that filled fifty percent of the theater usually indicated a potential major or even blockbuster success.

Rex found a good seat and pulled out his notebook and pen, ready to take notes during the film.

"This pure, chaotic entertainment film," Rex thought, aware of what to expect, "is probably just a typical popcorn flick."

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the Universal Studios logo lit up the screen.

The Hollywood Chinese Theater fell silent, all eyes glued to the massive screen.

At this moment, thousands of early viewers across America were eagerly anticipating the premiere of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

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