Box Office Triumphs: A Closer Look
In this exploration, we delve into 30 Hollywood movies that have made a significant impact at the box office. These films highlight the potential success that can be achieved through strategic financing and marketing within the ESX framework.
Here’s a list of the box office results for 30 movies, mostly produced by the ESX team:
- The Fast and the Furious (2001) – $207.3 million
- xXx (2002) – $277.4 million
- S.W.A.T. (2003) – $207.2 million
- Mona Lisa Smile (2003) – $141.3 million
- 13 Going on 30 (2004) – $96.5 million
- Stealth (2005) – $76.9 million
- The Fog (2005) – $46.2 million
- The Brothers Grimm (2005) – $105.3 million
- Firewall (2006) – $82.8 million
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – $307.1 million
- Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) – $163.9 million
- Zoom (2006) – $12.5 million
- Rocky Balboa (2006) – $155.7 million
- Freedom Writers (2007) – $43.1 million
- The Kingdom (2008) – $127.9 million
- 21 (2008) – $157.9 million
- The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) – $401.1 million
- Wanted (2008) – $341.4 million
- Valkyrie (2008) – $200.3 million
- The Fighter (2010) – $129.2 million
- The Social Network (2010) – $224.9 million
- Limitless (2011) – $161.8 million
- Immortals (2011) – $226.9 million
- The Raven (2012) – $26.6 million
- Safe Haven (2013) – $97.6 million
- 3 Days to Kill (2014) – $52.8 million
- Earth to Echo (2014) – $45.3 million
- Beyond the Lights (2014) – $14.6 million
- The Lazarus Effect (2015) – $38.4 million
- Masterminds (2016) – $30.9 million
Please note that these are approximate figures and may not include international box office results or other sources of revenue.
xXx
„xXx“ is an action movie released in 2002 that was produced by Revolution Studios and directed by Rob Cohen. The film stars Vin Diesel as Xander Cage, a rebellious extreme sports athlete who is recruited by the US government to go on a dangerous mission to infiltrate a Russian crime organization.
The movie features an ensemble cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Asia Argento, Marton Csokas, and Michael Roof. It was a commercial success, grossing over $277 million worldwide, and spawned a sequel in 2005 titled xXx: State of the Union. xXx was notable for its over-the-top action scenes and stunts, which were inspired by the extreme sports that Xander Cage is shown participating in at the beginning of the movie. The film also popularized the phrase “I live for this sh*t,” which became something of a catchphrase for Vin Diesel’s character.
Overall, xXx was a popular and influential action movie that helped establish Vin Diesel as an action movie star, and it remains a favorite of fans of the genre.
The Fast and the Furious
“The Fast and the Furious” is a franchise of action movies that started in 2001 with the release of the first movie. The film was directed by Rob Cohen and starred Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Michelle Rodriguez, among others.
The plot of the first movie centers around an undercover police officer named Brian O’Conner, played by Paul Walker, who is tasked with infiltrating a gang of street racers suspected of stealing electronic equipment. The leader of the gang is Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, who becomes a friend and rival to O’Conner over the course of the movie.
The franchise has since expanded to include a total of nine movies, with a tenth and final movie planned for release in 2023. The movies have become known for their high-octane action sequences and car chases, as well as for their diverse and multicultural casts.
The franchise has also been a commercial success, with the movies collectively grossing over $6 billion worldwide. In addition to the movies, there have been spin-off films and a popular video game series based on the franchise.
Overall, “The Fast and the Furious” franchise has become a cultural phenomenon and a beloved part of the action movie genre, with a dedicated fanbase and a legacy that will continue to be felt for years to come.
S.W.A.T.
“S.W.A.T.” is an action movie that was released in 2003 and was produced by Neal H. Moritz and directed by Clark Johnson. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, and LL Cool J, among others.
The plot of the movie centers around a Los Angeles Police Department S.W.A.T. team tasked with escorting an international criminal and his gang to federal prison. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the criminal offers a huge reward to anyone who can help him escape, leading to a dangerous and high-stakes game of cat and mouse between the S.W.A.T. team and the criminal’s associates.
The film was based on the 1970s TV series of the same name, and it was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide. It also received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s action sequences and the performances of its ensemble cast.
Overall, “S.W.A.T.” is a thrilling and entertaining action movie that has become a beloved part of the genre, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Mona Lisa Smile
“Mona Lisa Smile” is a drama movie that was released in 2003 and was directed by Mike Newell. The film stars Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, among others.
The plot of the movie centers around Katherine Watson, played by Julia Roberts, a progressive art history professor who is hired to teach at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College in the 1950s. Watson struggles to connect with her conservative students, who are more focused on finding a suitable husband than pursuing their own passions and ambitions.
The film explores themes of feminism, education, and the role of women in society, as Watson tries to encourage her students to think critically and challenge the status quo. Along the way, she forms a bond with some of her students and inspires them to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of its ensemble cast and the film’s themes of female empowerment, while others criticized the film for being formulaic and predictable. However, the movie was a commercial success, grossing over $140 million worldwide.
Overall, “Mona Lisa Smile” is a thoughtful and thought-provoking drama that explores important issues of gender and education, and it remains a favorite among fans of the genre.
13 Going on 30
“13 Going on 30” is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2004 and directed by Gary Winick. The film stars Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Judy Greer, among others.
The plot of the movie centers around Jenna Rink, played by Jennifer Garner, a 13-year-old girl who is unhappy with her life and wishes to be older. She wakes up one day to find that she has magically transformed into her 30-year-old self, played by Jennifer Garner.
As her adult self, Jenna is a successful magazine editor in New York City, but she quickly realizes that her life isn’t as perfect as she thought it would be. She reconnects with her childhood friend Matt Flamhaff, played by Mark Ruffalo, and begins to reassess her priorities and the choices she’s made in her life.
The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the importance of staying true to yourself, as Jenna learns to navigate her new life as an adult and make amends for the mistakes she made as a teenager.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide, and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Jennifer Garner’s performance and the film’s heartwarming and funny storyline.
Overall, “13 Going on 30” is a charming and delightful romantic comedy that has become a fan favorite over the years, and it remains a beloved part of the genre.
Stealth
“Stealth” is an action/sci-fi film that was released in 2005 and directed by Rob Cohen. The film stars Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel, and Jamie Foxx, among others.
The plot of the movie centers around a team of elite pilots who are assigned to test a new, highly advanced fighter jet that is equipped with artificial intelligence. However, when the AI system malfunctions and the jet goes rogue, the team must work together to stop it before it causes catastrophic damage.
As they race against the clock to stop the out-of-control fighter jet, the team also uncovers a larger conspiracy that threatens not only their mission but also the safety of the entire world.
The film features thrilling aerial combat scenes and cutting-edge visual effects, and it explores themes of technology, responsibility, and the potential dangers of advanced artificial intelligence.
Despite its impressive visual effects and action sequences, “Stealth” received mixed reviews from critics and was a box office disappointment, grossing only $76 million worldwide against a budget of $135 million.
However, the film has gained a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its fast-paced action and high-stakes storyline.
The Fog
“The Fog” is a horror film that was released in 2005 and directed by Rupert Wainwright. The film stars Tom Welling, Maggie Grace, Selma Blair, and DeRay Davis, among others.
The plot of the movie centers around a small coastal town in Oregon that is haunted by a mysterious and deadly fog. The fog appears on the anniversary of a shipwreck that occurred 100 years earlier, and it brings with it vengeful spirits seeking revenge on the town’s inhabitants.
As the town becomes engulfed in the fog, a group of people band together to try and uncover the truth behind the vengeful spirits and stop them before it’s too late.
“The Fog” is a remake of the 1980 film of the same name by John Carpenter, who served as an executive producer on the 2005 version. The film received mixed reviews from critics and was a moderate box office success, grossing $46 million worldwide against a budget of $18 million.
Despite its mixed reception, “The Fog” has remained a cult classic among horror fans, thanks in part to its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storyline.
The Brothers Grimm
“The Brothers Grimm” is a fantasy adventure film that was released in 2005 and directed by Terry Gilliam. The film stars Matt Damon and Heath Ledger as the titular Brothers Grimm, alongside Lena Headey, Monica Bellucci, and Jonathan Pryce.
The plot of the movie revolves around the famous Grimm brothers, who travel from village to village in 18th-century French-occupied Germany, pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures and performing fake exorcisms. However, when they are captured by French authorities, they are forced to confront a real magical threat in the form of a wicked queen who has been abducting children.
As they navigate the enchanted forest where the queen resides, the Brothers Grimm encounter a variety of fantastical creatures and supernatural challenges. Along the way, they also confront their own troubled past and sibling rivalry.
Despite a star-studded cast and impressive visuals, “The Brothers Grimm” received mixed reviews from critics and was a box office disappointment, grossing just over $105 million worldwide against a budget of $88 million.
However, the film has gained a cult following among fans of Gilliam’s imaginative storytelling and offbeat sense of humor. The Brothers Grimm’s legacy continues to live on as a beloved and often underrated entry in the fantasy adventure genre.
Firewall
“Firewall” is a thriller film released in 2006 and directed by Richard Loncraine. The movie stars Harrison Ford as Jack Stanfield, a security executive for a Seattle-based bank who becomes the target of a high-stakes kidnapping plot.
When a group of criminals led by Bill Cox (played by Paul Bettany) kidnaps Jack’s family and demands that he steal $100 million from his own bank, Jack must use his knowledge of the bank’s security systems to outsmart the criminals and save his loved ones.
As Jack works to outwit the criminals and protect his family, he becomes increasingly desperate and finds himself pushed to his limits. Along the way, he enlists the help of his colleagues and former hackers to assist in his efforts.
“Firewall” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the tense atmosphere and Ford’s performance, while others criticized the predictable plot and lack of originality. The movie was a moderate success at the box office, grossing over $82 million worldwide against a budget of $45 million.
Despite its mixed reception, “Firewall” remains a popular choice for fans of the thriller genre, and its tense plot and action-packed scenes continue to captivate audiences to this day.
The Pursuit of Happyness
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a biographical drama film released in 2006, directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son while trying to pursue a career as a stockbroker.
The movie is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who endured many hardships and obstacles while trying to provide for his son and chase his dream of a better life. Along the way, he faces eviction, job loss, and the constant struggle to make ends meet. However, through sheer determination and persistence, he is eventually able to turn his life around and achieve his goals.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised Will Smith’s performance as well as the film’s emotional depth and inspiring message. “The Pursuit of Happyness” was a box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide against a budget of $55 million.
The movie’s title is intentionally misspelled, with the word “happiness” spelled as “happyness” on the title card, to reflect the handwritten sign that Chris Gardner sees in the movie. The message of the film is one of perseverance and never giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Overall, “The Pursuit of Happyness” remains a popular and inspiring film, resonating with audiences around the world as a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” is a sports comedy film released in 2006, directed by Adam McKay and starring Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby, a successful NASCAR driver who faces challenges to his career and personal life when a new competitor enters the racing world.
The movie follows Ricky Bobby’s rise to fame as a NASCAR driver, alongside his friend and teammate, Cal Naughton Jr. (played by John C. Reilly). However, when French Formula One driver Jean Girard (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) arrives on the scene, Ricky Bobby is challenged both on and off the track.
The film features a mix of comedic satire and action, with over-the-top race sequences and outrageous character antics. It also explores themes of family, friendship, and the competitive drive to succeed.
“Talladega Nights” was a commercial success, grossing over $163 million worldwide against a budget of $72 million. It was also generally well-received by critics, who praised the film’s humor and performances from the cast.
The movie has become a cult classic and a favorite among fans of comedy and racing alike. Its iconic quotes, such as “If you ain’t first, you’re last,” have become part of pop culture. Overall, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” remains a beloved and entertaining film for audiences of all ages.
Zoom
“Zoom” is a superhero comedy film released in 2006, directed by Peter Hewitt and starring Tim Allen, Courteney Cox, Chevy Chase, and Kate Mara.
The film follows a former superhero named Jack Shepard (Tim Allen), also known as “Captain Zoom,” who is called out of retirement to help train a group of young superheroes with unique powers. The team consists of four kids, each with their own special abilities: Dylan (Michael Cassidy) can become invisible, Summer (Mara) can move at superhuman speed, Tucker (Spencer Breslin) can enlarge any part of his body, and Cindy (Ryan Newman) has telekinetic powers.
However, the team’s training is interrupted when their old nemesis, Concussion (Kevin Zegers), returns to seek revenge on Zoom and his team. The film features a mix of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments as the team works together to stop Concussion and save the world.
While “Zoom” received mixed reviews from critics, it has since become a cult classic among fans of superhero movies and family-friendly comedies. The film’s cast, particularly Tim Allen and Kate Mara, received praise for their performances, and the movie’s themes of teamwork and embracing one’s unique abilities have resonated with audiences of all ages.
Overall, “Zoom” remains an entertaining and uplifting film that showcases the power of teamwork and the importance of believing in oneself.
Rocky Balboa
“Rocky Balboa” is a sports drama film released in 2006, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone as the titular character. The film serves as the sixth installment in the “Rocky” film series, and it follows the retired boxer Rocky Balboa as he decides to come out of retirement for one final fight.
Set several years after the events of “Rocky V,” the film sees Rocky living a quiet life as a restaurant owner in Philadelphia. However, he is still haunted by his past and the loss of his wife, Adrian. When a computer simulation pits him against the current heavyweight champion, Mason “The Line” Dixon (Antonio Tarver), Rocky is inspired to step back into the ring and prove that he still has what it takes.
The film explores themes of redemption, aging, and the enduring power of determination. Stallone delivers a strong performance as Rocky, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the beloved character. The film also features a talented supporting cast, including Burt Young as Rocky’s friend Paulie and Milo Ventimiglia as Rocky’s son, Robert.
Despite initial skepticism from fans and critics, “Rocky Balboa” was a commercial and critical success, earning praise for its emotional depth and compelling story. The film marks a fitting end to the “Rocky” series, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Rocky’s story while remaining true to the spirit of the franchise.
Freedom Writers
“Freedom Writers” is a drama film released in 2007, directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell, a new English teacher at a racially divided high school in Long Beach, California. The film is based on the real-life experiences of Gruwell and her students, who were known as the Freedom Writers.
The film follows Gruwell as she struggles to connect with her students, who come from diverse backgrounds and have a deep mistrust of one another. Despite facing opposition from both her students and her colleagues, Gruwell uses unconventional teaching methods to engage her students and encourage them to share their own stories.
Through their shared experiences and the power of literature, Gruwell’s students learn to overcome their differences and find common ground. The film explores themes of prejudice, identity, and the transformative power of education.
“Freedom Writers” features a talented ensemble cast, including Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn, and Imelda Staunton, as well as a strong performance from Swank as Gruwell. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its inspirational message and powerful performances.
Overall, “Freedom Writers” is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful testament to the importance of education and the potential for positive change.
The Kingdom
“The Kingdom” is a political thriller that follows a team of FBI agents who are sent to investigate a terrorist attack on an American oil company in Saudi Arabia. The team, led by Jamie Foxx’s character Ronald Fleury, must work with Saudi law enforcement to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, and Jason Bateman, and was praised for its tense action sequences and politically charged story. However, some critics criticized the film for its portrayal of Saudi Arabia and its heavy-handed message about American foreign policy.
Despite mixed reviews, “The Kingdom” was a commercial success, grossing over $86 million worldwide. It was also nominated for a number of awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture.
Overall, “The Kingdom” is a well-crafted and entertaining action thriller that explores the complexities of international relations and the challenges of working across cultural divides.
21
“21” is a 2008 American heist drama film directed by Robert Luketic, and stars Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, and Laurence Fishburne. The film is based on the true story of a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards in Las Vegas and win millions of dollars at blackjack.
The plot follows Ben Campbell, a brilliant student who needs to raise money to pay for his tuition at Harvard Medical School. He is recruited by his math professor, Mickey Rosa, to join a secret group of students who use their skills to win at blackjack in Las Vegas. As they become more successful, they attract the attention of casino security chief Cole Williams, who becomes determined to catch them.
The film was praised for its stylish direction, strong performances, and tense heist sequences. However, some critics criticized its deviation from the true story and its glamorization of gambling. Despite mixed reviews, “21” was a commercial success, grossing over $157 million worldwide.
Overall, “21” is an entertaining and well-crafted film that combines the thrill of a heist movie with the intellectual challenge of a math puzzle. It explores themes of ambition, greed, and morality, and raises important questions about the ethics of gambling and the limits of academic achievement.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
“The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” is a 2008 American action-adventure film and the third installment in “The Mummy” franchise. The film was directed by Rob Cohen and produced by Stephen Sommers, Bob Ducsay, and Sean Daniel.
The film takes place in 1946, many years after the events of the second film, and follows adventurer Rick O’Connell, his wife Evelyn, and their son Alex as they embark on a new adventure in China. They uncover a plot by the resurrected Chinese Emperor Han, who was cursed and turned into a Terracotta Warrior, to conquer the world with his army of undead soldiers.
The film starred Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell, Maria Bello as Evelyn O’Connell, John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan, and Jet Li as the main villain, Emperor Han. The film also introduced new characters such as Alex O’Connell, played by Luke Ford, and Lin, played by Isabella Leong.
The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising the action and special effects, while others criticized the storyline and pacing. However, it was still a commercial success, grossing over $400 million worldwide.
Wanted
“Wanted” is a 2008 action-thriller film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on the comic book series of the same name by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones. The movie stars James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman.
The plot follows Wesley Gibson (McAvoy), a frustrated office worker who discovers that his father was part of a secret society of assassins known as “The Fraternity”. Led by the enigmatic Sloan (Freeman), The Fraternity recruits Wesley and trains him in the art of killing, as they prepare for a war against a rogue member named Cross (Jolie).
The movie received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing over $341 million worldwide against a production budget of $75 million. It was praised for its stylish action scenes, visual effects, and performances by the lead cast. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the mysterious and deadly assassin Fox was particularly well-received.
Wanted’s success led to the development of a sequel, but due to creative differences and scheduling conflicts, it was ultimately cancelled. The movie has also been adapted into a video game and a comic book miniseries.
Valkyrie
“Valkyrie” is a 2008 historical thriller directed by Bryan Singer and starring Tom Cruise, based on the true story of the 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Cruise plays the role of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a German army officer who became involved in a plot to kill Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime.
The film depicts the events leading up to the attempted assassination, including von Stauffenberg’s recruitment of other high-ranking officers and his efforts to convince them to join the plot. It also shows the challenges and risks they faced in carrying out the plan, as well as the political and military climate in Nazi Germany at the time.
Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, von Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators eventually managed to plant a bomb in Hitler’s bunker during a meeting in July 1944. However, Hitler survived the blast and the plot was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the arrest, trial, and execution of many of the participants.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances and suspenseful storytelling, while others criticized its historical accuracy and portrayal of von Stauffenberg as a heroic figure. However, it was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.
The Fighter
“The Fighter” is a 2010 biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell and starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. The film is based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund, who trained him before going to prison.
The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $130 million worldwide. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two for Best Supporting Actor (Bale) and Best Supporting Actress (Leo).
The story follows Micky Ward (Wahlberg) as he tries to make a name for himself in the boxing world while dealing with family drama and personal struggles. His half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale), a former boxer, is also a major character in the film and is portrayed as struggling with drug addiction and personal demons.
As Micky rises through the ranks and gets a shot at the welterweight title, he must confront his family’s expectations and deal with the fallout from his brother’s mistakes. Along the way, he falls in love with a bartender named Charlene (Adams) who becomes his ally in the fight to become a champion.
The film is notable for its performances, particularly Bale’s portrayal of Eklund, which earned him numerous accolades. Wahlberg also gave a strong performance as Ward, and the supporting cast, including Leo as the brothers’ overbearing mother, added depth and complexity to the story. Overall, “The Fighter” is a compelling and emotional sports drama that explores themes of family, redemption, and the pursuit of success.
The Social Network
“The Social Network” is a biographical drama film that was released in 2010. The film was directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. It tells the story of the creation of Facebook, the social networking website, and the legal battles that followed.
The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, and features a supporting cast that includes Andrew Garfield, Armie Hammer, and Justin Timberlake.
“The Social Network” was a critical and commercial success, receiving widespread praise for its direction, screenplay, and performances. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.
The film was particularly noteworthy for its portrayal of Zuckerberg, who was depicted as a socially awkward, ambitious, and often ruthless individual who was willing to do whatever it took to succeed. The movie also explored themes of betrayal, friendship, and the nature of success in the digital age.
“The Social Network” has been credited with bringing greater public attention to the story behind Facebook and helping to spark a broader discussion about the role of social media in modern society.
Limitless
“Limitless” is a 2011 American science-fiction thriller film directed by Neil Burger and starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Abbie Cornish. The film follows the story of Eddie Morra (Cooper), a struggling writer who discovers a mysterious pill that enables him to access 100% of his brain’s potential, giving him extraordinary mental abilities and an incredible memory.
With his newfound intelligence and confidence, Eddie quickly rises to success in the financial world, making millions of dollars in a short amount of time. However, as he becomes more reliant on the drug, he also experiences dangerous side effects and finds himself in a dangerous situation with those who want access to the drug.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide. It was also adapted into a television series of the same name, which aired from 2015 to 2016. “Limitless” is often praised for its unique concept and strong performances from its cast, particularly Cooper.
Immortals
“Immortals” is a 2011 epic fantasy action film directed by Tarsem Singh and starring Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Freida Pinto, and Mickey Rourke. The story revolves around the ancient Greek hero Theseus, who is tasked with saving humanity from the evil King Hyperion and his army of titans. Along the way, Theseus is aided by a band of skilled warriors and the oracle priestess Phaedra.
The film was produced by Ryan Kavanaugh’s production company, Relativity Media, and was shot in Montreal, Canada, with additional scenes filmed in Greece. It was released on November 11, 2011, and received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visuals and action sequences but criticism for its story and characters.
Despite the mixed reviews, “Immortals” was a commercial success, grossing over $226 million worldwide against a production budget of $75 million. The film was also nominated for several awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film and a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature.
The Raven
“The Raven” is a 2012 American period thriller film directed by James McTeigue and starring John Cusack as famous writer Edgar Allan Poe. The story is set in Baltimore in 1849, and revolves around a string of murders inspired by Poe’s macabre tales. When a young woman is found brutally murdered in a manner reminiscent of one of Poe’s stories, Detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans) seeks out Poe for assistance in solving the case.
As more murders are committed, each following a different one of Poe’s stories, the race to catch the killer becomes increasingly desperate. Meanwhile, Poe becomes the prime suspect in the murders and must clear his name while also trying to stay alive. Along the way, he forms a romantic relationship with Emily Hamilton (Alice Eve), the daughter of a prominent Baltimore businessman.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its atmosphere and performances, while others criticized its convoluted plot and lack of historical accuracy. Despite its mixed reception, “The Raven” remains a popular film among fans of Edgar Allan Poe and period thrillers.
Safe Haven
“Safe Haven” is a romantic drama film released in 2013, directed by Lasse Hallström and based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough in the lead roles.
The movie tells the story of Katie Feldman (Julianne Hough), a mysterious young woman who arrives in the small town of Southport, North Carolina. She keeps to herself and avoids getting close to anyone, but eventually falls in love with a local widower named Alex (Josh Duhamel). As their relationship deepens, Katie’s past catches up with her and she is forced to confront the demons she has been running from.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $97 million worldwide against a production budget of $28 million. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the lead actors and the film’s emotional depth, while others criticized its predictable storyline and lack of originality. Despite the mixed reviews, “Safe Haven” remains a popular film among fans of the romance genre.
3 Days to Kill
“3 Days to Kill” is a 2014 action-thriller film directed by McG and starring Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, and Hailee Steinfeld. The film follows a terminally ill CIA agent, Ethan Renner (Costner), who is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last mission: to take down a dangerous terrorist known as The Wolf.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Costner’s performance and the action sequences, but criticism for its uneven tone and plot. Despite mixed reviews, “3 Days to Kill” was a moderate commercial success, grossing over $52 million worldwide against a production budget of $28 million.
Earth to Echo
“Earth to Echo” is a 2014 science-fiction adventure film directed by Dave Green and produced by Ryan Kavanaugh, Andrew Panay, and Adam Blum. The movie follows a group of young friends who begin to receive strange and encrypted messages on their phones leading them on a thrilling adventure to uncover the source of the messages. Along the way, they encounter a small alien named Echo who has landed on Earth and needs their help to return home.
The film stars Teo Halm, Brian “Astro” Bradley, Reese Hartwig, and Ella Wahlestedt as the group of friends who embark on the adventure. “Earth to Echo” received mixed reviews from critics, but was praised for its homages to classic sci-fi films such as “E.T.” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”.
The movie was produced on a budget of $13 million and grossed $45 million worldwide at the box office. It was one of the last films produced by Ryan Kavanaugh’s production company, Relativity Media, before it filed for bankruptcy in 2015.
Beyond the Lights
“Beyond the Lights” is a romantic drama film released in 2014, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and produced by Ryan Kavanaugh, among others. The movie tells the story of Noni Jean, a young and talented singer who is on the brink of superstardom but feels trapped by the demands of her success and the pressures of her controlling mother. Noni meets Kaz Nicol, a young police officer, and they fall in love, but their relationship is tested by the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives.
The film received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and themes of self-discovery and personal empowerment. It stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Noni Jean, Nate Parker as Kaz Nicol, and features supporting performances from Minnie Driver, Danny Glover, and Machine Gun Kelly. The film was a modest commercial success, grossing over $14 million worldwide against a budget of $7 million. It also received several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for the track “Grateful” by Diane Warren.
The Lazarus Effect
“The Lazarus Effect” is a 2015 American supernatural horror film directed by David Gelb and written by Luke Dawson and Jeremy Slater. The film stars Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Donald Glover, Evan Peters, and Sarah Bolger. The story revolves around a team of medical researchers who discover a way to bring dead animals back to life, and after a successful experiment on a dog, they try to apply the same technique to a human being, with disastrous consequences.
The film was produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Relativity Media. It was released on February 27, 2015, and received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and premise, but criticism for its execution and lack of originality. Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $64 million worldwide against a budget of $3.3 million.
Masterminds
“Masterminds” is a 2016 American comedy film directed by Jared Hess and written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, and Emily Spivey. The film is based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery in North Carolina. The cast includes Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, and Kate McKinnon.
The story follows David Ghantt (Galifianakis), a guard at a armored car company, who is lured into a scheme to rob his own company by his co-worker, Kelly Campbell (Wiig). With the help of a group of criminal masterminds including Steve Chambers (Wilson) and Mike McKinney (Sudeikis), the group successfully pulls off the heist and escape to Mexico. However, tensions arise as the group begins to turn on each other and the FBI closes in on them.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the comedic performances of the cast and others criticizing the overall plot and pacing. Despite this, it grossed over $30 million worldwide against a production budget of $25 million.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ESX team has a proven track record of success in the entertainment industry, with a portfolio of movies that have grossed over $17 billion at the box office. With our expertise and experience, ESX is uniquely positioned to help film-makers, writers, producers, and actors finance and promote their projects through their innovative fan-based financing model.
By using ESX, film-makers can tap into a new source of financing from private investors, fans, and enthusiasts, while also leveraging ESX’s vast network of industry connections and marketing resources. This can help to increase the chances of success for their projects, while also giving investors and fans the opportunity to participate in the success of their favorite movies and TV shows.
In short, if you’re a film-maker looking for a new way to finance and promote your project, ESX offers a compelling solution that combines the best of fan-based financing with the expertise and resources of a seasoned entertainment industry team.