After receiving an unsatisfactory box office opening, Sony's sci-fi action comedy "Pixels" received some of the worst reviews from the critics. Even the French creator of the short film where the "Pixels" movie was based expressed his discontentment with Sony's latest release.
"Pixels" became a hot topic among netizens when its first trailer was released since the number of views exceeded 30 million within 24 hours. In addition, the director of the film as well as its main actor are well-known so the expectations are high for "Pixels."
Christopher Columbus directed popular movies like the first two Harry Potter pictures, "Home Alone" and "Mrs. Doubtfire." On the other hand, the main actor, Adam Sandler, is known to be a natural funny man who starred in well-received comedy movies such as "The Wedding Singer" and "Big Daddy."
However, despite the first good impressions and expectations for the sci-fi action comedy movie, the newly released Sony film was reportedly heading for around $25 million for its box office opening and the figure is quite disappointing since the movie spent at least $85 million, according to The Wrap. Currently, Sony is at the last position in terms of market share ranking compared to other major studios.
Figures are not just the ones disappointing, even the movie critics provided a "game over" feedback for "Pixels." In a review provided by Los Angeles Times, it noted that it appears like no one who worked for the film "seems particularly interested in the movie." It even criticized some of the characters in "Pixels" including those who appeared for short cameo roles like Martha Stewart and Serena Williams. Los Angeles Times said both Stewart and Williams looked "awkward and vaguely embarrassed."
On the other hand, Denver Post called the film "disappointing comedy" since the behaviors of the characters and their "ridiculous choices" are not normal. In addition, no ordinary individual would act and think like them. Denver Post also pointed out that the Sony movie is "insanely sexist," because the male characters received human women as prizes and the men call each one of those women "trophy."
It seems like the movie critics were not the only ones unsatisfied with "Pixels." The French filmmaker Patrick Jean, who created the short film of "Pixels," said that the "movie is not perfect" and that he felt the "second half of the movie could have been better." Nevertheless, he clarified that he still liked the film and he understood the budget issues that is why some of the scenes were removed. According to Business Insider, overall, Jean loved the humor of the Sony movie including its visual effects.
The Sony movie "Pixels" is set to open in theaters on July 24, Friday.