May 3rd, Friday.
"Spider-Man" officially premiered across the United States, marking the start of the 2002 summer blockbuster season.
The film opened in 3,615 theaters nationwide, making it the second-largest release in North American film history, just behind last year's summer hit, "Shrek." This represents the peak level of distribution resources in Hollywood, clearly demonstrating Sony Columbia's all-or-nothing approach.
At the same time, the entire Hollywood machine was in full swing.
Early in the morning, Jess Herold hadn't fully shaken off the effects of waking up, and coupled with the ridiculous task assigned to him, he was in a foul mood as he stormed out of his boss's office. He immediately spotted Alexander Port, who was standing nearby with a camera, looking just as miserable.
Jess paused. "Where's everyone else?"
Alexander gave an awkward smile and flexed his right arm, striking a Popeye pose. "I'm a one-man team."
Jess: ...
It was so absurd that Jess couldn't help but burst out laughing. His anger had reached his chest but was swallowed down in the end.
At this moment, they were at the Fox TV morning news department—
Note, morning news, not entertainment news. This department is responsible for delivering all types of news every morning, primarily focusing on serious topics like politics, society, economics, and crime; though occasionally, it does cover entertainment news as well.
Morning news is fiercely competitive. NBC's "Today Show" and ABC's "Good Morning America" have been battling it out for years, constantly vying for the top spot. Various morning talk shows have carved out their own niche, maintaining a steady audience over the years.
Amidst all this, Fox TV has found its path, crafting more sensational, gossip-oriented, and eye-catching news.
If it sparks controversy?
Even better! That's exactly what they're after!
For this reason, Fox TV often reports on some rather unconventional news, not only bold but sometimes even thrilling and provocative.
Today was no different—
Fox TV had caught wind of some rumors and believed this year's summer season might be groundbreaking, much like when "Titanic" was released.
"Spider-Man" could either blow up the box office or fail spectacularly. Whether it was the former or the latter, they didn't want to miss the chance to witness history from the front row. Having missed the opportunity to witness "Titanic" make history, they weren't about to let this one slip by.
So, on a whim, they came up with an idea:
Head to the movie theaters and interview those who bought tickets for the Friday morning show.
This was a terrible idea, as evidenced by the lack of volunteers for the assignment. Otherwise, it wouldn't have fallen to Jess, the unlucky one.
Jess knew it must have been because of his previous stunt where he barged into Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign office, pressing the Hollywood action star on his policies for running for Governor of California, eventually cornering Arnold into a tight spot, which didn't bode well for his election image.
Although the TV station didn't say anything outright, they still had to give Arnold some sort of concession.
And so—
They were throwing Jess under the bus!
Even though the TV station liked that piece of news, they couldn't openly admit it and still needed a scapegoat. Jess just had to laugh at the irony.
Jess was well aware of Fox TV's sensationalist tactics, but the idea of interviewing Friday morning moviegoers was simply too foolish.
No offense to "Spider-Man"—Jess hoped the movie would do well, too. He had been watching the media reviews over the past 24 hours, which had sparked a heated discussion, making the box office prospects seem very promising.
The real issue was:
Interviewing at a premiere could be understandable, but a Friday morning screening? That's just awkward—
It's neither a Thursday midnight sneak peek nor a Friday or Saturday evening primetime show, making it an irrelevant time with no significant reference value.
Even for a summer blockbuster, no one would rush to the theater on a Friday morning. After waiting so long, why not wait a bit longer for a more suitable time?
Jess strongly suspected that when they arrived at the theater, they might find only a handful of people there, making it a true trainwreck.
Otherwise, why would all those news-hungry vultures in the TV station avoid this assignment like the plague? It wasn't just the reporters; even the camera crews dodged it, leaving only two unlucky souls to take the fall.
Damn!
Jess quietly told himself that completing a terrible assignment would mean he'd get to pick his topics next time, making it all a trade-off.
Shaking his head, Jess regained his composure. "No worries, no worries, let's just get this over with."
Alexander hoisted the camera onto his shoulder. "Where to?"
Jess had a headache. His temples started throbbing violently. No matter which theater they chose at this time, it would likely be the same. With a long sigh, he said, "Let's go to AMC Century City."
At least that place had a higher foot traffic, conveniently located near UCLA and USC. If young people not working on Friday wanted to catch a morning show, that would be a likely choice.
In a hurry, Jess led Alexander out.
...
Deep breath, and another deep breath.
However!
Blair still couldn't control her excitement. Just imagining it made her heart race wildly, as if it would burst out of her chest.
Finally, she had made it. Although it had only been less than 48 hours, the wait felt like centuries.
Turning her head, Blair saw Karen, both of their eyes sparkling with excitement. Without warning, Karen let out a piercing scream.
Ah, ahhh!
Blair blinked, following Karen's gaze. Despite her best efforts to hold back, she couldn't stop herself from screaming alongside Karen—
A life-size cutout.
A perfect one-to-one replica capturing Anson's tall figure and ideal proportions, with Spider-Man on the left and Peter Parker, carrying a backpack, on the right.
How could they not be excited?
Not just Blair and Karen, but there was already a small queue of girls in front of the cutout, all waiting for a photo.
Even if it was just a cutout, it was irresistibly charming—a must-see.
Karen looked at Blair. "I told you! I told you we should stay. Ahhh!"
Initially, after the premiere, they were supposed to return to New York and continue classes. After all, the movie would also be showing in New York, and watching it there would be more immersive since the movie was set in New York. However, Karen was reluctant to leave. Thinking that since they were already in Los Angeles, just attending the premiere and leaving would be too regrettable, she suggested staying a few more days to tour around.
After all, they were already here.
Blair agreed.
Indeed, it was a delightful surprise, an absolute surprise. They didn't even need to wait to enter the theater to see the movie; happiness was already bubbling over in their minds.