Will Smith "Voted" Top Moneymaking Movie Star 2008: Does it Make Sense?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the claim that Will Smith was "voted" the top moneymaking movie star in 2008 by theater owners, exploring the reasoning behind this designation in light of box office performance compared to other films released that year.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how Will Smith could be considered the top moneymaking star given that his two films grossed significantly less than others like The Dark Knight and Iron Man.
  • Another participant suggests that the ranking might include DVD and TV sales, implying that overall revenue could justify the title.
  • A different viewpoint asserts that Will Smith is a reliable box office draw, with a history of successful films, and that the award may reflect a broader opinion rather than just 2008's box office numbers.
  • One participant argues that the success of films like Batman and Iron Man is not solely due to the stars, while Will Smith's presence guarantees financial success for his movies.
  • Another comment emphasizes Will Smith's overall appeal and likability, suggesting that his persona contributes to his status as a top star.
  • A participant expresses personal preferences regarding Will Smith's films, indicating a subjective view on his filmography.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the criteria for determining the top moneymaking star, with no consensus reached on whether Will Smith's ranking is justified based on box office performance alone.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the criteria used for the ranking, such as whether it considers only box office gross or includes other revenue streams.

russ_watters
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Can you explain to me...

How Will Smith was "voted" (?) the top moneymaking movie star in 2008 by theater owners? http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-01-02-smith-top-moneymaker_N.htm

He had two movies out, Hancock and Seven Pounds, which together grossed $267 million. But The Dark Knight grossed $530 (!) million, Iron Man $318 million, and Indiana Jones $317 million. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm

I'm a big fan of Will Smith, but this is just weird.
 
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It could include DVD/TV sales?
Anyway according to Hollywood the other movies made a loss.
 


I believe he is one of the top, if not the top, box office draw in movies.

I mentioned in the Weekend Fix that Will Smith was without a doubt, the biggest box office star around (unlike Terrence Howard). For the last 12 years, Smith has not made a single bad move in his career choices. Since his breakout in 1995's Bad Boys, he has starred in huge movie after huge movie, including ten $100+ million successes. Here's an overview of his phenomenal career:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-01-02-smith-top-moneymaker_N.htm

If the requirement was for top box office sales for a single star in 2008, I agree. If it's just an opinion poll among theatre owners, and the award isn't restricted to only movies released in 2008, I could see it.
 
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I suppose if you are voting on bankable stars that makes sense.
Batman/Ironman weren't successes because of the star, where as having Wil Smith in a movie guarnatees you make money
 


russ_watters said:
How Will Smith was "voted" (?) the top moneymaking movie star in 2008 by theater owners? http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-01-02-smith-top-moneymaker_N.htm

He had two movies out, Hancock and Seven Pounds, which together grossed $267 million.
Hancock wouldn't have grossed even 2-mil if it didn't have WS in it! That's the reason - he can get good money out of a lousy movie.
 
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Probably because Will Smith is pure money in all aspects of life. By money i mean solid, and by solid i mean an all around great guy.
So either 1 of 2 things (or both, OR J) can explain that above statement:
1.) Will Smith is Christ
2.) Will Smith is the second coming of Christ
J.)The guy is a triple threat, wholesome rapper who represents south Philly and respects his elders, great actor, had a solid cube cut in fresh prince of bell air.
 


Yeah, I like Will Smith's movies except "Legend of Bagger Vance" and "Wild Wild West".