Hitman: Agent 47 a hit with S'poreans
Count on me Singapore.
That seems to be the sentiments towards Hitman: Agent 47.
The German-Hollywood production has grossed S$1.09 million in its first week since opening in cinemas here on Aug 21
The action flick adapted from a popular video game featured our little island prominently, showcasing 10 locations including Changi Airport, Robinson Road, Marina Barrage, Gardens By The Bay, ITE College Central and Chinatown.
Curious of how Singapore is perceived by the West was a reason the action flick performed well at the local box office, a spokesman for film distributor Twentieth Century Fox told Lianhe Wanbao.
Another reason could also be that most of the SG50 films that were released so far had "the nostalgic feel", Fox said adding that Hitman: Agent 47 painted Singapore as "a modern, stylish, cosmopolitan city".
It can also be said that Hitman: Agent 47 did not face much competition from the other films, such as horror flick Sinister 2 and the SG50-anthology 7 Letters, which also opened on Aug 21.
The positive response is certainly encouraging as Hitman: Agent 47 did not sit that well with movie critics here and overseas.
There was also no pull factor in terms of star power as compared to recent action hits such as the Tom Cruise-headliner Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, which took in S$6.9 million (as of Aug 26) since it opened on Jul 30.
British actor Rupert Friend, who plays the titular assassin, is not a Hollywood A-lister, and the lead actress Hannah Ware is a newcomer. The most recognisable face is Zachary Quinto of Star Trek fame.
Fantastic Four, which also received negative feedback and starred rising Hollywood stars Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan achieved a promising S$3 million.
Twentieth Century Fox hopes that Hitman: Agent 47 will hit the S$2 million mark at the end of the film's run.
Let's hope the movie will continue to do well, as that will surely open the door wider for more Hollywood productions to be shot in our little red dot.
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