Renowned video game designer Hideo Kojima has expressed a lack of enthusiasm for Ridley Scott's new science fiction venture, The Dog Stars. The film, which features Jacob Elordi, is currently facing a difficult reception from both critics and theatergoers.
An $80 million gamble that returned only $8 million
Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars is facing a significant financial hurdle following its theatrical debut.. According to the report,the film was produced with a budget of approximately $80 million but managed to secure only $8 million in domestic opening weekend revenue. This sharp disparity suggests that the film's ambitious scale has not yet translated into widespread commercial interest.
The critical reception has been similarly underwhelming, with the film holding a 39% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While reviewers have noted the film's striking visuals, many have criticized its pacing and reliance on familiar post-apocalyptic tropes. This struggle marks a notable departure from Scott's previous sci-fi successes like Alien and Blade Runner.
Hideo Kojima’s tepid reaction on X
Hideo Kojima, the creator of the Metal Gear series, used his platform on X to share a muted response to the film. Kojima noted that while he has owned Peter Heller's original novel for years, he had never actually read it beffore seeing the movie. He reprotedly approached the film with expectations influenced by Cormac McCarthy's The Road, but ultimately found the cinematic experience underwhelming.
Observers have noted that Kojima’s lack of overt praise is telling. As the source reports, Kojima often uses his social media presence to champion films he loves, such as The Odyssey. His recent ambiguity regarding The Dog Stars follows a similar pattern seen with the critically panned The Last House, where his comments focused more on thematic similarities to his own Death Stranding series than on the film's quality.
Jacob Elordi leads a cast through a virus-stricken Colorado
The narrative of The Dog Stars follows a pilot named Hig, played by Jacob Elordi, as he traverses a devastated Colorado landscape. accompanied by a loyal dog, Hig must survive a world decimated by a virus while evading dangerous scavengers known as Reapers. The production features a high-profile ensemble, including Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce.
Despite the strong cast, the film's structural inconsistencies have hindered its impact. ScreenRant reviewer Jordan Williams noted that while the film excels in quiet, contemplative moments—such as scenes involving shared meals—it struggles to maintain a consistent rhythm during more intense dramatic sequences.
The disconnect between a 39% critic score and 71% audience approval
A significant divide has emerged between professional critics and the general public regarding the film's quality. while critics have been largely dismissive, the audience "Popcornmeter" sits much higher at 71%. This suggests that while the film may fail to meet the rigorous standards of professional reviewers, it may still find a sympathetic ear among casual viewers.
However, several questions remain regarding the film's ultimate impact. It is still unclear if the higher audience sentiment will be enough to bolster the film's long-term performance on streaming platforms. Furthermore, the source does not clarify whether the film's underwhelming opening is a result of the genre's current saturation or a specific failure in Scott's directorial approach to this particular adaptation.
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