George Clooney, a giant in his own mind and much beloved by powerful people in Hollywood, launched another bomb over the weekend. "Leatherheads" made $13.5 million on its opening weekend which is considered a small take for a $60 million picture. Despite being a media darling, movie fans don't give a hoot about the "sexiest man alive".
"I'm disappointed for us; I'm disappointed for George," said Nikki Rocco of Universal Pictures about the box office failure. "I think he's a great guy and think he's got tons of directing talent. I wish I could tell you what went wrong."
As further proof that Clooney and his Hollywood backers are out of touch, they chose to debut the football flick in April, at the start of baseball season and in the middle of college basketball's Final Four semifinals.
Clooney directed, helped write and co-starred in the much-hyped screwball comedy, but moviegoers preferred the Kevin Spacey gambling flick "21" which doubled down to hold the U.S. box office for a second straight week.
Clooney does better when he has Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julie Roberts and other A-list stars on the billing (Oceans 11-13) to carry the movie for him. Otherwise, his solo name on the marquee is not a guarantee for success.
