Fourth directorial effort. \”Confessions… \”, \”Good Night and Good Luck\”, \”Leatherheads\” and then this.

Sandra Bullock has been labelled a \’box office powerhouse\’ because of two of her last three films:

– The Blind Side: A terribly acted, mildly-racist, overwrought TV-movie-of-the week that found a following in the heartland.

– The Proposal: A mildly diverting studio rom-com which requires personality rather than acting ability. This is the type of thing that she\’s good at.

The box-office success of these two films does not make her a \’box-office draw\’ in any film. Her success in these two films does not seem particularly transferrable to a somewhat cerebral, effects-heavy, science-fiction film.

The only women who can be said to \’open\’ a film on their own would be: Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon and perhaps Natalie Portman. However, that doesn\’t mean they can open any type of film.

Reese Witherspoon (prior to How Do You Know) was seen as a \’box-office draw\’ but that doesn\’t mean anyone would want to see her chin in a film like this. She is sticking to romantic comedies, romantic dramas, action comedies because those are the types of movies people would pay to see her in. After her Oscar she was cast in Gavin Hood\’s Rendition but even that was a bit of a stretch.

More than ever, the box-office success of films are built on concepts, special effects, marketing and reviews. I understand that perhaps WB wanted a \’star lead\’ but when they couldn\’t get Angelina Jolie (who can open this type of film), they should have gone to a decent actress, knowing that the actress they cast won\’t be the difference between the film being a financial success and a financial failure.

All Sandra Bullock will do is detract from this film. I admit it. I have an irrational dislike for her. I just don\’t want to see Miss Congeniality in Space.

*Hastily typed, ill-thought rant Over*

Bullock has box office power – she is one of few actresses that can \”open\” a movie of any genre that is what makes her so in demand at the moment in Hollywood.

The paying audiences like Bullock, that\’s why her recent movies have been so financially successful – You cannot deny her box office power when you consider that her movies in 2009 made well over $600 million.

This is the reason why Warner Bros wanted Bullock – she is very professional, great at her work, loved by the public, respected by her fellow peers.

Watts cannot open a movie – she may be a good actress but she cannot carry a $80 million dollar movie like this.

Foster is good but after Contact, she will be repeating herself.

Theron is doing Prometheus and even she cannot open a big movie anyone remember the disaster Aeon Flux???

Blancett great actress but she cannot carry a movie alone like Bullock can. She has always needed other stars (Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt) or a franchise i.e LOTR, Crystal Skull.

It seems you are part of a minority and that is your loss as the rest of us will enjoy an amazing Cuaron sci-fi thrill ride and enjoy even love Bullock in the role.

Julianne Moore would be so much better. People aren\’t going to see this movie just because Sandra Bullock is in it – they may as well cast it well.

Other suggestions: Naomi Watts, Jodi Foster (this reminds me of Contact), Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron.

Children of Men is my favourite movie ever and Sandra Bullock\’s presence in Cuaron\’s followup movie (ignoring the abominable Shock Doctrine) upsets me greatly.