Chapter-64: Film's reaction

On June 11, 1993, Jurassic Park made its official debut in 2,500 theaters across an estimated 4,100 screens. This impressive number, obtained by FC Pictures, shows the significance they placed on this highly anticipated film.

Despite the hype surrounding the release, media outlets and critics had mixed reactions. While some praised the film as a cinematic masterpiece, others criticized certain aspects, including the performances of the actors.

Janet Maslin of The New York Times called it "a true movie milestone, presenting awe- and fear-inspiring sights never before seen on the screen."

Another article in the same newspaper said, On paper, this story is tailor-made for Mr. Spielberg's talents, but it becomes less crisp on screen than it was on the page, with much of the enjoyable jargon either mumbled confusingly or otherwise thrown away".

In Rolling Stone, Peter Travers called the film "colossal entertainment—the eye-popping, mind-bending, kick-out-the-jams thrill ride of the summer and probably the year."

Another critic said, "Compared with the dinosaurs, the characters are dry bones, indeed. Crichton and co-screenwriter David Koepp have flattened them into nonentities on the trip from page to screen".

Roger Ebert gave the film three stars out of four: "The movie delivers all too well on its promise to show us dinosaurs. We see them early and often, and they are indeed a triumph of special effects artistry, but the movie is lacking other qualities that it needs even more, such as a sense of awe and wonderment and strong human story values".

Henry Sheehan of Sight & Sound argued: "The complaints over Jurassic Park's lack of story and character sound a little off the point", pointing out the story arc of Grant learning to protect Hammond's grandchildren despite his initial dislike of them.

Empire magazine gave the film five stars, calling it "quite simply one of the greatest blockbusters of all time".

Despite what the critics and news media may have said, the general public was absolutely enamored with the film. As soon as it hit theaters, people flocked to the cinema halls, forming massive lines just to catch a glimpse of the show. Some were so taken with it that they even returned for multiple viewings. The response was so overwhelming that theaters across the USA reported the same thing: all their shows were fully booked for the next week, with tickets still being sold or reserved for the following weeks.

It was clear that this level of excitement would translate to the box office, and when the team at FC Pictures saw the results of the first day's opening, they were absolutely stunned. Ric was at home when he received the news, and he could hardly believe his ears. The film had surpassed all expectations, and it was clear that it was going to be a massive success.

Ric was chillin' in his reading room, typing away on his brand spankin' new Dell laptop. This bad boy was set to hit the shelves in July, and Ric was already impressed with it. He knew sometimes you'd have to spend some cash to get a quality product.

As he was in the midst of writing the fourth installment of the Percy Jackson series, his phone rang, interrupting his flow. It was Amy, and Ric could hear the excitement in her voice.

"Hey Amy, what's up?" Ric answered.

"Boss, get ready to be shocked," Amy replied.

Ric chuckled. "I could guess what this could be about. But still, hit me with it."

"60 million dollars! The opening day box office is 60 million dollars!" Amy practically shouted with excitement.

There was a wall of silence for a moment before Ric finally said, "Amy, I want a party."

"You got it, boss!" Amy replied eagerly.

But Ric wasn't done yet. "Organize it after we break even. And if the film crosses 100 million at the box office every time, after reaching the 200 million mark, increase everyone's bonus who was involved with the film by 10 percent."

Amy was practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "Yes, boss! Anything else?"

"Nah, just some peace and quiet," he quipped.

"You dropped a bomb. It will take time to process it." Ric added with a laugh.

"Of course, boss! Talk to you later!" Amy said it with a small laugh before hanging up.

Ric reclined in his chair, feeling absolutely ecstatic about his recent accomplishment. He couldn't help but clench his hand in excitement as he reflected on the massive success he had achieved. He had anticipated a positive outcome, but reality far exceeded his wildest dreams. He had even prepared himself for the possibility of the film falling short of its predecessor, but it had surpassed all expectations.

As he took a deep breath to compose himself before making a call, his mind was still buzzing with elation and joy. It was as if his entire being wanted to burst into dance and embrace someone in a tight hug. His emotions were running wild, but he managed to maintain a calm and collected demeanor as he put on his best poker face for the call.

"Richard, do you happen to know the time?" A voice, groggy yet irritated, greeted him as soon as the call connected.

"Let me guess, you're already asleep, old man," Ric replied nonchalantly.

A heavy sigh emanated from the other end. "Did you forget? I have a flight tomorrow," Steven reminded him.

"Oops, my bad," Ric apologized before continuing, "I actually called to ask if you've heard the news."

"What news?" Steven asked, his tone now curious and alert.

"Today is Jurassic Park's first day on screen. The box office results for the first day are in," Ric remarked.

"Ah, right," Steven said, as if remembering something, then added, "No, they haven't called yet. Maybe they'll tell me in the morning. And if you're calling, that means something big must have happened."

"Guess how much the film made today? Give me your highest estimate." Ric sent back a question instead.

"If I were to say, I would say about 30–40 million more or less," replied Steven after thinking about it.

"60 million, my godfather! 60 damn million!" Ric replied with excitement.

Steven Spielberg was utterly dumbfounded. He had just set a record in his directing career. He couldn't believe what Ric was saying. So he asked again to clarify. "60! Did you just say 60?"

Steven couldn't contain his excitement and let out a hearty chuckle. "Ric, we've hit the jackpot! This is amazing, we need to celebrate!" he exclaimed.

As he looked at the first-day collection, Steven knew that the film was going to be a huge success. With his 10% share as the director and 20% of Amblin Entertainment, he was set to receive 30% of the total box office collection. The money would be incredibly useful for his big plans for the next year.

"But we'll have to wait until the movie breaks even, which will take a week or two," Ric interjected with a smile, bringing Steven back to reality.

"I'll be there, no matter where I am," Steven replied, determined to celebrate the success of the film.

"Even if you're in Poland shooting your next film?" Ric asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Even then," Steven declared confidently.

Ric grinned. "Guess how much the film will make?"

Steven thought for a moment before answering, "If I'm hopeful, 700 million, give or take."

"Nah, Godfather. Why so conservative?" Ric teased. "I say this film will go down in history by crossing 900 million."

Steven chuckled. "I pray that your wish comes true."

"Amen to that," Ric agreed, chuckling along with him.

After sharing a laugh, Steven inquired about Drew's whereabouts. "Is she with you?" he asked.

Ric replied, "Last time I checked, she was in my room sleeping."

Steven then asked if Ric had strained Drew too much, to which Ric quickly replied, "Oh! Hell no, godfather. I will not talk with you about this side of my life, he said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Steven teased, "Why? She is my goddaughter."

Ric retorted, "I am your godson!"

Steven acknowledged the comeback with a "Touche!" before changing the subject. "How are your kids? What is little Sawyer doing?" Ric interrupted.

Steven replied, "Kids are fine, and that little devil, oh boy, is hyperactive as ever," with a wary smile and a chuckle.

Realizing he had forgotten to ask something, Ric paused before asking, "How is it to be the father of teenagers?"

Ric could sense the warmth in Steven's voice as he replied, "I will only say your parents are lucky to have a teenager like you. But I am happy that Max or Jessica didn't have any problem with me, Kate, or our marriage."

"Speaking of God's daughter, how is your other daughter doing?" Ric asked.

"Last time I checked, Gwyneth was doing well. She's a very talented actress," Steven replied. "Have you had the chance to meet her yet?"

"No, I haven't had the opportunity," Ric replied.

"Ah, I forgot. You act more like an old man than a teenager," Steven joked.

"Hey now!" Ric exclaimed in mock outrage.

But the conversation took a serious turn as Steven brought up Drew, warning Ric not to hurt her. "At least Drew doesn't act like her. I'm chasing boys left and right, partying all the time," Steven said. "Seriously, kid, don't hurt her, okay?" Ric's face softened as he nodded solemnly and replied, "I won't. Drew means a lot to me."

But the conversation didn't end there, as Steven's voice grew even more serious. "Let me be frank; I have some idea what type of path you would choose regarding your dating life, but whatever you do in the future, just make sure you don't hurt her badly."