Chapter 502: The Explosive Momentum of Myers Entertainment

Beverly Hills, at Martin's estate.

Jessica was reading a newspaper, a sweet smile on her face.

The latest issue of Los Angeles Times' entertainment section had dedicated a significant amount of space to review her movie. The headline read: "The Coolest High School Musical Movie."

"After Step Up, starring Martin and Jessica, high school musicals began to dominate the film market, but few stood out, until High School Musical came along."

"Still starring Martin and Jessica, though this time Martin is the screenwriter and Jessica is still the lead actress, with newcomer actor Wentworth Miller's performance being a surprise."

"Unlike past American teen idol films, High School Musical doesn't feature modern city buildings or bustling shops, nor does it indulge in rebellious or outrageous content. Instead, it showcases the beautiful lakes and mountains of the American South and presents the vibrant and colorful life of high school students, attempting to portray their idealism, courage, and pure-heartedness."

"The lead couple's refreshing, unique image, energetic and exciting musical performances, along with catchy youth-oriented rock music, make the film endlessly enjoyable."

"High School Musical is a blend of diverse musical elements, combining hip-hop, basketball, dance, Broadway-style musicals, modern jazz, samba, lyrical ballads, and more. It even brings the concept of young people singing together at a party into the film."

"Despite lacking extravagant special effects, the film's consistent themes of chasing dreams and self-realization are carried throughout with touching songs and exquisite dance performances, adding much charm. Using the universal language of song and dance, it encourages teens to believe in themselves, express themselves, and relentlessly pursue their dreams."

Giggling.

Jessica put down the newspaper, unable to stop herself from laughing out loud, and the sound of her laughter almost resembled a chicken clucking when laying an egg.

Scarlett, who was eating eggs nearby, suddenly spat them out. "STOP, Jess, please don't laugh anymore!"

"I won't stop!"

Jessica picked up another copy of California News and continued reading the film review:

"The film's appeal has exceeded expectations. Before watching, many might have been optimistic about the movie because Martin wrote the script, but no one expected it to be so outstanding!"

"The film seems to have a strange magic, making the young viewers sway and sing along, releasing their youthful energy."

"We always say Martin doesn't seem like a young person, maybe his extraordinary accomplishments have clouded our judgment, but from this film, it's clear that Martin understands what makes an excellent teen musical. A seventeen-year-old Martin is still a young person after all!"

"Let's also talk about the male and female leads. Jessica Alba's charm is undeniable, and Wentworth Miller is a surprise. When he sweats it out on the basketball court, countless girls' hearts are undoubtedly stirred."

Scarlett, unwilling to listen to Jessica's smugness any longer, turned on the TV and cranked up the volume.

However, what came from the TV was: "What team? Wildcats! What team? Wildcats!"

The TV screen showed a group of young boys and girls standing in line outside a movie theater, and it wasn't clear who started chanting the high school basketball team's slogan from the film, but soon countless people joined in.

Seeing their enthusiasm, the reporter who was preparing to interview seemed to be infected by the energy and shouted louder: "Do you see this? Do you see this? This is the power of High School Musical! The youth are going wild for it!!!"

"Shit!"

Scarlett turned off the TV amidst Jessica's laughter.

...

High School Musical seemed to be creating a trend, with young people mimicking the dances, the songs, Wentworth Miller's basketball moves, and Jessica Alba's hair-flipping poses...

It seemed that no matter where one went, people were talking about it.

The box office reflected this craze, with the film earning $68.9 million in its opening weekend and $51.23 million in its first full week, easily surpassing $100 million.

In North America, High School Musical even outperformed Ready Player One, though globally, Ready Player One still held the lead!

"Explosive Growth for Myers Entertainment!"

The New York Times headlined with this.

"Since 2003, Myers Entertainment has invested in, produced, and distributed films including Mean Girls, The Matrix Reloaded, Step Up, Harry Potter 2, Bruce Almighty, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lost in Translation, The Devil Wears Prada, The Lord of the Rings 3, Ready Player One, High School Musical, and more. I can confidently say that, except for The Devil Wears Prada and Lost in Translation, every other film has been a box office bombshell."

"Mean Girls earned $120 million in North America, $180 million worldwide; The Matrix Reloaded earned $499 million in North America, $656 million worldwide; Step Up earned $223 million in North America, $382 million worldwide... the reactions for Ready Player One and High School Musical are not yet finished, but the box office situation is clear: North American earnings will not be less than $200 million, and global earnings are sure to exceed $400 million."

"The most astonishing is High School Musical. Its production budget was only $8 million. What kind of money-making magic is this?!"

"But even more terrifying, Myers Entertainment's explosive growth hasn't stopped. Its upcoming releases include The Hangover, The Matrix Revolutions, Harry Potter 3, and, oh yes, a low-budget horror film Saw, all of which are set to premiere soon."

"If they keep this up, it's not impossible for Myers Entertainment to become Hollywood's seventh biggest studio!"

...

Myers Entertainment was on fire.

As The New York Times reported, by the second half of 2004, almost every month saw a new Myers Entertainment film being released.

The Matrix Revolutions, Harry Potter 3, were already blockbuster series.

The Hangover was a surprise.

After its release in early August, it immediately swept the North American box office.

The review from The Washington Post was particularly representative: "Less than two minutes into the film, the theater erupted into laughter, and it didn't stop. By the time the audience walked out, everyone's facial muscles were sore from laughing!"

...

However, the most surprising film from Myers Entertainment this year wasn't The Hangover or High School Musical, but Saw, a low-budget horror film with a production budget of only $2 million!i