Clint Eastwood’s 2024 Film Achieves 93% Rotten Tomatoes Score and Tops VOD Charts Following Contentious Theatrical Launch

Clint Eastwood, widely recognized for his defining roles in iconic Western films, particularly the esteemed Dollars trilogy, has also made a name for himself as a remarkable director. Launching his directorial career with Play Misty for Me in 1971, Eastwood demonstrated his aptitude for storytelling through subsequent films like High Plains Drifter (1973), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Heartbreak Ridge (1986), and the critically acclaimed Unforgiven (1992).

As he transitioned into the 2000s and 2010s, Eastwood’s focus began to shift more toward directing. In this new era, he delivered hits such as American Sniper (2014), Sully (2016), and Richard Jewell (2019). Additionally, he showcased his dual talents in The Mule (2018) and Cry Macho (2021), where he both directed and starred. Remarkably, even at the age of 94, Eastwood continues to defy expectations, recently releasing another successful film this year, receiving praise from both critics and audiences.

Juror #2 Tops VOD Charts Following Controversial Release

A Film with Eastwood’s Best Reviews in Years

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czYUXo0R0oA

Juror #2 | Official Trailer | Max (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czYUXo0R0oA)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czYUXo0R0oA

Juror #2 | Official Trailer | Max (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czYUXo0R0oA)

After a truncated theatrical run, Juror #2 has emerged as a strong contender in Video on Demand (VOD) markets. The film, a gripping legal thriller, features Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who gradually realizes his potential involvement in the case. Despite garnering a commendable 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting predominantly favorable reviews from critics, the film was released only in select theaters before making its VOD debut on December 3.

Recent insights from IndieWire indicate that Juror #2 is thriving on digital platforms, currently leading the charts on both iTunes and Fandango at Home. On iTunes, as of December 9, it ranks above classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Conclave. Meanwhile, during the period of December 2-8, it performed exceptionally well on Fandango at Home, outpacing films such as Elevation and The Wild Robot.

VOD Top 10
Rank	iTunes	Fandango at Home
1	Juror #2	Juror #2
2	How the Grinch Stole Christmas	Elevation
3	Conclave	How the Grinch Stole Christmas
4	The Substance	The Wild Robot
5	Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer	Terrifier 3
6	The Grinch	Dear Santa
7	The Wild Robot	Conclave
8	Deadpool & Wolverine	Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
9	Home Alone	Alien: Romulus
10	It Ends With Us	Smile 2

It is important to note that iTunes rankings are based on transaction volume, while Fandango at Home ranks its titles according to revenue generated.

Implications of Juror #2’s VOD Performance

A Film Deserving of a Formal Release

Although official domestic box office figures for Juror #2 have not been disclosed, it appears to have grossed less than $500,000 domestically due to its brief theatrical stint. In contrast, the film has garnered impressive international earnings, totaling approximately $18 million, with France contributing a remarkable $10 million to this figure. The contrast between international success and domestic performance hints that Eastwood’s film merited a broader theatrical release in the U.S. rather than Warner Bros.’s unorthodox strategy.

With an estimated production budget of $30 million, the film likely needed to generate at least $60 million to break even. A robust marketing initiative, coupled with the film’s strong audience reception—91% on Rotten Tomatoes—could have propelled Juror #2 towards that target. Even if it fell short of reaching this milestone, the VOD success signals a substantial potential for bridging that financial gap. If this indeed turns out to be Eastwood’s last cinematic endeavor, it is regrettable that it did not receive the theatrical support it warranted.

Source: IndieWire

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