Movie industry insiders projected an abysmal opening weekend for “Melania,” a film about the first lady, but were quickly proven wrong when it was projected to rake in at least $8 million, if not more.
While liberals gloated over screenshots of supposedly empty theaters, the movie has outperformed expectations, especially in the South and South-central part of the country, per The Hollywood Reporter. About three quarters of the audience was women aged 55 and older.
The outlet noted that Amazon MGM paid $40 million for licensing rights and spent an estimated $35 million on marketing. At the premiere in Washington, D.C., on Thursday night, Melania told the press that success to her didn’t depend on box office numbers anyway.
“I’m very proud of the film, so people may like it, may [not] like it, and that’s their choice,” the first lady told CNN outside the premiere.
“We achieved what we want to achieve,” Melania later added. “For myself, it’s already successful. I’m very proud of what we did.”
As predicted, legacy media critics absolutely trashed the film, giving it an overall rating of 11% on Rotten Tomatoes — but that’s a vast departure from what audiences are saying. With a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 99% and a Cinemascore of “A,” many viewers praised the glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Melania in the 20 days leading up to her husband Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
“An inside look at inaugural preparations, done in style,” one verified reviewer wrote. “Also getting to know our First Lady in a more personal way. The lady who is smart, elegant, stylish, beautiful & someone who loves this country & appreciates all that it offers.”
“Wow. Thought I may like it for the fashion take on it. But it was so much more. Absolutely loved it. Regardless if you like her or not- this documentary was really, really good,” another moviegoer agreed.
“Melania” is directed by Brett Ratner, who is best known for the “Rush Hour” franchise.
The first lady previously mentioned the inspiration for the documentary while accepting Fox Nation’s “Patriot of the Year” award.
“A first of its kind, capturing the 20 days of my life before the inauguration, 20 intense days of transformation from private citizen to first lady, balancing my business, my philanthropy, fostering the future, building my East Wing team and the White House staff, and, of course, caring for my family,” she said at the time.
“Melania” began screening in theaters nationwide on Friday.
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