Smart adults act… well… smart!

Has winding up #2 at the box office ever felt so good? According to The Wrap:

Universal’s R-rated drama “State of Play” performed above expectations, coming in at №2 with $14.1 million.

“I guess it’s all about what expectations are and how people in this industry set it up,” Universal Pictures distribution president Nikki Rocco said. “Many wanted to write ‘State’ off too quickly. Its not a huge breakout hit, but it has solid footing.

Hell, there’s no mystery. We know why State of Play outperformed expectations — because of this GITS post last week:

As recently as 10 years ago, smart dramas were a staple for the major studios. Now they’re on the verge of being relegated to independent fare. Which means lower budgets. Which means less adult dramas. Which means I’m depressed.

Okay, people, who’s going to talk me off the ledge? It’s just a phase, right? In five years, when every nominated movie for Best Picture is an adult drama, we’ll all laugh as we remember all our wailing and gnashing of teeth — although I may still be paying my dental bills.

Let’s do everyone a favor. Let’s go see State of Play this weekend.

Thanks to all you tens of thousands of smart adults who somehow heard our plaintive plea because I’m sure the movie’s success had nothing to do [tongue planted firmly in cheek] with the popularity of Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck! 

Next week, if the movie only drops 25–30%, it could end up generating decent B.O.:

According to Universal’s exit polling, 75 percent of “State’s” audience were over 35 years old; 55 percent were female. Sixty six percent said their main reason for seeing the film was Russell Crowe; 52 percent said they were drawn to the story.

“Adults shows up, but they show up slowly,” Rocco said of the exit polls. “Hopefully, with a good word of mouth, it will stay around.”

Okay, another plea, this time to all you ‘slow’ smart adults: Go see State of Play next weekend. And while you’re at it, stick around to see The Soloist which opens on Friday: