Universal’s strategy this summer to bet on three comedies and a period gangster picture rather than follow Hollywood’s customary practice of releasing audience-pleasing sequels and “franchise” films has cost the studio dearly. The expensive Will Ferrell comedy Land of the Lost stands to lose about $70 million. Sacha Baron Cohen’s raunchy Bruno alienated many moviegoers; Michael Mann’s Public Enemies fell short despite the usual drawing power of Johnny Depp; and no one’s smiling at the disappointing performance of Judd Apatow’s Funny People.
