Snakes on a Plane Sheds Its Skin

I'm not buying into the major media story that Snakes on a Plane was a failure because it 'only' made $15M. Considering it cost $30M to make, and opening weekend is about 33%-40% of total theatrical gross these days, Snakes is well on the way to making a profit. From people I've talked to who've seen the movie, it seems destined to be a cult classic for years to come. It was number #1 against the hilarious Talladega Nights, which I plan to repeat view before it leaves theaters.

So what's the real story? Maybe greater America isn't as into dumb, campy Sameul-L.-Jackson-iana as the braying pajamujahedeen of the internets. Maybe great marketing and timing doesn't count for everything. Or maybe Snakes was never going to make more than $15 million dollars opening on 3,500 screens or 1,000.

Well, there's always Black Snake Moan.

UPDATE: Craig has a lot of thoughts on the matter.