The biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love‘ is hitting the right notes at the box office, with a six-day total of $46M in the US. The Paramount film, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, has been a hit with audiences, earning a 5-star rating and 91% positive score on Comscore/Screen Engine’s PostTrak.
The movie, which stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the reggae legend, has been particularly popular with women, who made up 56% of the opening weekend audience. The film has also been a hit with older moviegoers, with 52% of the audience over the age of 35 and the largest demo being 35-44 at 22%.
The success of ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is a welcome win for Paramount, which also saw its film ‘Mean Girls’ cross $100M at the global box office. The movie has been playing best in the East, South, and West, with the AMC Bay Plaza in the Bronx leading the pack with $19K in Friday ticket sales.
In contrast, Sony/Marvel’s ‘Madame Web’ has struggled to find an audience, with a 54% positive score on PostTrak and a 1.5-star rating. The movie, which stars Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, has been particularly unpopular with men under 25, who gave it a 42% rating.
Despite the challenges, ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ has proven that there is still a strong appetite for well-made biopics that appeal to a wide audience. The movie’s success is a testament to the enduring popularity of Bob Marley and his music, which continues to inspire and move people around the world.
Reception and Critic Responses
“Bob Marley: One Love” has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s visuals and performances, while others criticize its lack of depth and insight into Marley’s life.
The film currently holds a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 32 reviews. Critics have praised Kingsley Ben-Adir’s portrayal of Marley, with many noting that he captures the singer’s essence and charisma. However, the film’s script and character development have been criticized for lacking depth and nuance.
The Hollywood Reporter’s John DeFore notes that “the film is content to present Marley as a hero, rather than a complex figure with flaws and contradictions.” Similarly, The Guardian’s Wendy Ide writes that “the film is a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of Marley’s character and the challenges he faced.”
The film’s pacing and structure have also been criticized, with some critics noting that it struggles to maintain momentum throughout its runtime. However, the film’s visuals and soundtrack have received widespread praise, with many critics praising the concert scenes and the film’s attention to detail in recreating Marley’s stage presence.
Positive Response
While “Bob Marley: One Love” has received mixed reviews, there are still many positive aspects of the film that have been highlighted by critics.
One of the film’s strengths is Kingsley Ben-Adir’s portrayal of Marley, with many critics praising his ability to capture the singer’s essence and charisma. The film’s concert scenes have also received widespread praise, with critics noting that they showcase Marley’s magnetic stage presence and his ability to connect with his audience.
Additionally, the film’s visuals and attention to detail have been commended by many critics. The film’s recreation of Marley’s London home and recording studio, as well as its use of archival footage, have been noted for their authenticity and historical accuracy.
The film’s portrayal of Marley’s relationship with his wife and backup singer, Rita, has also been praised by critics. Lashana Lynch’s performance as Rita has been widely acclaimed, with many critics noting that she brings depth and complexity to the character.
While the film’s script and character development have been criticized for lacking depth and nuance, there are still moments in the film that offer insight into Marley’s beliefs and values. The film’s exploration of Marley’s commitment to peace and unity, as well as his advocacy for social justice, have been noted by critics as some of the film’s most powerful moments.
Overall, while “Bob Marley: One Love” may not be a perfect film, it still offers a compelling and entertaining portrayal of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. With its strong performances, striking visuals, and powerful messages, the film is a worthy tribute to Marley’s enduring legacy.
