From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

The situation is not optimistic.

Robert Ebert's negative review is undoubtedly a heavy sword hanging over "The Princess Diaries," and no one knows what will happen next.

When Brad saw Robert's review, he fell silent, unsure how to react, and his eyes were filled with worry when he looked at Anson—

Especially after just seeing the amazing reviews for "Ghost World," seeing the score for "The Princess Diaries" now felt like a huge rollercoaster.

A movie receiving bad reviews wasn't the end of the world. There was no need to be sad or to break down. He was sincere when he said that to Brad.

Which actor hasn't made a few bad movies?

Even legendary actors are no exception, because actors are only one component of a movie. They can only decide and change a very, very small part of the movie, so there's no need to think too highly of themselves because of good reviews, nor is there any need to torture themselves because of bad reviews. They should learn to treat movies as a whole.

Appearing in a bad movie is just like being a pretty face; it's really not that bad.

Moreover, Anson understood—

These comments weren't nonsense.

"The Princess Diaries" indeed has a simple story, and the whole purpose is to create a princess dream for a fifteen-year-old girl and let those teenagers dream.

From this perspective, the comments of these professional film critics are all correct, and their dislike and even criticism are all justified.

This could be considered… a standard ending?

"As expected of professionals, they hit the nail on the head," Anson commented softly, nodding.

Brad choked, almost passing out.

James struggled to stand up, looked at Anson's calm expression, and couldn't help but laugh, "It's all about this kind of mentality. See who has the thickest skin. If you want to die after being scolded a little, don't do this job as an actor."

After speaking, James spread his legs and struck a Ultraman pose.

Brad glared at James speechlessly, "It would be nice if things were that simple. If this movie fails, the producers will… during the next audition…"

"Brad, Brad!" Anson repeatedly called out to Brad to control the situation, "There's no need to worry so much. Look, not all the reviews are bad."

"In fact, if a movie is really universally reviled, it can attract some attention; but mediocrity that's neither good nor bad is the worst. I'm starting to worry now instead."

Anson made a little joke, and James immediately burst out laughing, "That's the spirit! 'Freaks and Geeks' is just like this."

Brad looked at the two people in front of him with a lifeless expression, refusing to speak.

Fortunately, the page finally finished refreshing.

Anson beckoned Brad to look at the page again, and James also crowded over. Then they could see a patch of bright red followed by large patches of yellow and green. The situation had finally eased a bit.

Sixty-five points, "You can indeed feel the breath of youth at certain moments."

Seventy points, "The movie lacks surprises, but the actors' charm is a big plus. We all expected Julie Andrews' screen charm to be exciting, but we didn't expect Anne Hathaway and Anson Wood to bring surprises."

Sixty-three points, "If you appreciate it from the perspective of a youth campus genre, Garry Marshall does grasp the essence of dreams to some extent."

These were all mediocre reviews, neither hot nor cold. The restraint and calmness in their words could be felt from the text; however, what was truly surprising was the series of good reviews that followed.

Moreover!

More than just one or two.

A string of green bloomed continuously in the field of vision, completely reversing the situation. Joy and happiness burst out instantly, and the heart rose high, blocking the throat. Brad was the first to cover his mouth.

Eighty points, "Light and moving, Garry Marshall truly captures the troubles and dreams of fifteen-year-old youth, and shows a wonderful arc of growth in family, love, and friendship, making people willing to continue dreaming."

Eighty-five points, "Garry Marshall has done it again, making people willing to believe that fairy tales are real with such a simple story."

Seventy-eight points, "The reason why fairy tales are fairy tales is because they are so perfect that they don't feel real. From this perspective, the movie creates a perfect fairy tale world."

Eighty points, "Garry Marshall's lens has a special ability to extract the most special and brightest qualities from everyone, and then make them shine in the lens, and this time is no exception."

Praise, affirmation, commendation… applause like a tide.

Most importantly, authoritative media other than Robert Ebert finally made their debut here, with the two Times leading the way.

"Los Angeles Times," eighty points, "A classic Disney-style movie, undoubtedly a perfect family movie. But the biggest highlight of the movie is the charm of the three leads, Anne Hathaway and Anson Wood being the biggest discoveries."

"New York Times," eighty-three points, "I'm not surprised by Anne Hathaway's princess charm, but I never expected that Anson Wood would actually become the finishing touch of the movie. No one should miss this young actor's dazzling debut on the big screen."

Also.

"The Wall Street Journal," seventy-five points, "The movie isn't perfect, but it can satisfy every teenage girl's fantasies of a perfect summer, especially when the male lead of the movie is Anson Wood."

This was a surprise.

Not to mention Brad and James, Anson himself was also full of surprise. They actually saw Anson's name in a series of praise and compliments.

Anson.

Anson.

Still Anson.

In "The Princess Diaries," Anne Hathaway was the absolute protagonist, and Julie Andrews was the biggest highlight. It was only natural that they received attention and discussion; but Anson?

Anson's screen time in the entire movie didn't even exceed ten minutes, but now he occupied an important place in the tide of good reviews from professional film critics?

Surprise, a real surprise!

Bit by bit, piecing together the highlights and colors of the movie that touched the audience, the to-the-point praise showed Anson's name everywhere. Unconsciously, the heart gradually filled and swelled like a balloon.

"Wow."

James couldn't help but sigh, patted Brad's shoulder, "I can't help but start to envy him. I think we might not need to worry about this guy."

Brad also chuckled.

James looked at Anson again, shook his head, and lay heavily on the sofa in a carefree manner, squeezing the bottles and cans into a jumble of noises, "So, are you preparing to replicate the miracle of Dr. Hannibal?"

This…

"Haha." Unable to hold back, Anson burst out laughing. Not only did he not mind, but he was also in a cheerful mood, "Dr. Hannibal? I like it."