Arts     

'Iron Man 3' sets new record in China

CRI, May 3, 2013

• Lead actor Robert Downey Jr. signs a poster during a promotional event of Hollywood superhero movie "Iron Man 3" in Beijing on April 6, 2013. [File Photo: Xinhua]

  "Iron Man 3" has broken Chinese box-office records for opening-day screenings upon its release.

  The film took in US$21 million, beating the previous premiere record held by "Transformers: Dark of the Moon", which brought in US$18 million on its opening day.

  So far, the film has taken US$240 million worldwide and is expected to break the 1-billion mark after opening in the U.S. this weekend.

  However, Chinese fans are reportedly having mixed reactions to the additional scenes which were shot in China.

  Many claim the scenes add nothing to the narrative with some being nothing more than cross-promotional advertising.

  One scene features Chinese actor Wang Xueqi's character Dr. Wu drinking a carton of Gu Li Duo, a popular milk drink here in China.

  Bloggers have taken to the Internet criticizing the film's blatant product placement.

  Meanwhile, Tony Stark actor Robert Downey Jr. has subtly hinted more Iron Man films are on the way after a well-timed wink during his appearance on The Daily Show.

  Daily Show host John Stewart asked the actor if he was going to keep going, to which Downey Jr. responded he didn't know and that he was in negotiations with Marvel, the production company.

  Following the statement he gave Stewart a knowing wink, suggesting we have more Iron Man sequels in our future.

Copyright © China.org.cn. All Rights Reserved