As the plot of the movie progressed step by step, the audience's curiosity was completely aroused.
The interesting part of the film wasn't just the suspenseful plot, but also how the heroine began to let loose and do some intriguing things because she was trapped in a time loop.
What made it most captivating was actually the changes the heroine made to herself within the time loop.
There's an old saying: "If I don't die a few more times, I won't realize how many people I've offended."
In this endless cycle of one day, the heroine discovered many self-generated problems she had never paid attention to and began correcting them bit by bit.
It's akin to leveling up monsters and honing skills in video games or action stories, which can really stimulate the release of dopamine in the audience's brains.
The film incorporated suspense, thriller, black humor, romance, and other elements into the infinite loop structure. The pacing was fast, with climaxes coming one after another, offering the audience an unforgettable movie-watching experience.
No wonder this film, in the original timeline, earned more than $100 million globally on a modest budget of $4.8 million.
Even a certain user, typically critical of thrillers, gave this film a high score of 7.5, which is quite impressive for the genre.
In fact, this kind of movie structure isn't new to Hollywood. For instance, Groundhog Day also tells the story of a protagonist trapped in the same day.
But Happy Death Day is definitely the first movie to make the time loop concept so refreshing, taking it to new heights.
Taylor had long forgotten that he came with his girlfriend. He was completely immersed in the movie's plot, his mind spinning, wondering who the murderer was.
Ruby was also drawn into the plot, but her attraction to it differed from Taylor's. She was thinking about what it would be like to be trapped in the same day, with the freedom to do anything without consequences, just like the heroine in the film. What a cool, crazy experience!
Happy Death Day became even more popular than in the original timeline.
Though Scarlett's salary increased the film's budget to $12 million due to her involvement, Scarlett's fame still couldn't match that of Jessica Lord, the original film's heroine.
Moreover, Meyers Films had more influence than Blumhouse Studios, the original production company.
As a result, Happy Death Day's first-day box office was much higher than in the original timeline, reaching $17 million.
"Happy Death Day has an interesting story and a sophisticated structure. It is a well-timed black comedy and a thriller with a clever twist. It plays with the 'cycle of life and death' setting in a variety of ways." – New York Times review
"Compared to orthodox horror and suspense films, Happy Death Day is more entertaining and has a relatively relaxed atmosphere. The plot arrangement is exquisitely designed, and the bright rhythm keeps the audience's attention throughout. Scarlett Johansson's wonderful performance was a highlight." – Los Angeles Times review
"Compared to Groundhog Day, although the structure is similar, Happy Death Day is more entertaining. Its ultra-fast-paced plot advancement is rare in Hollywood." – Washington Post
As a 2017 film in the original timeline, Happy Death Day naturally had the fast-paced style common to movies of that era. But in 2006, films like this were rare.
Only Michael Bay's directing style was moving in this direction, but it hadn't yet fully evolved.
"Wait, what? James Cameron's actually getting sued?"
On this day, Martin, who was looking at the box office data for Happy Death Day, was baffled by the latest Hollywood gossip Drew had trotted in with, excitement clear on his face.
"Who sued him? Why? Isn't it because of women?"
Martin fired off a series of questions.
Drew said mysteriously, "It's really because of women, but not in that sense. It's about a woman named Samantha Kennedy, who claims to be the princess of a small European country. She says James Cameron's Titanic plagiarized her personal biography before she had time to publish it, and now she's suing him."
"Hahaha, she believes the plot of Titanic is based on her personal experience, so she's asking Fox, Paramount, and James Cameron for $300 million in damages."
Martin was dumbfounded. "Is this woman crazy about money?"
"Hahaha, James Cameron said the same thing. He was reportedly stunned when reporters relayed the incident!" Drew laughed.
"Everyone would be shocked if this happened!" Martin said. "This is too outrageous. The movie's set in 1912. If Samantha Kennedy were the inspiration for the movie, she'd be hundreds of years old. By the way, how old is she?"
Drew laughed even harder. "She says she's 122 years old and was 18 when she boarded the Titanic. But judging by the birth date on her driver's license, she's actually only about forty, and she looks like she's in her forties! This story is so ridiculous that, aside from a few tabloids, even the gossip media won't touch it or only report it as a joke."
"Well, this is indeed a joke." Martin nodded.
In fact, many strange cases like this happen in Hollywood. Production companies, screenwriters, and directors of popular films often face such unprovoked attacks.
There's only one goal: money. There might indeed be cases of plagiarism, but most of the accusations are false.
It was April.
On April 1st, April Fool's Day, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was released.
It's a story about friendship, love, youth, and growth.
The plot is simple: four sunny girls—Lena, Bridge, Carmen, and Tibby—are inseparable sisters. One day, while shopping, they come across a pair of jeans. Despite their differing body types, they all agree that the jeans are magical.
As the girls' summer vacation begins, these pants circulate between them, unfolding the story of "a pair of traveling pants."
Lena is shy and reserved and lacks initiative. After spending time with a Greek fish seller, she learns to experience life more fully. She becomes bolder, even summoning the courage to say "I love you" to her boyfriend at the dock.
Bridge is passionate and athletic. After falling for her football coach, she pursues him with determination. Although coaches are forbidden to date students, they eventually become a couple.
There's also the story of Tibby and Carmen.
The four girls are portrayed by Lindsay Lohan, Rachel MackJones, Amanda Seyfried, and Keira Knightley. Compared to the original film's cast, they're youthful and beautiful, which adds a lot to the movie.
Strangely, the box office for this movie was only average—nowhere near as impressive as Happy Death Day—but its performance in the video market was explosive.
Girls flocked to video stores, eager to buy it. It seemed that every girl wanted to own a tape of the film.