I Got It Wrong

I'm not afraid to say when I am wrong, and I was way off base on this one.

Several weeks ago I predicted the box office explosion and resulting come-back of Julia Roberts with "Eat Pray Love." Who could blame me? We all love a come back, and the marketing machine had kicked in big time with partnerships, sponsorships, gaming, products ... the whole gamut. It was a given in my mind. Not to mention Julia's coincidental gig for Lancome (did I ever tell you that there are no coincidences in marketing?).

Maybe I was I just too personally obsessed with the pretty woman? Was my vision blurred?

But I really did think that pop culture was going to work in favor of "Eat Pray Love." This woman has had her soul beaten down, like many of us, and is taking the time she needs to rediscover herself. We're all there, we need some time to ourselves. We need to reinvent. I thought we would all relate.

The opening weekend was not as hoped, and this past weekend was pretty sad. "The Expendables" beat it twice in a row, even among women. There's been no buzz, no chatter, no interest, despite all the marketing effort. Imagine how all those marketing partners feel?

I guess it turns out that this movie just isn't relateable. None of us can take a year off to find ourselves. So to watch that on screen just feels way too self indulgent and spoiled. And she left a really good guy! Whoops.

"Eat Pray Love": the making of a brand that just never made it. I got it wrong, I'll admit it. And now I guess I also have to admit that I didn't go see it -- it's been a crazy busy summer. Whoops.

What's your experience? Jim.