At times, it seems impossible to overstate the excitement and anticipation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Even if you’re reading this after living on a desert island for the past two years, I’m guessing you finally left that island so you could be sure to buy your tickets in time. Disney has expertly presented what little we’ve seen of the film in a way that appeals to diehard fans of all generations as well as neophytes who’ve never heard of a midichlorian, making it hard to believe anyone could take down Luke, Han and company at the box office.
Of course, they probably didn’t count on Katniss Everdeen.
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According to a new, highly questionable poll from consumer tracking company Piedmont Media Research, the upcoming Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 scored a higher “consumer engagement” rating than Episode VII, boasting the highest total the company’s ever seen with a score of 514. Of course, Star Wars was no slouch either, posting a 495 rating. The poll surveyed 3,000 (assumedly not intoxicated) people and rated movies on a scale from zero to 1,000.
There are a few caveats here. For one, this is a survey of fall movies, and The Force Awakens only barely qualifies as one because it’s released on Dec. 18, with winter officially starting four days later (Hunger Games comes out Nov. 20.) Also, Star Wars scored the highest rating ever among males with a 553 rating, while it only garnered 383 points among females. Hunger Games‘ resonance with the young girl demographic, thanks to lead actress Jennifer Lawrence, no doubt gave it the edge over a galaxy far, far away.
If those results aren’t enough of a shocker, here’s one more: the main rating for The Force Awakens is only the third-highest that Piedmont’s recorded, coming in behind Avengers: Age of Ultron. The superhero film scored a 509, so perhaps Disney should consider bringing in director Joss Whedon and listening to some of his ideas for the franchise.
Before you begin rioting outside your local theater, which is conveniently right next to the box office ticket counter that you’ve been camping outside for the past six months, let me remind you that numbers can only mean so much. These figures aren’t meant to be a sneering reminder that Star Wars is a bit behind the times, but rather a fun glimpse at how the franchise is adapting to the movie climate of today.
Besides, Boba Fett would totally smoke Katniss in the 76th Hunger Games. Assuming the arena isn’t outfitted with a Sarlaac pit.