By Frankie TAGGARTWith superhero movies, video-game adaptations and sequels bombing and getting panned by critics, Hollywood was braced for another disappointing year -- until an unheralded thriller about child trafficking upended industry expectations. The surprise hit of the summer, "Sound of Freedom," has so far earned $85.5 million at North American theaters in just two weeks since its release -- roughly six times its $14.5 million budget. Conservatives have lavished "Sound of Freedom" with praise for speaking to a section of blue-collar America which they say has been snubbed by Hollywood elites. "I mean, you'd think a movie that sheds light on the hidden nightmare of child trafficking would be a pretty admirable cause worthy of support." Operation Underground Railroad has also been accused of exaggerating its role in child trafficking rescue operations.

Source: The Guardian July 19, 2023 04:31 UTC