Angelina cleared the table as Alex opened his laptop and sat beside her.
"Okay," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Moment of truth."
Angelina sat across from him with her wine glass clutched in both hands. "If I scream, ignore me. If I cry, lie to me."
"Deal."
He logged into the Titan internal dashboard first.
Alex blinked once.
Then again.
"…Huh."
Angelina leaned forward. "That's not a 'huh' I like. Is it a good huh or a 'we should fake our deaths' huh?"
He turned the laptop slightly so she could see.
Opening weekend stats scrolled past the Domestic, International, streaming preorders, and early ticket sales projections.
Angelina froze.
"…Alex."
"Yeah."
"Over thirty percent increase?"
He swallowed, then smiled slowly. "Yep! Opening day box office beat projections by thirty-two percent."
She let out a sharp laugh. "Shut up."
"I'm serious. International markets are especially strong. Europe and South America are going nuts."
Angelina covered her mouth. "Oh my god."
Alex leaned back. "Okay. We'll check the final numbers at the end. Let's get over with the dangerous part."
"The opinions," she said grimly.
"Yep."
He clicked over to critic reviews.
A familiar name popped up first.
Critic Review 1. Variety
Mr & Mrs Smith is a sleek, stylish, emotionally grounded action thriller that does not rely on spectacle alone. Alex Wilson's directorial confidence translates surprisingly well into his acting debut, where restraint becomes his greatest strength. Angelina Jolie returns to the screen with fire, wit, and an effortless authority that reminds audiences why she remains untouchable in this genre.
Angelina blinked. "They used the word untouchable."
Alex nodded. "That's… good."
Critic Review 2. The Hollywood Reporter
What could have been a vanity project becomes a sharp, tightly written film anchored by two leads whose chemistry feels lived-in rather than manufactured. Wilson's performance is understated but compelling, while Jolie delivers a comeback performance that balances vulnerability and lethal precision.
Angelina let out a breath she had been holding for about fifteen years. "Okay. I'm breathing again."
Critic Review 3. Empire Magazine
Mr & Mrs Smith moves like a chess match wrapped in gunfire. Wilson's first on-screen role is unexpectedly natural, and Jolie commands every frame without overpowering him. Together, they sell the relationship as much as the danger.
She smiled despite herself. "Chess match wrapped in gunfire sounds like you."
Alex grinned. "I do like organized violence."
Critic Review 4. Deadline
A smart, modern action film that understands character matters more than explosions. Jolie's return is triumphant, and Wilson proves that talent behind the camera can translate in front of it.
Angelina leaned back. "Okay. Four for four so far. That's illegal, right?"
Alex hesitated. "Well… not entirely."
He scrolled.
Two red headlines appeared.
Angelina squinted. "Oh no. There they are."
Critic Review 5. IndieWire
While stylish and well-acted, Mr & Mrs Smith occasionally plays things too safe emotionally. Wilson's performance, though competent, lacks the raw unpredictability seasoned actors bring.
Angelina scoffed. "Too safe emotionally? They literally try to kill each other."
Alex shrugged. "Apparently I should have cried more."
Critic Review 6. The Guardian
Jolie remains magnetic, but the film's pacing stumbles in the second act. Wilson's acting debut is admirable, though his presence sometimes feels more architect than inhabitant.
Angelina tilted her head. "Architect is not an insult."
"No," Alex said. "But it's not a standing ovation either."
She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Two mixed ones out of dozens is fine. Normal, even."
"Yeah," he said. "Critics always want blood."
"Or tears."
"Or both."
They shared a quiet laugh before Alex clicked on YouTube reactions.
"Alright," he said. "Brace yourself. Internet opinions. No helmets provided."
YouTuber Reaction 1. FilmPilot
"This movie surprised the hell out of me. Alex Wilson walked in like 'Hey I also act now' and just… did it. And Angelina Jolie? Comeback of the decade. Their chemistry is unreal. The hallway fight scene alone deserves awards."
Angelina smiled. "The majority loves the hallway scene."
Alex smirked. "We did work the hardest on that part."
YouTuber Reaction 2. CinemaScope
"This is how you do a smart action thriller. No overacting, no cringe dialogue. Jolie reminds Hollywood who she is, and Wilson proves he is not just a behind-the-scenes guy."
YouTuber Reaction 3. ReelTalk Live
"I did not expect to care about their relationship this much. I walked in for action and left emotionally invested. Also, can we talk about how good Alex Wilson is on screen?"
Angelina groaned. "They're going to start shipping us."
Alex checked Twitter on his phone. "Already happening."
YouTuber Reaction 4. PopcornRiot
"It's good, but let's be real. Alex Wilson still feels like a director playing an actor. Jolie carries the emotional weight."
Angelina frowned. "That's unfair. You were awesome."
"Thanks." Alex shrugged. "But that's the internet."
YouTuber Reaction 5. FrameByFrame
"Loved the film, but the third act could have hit harder emotionally. Still a strong debut."
YouTuber Reaction 6. MovieRantX
"Overhyped. Jolie shines, but Wilson's acting is serviceable at best."
Angelina crossed her arms. "Serviceable? Excuse me?"
Alex laughed. "I have been demoted to office furniture."
YouTuber Reaction 7. CineSnark
"Decent action. Questionable casting. Chemistry feels suspiciously real though."
Angelina froze. "…Suspiciously real?"
Alex slowly turned his laptop toward Reddit.
"Speaking of that."
...
The Reddit thread title glowed ominously.
r/movies: Mr & Mrs Smith Discussion Thread
Angelina leaned in. "Oh god."
Alex scrolled.
User1:
That chemistry was NOT acting. I refuse to believe otherwise.
User2:
Agreed. No way that level of eye contact is scripted.
User3:
Or maybe they are just professionals?
User4:
Nah. I've seen professionals. This felt personal.
User5:
..
Jolie does not look at co-stars like that unless something is going on.
Angelina muttered, "I look at everyone like that."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You absolutely do not."
..
User8:
Alex Wilson's acting debut is better than half of Hollywood right now.
User9:
Calm down. He was fine. Not legendary.
User10:
For a first timer? That was insane.
User11:
Jolie carried emotionally but Wilson matched her energy.
User12:
That kitchen fight scene was cinema.
User13:
That scene felt like foreplay with knives.
..
Angelina choked on her wine. "I beg your pardon?"
Alex smirked. "Reddit is unhinged."
..
User18:
Are we just ignoring the dating rumors?
User19:
They were photographed together like six times this month.
User20:
That doesn't mean anything.
User21:
It means everything.
User22:
If they are not dating, I will shave my eyebrows.
..
Angelina stared at the screen. "Do people need hobbies?"
Alex nodded. "Yes. Preferably quieter ones."
..
He scrolled further.
User27:
Regardless of gossip, the movie slaps.
User28:
Is this movie based on a novel?
User29:
No. Original story. That's why it works.
User30:
Jolie's comeback confirmed.
User31:
Alex Wilson is officially dangerous.
...
Angelina laughed. "Dangerous?"
"I'll take it."
..
Public Reviews
Alex clicked the tab.
Audience Score: 91%
Angelina's shoulders dropped in relief.
Reviews scrolled by fast.
"Best date night movie this year."
"Angelina Jolie is back and I am not okay."
"Alex Wilson surprised me. Felt real. No overacting."
"Came for Jolie. Stayed for the chemistry."
"Action was insane. That hallway scene had me holding my breath."
"Did not expect to feel things."
Angelina blinked. "They felt things."
"Okay. Time for the numbers," Alex took a deep breath and looked toward Angelina. She gave a nod. He clicked on the collection tab.
Budget: 150M
Opening Day Global
Domestic: $38.4M
International: $61.2M
Total Day One: $99.6M
Angelina froze. "That's… day one?"
Alex blinked twice as he stood up from his chair. "That is day one."
She also stood up. "Oh my god." She looked at Alex before jumping into his arms. She laughed as he lifted her, the sound bright and a little disbelieving, like she was still checking if gravity had actually been turned off.
She kissed him hard, both hands fisting in his shirt, and Alex spun her once, then again, the ocean flashing behind her in a blur of blue and sunlight.
"Day one," she said against his mouth, breathless and giddy. "Alex. Day one."
He laughed. "We almost made a hundred million dollars before lunch."
"Before dessert," she corrected, kissing him again. "Important distinction."
He set her down but kept his arms around her, foreheads touching now, both of them grinning like idiots who had just robbed a bank using good reviews.
Angelina pulled back just enough to look at him. Her eyes were shiny. "You did it."
"We did it," he said immediately.
She smiled at that, softer now. "Okay. We did it."
...
[Night] [Nightclub]
By the time night settled over the Bahamas, the air felt warmer, louder, and just irresponsible enough to celebrate a near hundred million dollars.
The club pulsed with light and bass. Music rolled through the crowd in thick waves, vibrating straight through bone and good sense. Neon spilled across moving bodies. Laughter rose and fell between beats like it had choreography.
Alex stood at the bar with two drinks in his hands, already half smiling before Angelina even turned toward him. She had ditched the careful elegance of premieres for something effortless and dangerous. Bare shoulders. Loose hair. The kind of look that said tonight had no plans and even fewer regrets.
"You look smug," she shouted over the music.
"I am smug," he shouted back. "Statistically justified smug."
She took the drink from his hand. "To day one."
"To day one," he echoed.
They clinked glasses and drank. The alcohol burned pleasantly.
Angelina grabbed his hand and dragged him into the crowd before he could protest. The floor was packed. Music so loud it erased thoughts.
She moved without thinking, hips catching the rhythm. Alex laughed and followed, awkward for exactly three seconds before the beat found him too. His hands settled at her waist. Hers looped around his neck. The rest of the world reduced itself to motion and sound and the ridiculous fact that this was real.
"You know," she leaned in, lips close to his ear, "somewhere on the internet someone is live tweeting this."
"Let them," he said. "I hope they spell my name right."
She laughed and turned, dancing back into him, her head resting briefly against his chest.
[Later] [Seafood Restaurant]
The restaurant sat right on the edge of the water, lanterns glowing softly, waves brushing against the rocks below. Tables were spaced just far enough apart for privacy, just close enough for the hum of other conversations to feel alive.
They sat facing the ocean, shoes kicked off beneath the table, wine already poured.
The food arrived in courses. Fresh grilled fish, lobster, crabs and shrimps. Everything unreasonably good.
Angelina leaned back in her chair, watching the water catch the moonlight. Then she noticed Alex looking at her with a hint of smile.
"Do I look beautiful?" She leaned forward.
Alex too leaned forward. "Radiant."
She chuckled a bit. Then both of them kissed.
When they parted, Alex said, "You know tomorrow is going to be chaos. Then the week will be packed with promotions and talk shows."
Angelina smirked. "Tomorrow is future us's problem."
He laughed. "Future me hates that logic."
She lifted her glass. "Then tonight we toast to present us."
He clinked his glass to hers. "Present us is doing great."
They drank, the night stretching out gently around them, and they talked and ate while occasionally kissing and giggling.
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[POWERSTONES AND REVIEWS PLS]
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[5 advance chs] [All chs available for all tiers] [No double billing.]
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