Shocker: Weekend Faith Based “B” Movie Blows Anti-War Big Studio Productions Out of The Water

Proof  •  September 29, 2008

I’m not an overly religious guy, so when my wife wanted to go see a movie called “Fireproof” this weekend I did so with a degree of reluctance.
I knew the movie had been done by a faith based group out of Georgia and as such I didn’t expect much. Not only that, I expected an nearly empty theater. Boy, was I wrong about that. The place was packed, sold out. And the movie, done by amateur volunteers with the exception of the main character Kirk Cameron, was actually pretty darn good.
Looking around the theater at a packed house and a crowd that was obviously enjoying the movie (there was actually applause at the end) I had to wonder how it would do over all. We were told on the way out by a theater employee I happened to know that it was sold out all weekend.
Being the curious kind of guy I am, I looked into what some of the more negative, much hyped, big studio movies churned out by the Hollywood liberal propaganda grist mill had made on their opening weekend and I found out a very interesting fact: This little faith based movie blew the following big name, big studio productions out of the water.
Here are some opening weekend numbers:
Fireproof: 6.5 Million
Redacted: 26,000 (yeah, that twenty-six thousand dollars)
Rendition: 4.2 million
Lions for Lambs: 2.8 million
In the Valley of Elah: 4.1 million
Here’s another interesting little fact. Movies like In the Valley of Elah opened in 2,250 theaters nation wide. Fireproof opened in about 450.
I’ve said this before, but if you or I ran any other business that ignored what the market wants and just shoved our own, non selling products down people’s throats because they fit our ideological niche, we’d be out of business in short order, or fired by higher management. Yet Hollywood just keeps on keepin’ on.
You’d think they’d get the message.
When a “B” movie (and that’s being generous) ends up fourth in box office receipts for its opening weekend (it beat out the newest Brad Pitt vehicle Read Before Burning this weekend as well) it’s ain’t because of the acting, which, because it was done mostly by volunteer, unpaid actors in Albany, Georgia, wasn’t that great. It’s because of the message the movie brings.
Hollywood isn’t getting the fact that what they’re peddling ain’t selling. Not everyone in America wants to have someone tell them just how bad this country is despite the fact that they think we do.
This past weekend just reinforces that point. At least for those of us who can still think on their own, that is.

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  • http://Array Pilgrim

    Proof,

    Now, see what you’ve done. You’ve made him cry. I hope you’re proud of yourself, young man.

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    Wasn’t it last year that Rob let his wife choose a snow shovel for herself on Valentines day.

    She was only 11 months pregnant at the time too.

    (Note the only thing I exaggerated was how many months she was pregnant, it was more like 9)

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    Ahhhh, true love. What says it better than letting your wife pick out her own lawn mower or snow shovel or oil changing kit?

    The only problem is that you spoil ‘em when you start that.

    ;) TRUE LOVE

    Yes, if you spoil them too much they just might paint the trim and shelves in the tool rooms BERRY BERRY, huh?

    AAAAAH,TRUE LOVE! Which stack of wood should I get the logs from? <3

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    And when someone eventually emails this thread to my wife

    Why bother her with what she already knows.

  • http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/ clintf

    I saw Fireproof on Friday. It was fantastic for its message; there isn’t a husband or wife out there that couldn’t draw some serious lessons from this movie. That’s even apart from the spiritual aspects of the movie, which are even more important.

    From a writing perspective, yeah, there were some parts that seemed amateurish…but who cares? The message was good, the movie was well-produced from a technical standpoint, I didn’t have to endure having my eyes and ears assaulted with words or actions I don’t like, and I learned a lot long before the end credits rolled.

    Plus, I got to see the kinds of things I wish I saw more: a couple turn to Christ, a marriage succeed, a few characters convinced of their shortcomings (and/or sin), and a family come together.

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    that should be “has escaped her notice.”

  • http://insanereindeer.blogspot.com/ Kenny

    Despite Fireproof’s successful grassroots marketing in religious communities, the numbers seem to suggest that the “Hollywood liberal propaganda grist mill” (comprised of people who actually do this for a living and conduct studies, polls, and focus groups with the aim of maximizing profit) know that more people would rather watch a movie like Eagle Eye than Fireproof. If a movie like Fireproof could consistently do well, Hollywood would be making it.

    That’s a bunk argument. And you know it.

    People who look at theater compare movies by types and have different expectations. No one expects any play to stack up to a movie. In plays, no one expects a comedy to make the same numbers as a musical.

    And no one expects a movie that opens in 839 theaters nationwide to compare to one that opens in 10s of thousands. Yet, in this case, this one has beat out dozens of more hyped movies in opening box office draw, and has gotten better reviews.

    Comparing it to Dark Knight or Eagle Eye is extremely stupid. And if you don’t get why, you really shouldn’t be commenting on movies.

  • http://reasonsnottovoteformccain.blogspot.com/ Morr

    Pilgrim:

    Yes, this movie did better in its opening weekend than others put out by large studios thanks, at least in part, to a successful grassroots marketing campaign. It also did much much worse than its more successful counterparts.

    What I said was that without the backing of the promotional machine that backed the movies I listed, this movie did just fine.

    You did suggest that the movie was successful because of its message and more or less accused Hollywood of not making movies the market wants. How am I “dodging” by showing you this weekend’s box office results and pointing out that more people wanted to see the action adventure than the religious flick?

    Gene:

    They aren’t making any movies I want to watch.

    Correct. They are not making movies for you. They are making movies (or trying to make movies) that appeal to the masses.

  • Pilgrim

    Nice dodge, Morr…

    I never said it would compete with movies like Dark Knight, or any other action adventure like Eagle Eye.

    What I said was that without the backing of the promotional machine that backed the movies I listed, this movie did just fine.

    (comprised of people who actually do this for a living and conduct studies, polls, and focus groups with the aim of maximizing profit)

    Yeah…that think tank did a good job on the studies concerning the far left movies I listed, didn’t they?

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    Rob & Whistler

    …. just buy your tickets, watch the movie, see for yourself the price he pays :)

    Hint: Unconditional love, unusual acts of kindness, never leaving your partner behind even when the fire is burning you….being
    “Fireproof” :)

  • carrick

    No, Chris.

    I think we’re just saying that you’re a nut job.

  • http://reasonsnottovoteformccain.blogspot.com/ Morr

    Fireproof opened in about 450.

    Close. It opened in 839 theatres.

    Despite Fireproof’s successful grassroots marketing in religious communities, the numbers seem to suggest that the “Hollywood liberal propaganda grist mill” (comprised of people who actually do this for a living and conduct studies, polls, and focus groups with the aim of maximizing profit) know that more people would rather watch a movie like Eagle Eye than Fireproof. If a movie like Fireproof could consistently do well, Hollywood would be making it.

  • Pilgrim

    An American Carol opens this weekend. Can’t wait to see how this one does in the theaters.

    We’ll compare it to the example Hannitized used above, Farenheit 9/11, (by the odious Michael Moore)
    next Monday and we’ll see how it fares.

  • http://magyartruth.blogspot.com/ Chief RZ

    Pilgrim’s Lady. Nice website. Christians don’t have much trouble smiling and being happy in Christ.

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    How much do you have to pay your wife to say stuff like that?

    Diamond earrings go a long way.

    Or so I’m told.

  • http://northerngleaner.blogspot.com/ Gene

    I’m not convinced moor.

    They aren’t making any movies I want to watch. I’m not 16.

    I will see fireproof.

    Pil is right.

    You, Not so much.

    Go Kurt

  • Chris

    So what you are saying is that there are more religious nut jobs than anit-war nut jobs??

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    Thank you my Pilgrim,
    You are a wonderful example of how a husband applies the principles role modeled in this movie in his own marriage.
    Love, your Lady

    http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&vid=116b2b33-014c-4114-9ecd-4e76ff0d5ab6

  • Hannitized

    Tell you what, Han-Job! I’m going to see “An American Carol” this weekend. I’ll write a review..

    Well you go ahead now Proof and pretend that you are a critic and that people actually care what you think.

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    Ahhhh, true love. What says it better than letting your wife pick out her own lawn mower or snow shovel or oil changing kit?

    The only problem is that you spoil ‘em when you start that.

    ;) TRUE LOVE

    Yes, if you spoil them too much they just might paint the trim and shelves in the tool rooms BERRY BERRY, huh?

    AAAAAH,TRUE LOVE! Why would a spoiled woman ever leave? Which stack of wood should I get the logs from Dawlin? <3

  • Matt

    Interesting that it’s not Political idealogical movie against opposite Political idealogical movie. It’s Political versus religious.

    As usual, conservative = Christian. Let the liberals make the informed social commentary.

  • Hannitized

    I can’t imagine anyone walking across the street to watch any Michael Moore movie for free, but they do it. Go figure.

    F9-11 was the only Michael Moore movie I saw. I felt a little embarrassed being in the theatre, and at times I thought he was unnecessarily brutal on GWB. But at other times I thought he made some great arguments.

    The audience also cheered and applauded at the end of the film. A lot of people were upset about the idea that their emotions were played upon to support the Iraq war and this was a jab back at “BushCo” for that abuse of power. At least that is how I saw other peoples reactions.

    I think this rebuttal movie is a day late.

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    LOL
    Whistler you’ll get less pokes in the ribs from Rob ;)

  • DBO

    An American Carol opens this weekend. Can’t wait to see how this one does in the theaters. :)

    http://americancarol.com/

  • http://proof-proofpositive.blogspot.com/ proof_positive

    I did a review of “Wanted” on both blogs and “Iron Man” and “The Dark Knight” on mine.

    Now, Hannitized, you’re really going to have to stop this! Between promoting my blog and making me look brilliant by comparison, people are going to suspect that you’re nothing but a sock puppet of my self promotion! Heh.

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    You can even buy your ticket online from your blog chair. :P for a much lower price than diamonds.

    http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

  • Ombre Rose

    This is FABULOUS!

    And once again, proof mounts for the fact that Hollywood is ignoring their public when they pursue their denegrating Leftwing propaganda!

    Business owners learn the hard way DAILY that they can decorate their own homes to please themselves, but if they want to stay in business, they must stock the shelves to meet the demands of their customers – or else!
    If they fail in THAT endeavor, they’ll find themselves with neither store, nor house to decorate only as they themselves please.

    Kirk Cameron is fabulous! And again shows, integrity matters.

  • Hannitized

    “fahrenheit 9/11,” michael moore’s assault on president bush, took in $8.2 million to $8.4 million in its first day, positioning it as the weekend’s no. 1 film, its distributors said saturday.

  • http://sayanythingblog.com/readers/author/realitybasedbob/ realitybasedbob

    Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

    1. “Eagle Eye,” $29.2 million.

    2. “Nights in Rodanthe,” $13.6 million.

    3. “Lakeview Terrace,” $7 million.

    4. “Fireproof,” $6.5 million.

  • http://proof-proofpositive.blogspot.com/ proof_positive

    Tell you what, Han-Job! I’m going to see “An American Carol” this weekend. I’ll write a review and you can have someone read it to you!

  • http://proof-proofpositive.blogspot.com/ proof_positive

    It doesn’t look funny at all.

    Apparently not enough “booger” jokes in the trailers for Hannitized!

  • http://proof-proofpositive.blogspot.com/ proof_positive

    Well you go ahead now Proof and pretend that you are a critic and that people actually care what you think.

    I never said a was a critic, but I have reviewed several movies both here and at Proof Positive. Would you like the links? I could get them for you! Heh.

    …pretend…that people actually care what you think.

    Tell you what troll…I’ll compare the stats on my blog to yours any day! What’s that you say? You don’t have a blog because you haven’t any positive ideas worth expressing or the ability to express them? You’re too cowardly to even start a Reader Blog? Even that minimal effort is too great for you?
    You can only counter attack? Figures!

  • Pilgrim

    Damn. Busted!

  • Pilgrim

    I can’t imagine anyone walking across the street to watch any Michael Moore movie for free, but they do it. Go figure.

    And, yeah, Team America was utterly and completely stupid and made no sense at all. I liked it. Heh.

  • Hannitized

    I can’t imagine the movie “An American Carol” doing too well. It doesn’t look funny at all. But then again, neither did “Team America”, but it was great.

  • DBO

    I like this website… it also gives the number of theaters. :)

    http://boxofficemojo.com/daily/chart/

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    Rob, you’re saying that the lack of flowers and other junk hasn’t escaped her notice?

  • http://www.myspace.com/lorindalea Pilgrim’s Lady

    Thanks Chief :)

  • Pilgrim

    Ahhhh, true love. What says it better than letting your wife pick out her own lawn mower or snow shovel or oil changing kit?

    The only problem is that you spoil ‘em when you start that.

    “Put another log on the fire, babe, and come and tell me why you’re leavin’ me.” – the Outlaws.

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    Rob & Whistler

    …. just buy your tickets, watch the movie, see for yourself the price he pays

    I’m not going to no mushy movie with Rob.

  • Pilgrim

    How much do you have to pay your wife to say stuff like that?

    Heh.

    Just being my wonderful self is enough….(assumes Barney Fife stance, hitches up belt)

  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    Whistler you’ll get less pokes in the ribs from Rob

    Show’s how much you know about Rob.

  • Pilgrim

    So you’re saying it didn’t take much.

    Exactly! Like I’ve said before….thank God for the charity of women. Without it guys like us (note the “us” part) would be sitting alone or with our loser buddies, watching sports in a dirty house with beer bottles everywhere, not cutting the grass or taking out the garbage until it starts to move on its own, not shaving, and….and……hmmmm.

    Seriously, though, I look at this mug in the mirror, then I look at her and say to myself, I don’t get it, but I’m glad anyway.

    The charity of women, like so much else about them, can be a wonderful thing.

  • http://sayanythingblog.com robport

    I’m not going to no mushy movie with Rob.

    No kidding. And I’m not going to to a movie with my wife that’s going to fill her head with stuff about me buying her flowers and stuff.

    I like to keep the bar set pretty low.
    ;-)

  • http://sayanythingblog.com robport

    Why bother her with what she already knows.

    Like you weren’t going to do it.

    Just being my wonderful self is enough.

    So you’re saying it didn’t take much.

  • http://sayanythingblog.com robport

    And when someone eventually emails this thread to my wife, let me say: “I’m kidding honey!”

  • http://sayanythingblog.com robport

    Thank you my Pilgrim,
    You are a wonderful example of how a husband applies the principles role modeled in this movie in his own marriage.
    Love, your Lady

    Man.

    How much do you have to pay your wife to say stuff like that?

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