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A big surprise at the box office this weekend was the 4th place opening of Provident/Samuel Goldwyn's Fireproof, the small budget and limited release pic about a firefighter who recommits to his marriage and his faith. The movie is the latest from Sherwood Pictures, a nonprofit ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, that previously put out the popular Facing the Giants and the lesser-known Flywheel. Samuel Goldwyn Films is the theatrical distributor, while Provident Films handled Fireproof's outreach and marketing to Christian audiences. It debuted to a $2.3M Friday and $2.6M Saturday for a $6.5M gross weekend though released into only 839 dates and costing just $500K. The reason why is that the pic used grassroots methods to directly reach churches on behalf of the PG film starring the grown-up star of TV's Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron. (The evangelical actor claims he donated his pay from Fireproof to a camp for seriously ill kids he runs with his wife.) It had the year’s highest grossing opening weekend return of any film (except 3-D Hannah Montana) released on 1,000 screens or less. Faith-based "Action Squads" bought up blocks of tickets. "Just between you and me, keep your eye on the Fireproof per screen averages this weekend," a source at Grace Hill Media, which markets to the religious community but wasn't involved with this movie, tipped me. "On Sunday, I think there will be some distribution execs around town who will be asking 'What the hell is Fireproof?' " The studios did.
But what's interesting about the pic's success is that not all Christian-themed movies do well: in fact, most don't, especially those made by the majors trying to cash in on Mel Gibson's blockbuster The Passion Of The Christ. Hollywood still can't figure out what works and what doesn't for faith-based audiences. Today, Fireproof is still going strong with advance ticket sales, accounting for the largest share -- 22% -- of all sold, according to big online ticketseller Fandango.com. "Because of the sold-out screenings and strong word-of-mouth, we expect next weekend’s ticket sales for this movie will be equally healthy," spokesman Harry Medved told me.
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“Firepoof” was marketed to and directly from the churches. The Producers behind “Fireproof” knew their audience and went straight after them through the use of various Evangelical Christian outlets, places like American Family Association and Focus on the Family. You can debate the ethics of laying down with people like James Dobson, but if you want his audience his fleas are the ones you have to wake up with.
The film did well because it was a good story. Not all faith-based films have a good story which is why they don’t do well. I don’t like “religious films” per se but I enjoyed this one due to its story. Plus Cameron pretty much has this brand to himself (i.e. Left Behind) so he can be considered the “Will Smith of Christian films”. We may see a new type of film star in him. I just hope the market doesn’t get saturated with Christian films though as that will not work.
A writer friend (he’s very conservative, I am not) of mine discus this often: what the studios don’t get is Middle America. They market films for the cities of both coasts, for audiences that live in blue states, and forget that there’s a whole middle ground. Fireproof marketed itself to that untapped market, and knew it would pick-up viewers who lean toward the middle.
The other thing that “Hollywood” does, is always swing for the homerun, forgetting that if you hit enough singles, you score runs too.
If you budget films reasonably, aim for niche markets, you might score or crossover to other markets as well if you have a good story. Fireproof seems to bare that out.
This film works (where others have not) because it is a good story that Protestants, Catholics, and basically anyone conservative in philosophy toward marriage and THEN the promotions team busted the butts to make sure that everyone in the faith community saw it. They showed the movie over 300 times to various groups all over the nation this past summer. It’s spelled W-O-R-K, people! The Last Sin Eater, Ultimate Gift, End of the Spear…all stories that this same audience should have eaten up, but they did the “throw it out there and let’s see if the audience shows up” and their box offices showed it. It’s not rocket science…it’s a totally different method than the studio approach, but it’s not complicated.
I heard that Kirk was against kissing his movie wife and his real-life wife was a stand-in for the kissing scenes (wore a wig and scenes were in low-light). First time I’ve ever heard of something like that.
I think his choice in only kissing his real wife was very honorable of him, and I believe it truly shows his faith in God.
I would second the point about quality. I’ve only seen the trailer for Fireproof but it seems to have a compelling story which, while it may find its resolution in a spirituality I don’t share, actually seems compelling. The characters at least appear to be real, flawed human beings.
Watching someone with perfect faith reconnect with god is about as inspiring as watching Neo in the second and third Matrix movies beat up on mindless drones.
Marketing through churches, eh? So, what you’re saying is that they had the courage to do what the studio system has refused to do for almost a century, use the same techniques that made Oscar Micheaux and Tyler Perry a success. Applause all around.
Nikki, you answered your own question when you talk about Christians not flocking to the Christian movies that Hollywood puts out.
Um, as well all know, Hollywood isn’t a Christian town. So when Jewish producers produce what they call a Christian movie, it reeks of condescension to an actual Christian plus they’re usually God awful and get even the most basics of the religion wrong.
Just like when white producers throw together “urban movies” or straight producers throw together “gay movies”. Even though I’m an atheist, I can see that the so-called “Christian movies” that Hollywood slaps together are junk and those behind them have no interest in them other than the chance of making what they assume oh so arrogantly will be a quick buck.
“Fire Proof” is doing well because it’s actually made by Christians plus Kirk Cameron has a regular show for Christians and so no doubt it’s been plugged to the uh… heavens.
I’m still rolling my eyes at how Hollywood actually tried to pass off “Evan Almighty” as a Christian movie last year.
The other thing these “BRILLIANT” marketers did was rally the Catholic Church around a Baptist film. When you have people working on the 67 million strong single denomination of Catholics united with people who speak to the other 160 million strong Protestant community, you’ve really managed to unite a commonality that speaks the same language. We’ve never seen this kind of marketing outreach to Catholics since maybe The Passion.
Nikke, are you saying that Hollywood has figured out non-faith based audiences?
I’m an evangelical Christian who didn’t care for “Facing the Giants” and probably wouldn’t care for “Fireproof” either. Still, some of you have a point about Middle America in general and Christians in particular. I’m sorry, but the truth is that all too often, the entertainment industry simply reeks of condescension toward people who aren’t like them. And if they think those people don’t notice it, they’re fooling themselves. “You rubes are beneath us, now go watch our movies” ain’t cutting it, folks.
The filmmaking philosophy of the people behind “Fireproof” has its flaws, but I’ll give them this much: They went out there to their target audience and said, “We think like you, we respect you, we made our movie for you, and we want you to come see it.” And surprise, surprise: It worked.
If you want to see more successes along these lines, take all the money and talent and tools that Hollywood has at its disposal and make movies with an attitude like that (even if you can’t honestly say “We think like you,” at least say “We respect you,” and mean it). And it’ll work.
Patrick McGoohan had a similar rule, he felt it would disrespect his wife. It was one of the main reasons he twice turned down the role of James Bond in the 1960s. (He also called Bond an “amoral thug.”)
Fireproof did well because while it is a film about faith and marriage, it’s not a lecture, it’s a movie. They knew that people shell out the bucks for stories, so they set that up first, making sure that while it was structured along the themes they wanted to talk about, without beating you over the head with it.
Mainstream Hollywood can’t really sell religious film based on any religion these days, because folks can’t see any real sincerity behind Hollywood’s attempts to “be religious” but they can see condescension. Modern Hollywood doesn’t respect the audience, they assume that as long as it has lots of explosions, folks will buy tickets. The don’t want to do the work to win them over anymore.
Sorry to burst your bubble of “unlike can’t make like” Crystal, but that old hoary classic Ben Hur was directed by a Jew. Think of all the gay directors who’ve made heterosexual romances over the years. And which Hollywood “Christian” movies get the “most basics [sic]” of the religion wrong? It’s not like they’re showing Jesus as a goat-headed dragon or something.
Though not having seen the thing, I think Fireproof succeeded because it was marketed to the right audience and had a good story. Simple as that.
Not really a shock, as the people in the movie, it appears, while not being “hip” or “cool”, after you work 40 hours a week, you don’t mind spending you money to watch them.
I’m going to go to the movie just to support non-scumbags on screen that aren’t out to smear the audience with their contempt and arrogance.
I say this after seeing a screening of Rachael Getting Married; a movie, full of upper middle class snide jerks, and faux realism, I was wanting Anne Hathaway’s character to literally kill herself half-way thru the movie when she drives her Benz off the road. Alas, the movie went on…..truly an unwatchable movie. I mean I couldn’t even watch the screen the people were so repulsive and self-invovled. Glad I didn’t pay for it. I doubt anyone else well, either when they are given the chance.
Just the fact that people are asking is exactly why Hollywood is in trouble. The majority of Americans are religious. The vast majority of those people are Christians. It’s the single largest target audience in the country. You know, the same people that aren’t watching movies or TV in the numbers they used to.
The simple truth is Hollywood is very out of touch with the rest of the country when it come to religion. If it’s mentioned, it’s going to be wrong, condenscending or just plain insulting. Give the majority of the potential audience something that doesn’t mock their beliefs, and guess what? They’ll watch it!
You could read the biggest reason for the film’s success in Nikki’s first sentence, the synopsis. The movie’s core idea has broad appeal with just enough faith elements as a bonus, with those ideas treated seriously. Religious films which are too “niche” or “preach to the choir” will almost never get this level of B.O. success. If the film is well made also, it will continue its success by attracting those who are not the most church-going too.
Good ideas aren’t plentiful, if they were, many more movies of this and other types would be successful.
I’d tend to agree, as a guy in the midwest. Fireproof, from the marketing WE saw, was a good firefighter movie, with a message that appealed and was aimed at a christian audience. It didn’t come across as pandering, or preachy. It was just about an interesting character, (a fireman) facing very human, normal, compelling problems, the very accessible issues of love and marriage and career.
Any small (budget) niche film that does well seems to have the same things in common with FIREPROOF. An interesting, relatable lead, a human story that people can see themselves in, and doesn’t preach or pander.
The lesson here is, if you make a good movie for a little money, and get the word out, you’ll make your money.
Take a lesson from Tyler Perry. Tell good stories people relate to.
I’ll add another vote to the quality claim. If you remove the specific references to God and faith from the trailer of “Fireproof,” there is still a story>/b> in there regarding the redemption of flawed characters–you know, the things that quality secular films generally have as well? I mean, the Christian message is transparent to anyone who sees the first 30 seconds of the film, but unlike unpopular, fluffy Christian movie bombs, “Fireproof” supports the moral with a plot that doesn’t just preach to the choir. And I won’t deny that marketing directly to churches helped its cause, but I know that “Evan Almighty” also teamed up with Christian media groups and still met with box office failure. And why? Because “Evan Almighty” had a terrible story.
I know people don’t believe it, but Christians are discerning moviegoers, too (at least, I know I am), and a little effort goes a long way.
Waitasecond – Tyler Perry tells good stories? The drag queen goes to jail, the drag queen acts sassy, the duplicitious woman gets her comeuppance, etc, ad nauseum. Blah.
What a bunch of hooey. If fundamentalist Protestants and Catholics wanted to see this stuff on a regular basis they would be watching faith-based fictional television which they don’t and that is free. Any show that has tried to get too into religion can’t sustain an audience. The only hit has been 7th Heaven and it was more centrist (and a retread of “8 is Enough” years earlier at that) and notice it didn’t spawn a plethora of clones either.
The same people that whine about the lack of these movies are also lining up to see the most violent and prurient movies possible, they just like to hold one of these up every so often so they don’t feel so hypocritical the rest of the time. There is no way they are lining up consistently for this stuff which is exactly why Hollywood doesn’t make it and the indies don’t either. Besides, if they were so interested in Christian programming they would be mounting Christian based theater productions at their mega churches and they don’t do that either.
Whenever I tell those people who complain about Hollywood ignoring them about a great family movie (like Miracles from the UK to name one) they never bother to see them, they just like to complain.
As a Christian, I know many of us find it offensive when studios try to throw out crap, label it as “Christian” and just assume people will flock to it like mindless sheep. The post earlier is right, Hollywood doesn’t have a clue about middle ie. “real” America…it’s just flyover country for them between NY and L.A. The key is to stay true to the source (which is why The Passion was so successful) and to not take “creative liberties.” The story of King David has blockbuster written all over it…if done correctly. Christians know when the producers don’t respect the source or the message being presented.
I think Fireproof has done so well with Christians in particular, because we can tell the real deal. What I mean by that is when Hollywood puts together a movie that is “geared” towards believers, as a believer I discern and see that the people portraying are doing just that, they are acting! Their life is nothing like what they are advertising. On the other hand when I see people like Kirk Cameron, someone who lives his faith, and not speaks his faith, I am attracted to that,and his life makes the movie more appealing.
I also disagree some with an earlier post about the same people who are complaining about Hollywood movies are the same ones watching the most violent movies. I am not perfect and every once in a while (every 6 months or so) attend a girlie flick that is rated PG-13. I really have no business being there, so as you can see I am not perfect and make bad choices. So people like me work at not watching the trash out there, it is all about choice. If real born-again believers would stop going and watching the movies that don’t align with out beliefs, then I think Hollywood would hurt, but we want to be a part of the world.
Personally I am thrilled to see movies like Fire Proof, and I also enjoyed Facing the Giants. Because I want to go to the theatre and not watch movies with people in compromising sexual situations or language that I don’t exactly enjoy hearing. I am nothing near perfection, but as Christians our goal is to look and be more like Christ. So that is what we should strive for, and there are very few movies we can watch, that allow us to work on our goal!
By the way, I just rented out a theatre for next weekend, 165 tickets sold to our members. I am ready for the popcorn and a God-inspired movie, that my friends is why this movie is going to do well, because it is God-inspired.
Wow, “fleas.” Just because you don’t agree with someone’s world view (or taste in films) doesn’t make them blood-drinking insects.
I’m a laissez-faire salad bar Catholic and overt religious displays can make me nervous. But most of the religious-types I know are completely sincere. If I were in trouble, they would be the first to help me. Some of them are former addicts who credit a belief in God for their sobriety. I don’t think like them, I don’t vote like them but I totally respect how they live. I even admire them, sometimes.
The key seems to be sincerity. Mel Gibson is a pretty conflicted character, ‘a good person who believes he is a bad person,’ to paraphrase director George Miller. And all of that inner-conflict and torment is on view in “The Passion.” Love it or hate it, you can’t question it’s energy and sincerity.
A well-made picture like, say, “The Nativity” seemed to have no sincerity or intensity. It didn’t seem to be anyone’s burning passion or an expression of faith. It was just a gig, a New Line programmer and it played accordingly.
Without an intensity or authenticity, the Industry should stay away from these projects – and these audiences. Unless they can figure out a way to fake sincerity…
I’m much more willing to spend $10 a ticket on a film that celebrates and honors covenant marriage than one that insults it or promotes the newest fantasy affair of the week. Most of the folks who spend their hard-earned money at the movies are the ones who really love their spouses and wish to God and Christ someone would come along to say “Fight for it–it’s worth it, and we’ll back you up and help you” instead of “Forget it–there’s always an easier way.” This church didn’t just make a movie; they made a way for marriages to grow and heal. They backed it up with tools and resources and help for those of us that work at marriage because it matters. I’d like to see Hollywood do that someday. I’ll wish to Christ for that, too. (Go check out some of those tools out there, while you’re blogging. Try http://www.thelovedarebook.com or another one at http://www.fireproofoutreach.com. Don’t matter where you look–just look.)
Is it just me or is Cameron getting to be a real pain in the ass? At least Travolta realises when he gets out of the loop and fixes it (Planet Earth).
“every once in a while (every 6 months or so) attend a girlie flick that is rated PG-13. I really have no business being there, so as you can see I am not perfect and make bad choices.” Comment by EC38201
Yeah, you’re probably going to hell for those PG-13’s….
My question,
OK so far Kirk C. has released a relatively good product.
But how was the crew treated?
In My experience of working with a “Christian Production Company”, those of us who are of a different faith were treated in such a manner that has me questioning the Christian Faith.
The lesson – Know Thy Audience. When you try to foist your notion of religion on the vast ticket-buying market between NY and LA (or try to foist your political views on them for that matter) the audience talks back with their dollars. Why isn’t smart budgeting+knowledgeable marketing the Hollywood religion? Why does Tyler Perry succeed? Why was The Passion made for 25 mil and reaped over 600 mil? How did Bella, made for around 3 mil earn over 7 domestically? In every other business, you have to assess the market, budget well and work your core audience. That people in the movie business are surprised at the success of Fireproof makes me wonder how they earn their salaries.
well ok, i’ll say it – i didn’t like this film. thought it was weak, found cameron’s performance uncompelling, unconvincing, and one dimensional. i may not be the target audience, but don’t tell me i’m in the minority people, sorry.
A writer friend (he’s very conservative, I am not) of mine discus this often: what the studios don’t get is Middle America. They market films for the cities of both coasts, for audiences that live in blue states, and forget that there’s a whole middle ground. Fireproof marketed itself to that untapped market, and knew it would pick-up viewers who lean toward the middle.
that is bullshit. I am a Deaf South Asian Muslim and I live in the midwest (Missouri). Not all of us in the midwest are right-wing Christian conservatives who want to watch a crappy Christian-oriented movie with a crappy actor.
no thanks to The Passion or Fireproof, I’ll stick to regular movies, ok?
Nyguy, you could not be more wrong. Your comment makes it obvious to me that you are judging an entire group of people (Christians) as all the same. Last time I checked, that was called bigotry, and it isn’t a very tolerant or diverse way of thinking. I am in contact with thousands of Christians around the world. We are discerning, and don’t go see the movies you talked about. If there were more shows on TV that were open about our beliefs, were sincere and true-to-life, then we’d watch those. But, like Fireproof, that requires a huge amount of faith on someone’s part, like it did for Alex & Stephen Kendrick, and an open mind on the part of TV studios to air and market them.
There’s nothing wrong with a film about saving marriages. However, when the underlying message suggests that God’s influence is what’s needed to restructure a relationship, well, that’s disingenuous and it’s Christian propaganda.
Beyond that, these Kirk Cameron films have all had unsightly production values, pitiful tv-grade photography and storytelling, plus they’re irritatingly pedantic. With the backing of a religion that siphons its ill-gotten money from the country more hungrily than the government and big business, you’d think these church-backed films could scrounge up enough to make an attractive, competently staged production. Perhaps, even, an interesting script where we see the characters go to church, pray once and leave it at that? Instead, we get dialog that doubles as a sermon.
Just like good Christians, they don’t seem to get it.
JO, last time I checked, a lot of evangelicals weren’t too tolerant either — so why accuse others of “bigotry” while trying to shame them for not tolerating you?
The contempt that so-called “Middle America” feels coming from Hollywood isn’t a one-way street; the so-called righteous have contempt for us “liberals” too, and think we’re going to hell.
Good thing the Lord made you so holy, Pharisee…
“Fireproof” is successful because the Kendrick Brothers and their crew of enthusiastic volunteers (augmented by a few seasoned professionals in key positions) KNOW AND RESPECT THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE.
All the cleverly targeted marketing in the world won’t sell a film that doesn’t address the target audience in a meaningful and genuine manner.
Too many of the professionally-made “Church-sploitation” films evidence the inherent cynicism of the entrenched, hyper-secular Hollywood culture. They often result in tepid, condescending and unenthused fictionalizations of Bible stories, preachy “social gospel” yarns, or bland, humorless and error-strewn homilies which lack most earmarks of genuineness or fealty to the sincerely-held theological beliefs of the target audience.
These defects often suggest a barely concealed metamessage of skepticism, distrust and contempt. Moreover, such inauthentic films are sometimes held in suspicion of ulterior motives and pro-secular messages by the very religious audiences such films claim to target.
Some of the problem lies in Hollywood’s failure to nurture and develop authentic and talented voices conversant in the salient and material details of applied Christianity.
Another problem is Hollywood’s failure to create reliable “branding” for such niche films.
Most certainly, “Fireproof” evidences Sherwood Pictures’ expanding budgets as well as their increasing skill in crafting films in their chosen niche. But AUTHENTICITY, respect for the audience, solid storytelling, and characterizatons which resonate with millions of ordinary people throughout America’s heartland are indespensable keys to the the mystery of “Fireproof’s” emerging success.
Grace Hill has done very well marketing pictures to the religious press (which included Belief.net and the Jewish Journal, so they’re not just pitching to “fundies”). Fireproof is so much better than the usual genre picture that audiences came out for it. Most of the others were had stinky production values, etc. But the Mormon genre pictures were good–the LDS version of Pride and Prejudice is actually very amusing.
The comments here from the movie’s supporters about it’s “sincerity” being the cause of it’s sucess ring true to me… because that’s always the way it is with any kind of “genre” film.When a specialised audience rejects one of Hollywood’s attempts to pander to them, it usually boils down to this: they can practically SMELL the contempt clinging to the final product…whether it’s a Christian film, or a comics adaptation, or a “chick flick”. The problem with Hollywood has never been it’s lack of faith in God… it’s the lack of faith in the intelligence of the audience. (Nothing guarantees a bad movie more than having it made by people who would never themselves pay to SEE it- which,sadly, is S.O.P. in the industry…)
My wife and I loved the movie. It was real and portrayed the difficulties in life. I am a conservative Christian and I told other people to watch. The only people who do not like it are the liberals who have contempt for positive Christian values as you can tell by the language they use.
I’ve always thought Kirk C had enormous appeal. Glad he’s done well with this film.
It’s just sad that this film is being attacked when was only made to help people. Marriage is under attack more than ever and without good marriages, generations to come will pay for it. For those who have not seen the movie, don’t judge it. You can’t judge something you haven’t seen. I saw the movie and will tell everyone I know and met to go see it! I know hearts will be touched and marriages will be restored because God is in the center of this movie, on and off screen. He will be use this tool to help people and HE WILL BE GLORIFIED!!!
The fact that so-called Hollywood players like Huh don’t know the difference between a religious film and an historical film (hence his out of left field reference to Ben Hur) is a perfect example of how out of touch (and ignorant) Hollywood is.
I would like to sing God’s praises for the success of this film. My family went and in the theatre there was not one dry eye in the place. Why? Because those in attendence were convicted of God’s truth. (Truth Hurts) When we are so inendated every minute by wordly views it’s a relief to be able to see the way our lives should be. Think about it. God created us man & woman. When we marry we become one. The way God intended. Following his truths through reading His word and placing Him squarly in our marriage we can find true happiness as the film portrays. If you think this film is a success just because some one knew how to market it. Think again. This films message is needed in society today more than ever. Our eternal life depends on placing our lives in the hands of Jesus. That is the only way for use to Fire Proof our souls. And it’s as simple as just excepting the truth. Read more about it in a Bible near you. God Bless
I went to see “Fireproof” because I wanted to show support with my wallet for a movie with a message. I have not seen any of the “Left Behind” movies, and didn’t know who Kirk Cameron was. I loved the movie, and have recommended it to friends and coworkers.
I too, am a born-again Christian, and at the risk of being criticized, I have one more observation to make. I love a good movie that is honest, real, and well made. I recently watched “Quineanera” – another low budget, independent movie. I loved it – even though there were some lifestyles represented in the movie that I don’t agree with. The movie was honest, real, and well made. That’s what is so cool about art – it can present alternative perspectives in a way that touches people, and hopefully inspires some grace! I also live in middle-america – where the term “Christian” is usually considered synonymous with “White Republican Conservative”…I’d like to remind everyone that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a DONKEY
…that was just a joke – everyone is entitled to their own political beliefs! I don’t consider myself a liberal – because I KNOW what is right and wrong; rather, I consider myself tolerant. Now criticize away…but go see “Fireproof” – it is a great movie!
I too am a conservative Christian. Most of the people I know barely even watch television anymore, except for Christian TV. How much money is Hollywood losing by not producing anything for this vast audience? We’re talking about tens of millions of people who rarely watch a movie or anything on TV.
@glndathgd
They were treated well…. its volunteers from the church
When I was single and dating, I saw Shakespeare in Love and The English Patient in the theatre. These movies won the Oscar for Best Picture. Yet, while watching them I was thinking of creative ways to kill myself like the people who were stuck listening to Robert Hays in Airplane.
My wife and I saw this movie over the weekend because it was our anniversary and we wanted to go see a movie. (The last 2 we saw together were Iron Man and The Dark Knight, which we both loved). We enjoyed Fireproof very much. Yeah, it wasn’t the greatest acting we had ever seen and it wasn’t visually stunning like The Dark Knight, but we walked out feeling good about what we saw, which is all you can ask in a movie.
If you didn’t like it, sorry. But, hopefully, you’ll remember that if you loved someone enough to marry them, then they are worth fighting to keep. My wife doesn’t know this, but I used to run 2, 3, 4 girlfriends at a time. I thought I was cool and was living the life. Truth be told, I was never really happy, and certainly not as happy as I am now. Maybe if you fought for the love of just one person, and wont he fight, you’d be much happier too.
Why criticize Cameron for not kissing his co-star in deference to his wife? That’s his perogative. On another level, I can relate. While not having, yet, headlined a major movie, I certainly cringed at the thought of kissing an acting class scene partner. Just couldn’t go through with it. The guy’s breath smelled so rotten, I couldn’t even get close to him. Totally wrecked my concentration. I just pretended to be grossed out by the character and pulled back. The tactic worked. I was incredibly believable because it wasn’t a stretch. I will cry out body double and real husband stand-in for sure.
WHY doesn’t a studio or indie co. sign these guys to a development deal? Or have they been approached and decided the ‘rank’ of Hollywood would be too great?
The reason the film did so well is simple…one aspect that big hollywood film makers do not stress nor push for in their own films…everyone in Fireproof is a born again Christian…simple! The Lord would only bless something made by true Christians wanting to get His message out in a way that the world would understand!
I don’t know if I’ll even get to see the film but I’m very happy it’s doing so well.
One reason it did better than most Christian themed movies is that the acting was better. Most Christian movies have really poor acting. While some of the “walk-on” and more minor roles in this movie still seem somewhat poor, the primary roles are well acted. Cameron has been a professional actor, but the lead female role (I don’t know her name) proved she could have a future in acting as well.
The writers of the movie also learned the value of some well placed comedy relief in an otherwise emotive “chick flick.” That, and the fact it has a really good message made it more tolerable for those of us that generally don’t like romance movies.
My husband and I went to see the movie last night and I have never seen any of the Left Behind movies either or really any other Christian films. Marriage is hard and we argue and sometimes I want out. But, watching this movie made me remember why I got married and that we all have rough patches but if you stay committed to your partner and don’t focus on your “feelings” and put God in there as well, you can be happy. And not everyday, but you have to stay in it. It is a choice. The acting was a little rough, but the story was very heartwarming. Take plenty of tissues when you go. My husband was sniffling and wiping tears and he never cries.
This was an excellent movie, and those of you who haven’t seen it are missing something.
The real reason for success of some of these films has been their grassroots methods where they use churches as free advertising. This is why Passion of the Christ and Fireproof have been successful. Fireproof has four-week study to go with the movie, which many pastors are using in there churches. The thing about these movies is there is intense pressure in the churches to see these movies. You will hear at church “What you haven’t seen it yet? You have to see it!” There is a lot of peer pressure to go see it. I have no desire to see it and the few scenes that were previewed for me were horrible.
I do think it is good to finally see cultural cons making their own films rather then just complaining that Hollywood isn’t catering to them. But they do need to get beyond having to use pastors and bible studies to promote their movies or they will never get beyond one or two success stories a year.
In my humble opinion:
Fireproof has done well because it is
ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER MADE!!!!
It was poorly acted in places, but that didn’t seem to matter. The story and passion shown through. As a church volunteer myself, I appreciate the passion and hard work all of the actors and crew put into this “Labor of Love”. They were not just “doing a job”, but presenting praise and worship through their efforts.
I only wish my ex wife and I had seen it before it was too late.