The new film “Jesus Revolution” has exceeded expectations, more than doubled industry predictions, and received amazing reviews from audiences.
The faith-based Lionsgate picture was expected to generate $6 or $7 million in ticket sales, but it finished third at the weekend box office with more than $15 million. According to Box Office Mojo, the picture grossed a whopping $6,272 per theater.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film received an A+ CinemaScore and a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating from the general public. After “American Underdog,” “I Can Only Imagine,” and “Woodlawn,” this is filmmaker Jon Erwin’s fourth picture to get an A+ CinemaScore.
Jon Erwin now has four A+ CinemaScores, more than any other director since they began collecting data. It is unusual for a filmmaker to achieve that feat more than once. But reaching that milestone four times is not just a great achievement; it is also unparalleled. Collider spoke with CinemaScore President Harold Mintz.
According to one audience member, although many Christian-centric films may not appeal to many Americans, everyone should appreciate the film as a piece of American history.
Aimee, another viewer, also wrote a very good comment, stating, “I loved it. I cried and laughed. I felt overwhelmed with joy. “It was clean and wholesome.”
The film likely outperformed box office expectations owing to a combination of reasons, namely word of mouth from church and university screenings as well as modern Christian performers.
Box office projections also seemed to underestimate Kelsey Grammer’s star power, as well as Jonathan Roumie, a prominent faith-based actor who portrayed Jesus in the “The Chosen” trilogy. Additionally, a Christian picture has not had a large cinema distribution in a long time.
According to Comscore/Screen Engine’s PosTrak, 74% of viewers purchased their tickets on the day of or the day before their particular showing. On PostTrak, the film had a 97% favourable rating, with females over 25 leading at 54%, men over 25 at 37%, females under 25 at 6%, and males under 25 at 3%.
According to Deadline, Lionsgate is already hearing about repeat business for the film.
According to the film’s official synopsis, “Jesus Revolution” is the story of one young hippie’s pursuit for belonging and liberation in the 1970s, which leads not only to peace, love, and rock and roll, but also sets in motion a new counterculture crusade – a Jesus Movement – that changes the course of history.
The film follows Pastor Greg Laurie back in time to the 1970s, when he encounters a hippie street preacher called Lonnie Frisbee. They finally meet Reverend Chuck Smith, who is portrayed by Grammer.
Smith was the real-life pastor of Calvary Church in Costa Mesa until he died in 2013. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was a key figure in the spiritual awakening that took place in Southern California.
