“Bad to the Bone”
J.C., Heaven
Faith-based movies don’t by definition have to be bad movies…
Yet time and time again these low budget “message movies” lack good writing, direction, production values and/or acting.
The word cheesy often comes into play when reviewing them.
And since much of the marketing for such films is done via churches and religious organizations, minimal marketing dollars are usually spent on mainstream TV, radio, newspaper or on digital outlets.
Happily the quality of faith-based movies has improved in recent years.
Several of the newer titles in the genre didn’t just simply hit you over the head with their intended messages. Movies like HEAVEN IS REAL, GOD’S NOT DEAD, SON OF GOD and the recent football / message drama WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL.
Which brings me to the new Christian Elvis-like musical drama THE IDENTICAL.
It opened wide enough at just under 2,000 theaters this past weekend, yet experienced the third worst premier weekend of all time for a film opening at around 2,000 locations.
It did about $1.91 million in domestic ticket sales.
Granted the reviews were mixed-to-poor at best. I rated the film starring Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green and Blake Rayne a C. Some critics thought I was far too kind. So be it.
Jon Niccum in his Kansas City Star review hit a little harder by referring to THE IDENTICAL as being “So misguided that it bombs in jaw-dropping ways.”
Ouch.
That said, I’ve seen worse – a lot worse.
Why then those glowing quotes for the film in large and full page newspaper ads including USA TODAY?
One header read, “This weekend, see the movie everyone is talking about.”
It was followed by a dozen quotes including these five:
A.–“Best inspirational film”
B.–“Uplifting…Redeeming”
C.–“Had me rocking and rolling”
D.–“A must see family movie”
E.–“Wonderfully written and acted”
NOW HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!
What critic in their right mind offered Quote E?
Who knows?
The quote was attributed simply to Nikki, Dallas, Tx.
Let’s keep going.
Quote A came from Deb, Indianapolis, Ind
Quote B came from Kori, Ft. Meyers, Fl
Quote C came from Stephen, Denver, Co
And Quote D came from Chuck, Canton, Oh
Come on guys, that’s about as cheesy as a so-called quote campaign can get.
Shame on those who created it the ad, but especially to those who APPROVED them.
Is it possible that the complete failure of this film at the box office is a sign from above? A greater power’s punishment FOR this questionable quote campaign?
Now go eat your sour grapes and sin no more.
Why are faith based movies always preaching the Protestant Christian faith? Aren’t there any Jewish faith based movies?
The Jazz Singer. There you go.
Fiddler on the Roof? Yentl? OK…I’m done.
Thought Fiddler on the Roof was about Pee Wee Herman putting new shingles on. OK…….I’m done.
They didn’t want to pay Shawn Edwards for a quote?
I heard he comes pretty cheap for a solid.
Dude, Hearne was holding out for a quote from Craig; “Craig, if you were a Christian and if you would have seen this movie, what do you think your opinion would have been?”
Sam Goldwyn said if you’ve got a message, send a telegram.
but a faith based movie is so more glamorous…..:)