The new movie “Jesus Revolution” crushed box-office expectations, garnering rave reviews from moviegoers and doubling estimations. The film was projected to earn around $6 to $7 million in ticket sales but made over $15 million, landing in third place at the weekend box office. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie earned $6,272 per theater.
In spite of mixed critic reviews, the film earned a 99 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating from the general audience and an A+ CinemaScore. For director Jon Erwin, this film is his fourth to receive an A+ CinemaScore, following “I Can Only Imagine,” “Woodlawn,” and “American Underdog.” CinemaScore President Harold Mintz told Collider, “Jon Erwin has now achieved four A+ CinemaScores, more than any other filmmaker since we’ve been compling data. For a director to achieve that accomplishment once is a rarity. But to hit that mark four times is not only an incredible distinction, but it’s also unprecedented.”
One moviegoer said that while Christian-centric films typically don’t appeal to many Americans, everyone should see this movie as a piece of American history. Another audience member wrote, “Well done! An inspiring, encouraging story that was honestly and transparently told.” Another viewer left a positive review, writing, “I loved it. I cried and laughed. I felt overwhelmed with joy. It was clean and wholesome.”
According to Deadline, the movie likely topped box office factors due to differing factors like word of mouth through university and church screenings and contemporary Christian artists. Box office projections also underestimated Kelsey Grammer’s star power and Jonathan Roumie, a well-known faith-based actor who played Jesus in “The Chosen” series.
Comscore/Screen Engine’s PosTrak discovered that 74 percent of viewers purchased their tickets the day before or the day of the showing. According to the film’s synopsis, “Jesus Revolution” is the tale of one young hippie’s journey in the 1970s for liberation and belonging. This journey will lead to love, rock and roll, and peace and set in motion a new cultural crusade, a Jesus Movement, that changes the course of history.
The movie focuses on Pastor Greg Laurie in the early years of his life in the 1970s as he meets a hippie street preacher named Lonnie Frisbee. The duo eventually meets Pastor Chuck Smith, played by Kelsey Grammer. Smith, who died in 2013, played a role in the spiritual awakening in Southern California in the 1960s and 1970s. He was the pastor of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa.
Movies about Christianity can go in numerous different directions. However, “Jesus Revolution” took a different approach, striving for high production values and a storyline that works even if you don’t care about Christianity. Director Jon Erwin and co-director Brent McCorkle say their primary goal is entertainment, but they believe their themes have universal appeal. Erwin said, “We need hope. We need optimism. We need stories about redemption and forgiveness.”
“Jesus Revolution” was surprisingly a box-office hit. Does this mean that audiences want to see more stories like this? There’s no sure answer, but only time will tell.