My son went after work last night. 9pm showing on Sunday night was sold-out. He waited in line for another 30 minutes to get tickets for a 9:55 showing. It ended up being sold out, too. 9:55pm on SUNDAY NIGHT???
This is phenomenal.
You know what I think this means? I think people are hungry for faith, and they are wanting to see this for that reason. I myself have felt that my faith is more rote than heartfelt, and I am going to see this film in order to get a new perspective on Scripture, which because I have heard it all my life is too familiar and comfortable.
Gibson has done a great service to all of us, both believers and non-Christians, by giving us something visual and visceral to understand Christ's sacrifice. I haven't yet seen the movie, but will do so this next weekend. I both look forward to and dread it, but seeing it is necessary for me to understand the Sacrifice.