A sign of a good critic is that while their political perspectives may inform their views, they allow other factors to determine whether or not a movie succeeds aesthetically and intellectually. Hence, liberal Roger Ebert praised the film as a personal expression of Gibson's faith, while conservative James Bowman condemned the film for being confused about what it was really trying to say about the nature of Jesus's matyrdom. Different critics, different perspectives-but both fine and thoughtful critics, and both equally valid interpretations.
That's a great point. Just for people's info...James Bowman also liked Vera Drake.