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I can't wait to see this movie. Focusing on the Passion IMO is just what the Catholic Church needs to do more. In the modern church the Mass has become a celebration, not a sacrifice, step up for your doughnuts and fellowship afterwards.
When I was very young praying the Stations of the Cross was my favorite devotion. Then Vatican II came along, and they had to add that 15th station, the Resurrection. Can't focus on that depressing crucifixion. And many Catholic churches don't even have a crucifix anymore, it's the cross with the resurrected Christ on it. IMO we have to FACE WHAT HE DID FOR US.
And facing it can be a transforming experience. Sounds like this movie may be it for some people. Way to go Mel!!

You are so right in many ways. The church, at times has seemed to have lost its focus.

During the season of Lent I will sacrifice for the betterment of my soul, and I can't believe how many people tell me that its better to do nice things for others.

That's a given. Isn't that what we should do everyday of our lives?

The self sacrifice doesn't seem to mean much anymore, and I find that rather sad. The church certainly doesn't try to emphasize that.

We also have a relatively new Catholic Church down the street. Unfortunately the tabernacle is not on the altar. IT's in the back of the church.

That just doesn't make any sense to me.

In the modern church the Mass has become a celebration, not a sacrifice

The Mass is, and has always been, a celebration of the Eucharist - and the Eucharist is a remebrance of the sacrafice that Jesus made. We can be happy that He died for our sins AND appreciate that He died for our sins at the same time.

Having said that, I will agree that some will view the Mass as a social occasion without the deep appreciation that it deserves. This is not necessarily the fault of the Church.

I have never seen a 15th station in any church. Such a practice is not in accordance with Vatican II or the tradition of the Passion, however some individual parishes incorrectly took Vatican II as a license to do almost anything that they wanted to.

I will agree that the resurrected Jesus on the Cross is a bit politically correct. Its just too Protestant. There are still many Churches that have the crucified Christ though.