First, in an October 27 column, "'Bella' and the pro-life film trend," Brent Bozell of Media Research Center wrote:
The bohemian worldview of Woodstock Nation is in some ways dominant, and in some ways passe in our popular culture.... [T]he "free love" spirit of "if it feels good, do it" still runs strong, especially in our entertainment world. And yet, burbling beneath a noisy culture of sexual excess and self-love, there's a quiet undercurrent in our movies carrying subtle, and even obvious, pro-life themes.
Bozell gives examples of recent film releases: Children of Men, Waitress, Knocked Up, and Bella (pictured above right).
I would add another, due out this holiday season, Juno, starring Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Ellen Page, and Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute for Office fans) [HT: moderator MK]:
Back to Bella, you done good....
Bella finished #3 among movies opening this week, #17 overall, while in only 5-8% of theatres showing the #1 and #2 movies. Just imagine had Bella been allowed the same wide distribution....
In head to head competition, Bella came in #2 for receipts ($) garnered per theatre.
BoxOfficeGuru reported, "Also showing strength in its debut was the inspirational tale Bella...."
Here are the weekend estimates, from Box Office Mojo. Click to enlarge. See complete chart here.
Comments:
Woot!
I did my part and took a group of 5 friends (outside the movement) on Friday night, people that wouldn't have seen it otherwise. I also made a friend at the theatre who is a Catholic rapper (it was a first for me, too).
I have a date to take my sister tomorrow. I really could see this movie over and over again...
Posted by: Jacqueline at October 29, 2007 9:02 AMBella isn't playing in a single theater in New England. I think the closest theater is in NYC, about 5 hours away. I don't know how I'm going to see this movie... So it was pretty good Jacque?
Posted by: Bobby Bambino at October 29, 2007 9:21 AMOh, Bobby- It's worth the drive. (Not that I suggest taking your 9 months pregnant wife on a roadtrip). :)
It was my second time to see it (the first being a sneak preview just following the March for Life in February). My friends and I agree that it was even better the second time.
I think the film did so well that it will quickly be released in your market.
Posted by: Jacqueline at October 29, 2007 10:10 AMJuno looks like a cute movie!
Posted by: heather at October 29, 2007 10:33 AM