Fireproof
Posted on September 24, 2008 at 4:57 pm
The faith-based film Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron, is enjoying impressive advance ticket sales this week according to Harry Medved of Fandango. It is the story of a firefighter who finds that his most difficult challenge is finding a way to give his wife the love and intimacy necessary to keep their relationship strong. It is not until he turns to God for help that he begins to find a way to let her know how much she means to him.
It opens in more than 800 theaters this Friday, small in Hollywood terms but an extraordinary achievement for a film that cost only $500,000 and was made mostly by amateurs from a film-making ministry in Albany, Georgia. “No one is expecting it will rule the box office,” Medved told me, “but it has made an impressive beginning.”
Church-based “action squads” have been buying tickets in bulk, a powerful reminder to Hollywood that an under served audience will respond positively to a film like this, even without a lot of ad support. “It’s a great couples’ movie,” said Medved. “When’s the last time a movie improved your marriage? We get a lot of movies about falling in love or about temptations away from marriage but this is a film about making a marriage work.” Couples can learn from this film about how to give fully of themselves for a strong and lasting relationship, no matter what their religious beliefs.
“For moviegoers who plan to see a smaller release on opening weekend, online ticketing is the way to go,” says Fandango Chief Operating Officer Rick Butler, who adds that advance ticket sales for “Fireproof” continue to be “healthy.”
I am autmotically wary of any film – or any other project or program – that needs to be promoted by “action squads”.
I am so excited to see this movie. We need more movies like this that promote good Chistian based values. Facing the Giants was a outstanding movie and this one will be also. I am tickled that a church took a stand in order to promote this when most of what comes out of Hollywood is trash.
My husband and I saw this movie last night and we came out so encouraged. No matter what place your marriage is in, every marriage can use some encouragement. I agree that no matter what your feelings are about God, this movie can truly help couples improve their relationship.
It’s about time I could go to a movie that didn’t have profanity, sex, violence, etc. Loved it!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Veronica! I hope the theater was full and that the movie does well enough to inspire other film-makers to make more wholesome films.
This movie made 2.3 million Friday.
Wonderful news, Mike! Thanks.
I am so hoping that this movie makes it to the smaller Canadian theatres! My Bible study group watched “Facing the Giants” and loved it; we can’t wait to see this one.
You reviewed MAher’s attack, when are we going to see a review of Fireproof?
I just got back from watching Fireproof… it was great to see such a different-flavored movie on the regular, big screen
Thanks, Patrick! I am thrilled at how well this movie is doing and hope that it shows Hollywood how much support there is for wholesome and inspiring films.
Hey all…
ShelleyP you’re in luck. I was just added to the team that has the rights for FIREPROOF in Canada. The deal is actually in the concluding stages and I will keep anyone who is interested up to date.
Below is how you can stay in the loop.
FIREPROOF- The Movie Is Coming To Canada** Info (unofficial)
fireproofthemovie@live.ca
Facebook Group:
FIREPROOF- The Movie Is Coming To Canada** Info (unofficial)
Sorry forgot to mention that .
Will this movie ever come to Canada? I’ve seen it twice now in the U.S. but so many people I’ve recommended it to, are waiting for it to come to Canda.Not everybody lives in close proximity to the U.S. borders.
Please, please, pleeeease, bring this movie to Canada! We need better viewing choices in our theatres, and this is a storyline the world needs to hear.
Thanks, Janice! I am delighted that this movie has been so successful in the US and I believe Hollywood is getting the message that there is an enthusiastic audience for these films.