[sten]

apocalypto is not a smash hit. in the last two weeks it has brought in about $28m on a budget of $40m. So far, that's a loser.. not a big loser and will pay for itself eventually with rentals, but it's not a smash hit. Hell, even Tim Allen's Santa Claus 3 is doing better at $80m gross.

if anyone thought apocalypto would be a success, they just have no idea about business and the market in the US. Early on, I had put the gross at about $40-60m, and it looks like that's what it'll do. obvious landmines are simple.

• 1. subtitles - alienating at least 75% of the US market
• 2. demographic target too small (<12% of the US is hispanic)
• 3. political propaganda alienates at least 50% of the market
• 4. overt homosexual content appeals to only 2-3% of the US (see #3)
• 5. insulting to Christianity (see #3)... 85% of the US is Christian

Avoiding these landmines is at least half a step towards making a successful movie.

for your amusement: [ weekend numbers from Boxoffice Mojo]

[SaltyJoe]

You've made an interesting point, but I don't think Mel goes for mere money anymore.

I think the Latino market will make "Apocalypto" a sleeper/keeper the way "Jesus" became a low budget world class hit and an Evangelist's tool. Gibson's gem brings to light (if done horrifically, yet truthfully) the human example of consuming desire.

Mexican and Central American native cultures weren't the only cannibalistic nations upon our planet, but they are very well known for such tragedies, and their horrors are well documented. "Apocalypto" transitions easily to explaining why we need the Catholic Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, to satiate the God-sized hole in our hearts. His film comes at a time when gangster warfare among Latino cultures against the world (and more violently against their own Latino brothers and sister) is taking a HUGE toll upon mankind.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1749137/posts?page=139#139

$28 million earned for a $40 million movie? That's more than a great investment considering how well this film will educate souls to know Christ as Our Savior!

[Centurion2000]

insulting to Christianity (see #3)... 85% of the US is Christian

How is it insulting?