The Hollywood elite are learning a hard lesson about pushing their liberal agenda onto the American people. Director Rob Reiner’s latest film, “God & Country: The Rise of Christian Nationalism,” has been a major flop at the box office, proving once again that audiences do not want to be preached to about politics and religion.
Opening weekend numbers were dismal, with the film grossing only $38,000 nationwide across 85 theaters. That’s only an average of $451 per location over four days. It’s safe to say that moviegoers have abandoned Reiner in droves, sending a clear message that they are tired of Hollywood’s political commentary.
The world is changing. @robreiner’s film attacking Christians got coverage + love from mainstream media and a theatrical release. “The War On Children” got no theatrical release and no mainstream media coverage.
Guess which made far more $$$ AND had a larger audience? Our film.… pic.twitter.com/LjFmT6zLwc
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 25, 2024
The film, which heavily criticizes the “Christian nationalism” of Trump voters, has been embraced by liberal movie critics. But these critics seem to be out of touch with the American people, who have made it clear that they are not interested in seeing another preachy liberal film.
Reiner’s struggles to captivate audiences have been evident since his last major hit, “The Bucket List,” in 2005. Since then, his films have fluctuated between inspirational tales and political messages, failing to recapture the success of his earlier hits like “The American President” in 1995.
While other politically-charged films have found success in election years, Reiner’s heavy-handed approach seems to have backfired. He interviews both MAGA voters and supposed subject matter experts, offering sharply divergent takes on President Trump’s legacy and moral code. But the result is a film that alienates half of the nation that elected Trump and large swaths of Christians, who make up 63% of Americans.
“God & Country” is not breaking new ground in its critique of conservative Christian beliefs. It treads familiar territory to a 2019 nonfiction book by Kristen Stewart, “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism.” This only further shows that Hollywood is out of touch and has run out of fresh ideas.
Reiner’s previous effort to criticize the Iraq War, “Shock & Awe” in 2017, also fell flat with audiences and critics. Reiner should take a cue from other filmmakers who were successful in exploring similar themes, like “The Ides of March” and “Killing Them Softly” without alienating their audience.
In the end, Reiner’s latest flop may be the final nail in the coffin for Hollywood’s continual efforts to politicize religion in its franchises. Moviegoers have made it abundantly clear that they want to be entertained, not lectured. It’s time for the Hollywood elite to listen to their audience and leave the preaching to the pulpit.
Atheist Rob Reiner Explains How He Understands Christianity Better Than Christians
— One Bad Dude (@OneBadDude_) February 18, 2024
