HOLLYWOOD—It’s not an easy task to get audiences to the movie theater to see a religious film. Yes, there have been countless religious pictures over the years to invade theaters, but nothing like the magnitude of “The Passion of the Christ” in 2004 that shattered box-office records opening to more than $80 million. It’s important to note: I have still not seen that picture which I hear is incredible.

With “Son of God” making waves at the box-office in February, and TV phenomenon “The Bible” taking viewers by surprise, there is indeed an audience out there craving more biblical tales to be told. This weekend marks the release of “Noah” starring Academy Award winners Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connolly and Anthony Hopkins. There has been much controversy behind the picture which has already been protested by Glenn Beck asking Americans not to see the film.

The picture is raising eyebrows from being a bit of a departure from what many have come to read in scripture and what they know of Noah’s Ark. The film has already been banned in some countries overseas. Those who have seen “The Ten Commandments,” gone to church or even read the bible, are fully aware of the story behind Noah and his building of the ark to protect his family from the impending flood. Over the course with any film, based on a true story or historical event, things are dramatized to provide a larger impact to spectator in the long run, which audiences should expect, but director Darren Aronofsky has promised to stay true to story depicted in the Bible.

Personally I think it would have been a better idea to release the picture closer to April, with Easter falling a bit later than normal in 2014, audiences do tend to flock to the theater Easter weekend, much to the dismay to those who think it’s a complete religious weekend of Churchgoing. This is a first for director Aronofsky who steps behind the camera to take on what some would call a blockbuster; he’s known for his work in indie pictures.

I think “Noah” will make some waves at the box-office, as people will be intrigued by the story being told, the younger twentysomethings generation. How big of a wave will be determined by its staying power against Marvel superhero Captain America, who arrives at the multiplex on April 4 with the sequel “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

By LaDale Anderson