Let's Hear it for "Overcomer"

This Kendrick Brothers' Christian film passes "Courageous" - another Kendrick Brothers' picture - in box office revenue.

Shari Rigby, Alex Kendrick and Aryn Wright-Thompson in a scene from "Overcomer."

After nine weeks in release, Overcomer, the sixth feature from Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick has now brought in $34,524,215. It hit that number yesterday and, in so doing, moved into 18th place all time in the Christian genre, passing the 2011 hit film Courageous. And that means the Kendrick Brothers now hold places 18, 19 and 20 on the list because yet another of their pictures - Fireproof - occupies that latter spot.

We predicted earlier this week that Overcomer would knock off Courageous, though we thought it would happen today, not yesterday, but it's worth noting that it did have some significant advantages: more than twice the budget - $5 million vs. $2 million - and a peak theater count of almost 2,300 compared to approximately 1,200 for Courageous. So, in important ways, the older film was actually a much better financial performer.

At any rate, they are each well-made, deliver a strong Gospel message and come with our wholehearted recommendation.