This past weekend, Stephen Bannon’s documentary on Sarah Palin, “The Undefeated,” debuted in 10 markets: Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; Orlando, FL; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Orange, CA; and Oklahoma City, OK. ARC Entertainment, the distributor of the film, affirmed that “through Saturday night the film had a stronger opening than expected with the large markets trending towards weekend per screen averages above $10,000 driven by multiple sold-out runs. The film had accumulated approximately $5,000 per screen through Saturday night. Unique in the theatrical feature world, The Undefeated was rushed to select digital theatres in only 3 weeks, and was marketed almost entirely through social media and grassroots efforts, with virtually no traditional media spend. With the strong initial showing, the film is going to a wider release footprint later this month, with details being announced soon.”
I reached out to attendees via Facebook and Twitter, inviting them to share their thoughts about the film. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“Saw ‘The Undefeated’ in Grapevine, TX, opening night and it was packed. My husband and I had to sit in the front row of the 9:50 showing. I have mixed emotions. I’m saddened by the vicious attacks (montage was almost hard to watch), maddened that the GOP have perpetuated the smear campaign, but through it all I was inspired. I learned so much about her vast executive experience in AK and would be proud to cast my vote for an amazing American, mother, patriot and leader, Sarah Palin. There was thunderous applause at the end of the movie. We’re ready, Sarah. Game on!” — Marisa Marshall
“Just came back from seeing ‘The Undefeated.’ It gave me a sense of her accomplishments as both mayor/governor. What inspired me the most was her character — her willingness to lay down a good-paying job because she couldn’t be a part of something that was unethical when she served as commissioner. Her honesty, her courage, her willingness to stand on principle are encouraging to see in someone who holds a leadership position. It’s what is most lacking in Washington, D.C. today. We all clapped at the end of the movie. We were able to see the ‘good fruit produced by a good tree.’” — Shannon Brown
“I was in Orlando on business — just saw the mid-afternoon showing. Much clapping and cheering at the end. Very nicely done. A Tea Partier’s must-see movie. Palin was ‘Outnumbered’ but her resilience, tenacity and fortitude always left her ‘Undefeated.’ Absolutely enjoyed it. Lived up to the conservative hype and The Great One was in it, too! 6pm showing was sold out and in line when I exited the theater. BTW, I was a fan of Palin going into the theater and came out as a campaign donator. Run, Sarah, Run!” — Wayne Stark
“I flew from Michigan to Houston to see ‘The Undefeated’ with my daughter and her husband. They were early supporters but have since fallen for that ‘she can’t get elected’ crap. Well, the movie was wonderful. They were thrilled to hear about her record and I am pleased to proclaim they are back! I plan on going again with as many folks as I can to change hearts and minds for Sarah Palin. One thing we know for sure is we can trust Sarah Palin … just have the guts to see ‘The Undefeated’!” — Sue Lynn
“My wife and I saw ‘The Undefeated’ in Kennesaw, GA… Lots of cheering and applause during the best scenes. I found myself wiping back tears many times because Sarah’s love for the country blows me away … We were able to take my wife’s daughter to the show and she absolutely had her eyes open to Sarah … Her husband is always telling her that Sarah Palin can’t win because Sarah is too polarizing. After seeing this movie, I will bet the farm on one thing: her husband will never say those words to her again.” — Bill Morgan
“‘The Undefeated’ changes the game for all Americans. To see the cruelty and depth of the progressive mainstream media’s treatment of Sarah Palin liberates you from ever being duped by them again. That awareness made me extremely angry. I am ready to fight the media and on Sarah’s team. More importantly, ‘The Undefeated’ clearly shows Sarah Palin is the model of leadership and character, the kind we desperately need right now in our politicians. I am so impressed with her integrity, management skills and her servant’s heart. You can’t see this movie without hoping she’ll run and having a strong feeling that she ought to be leading this nation to drive the ship of state away from the rocks we are so directly speeding toward. Ms. Palin is being called to the bridge — report for duty!” — Greg Vanderneck
“‘The Undefeated’ movie was full in one of their largest theaters in Phoenix on opening night. People cheered throughout the movie and gave a standing ovation at the end of the film. It was so important for people to learn why she was forced to leave the governorship in Alaska. After her popularity on the campaign trail, she became a true threat and was attacked by the left and big business with no GOP support. I love Michele Bachmann but she is no Sarah Palin!” –— Diane Burnett
“If I could take one thing from this film it would be humility. The humble beginnings, the call to be a representative of the people and the sacrifice she has willingly carried and will carry for the rest of her life. She has never sought power and that is why she has it.” — Garrett Wilson
“I drove two hours to see ‘The Undefeated’ in Indy last night with my 21-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son … The film delivered big time. It contrasted the current administration’s failures with Sarah Palin’s common-sense, proven track record of success in political office. The movie built its case layer upon layer (Act I, Act II, Act III) and presented compelling reasons Gov. Palin can run or outrun the big boys, proving she is perfectly suited to take on the biggest challenge of her life.” — Ellen Anderson
Congratulations to Stephen Bannon and Victory Film Group on a fantastic opening weekend. After reading numerous comments from viewers that I received via Facebook, Twitter and email, one thing is for sure: A whole lot of Americans are ready, willing and able to “fight like a girl.”
Jedediah Bila is a conservative columnist, television commentator and author of the new book Outnumbered: Chronicles of a Manhattan Conservative. For more information on Jedediah, please visit jedediahbila.com. Follow Jedediah on Twitter.
