Reuters reports on the box office take of the new Jesus movie with a comparison in performance to the first Star Wars prequel. Here's the relevenat clip:

By that reckoning, the $23.6 million posted for the film's official first day ranks as the fifth-biggest Wednesday opening of all time, Exhibitor Relations said.

That record, $34.4 million, is currently held by "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King," followed by "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" as Jesus. Gibson said he first noticed Caviezel, whom he described as having an "otherworldly quality," in the 1998 war film "The Thin Red Line"

"The Passion" obviously benefited from advance screenings arranged for church groups by producers, and endorsements from some members of the clergy who saw it.

If you want to read Scott's review on ComingSoon.Net that would be cool, too. Either way, make plans to see it this weekend -- if you can get a seat, that is.