One of the reasons that the Passion was so successful was because Mel figured out (or stumbled into) how to get non-movie goers (i.e. people other than teenaged boys and blue state sophisticates) to go to a movie.

Like the Passion, Apocalypto has a very simple story, is very violent, and is very visual. And in both movies, the dialogue is delivered in an archaic language, something that should kill the movie, but oddly doesn't. Instead the archaic langauges make the movie seem very serious, makes the violence more acceptable because it's supposedly historically acurate.

Hence, for Mexicans and Guatemalans this is going to be a must see movie because it's about their history, and it's not another Anglophone production.

And because of Mel's fidelity to the original language and to using Latino and Indian actors it means that Mexicans can see this movie with a clear conscience, as the lead character is not being played by Jack Black in a dark wig and a silly accent.

So, Mel's probably thinking who cares if the critics like or dislike this movie, it's not intended for the audience that listens to critics, it's intended for an audience that sees themselves in this story.

And, if he's right, he'll have a huge hit on his hands, one that will succeed because he's once again convinced non-traditional movies goers to go to the movies.