Duffy indicates that the screenplay was inspired by personal experience , while living in Los Angeles . Initially regarded as one of the hottest scripts in Hollywood , the movie had a troubled production and was finally given a limited theatrical release of only five theaters for one week due to movie-studio politics and worries about association with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre . It was met with poor critical reviews ; however , the film ultimately grossed about $ 50 million in domestic video sales and developed a large cult following . The movie was followed by a 2009 sequel , '' The Boondock Saints II : All Saints Day '' , and a third film was in development as of 2015
Columbine High School massacre
Columbine High School massacre
The Boondock Saints