Review of Simon Magus

Simon Magus is a weirdo living in some peasant country shire who every hates because he talks to the devil and plants. He's Jewish but isn't allowed to be a proper Jew because he's weird. So he tries to be a Christian, which the local priests are happy to help with since it will deplete the Jewish manpower, thus giving them more muscle in the future trading of the village once a new railway station is built.

Are you bored already listening to this? Imagine having to suffer through the whole film. The only good thing Simon Magus has going for it is the wonderful widescreen photography and lovely English countryside locations. Other than that you'll be needing caffeine pills to stay awake during the boredom.

It seems like an 'epic' student film with lofty ambitions but there's a massive amateurish feel to it. The sound design just doesn't seem right and some of the editing looks like it's been done on a home computer.

Actors like Iain Holme and Rutger Hauer come and go with no real effect on the film or the viewer. Both of them look thoroughly bored and wish to vacate the premises immediately.

I wouldn't bother with this film, it has nothing to offer apart from pretty scenery. And you can go out for a drive in your car if you want that.