CISCO CASTILLE - Blast and Whisper, AKA Elijah's story (2011) Newcomer Mehran Haq's (Disney's Step Up) acting in first-time director Mark Moran's "Blast and Whisper," where he plays the famous prophet Elijah, is truly one of the best lead performances I've seen in recent movie history! During the few scenes without him, the movie moved at a slower pace. While he is in the frame, you can't take your eyes away. Very comparable to the brilliant performance of Jim Caviezel in "Passion of the Christ"!
Haq makes the role seem effortless, as if he were born to it, and his supporting cast, especially his devout companion, Cylton Collymore Jr (Obadiah), delivers an outstanding performance as well, and would receive my vote for best supporting actor this year. Both, when together on screen, are magnetism in the flesh. It's hard to see them apart from their roles. They just seem to merely be, utterly, the characters directed by Mark Moran. Also to be noted, and not missed, is the return, and extraordinary performance of accomplished actress Libertad Green (Queen Jezebel/Jazz), who's role as the arch villain of this biblical epic sets the stage for the ultimate journey and test of faith and salvation for Elijah, and the children of Israel, from the one true God! My one quibble about the movie is the slow pace during some of the scenes with less accomplished talent than Haq, Green, and Collymore. Although these scenes made the movie slightly uneven, it is abundantly worth the watch! Bravo! Post script to this review: Sources say that Mehran Haq the actor apparently hasn't been spotted for 40 days and 40 nights! Could it be that he, too, like his namesake, has been taken up to heaven in a flaming chariot?