Reviews

I enjoyed this film but as a born-again Christian I couldn't help but wonder how many might watch this movie and ask "Could Jesus, in fact, come back the way he does in this film?" The answer is a resounding "NO" "Why?" you might ask "Because my bible tells me differently" would be my answer. I read through these reviews and I realize in the context of the film - its not an "official" return to earth - but the theological misdirect of this film though an entertaining twist, is still of concern to me. My name is Joshua and I would have enjoyed sharing this with Christian singles at my church but cannot do so because entertaining and moving as the film was...its simply not TRUE!

I believe the movie has the potential to transform a hardened heart but theologically its muted, muddy and misleading. Jesus will return and it may surprise us how he does it - but it will be just as described in our Bible - not as interpreted by a well-meaning priestly author or the film director he sold the book rights to. Blessings!

Woody Allen films are usually a treat. This one I watched in a darkened theater all by myself and I walked out. It was just not funny, not entertaining and a total waste of film. I kept wondering if those gathered to star in this boring movie hoped they might win an oscar or something. Woody is blind in the story at one point and I have read read reviews where they make light of this. Woody, retire gracefully now. You just dont make good movies anymore. I don't think you "see" this and you have tripped up horribly here. I honestly cant say one good thing about this film except that it was brightly lit, more so than any of your other films, most of which I've loved.

I was excited to go and see this film. I dont get out to the movies that much anymore. I plunked down my 9 dollars and boy was I disappointed in this awful drek! Couldnt they have at least tried to have a plot?!! Every silly superhero story seems to have the same awful plot these days and they sacrifice an actual story to lame cgi. I didn't buy the way spidey spun about town at all and the Kirsten Dunst stuff was just plain pointless. For a brief moment it looked like the spidey and his uncle scene might actually go someplace and then we have the typical plot development (I wont give it away...but its easily guessed!). I like Toby Mcquire and have seen every single one of his films. He doesnt really do much acting in this movie and well...it just has no bite at all. I think Toby should go on to make better films like he was doing and squash this bug.

What a shame more of Fred Astaires films arent out on DVD. Its actually a crime. This is a great musical and a lot of fun. What a shame Paramount has done such a shoddy job on the transfer. Lets hope other Astaire films in color are given better treatment.

Knowing that Tolkien was a devout Catholic and a little of the origins of the book (having read it in high school years ago) I set out to pay my (gulp!) $8.75 to see a film my twin sister described as "boring and too long".

Well my sister is not saved like I am (many of you just stopped reading this no doubt) but as a believer in Jesus (as Tolkien was) I saw this film and was captivated, inspired and yes moved close to tears of joy in several places. I really liked it.

During one key film scene involving a secret word to open special doors, an audience member several rows behind me said "Jesus Christ". Noone paid him much attention, but I did. I actually gasped. I knew another Christian was in the audience and we were watching the film together through a different lens. (Incidentally, those werent the magic words but they are in my life!).

If you are a Christian (or indeed just a lover of good epic, colorful, fantasy) then run to see this film. I resisted its charms for over a month and consider it one of the finest films ever made. Not since the "Sound of Music" or "The Wizard of Oz" have I felt this childlike wonder. Elijah Wood was made for the role of Frodo. His eyes alone should win an oscar!

I invite you to watch the film through open spiritual eyes. I guarantee the reward will be...well...heavenly. Bring a friend for more than anything its a film about the true value of great friends and common little people who can do big things via faith, loyalty and even love.

Enjoy!

This film is worth watching but please be prepared to be challenged by the moral issues it raises, especially if you are Catholic. I am NOT Catholic but I enjoyed the film on many levels. Several of the scenes pack an emotional whallop and yet one stands out in my mind: The scene in which the central character, a young priest, shares his heart with another understanding priest, one he has replaced, who shares with him "You have certainty of vocation". This is one of several themes in this riveting film.

As someone praying to be of service to our Lord (and far from perfect myself) - I found the portrayal of the flawed men in the story interesting. The main character tries to keep morally and spiritually centered - despite handicaps - and in my opinion that's worth tuning in for.

This film is NOT an indictment of the Catholic church or ABOUT a homosexual Priest. If you see the world in a black/white way, then this film is NOT for you. If you, however, see its greys (or other colors) and live your life focused upon God or if you are trying to be of service to him, then this movie may be of interest to you.

I ebayed all my "Jesus interpretation films" such as Jesus Christ Superstar but I kept this spiritual film. Its that good. Peace!

Very accessible Bible film. The leads are great. I take exception to the Christlike "My God...why have you forsaken me" (which would have been more fitting in a film about David) Joseph utters when thrown into prison though. Major blunder that one - but still well meaning.

Mercurio was perfect for the role and Kingsley is always exceptional. What a shame this film and others like it are not out on DVD. Pardon my saying so, but thats a sin!

Woody its time to retire. You looked haggard in this film and the plotline was lame and uninspired. I must say Helen Hunt looked great though! I have seen nearly all of your films and count myself a fan but this movie was just sad without any real laughs or anything interesting to say. I met a polish mother and son prior to the screening as they sat in front of me. They were more entertaining than your film.

Edward Norton's range continues to astound me. I am always fascinated by the characters he plays. I kept routing for the criminals in this film - and hoped they would ALL be caught. Being asked to accept the ending as a happy one left me feeling soiled. Angela you fell for a louse!

I was doing my laundry and tuned the tv there to AMC and caught this terrific film. I was riveted to the screen dropping my clothes on the floor as I tried to watch, taking time to run in from time to time to check my clothes.

I would like so see more of her work and realize just how "grace" ful she really was. As a Christian I enjoyed the main character's strong emphasis upon her faith and prayer as well.

I have yet to read Esther fully in the Bible (but will tonight after this review) so I cannot comment on the scriptural accuracy of this film, but I will say that whether Jew or Christian, its an exceptional moving film and the main actress worthy of her title as "queen"!

F. Murray Abraham and the Louise Lombard are terrific and bring real feeling to their roles. I also leaped for joy when I saw Ezra and Nehemiah brought in as supporting roles. Of the films in this excellent DVD package (Solomon, Genesis and Jeremiah) I found this the most rewarding. Someone suggested that a theology student shouldn't be using this film and others like it as cliff notes for The Bible, but I would recommend them as a wonderful starting point and rewarding entertainment for others as well. My only wish is that the rest of the films in the series would get released on DVD (Notably "David" and "Moses". They are spiritually uplifting and well worth a rental or a purchase!

I liked this movie a great deal and wish more from the series would get released on DVD. Patrick Dempsey is quite good as Jeremiah and the films message regarding the temple (stated well as the film draws to a close) makes the whole effort worthwhile. Libraries should purchase this film for their collections and everyone else...open up your Bible and follow along...its a nice visual beginning to the text.

No potters wheel...but still worth a rental!

A paraphrase of the earliest parts of the Bible from the Creation to the Flood. Filmed in Morocco in 1994 and narrated in a very subtle fashion by the distinguished Paul Scofield (who does not appear on camera), the movie reminded me of a relaxing water fountain in which the sound of bubbling water captivates. It's simple in tone.

I only wish I knew what the woman was singing in the background throughout many of its scenes. The film ends on a note implying God holds mankind accountable for human life.

Hard to fault a film with that message!

I enjoyed this though I found the disclaimer at the beginning amusing. I didn't look in my Bible to see how close to the text it was but found the stories involving and the effects passable (I'm usually concerned with reverent truthful approaches to the subject matter). Dramatic license? Sure...but better than most efforts. Joseph's reunion with his father was particularly touching. Enjoy this film...I did!

I enjoyed this tremendously and thought the interaction between the characters was very real, but my favorite scene involved a minor character (who I just discovered while watching an "extra" on the dvd was the director of the film). I liked the character of the Methodist Minister! Without giving plot points away, his quiet grace and witness in the film is pivotal in one scene with Laura Linney's character. I kept expecting the typical hollywood take on minister/church member rapport and was pleasantly surprised by this film's refreshing approach.

In short, the minister in his white collar is understanding in the film and deals very realistically with the concerns the main character and her brother have. Having a fraternal twin sister and heading back to Divinity School probably biased me some...but I invite you to watch this film and to especially enjoy the character's moral center (she goes to church and actually sees a minister when things begin to be a challenge for her!). I think you'll agree it makes a remarkable film that much memorable.

This should have won best picture last year and Linney was robbed of an oscar!

Visually the Best Disney Film Ever Made! I got this from my local library and rushed out to buy it. The plot is a little thin but the visuals look like 3D and adults and children alone will love it. I liked it enough to buy the 2disc set on dvd and its loaded with fun extras. Keep up the good work...Walt would have been proud.

I waited awhile to see this film (as I knew of Dafoe's nomination) and finally attended a screening with a friend tonight. William Dafoe and John Malkovich must have been paid a fortune to be in this utterly boring film. How else can one explain why they made this plotless piece of "ectoplasm". The lucky ones were those dispatched by the onscreen vampire in the film early on...too bad he wasn't wandering the screening room. He could have put us out of our misery!

Malkovich I frequently feel of late I need to be chemically stimulated to understand and enjoy your pictures. Get a clue! Just say no. I will the next time one of your duds is being screened.

The young boy cast as the son in this flick is the best thing about it! Watching him was fun and his interaction with his film parents was great. Sadly I was orphaned by the sad lack of plot, poor CGI, Saturday morning cartoonlike action and overall tv-like quality of this lame film.

I got an admission to this film via the free ticket found in the Ultimate Edition of "The Mummy" on DVD. If you enjoy Xena on TV (I don't) or the even lamer Hercules (is that still on?) then this movie is for you. Otherwise wait for a rental.

The character who deserves a spinoff of his own is the Magi guy who is very heroic. He and his band are worthy of a spinoff not the wrestling guy.

Brendan Fraser, my advice, please return to your other quality acting jobs...leave the mummy series buried. You deserve better than this schlock!

I laughed out loud so hard I embarrassed myself at the screening. Hard to believe I heard this film languished on the shelf for awhile. The funniest film I have seen in many years. Reminded me of the best Woody Allen comedies without the angst. Keaton, Hawn, Shandling and Beatty are a laugh riot. Thanks for a great comedy gang!

Appealing young cast and terrific Judas. I could hear every word of this great score. The actor portraying Caiphas was also a standout!

Now the bad news...much of this update is played like its director had seen RENT too many times. Those of you who enjoy RENT know what I mean I am sure.

Lastly...did I hear correctly? During the much too swift, telescoped, rapidfire (minus a resurrection) crucifixion scene, ..did Jesus roughly ask "Mommy, where are you?". Which translation of the Bible are those words taken from?!!

I caught this on dvd (bought it actually) and when I heard the Director speaking of how accurate her portrayal of Jesus was as he was "blue-eyed with long blond hair" the DVD almost sailed out my 3rd floor window, but I was too bowled over with laughter.

Oh lets not forget the female angels in leatherwear and caps during the title song. An truly twisted sick choice Ms. Director. No doubt you and Andrew Lloyd Weber were amused...this viewer was not!

Drew Barrymore - your acting ancestors would be happy with you and your performance in this film and all your others! You made me smile and I really felt for your character when she got pelted with eggs prior to her prom. I am a new fan. Thanks for the smiles and the tears. Keep up your terrific body of work.

I rented this locally for only $2 and it would have been funnier for me to watch my $2 blow away out the window on the way to pick up this filth-ridden piece of boredom. I didnt laugh once. I watch BET sometimes and have by amused by that channel's comedy shows, but if these guys are the "kings" - look out commoners, and guys as the sayin goes "don't give up your day jobs!".

A long segment making fun of a supposed homosexual child nephew and beating children with the frequent use of the "MF" swear was particularly disturbing. Not a one of these guys is funny and Spike Lee...I am laughing at you for spending time with this dreck!

Quite simply the lamest presentation of Our Lord's life ever presented on film! I cannot begin to share the volume of things I find disturbing about this film. I do believe this "fantasy" may have inspired the many who reviewed this film prior to me...but I encourage you to return to the actual text...for the director of this turkey needed a much grander vision. I love to focus on the real humanity of Jesus the Christ, but this portrayal is not even remotely uplifting. The Rock musical and Zefferilli's blue-eyed Jesus are better than this mess!