Jesus
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Movie Reviews of Jesus
Movie Review: Paved with good intentions
Summary: 2 Stars
Slavishly faithful to the Gospel of Luke, this by-the-numbers retelling of Jesus's life never develops dramatic momentum. As cinema, it's just plain dull; the photography is washed-out (as it was even when the film was new), the zoom lens is overused, and the special effects, minimal as they are, get really cheesy. Everything is exposition, and it's not terribly competent exposition at that.Some continuity gaffes create unintentional hilarity. For example, when Jesus dips his head in the water for a total-immersion baptism, his hair never seems to get wet. (This is a miracle we haven't read about, folks.)
Extras are fun, including a short documentary about the Jesus Film Project, which carts this particular film all around the world as an evangelical tool. Especially surreal is an hour-long compendium of pious testimonials from such luminaries as George Bush XLI and David Copperfield (huh?).
The soft but adequate full-frame transfer on this DVD doesn't leave out any significant information -- I suspect the film was shot open matte. But many of the compositions are so inept that you'll swear they were cropped at the sides anyway.
Catholics beware: This film presents a very Protestant-American Jesus, with its emphasis on a "personal relationship with God" and other faith concepts that Mother Church could find potentially heretical. That's no surprise, though, considering that the film was financed by the leader of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Movie Review: Inadequate acting, very bland!
Summary: 2 Stars
While it is mostly Biblically accurate, nevertheless this is a very lackluster re-telling, being obviously low-budget. The most dramatic and emotional scene for me was when Mary Magdalene's tears fell on Jesus's feet and she wiped them with her hair. The scourging scene lacked any impact, probably not to horrify the audience. According to evidence from the Holy Shroud of Turin and the witness of several Catholic mystics, His scourging was absolutely heart-rending in its horror. Of course, this being an obvious Protestant production, they gave short shrift to Jesus's mother, Mary! Maybe that is why they chose Luke, instead of using material from Matthew, Mark or John!!! I guess what I am looking for is a good Catholic rendering. Any good Catholic out there have about $100,000,000 (or possibly less), as I am ready to do it right!!!