Joseph Anthony
Having been raised in a Catholic home and having attended a Catholic elementary school, there are a set of Jesus related stories that have stayed with me forever. Sure I learned about the Old Testament and other Biblical stories, but it was always Jesus’ miracles that fascinated my mind and heart. Despite my early childhood, though, I am not a scholar on Jesus Christ or The Bible. This review serves only as a critique on what the SON OF GOD is: a film.
Having been raised in a Catholic home and having attended a Catholic elementary school, there are a set of Jesus related stories that have stayed with me forever. Sure I learned about the Old Testament and other Biblical stories, but it was always Jesus’ miracles that fascinated my mind and heart. Despite my early childhood, though, I am not a scholar on Jesus Christ or The Bible. This review serves only as a critique on what the SON OF GOD is: a film.
The film is made up of segments from last years hit
mini-series THE BIBLE, specifically the portions that adapt the classic writings about Jesus of Nazareth. It almost ends up feeling like a greatest-hits compilation (born in a
manger, raising the dead, walking on water, feeding the masses, embodying moral
decision, dying on the cross) which ends up being both a good and bad thing.
I missed THE BIBLE mini-series run, so the film was new to me.
However, it’s undeniable that what you are watching was made for television and
it feels like it. From certain performances to the “lets get to the point” writing
to the visual effects, SON OF GOD doesn’t ever truly feel like a cinematic event. It’s a
shame, because the subject matter begs for a larger budget and production.
One feels empathy for whoever had to edit this movie.
Clearly when you’re putting together a whole film out of the pieces and parts
of a previously existing work, things are going to feel a bit jarring, and they
do. For much of the movie the stories feel smashed together. Often scenes are
only tied together with poorly created CGI exterior shots of Jerusalem or
Nazareth. Only when we get around to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus does
the film feel as though it was made to be continuous.
Casting choices range from respectable to totally
unacceptable. Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado in the role of Jesus
comes off likes like a combination of the popularized image of Jesus (shaggy
auburn hair, perfect beard, piercing blue eyes) and Ashton Kutcher. On image
alone it works, as looking like the iconic
Jesus image seems to be the main goal here, and beyond that Morgado brings a warmth
to the role that allows us to forgive the predictable casting. Others such
Sebastian Knapp playing John and Darwin Shaw playing Peter are believable
enough, but it's Greg Hicks as Pontius Pilate who is most appropriate for his role.
However, Roma Downey as Mary, the mother of Jesus, feels like a total casting error. Downey created and produced SON OF GOD
alongside her husband Mark Burnett, who has created some of the most recognizable shows on TV (SURVIVOR, THE VOICE, SHARK TANK). It’s extremely hard to take what
is supposed the subject matter seriously when the mother of Jesus clearly has
extreme plastic surgery and Botox. More care should be taken in casting such an
iconic figure. In the film Jesus says that God blesses those who are humble. I
only wish Downey would have taken this to heart and resisted the urge to play
Mary.
In SON OF GOD we see Jesus overturn tables of money as
people are buying and selling within the Temple. Is it appropriate to profit if
the goal is to worship? The same could be asked of Downey and Burnett, who are
now recycling TV gold and hoping to strike it big in the theaters. Sure they’re
looking to share the story of Jesus with millions. It’s just that those millions
have to pay a lot of money to get that message. The ethical boundary of
profiting off of Jesus lingers, but it’s a question I’m not qualified to
answer.
Still it’s hard to totally fault SON OF GOD. It succeeds exactly where it’s intended. It’s perfect material for a family to take in, especially for those perusing deeper knowledge of Jesus and the Bible. For youngsters seeking a launching off point, SON OF GOD is serviceable, and to complain about many its shortcomingsfeels almost petty. The purpose of SON OF GOD is clear enough and for those looking to embrace the themes, its purpose is served. Those who have already taken in THE BIBLE or are looking for a more theatrical experience might be best served to pass on this one.
2 stars out of 4
God uses any movie about Jesus. Its amazing, even if its way off, He can and does use it for His own purposes. For Jesus is indeed The Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the resurrected Son of God. PTL God Bless
ReplyDelete"Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." ...Jesus The Son of God (John 3:3) Born from above, born spiritually. This is done by receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. God Bless
ReplyDeleterecently watched it. it was a waste of time. clumsy work. ridiculous scenes. horrible story. I must add that I hate religion.
ReplyDelete