MOVIE REVIEW - Son Of God

Son Of God is the first in a new wave of Biblical movies that are coming this year.  Noah is next officially, with some more faith based movies sprinkled in.

Son Of God is the story of adult Jesus and his disciples, as they walk from city to city, spreading the word that Jesus is indeed the son of God.   It chronicles many Biblical stories even the most casual church goer would know.  It takes us from Jesus meeting, and befriending Peter, to Mary, and the rest of the faithful followers, all of them hoping that Jesus is in fact, the Messiah.

The story then takes us to Jerusalem, where Jesus of course is finally arrested and charged with religious high crimes by the high priests against the church.  This takes us through the trial and crucifying of Jesus, and eventually to his rising three days later.  And then beyond.

Son Of God is told very simply and easily and that is to its credit.   A good decision here, was to make this a "pure" movie. This is not a big special effect laden take on the ancient story. It is told nicely through dialogue, and easy to follow Biblical stories.  It has a very good cast, most are relative unknowns and that was the movies best decision.  That helped keep this very authentic, and help you focus on the characters and movie message instead of Hollywood stars.

This checks in at 2 hours and 20 minutes and being honest, it is way too long.  Much of this could have been shortened down, especially the death sequence both leading up to, and after it.  And with full disclosure, that area of the movie is very graphic, bloody, and could be a bit too intense for some.  It is not as brutal as The Passion Of The Christ a few years ago, but nonetheless, it is tough to watch at times. It does though, leave at the end with a sense of hope, that you might expect.

Son Of God.  This has problems and is definitely not perfect.  But it is good timing as we head into the Easter season.  A big alternative to the rest of the box office right now, and this will find an audience.  We need all kinds of movies for all kinds of audiences.  This will bring people to the movies, who never go, and that's a good thing period. Certainly a niche movie, as some will not even consider going to this, while others may see this multiple times.