Nothing slaps you about the face better than God’s wrath in 3-D. I’m a sucker for a Hollywood style Biblical epic, particularly as the fairy tales of the Old Testament lend themselves to stunning special effects. So when Ridley Scott’s ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ was released, I was front of the queue. For the most part, the movie delivers on spectacle, making up in drama what it lacks in depth. The plagues sequence is particularly delicious as the God of Moses teaches Rameses a thing or two about divine power. The film has dumped the preachy gravitas of the Cecil B Mille’s 1956 ‘The Ten Commandments’. Christian Bale’s doubting Moses is much grittier than Charlton Heston’s pulpit-style rendition and is better suited to today’s more secular age. Depicting God as a ten year old boy is either inspired or daft (I’m still not sure which). Having the child resemble Damien from ‘The Omen’ is masterly.
According to the BBC, the film has been banned in Eqypt because of ‘historical inaccuracies’ (sorry?) – partly because the movie depicts the Hebrews slaving over a pair of pyramids (the construction of which ceased centuries before the alleged great escape). I’m glad to see that the religious censors are on the ball and standing up for the truth.
Perking the Pansies 
Looks pretty spectacular. I had no idea of this new version. Thanks for the review, Jack.
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You’re welcome.
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I prefer my history to be accurate too – that’s why I rely on Archbishop James Ussher (1581–1656) who got things spot on when he calculated the the god created the world in 4004BC. That film has it all wrong because J told me that god was a woman and not some devil-freak!
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She is, isn’t she?
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Two nights ago, I watched Troy and Gladiator in succession.(Brad Pitt and Russell Crowe in one night 😉 Having enjoyed myself immensely, I made a promise to watch more historical dramas. Last night, the closest I could find was the story of Loretta Lyn so this movie sounds right up my alley!
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I was a bit disappointed in Troy, mainly because Brad’s legs weren’t up to the part! 😀
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Have you read the book?
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Believe it or not, but I did RE O level and failed it. A sign don’t you think? 😊
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Hard to believe it could be more spectacular or accurate than my favourite biblical film – Life of Brian!
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Well, what could be? 😀
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