Holy flicks!

While some have already put as much distance between them and the hustle and bustle of the city, others are settling for a staycation this Holy Week. With regular scheduled programming giving way to more religious TV fare, those chilled out in the comfort of their homes will be content in the company of their little friend — the trusty TV remote control.

For this mini mid-year sabbatical, Bulletin Entertainment lists some Lent-appropriate viewing material revolving around biblical figures, some of which had been panned by critics for accuracy and other issues. But the stories of these religious figures may be worth retelling for their thought-provoking storylines and the lessons they impart, culled from the Holy Book.

NOAH IN ‘NOAH’ (2014)

Russel Crowe as Noah

Whether it was due to distribution or religious disputes, “Noah” wasn’t screened in the country right away last year. Shunned by several countries for being “un-Islamic,” Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic about the shipmaster-slash-zoo keeper was bad-mouthed over issues of racial discrimination, story inaccuracy, and Russel Crowe’s unconventional depiction of the titular character. This time, no one’s stopping you from seeing what all the fuss was about.

Alternative: “Evan Almighty” (2007) – This modified version of Noah’s story may suit you if you’re looking for a few laughs.

MOSES AND RAMSES IN ‘EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS’ (2014)

One of the more remarkable biblical events was when Moses parted the Red Sea while fleeing from the Pharaoh’s (Ramses) army. Director Ridley Scott, with Christian Bale (as Moses) and Joel Edgerton (Ramses), came up with this loose retelling, which, like “Noah,” also had its fair share of (the same) controversies. Perhaps it’s unavoidable given how sensitive these projects and its audience are. We just hope the 10 plagues would come in no less striking.

Alternative: “The Prince Of Egypt” (1998) – For those who want an animated or kid-friendly version.

JESUS IN ‘SON OF GOD’ (2014)

Diogo Morgado as Jesus in ‘Son Of God’

With the film revolving around one of the most important figures in religion, it’s hard to imagine how “too sexy” Diogo Morgado playing the role of the messiah was the first thing people noticed. Albeit panned by critics due to being blandly made, “Son Of God” was still able to stand on its own in illustrating the life of Jesus.

Not good enough? We actually have our own version of Christ in actor Matt Ranillo via the 1996 movie, “Kristo” – not to be mistaken for the one calling the bets in cockfighting.

Alternative: “The Passion Of The Christ” (2004) – The perfect antithesis in terms of visual impact (read: gore).

GOD IN ‘BRUCE ALMIGHTY; (2003)

Morgan Freeman as God and Jim Carrey as Bruce Nolan in ‘Bruce Almighty’

Why not end your movie marathon on a high note with this Jim Carrey-starrer? While the Supreme Being has been depicted countless of times in all forms of media, particularly on TV and in film, it was no doubt actor Morgan Freeman – in all of his white-garbed glory – made a mark with his portrayal of the One Up There in this religious comedy-drama. Not to mention the story’s relatable premise – a distraught TV reporter (Carrey) tries being God for a week – which makes us ask ourselves, like that song, “What if God was (really) one of us?” Besides, what better way to cap your somber week than with a dose of Jim Carrey slapstick, just in time for Easter Sunday…

Alternative: Any other film based on the Bible, obviously; the Man’s everywhere.

Holy flicks!

Source: Mb.com.ph (April 02, 2015 at 10:00PM)

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